Notable Catches
Dan Morris weighed in the largest carp that we have ever had - 14.2 lbs.
Fresh Water Overview – Trout fishing is good on most lakes in the South Island area. Bass fishing is excellent as well. Carp fishing is excellent. Anglers are reminded of the following: ”The use of single barbless hooks is mandatory in all streams in Region 1.” All foul hooked (i.e. hooked other than in the mouth) must be returned to the river immediately. All wild trout must be released on all streams in Region 1 as well.
Cowichan River – The trout fishing is slow. The water level at the top end is at .754 meters. There are a few Rainbows and Cutthroat trout, as well as resident Brown trout that are active right now. Bead head nymphs are the top producer. Patterns working recently include the Golden Stone fly, Pheasant Tail nymphs, Prince nymphs, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears, Elk Hair caddis’ and Stimulators. With all the salmon fry in the river, fly anglers should try streamers, such as muddlers and fry patterns swinging through pools on full sink or long sink tip fly lines, especially for the Brown’s and Cutthroat.
Trout – Trout fishing is good on most lakes in the South Island area. Bank anglers are catching trout on Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, or worms while fishing from shore. Chartreuse and Sunrise have been good colours recently for Powerbait. Fly anglers are fishing Pumpkinheads, Wooly Buggers, Leeches and Micro Leech patterns on full sink fly lines. Trollers have been doing well with a variety of lures. The Rhys Davis Baitrix Trout lures and UV Mini Strip Teasers work well for larger fish too. Other good trolling lures are the Apex Trout Killers with the police car one of the best and the black with silver glitter spots taking second place. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Frog, Black with Silver Flake or Rainbow Pattern. Smaller Rapalas in Rainbow trout or Brown trout patterns also work well; the jointed Rapalas have also been great for larger fish. Larger Willow Leaf lake trolls with a size 6 hook tipped with a small 1-2″ piece of worm always produce fish. If fishing with a down rigger for trout, try finding the thermocline, this is usually between 15 and 25 feet this time of year in the local lakes. The biggest trout have come from Langford Lake and Elk Lake. Wild Rainbows and Cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
Bass - Bass fishing is excellent. Crank baits have been effective when fished around 12 feet down with a fast retrieve. Soft plastics rigged “Carolina Style" is also a good choice when fishing drop offs and docks, most productive in 4” Yum bait colors Smoke or Pumpkinseed. Look for the fish suspended by drop offs close to shore along docks, branches, and any overhanging structure. Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake on Salt Spring Island is also a great lake for bass fishing.
Carp - The simplest bait to prepare when time is an issue can be bought at your local grocery store. A few pieces of toast or bread rolls can sometimes be your best ticket to carp numbers. Bread balls are deadly. The preparation is simple and clean. Roll a small piece of bread into a ball, wet it with your saliva and onto the hook it goes. Use bread balls for surface feeders, as your bait has a tendency to float. A can of corn can provide a season of fun carping. They may seem to be unscented, but carp often find them irresistible. Thread several onto the hook so it is completely covered. If you want to make your own “Boilies”, a cup of flour mixed with a cup of corn meal should be the basic ingredients of your. Whatever you add on top of this will depend on you, or the fish. Since scent is a strong factor, the addition of a strong, yet new smell to your bait can often produce surprising result. Scents that are commonly used include strawberry, vanilla, peanut butter, corn, yam, and curry. Just like other fisheries, use what you have confidence in and be sure to switch if one becomes unproductive. The magical bait does not exist; experimentation is the recipe to success.
Notable Catches – Dan Morris weighed in the largest carp that we have ever had - 14.2 lbs.
Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com