Vancouver Island Fishing Report - May 11-17
Steve Parker picked up a nice pair of springs
Island Outfitters
Saltwater Overview – Chinook fishing was GOOD early in the week but SPOTTY over the weekend. Halibut fishing was SLOW with the stronger currents this weekend. The best fishing was in the afternoon and evening.
Effective until 23:59 hours Friday, June 12, 2015 in Subareas 19-1 to 19-4 and Subarea 20-5 (those waters near Victoria between Cadboro Pt. to Sheringham Pt.), the daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day which may be wild or hatchery marked between 45 cm and 67 cm or hatchery marked greater than 67 cm in length. The minimum size limit in these areas is 45 cm in length.
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SOOKE – The fishing for winter springs was SPOTTY this past weekend. Some hatchery springs into the teens were taken outside the harbour and near Secretary Island. However, the springs are scattered all the way west and past Sherringham Point. Bait is now out producing artificial when fishing for the springs. Halibut fishing was SLOW this past weekend.
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was SPOTTY in East Sooke. This past week, salmon were caught throughout the whole area and there was no one hot spot. Most hatchery springs were running from 7 to 18 lbs in size and there were some larger unclipped fish that had to be released. Some of the salmon were caught deep (100 -140 feet) in even deeper water and others were caught from 50-70 feet on the downrigger. The fish were shallower around Beechey Head and deeper in the bay. The Bedfords were also productive for teenager springs. Not too many halibut were being caught this past week.
PEDDER BAY – Chinook salmon fishing was FAIR to GOOD this past week. Whirl Bay was the most popular spot by far, but those fishing inside Pedder Bay by the can buoy were also picking up salmon. There were a couple of hatchery fish over 20 lbs caught in Whirl Bay but most of the hatchery fish were in the 7 – 15 lb size range. There were also reports of springs by the first tide line out in the Strait in 600 feet of water. They were hitting lures trolled at 120 to 150 feet on the downrigger there. Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week.
VICTORIA – Fishing for winter springs was FAIR off Constance Bank but SPOTTY along the waterfront. Hatchery fish weighing into the high teens were caught at Constance, as well as some bigger unclipped fish that had to be released. The salmon were feeding on needlefish that were schooled on the bank. Needlefish spoons were very effective in getting hook ups. Anglers have not done as well fishing closer to shore but there were a few fish near Brotchie Ledge. Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was good early in the week but SPOTTY just before and during the weekend. Hatchery springs as large as 22 lbs were caught early in the week but the fish were much smaller and scarcer by the weekend. Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island.
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was SLOW near Sidney. We’ve hear of small springs caught near Sidney Spit, but not much else. We did not hear of any of the other areas producing fish other than bottomfish. A wide variety of lures and baits are working.
Notable Catches – Steve Parker picked up a nice pair of springs in Pedder Bay near the Can Buoy.
Freshwater Overview – Fishing is PICKING UP on most lakes as the water temperatures climb. Trout fishing in the Cowichan River is EXCELLENT. Remember that ALL wild trout (steelhead included) must be released on ALL streams in Region 1. Wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake. Only single barbless hooks are allowed for all fishing on island streams and rivers. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.
COWICHAN RIVER –The water level has been steadily dropping for the fifth consecutive week. The water level today is 0.40-0 near the lake and .51 meters near Duncan. The trout fishing in the mid and upper river is EXCELLENT. Insect hatches are becoming larger and more frequent. There were some huge mayfly hatches this past week. The rainbows, cutthroats and resident brown trout are actively feeding on these hatches and migrating salmon fry. During the hatch, match the hatch with dry flies for exciting action. Bead head nymphs are the top producer when a hatch isn’t in progress.
TROUT – Trout fishing was GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area this past week. The biggest trout this year have come from Langford Lake.
BASS – Bass fishing is PICKING UP. At this time of year most of the bass are in the shallows for spawning. 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. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.