Brown Trout
Island Outfitters
In the last week, the Cowichan has seen good numbers of golden stonefly nymphs in its system. Since the water levels were high, it was best to use heavy patterns with tungsten beads and lead wraps. Short casts with long fluorocarbon leaders (10-12 ft) and floating line work best in these conditions. Fish the faster water coming into a run, or faster pocket water. Since the water levels are now lower in the Cowichan, good patterns to use are flash back pheasant tail nymphs, caddis imitations and hares ears. When using lighter patterns, use sink tip line with a 2-3 ft leader. With salmon fry emerging, streamer patterns will become very effective. Swing these patterns in the deep slower pools with full sink or long sink tips, at the end of the swing strip it in slowly.
Crabbing
Since crabbing has been so productive in Sidney this past week, we thought we would mention some techniques used to increase your luck!
If you are unable to use a boat, you can crab on some of the docks or piers in Sidney. Some spots to consider are the Sidney Public wharf or James Island wharf. You can use a standard crab trap, however, for transportation the folding varieties are easiest. You will need 50 ft of rope and bait. Successful baits include: chicken, fish heads, crab pellets, and fish carcasses. The smellier your bait, the better. Give the oils some time to disperse in the water before pulling up your trap. Be sure to measure and determine the sex of the crab before killing it.
Crab Sexes
If you are crabbing from a boat, a spot that has been hot is Sidney Spit. To be safe, make sure you have around 100 ft of rope and make sure your traps are weighted if you are in strong tidal areas. Remember to have your name and phone number on your marker. Successful baits include: chicken, fish heads, crab pellets, and fish carcasses. The smellier your bait, the better. Give the oils some time to disperse in the water before pulling up your trap. Be sure to measure and determine the sex of the crab before killing it. Check your traps every 12 to 24 hours.
Herring Jigging
The herring are here! Head down to the Gorge with you family and friends. With the nice weather we've been having, a few hours of jigging herring makes for a perfect outing. If you are new to the concept of jigging for herring, come down to Island Outfitters and we will set you up!