Westview Marina & Lodge
Chinooks/Springs/Kings - It has already started. Hatchery marked Chinook from the USA are passing right by the mouth of Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound. Many are stopping to rest and feed. That is resulting in limits of Chinook (2 per day, per person) on a regular basis. Hot Spots in Esperanza are the inside Pins, Double Is., Rosa Hr. & the South & West side of Center Is.
Coho/Silver - Local runs remain strong. We have two runs here: Spring/Early summer run, 6 - 12 lb, and Late Summer/Fall run, 10 - 20+lb. These fish are inside as well as outside on the Super Salmon Highway. The late season 20+lb fish are usually caught on the inside around Center Is. in Esperanza Inlet. A great FUN fish to catch. They are as acrobatic as a Steelhead and very tasty. Limits are 2 per day.
Halibut - The Biomass is on the upswing of its cycle. Also there was a huge herring spawn at the mouth of Esperanza in the Nuchatlitz & Peculiar Pt. areas and in Nootka on the west side of the Spanish Pilot Group Islands. What that means to you is that there are a lot of 20-50 lb. Halibut inside. Fish at around 100ft of water around the fore mentioned areas at slack tide, or an hour before & after. Then hold on - fish & chips for you soon!
Ling Cod - Cathy’s preferred fish to prepare and serve for dinner. These Cod are very plentiful throughout the area. Average size is 12-25 lb., with Lunkers in the 30 - 45lb range. Find a contour that is at least 150 deep and fish up the slope. These territorial predators will surprise you with that first strike. Fish an incoming tide best.
Albacore Tuna - We are blessed by our location. The Albacore are here for at least a month and they are usually 15-18 miles off shore - the closest tuna fishing on Vancouver Island, just beyond the super Salmon highway. We never go beyond 25 miles to catch them. This fast, hard fighting, great tasting species come to our area by the thousands each season. August 1st to 31st are nearly guaranteed dates. On some El Nino years it does start earlier & it ends with the first big fall storm.
John & Cathy Falavolito, 250-934-7672, 1-800-992-3252 or john@westviewmarina.com