Vancouver Island Fishing Report - Aug 10-16
Paul Wardell (left) with his 22 lb 14 oz and 12 lb springs and his father Mike with his 16 1/2 lb and 13 lb 2 oz springs.
Island Outfitters
SALTWATER OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was EXCELLENT. Lots of chinooks were being caught all throughout the area, with most of them weighing in the teens and low twenties. Some big slabs were caught throughout the area as well. Limit catches of Pink salmon are coming from most areas but it was definitely slower and the size is still relatively small. Halibut fishing was SLOW for those targeting this species.
DFO notices (For all in-season changes, check DFO website)
A closure was implemented on all southern island freshwater systems, including the Cowichan River, in early July prohibiting all fishing, including First Nations FSC fishing. Management measures are now being expanded to the adjacent terminal marine areas, elevating the key chinook non-retention areas to salmon non-retention areas. DFO analysis has shown that the implementation of this management measure will reduce the exploitation rate on Cowichan Chinook.
The following subareas will close to salmon retention effective 00:01h August 4, 2015 until further notice:
- Subareas 17-5 to 17-7, 17-9
- Subareas 18-6 to 18-8
- Subareas 19-7 to 19-12
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SOOKE – The salmon fishing was EXCELLENT this past week. The pink salmon are still here and most Sooke anglers targeting them have reported limit catches, even though there were fewer of them this past week. The springs were more abundant than in previous weeks and good catches came form all areas, with many boats getting limits. Most of the springs were weighing between 10 to 20 lbs, but there were lots in the twenties and some in the 30+ size. The bigger springs are being caught in the 35 – 60 ft depths. Some hatchery coho and sockeye are also being found in the mix. Sockeye and wild coho still have to be released.
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was EXCELLENT in East Sooke. There are still lots of pink salmon but not as many as last week. The pinks are spread throughout the entire area so you don’t have to search very far to find them. The best fishing has been on the flood tide in the tide rips and tide lines. The spring salmon fishing has really picked up. The Trap shack area was especially good to anglers on over the week. The best fishing there has been in tight to shore in 100 feet of water or less and between 40 – 70 feet on the downrigger but a big spring could show up anywhere or at anytime. Most springs were running from 10 to 25 lbs in size with the occasional 30 lber being caught.
PEDDER BAY – Salmon fishing was EXCELLENT this week. Limits of pink salmon, some nice springs, a few hatchery coho and some catch and release wild coho and sockeyes were reported by Pedder Bay Marina. There were lots of springs in the area, especially in the bay, it was good in shallow water between the Deep Hole and the blasting sign near Race Passage and over towards William Head. Springs as large as 30+ lbs were caught but most springs were in the teens and low twenties.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week.
VICTORIA – Fishing for springs was EXCELLENT, both at Constance Bank and along the waterfront. It was easily the best week of the summer and lots of springs were caught by anglers. The springs were virtually everywhere from Harling Point to Esquimalt, depending on the tide, There were some pink salmon mixed in with the along the waterfront. Out at Constance Bank there were lots of pinks. Salmon were being caught both by trolling and jigging at the bank with the jiggers having an easier time of not hooking pinks. Most of the springs were in the teens and twenties but there were a couple over 30 lbs landed.
The Clover Point Anglers Association held their 21st Annual Salmon derby this past weekend. First place went to Paul Wardell for a 22 lb 14 oz spring. His father, Mike Wardell, came in second with a 16 1/2 lb spring also caught Sunday morning. The pair caught two other nice springs that morning to get their daily limit. Third place went to Dave Bury for a 16 lb spring.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past weekend. Anglers report that the dogfish were less of a problem this past week.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. There were lots of springs caught but it was spotty at times. Most salmon caught were when fishing lures right on the bottom (60-110 ft) on the Flats and by the Gap.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past weekend out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island.
SIDNEY– Salmon fishing was EXCELLENT near Sidney. The pink salmon have been close to Pender Bluffs and most boats are getting limits there. The springs are also showing up there in good numbers.
FRESHWATER OVERVIEW – Fishing is GOOD on most lakes as the water temperatures climb. Wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
All rivers on Vancouver Island in Region 1 are now closed until further notice with the exception of the Campbell/Quinsam Rivers and the Qualicum River. To see a description and a map of the areas covered by the stream and river angling closures visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/#anglingclosure
TROUT – Trout fishing was GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area this past week. Chris Findlow caught a 4 lb 5 oz rainbow trout at Elk Lake and is now #2 on the Trout Leaderboard.
BASS – Bass fishing is EXCELLENT. At this time of year most of the bass are in the shallows. 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.
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
Be alert and courteous to the boats around you! When boats are fishing close together and one boat hooks a big spring, well that fish is going to make a big run (usually straight back). You should always move away from the boat that’s fighting a fish or get your gear up and away from the fish. You’ll appreciate it when you’ve hooked that slab and other boats keep out of your way.