Vancouver Island Fishing Report - June 22-28
Murray Mckay with a 29 lb Spring caught out of Port Renfrew.
Island Outfitters
SALTWATER OVERVIEW – Chinook fishing was GOOD most of this past week. Halibut fishing was FAIR but most anglers were out after salmon.
DFO notices (For all in-season changes, check DFO website):
- The daily limit for coho is two (2) per day, hatchery marked only from June 1 to December 31, 2015. Effective 00:01 hours June 13th, 2015 until 23:59 hours July 17th, 2015 in subareas 19-1 to 19-4 and 20-5. The daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day, of which only one (1) may be greater then 67 cm. The minimum size limit in these areas is 45 cm.
- Effective 00:01 hours June 13th, 2015 until 23:59 hours July 17th, 2015 in the following waters: Subareas 18-1 to 18-6, 18-9 and 18-11, and Subareas 19-5, and that portion of Subareas 29-4 and 29-5 that lies south of a line from a point on the east side of Valdes Island located at 49.05.562n/123.39.989W then extending 57 degrees True for 5 nautical miles to a point at 49.08.316N/123.33.669W. The daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day of which only one (1) may be greater than 67cm. The minimum size limit in these areas is 62cm in length.
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SOOKE – The fishing for springs was GOOD this past weekend. The springs were consistent from Beechey Head up to Sherringham Point. There were nicer fish caught early in the week but size average went down to the 7-15lb range towards the end. Size average can change with just one set of tides so hopefully the big ones will return. Anchovies are the number one choice for Sooke anglers but with the high numbers of pinks being caught recently, anglers are forced to use more artificial baits. Now that the pinks are running, it is a great opportunity to get new anglers and kids out. Sooke anglers have reported 10-25 pink salmon in one day!
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. Most of the better sized (high 20’s) fish were caught between the Bedfords and Beechey Head but fishing was good everywhere. Fewer pinks were reported in this area in comparison to the Trap Shack and Secretary. Most springs were running from 15 to 25 lbs in size, with a couple larger fish into the high twenties.
PEDDER BAY – Chinook salmon fishing was GOOD this week. Lots of fish were reported from the teens up to the mid-twenties caught from Pedder Bay up to Church Rock. Lots of pinks showed up mid week out off of Pedder Bay which means it’s a great time to get the family out to experience the action pinks provide.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week. Most anglers are finding lots of dogfish but those who stuck it out, they were able to find a few halibut.
VICTORIA – Fishing for springs was GOOD off Constance Bank and is picking up along the waterfront. Fish weighing into the high teens and mid-twenties are being caught at Constance Bank and along the Waterfront. Pinks have also been showing up out on Constance bank and a few reported on the Waterfront.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past weekend. Anglers had mixed reports of success because of lots of dogfish on one day and then none the next.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was GOOD during this past week. The fish caught were 12- 25lbs when fishing gear right on the bottom (70-110ft) on the flats. Anglers that were jigging in the afternoon in the gap reported catching fish up into the 20’s in the evening.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island.
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was GOOD near Sidney. A few fish were brought in over the past week into the low twenties but the majority of the fish caught were between 12-18 lbs. James Island, near the powder wharf, Hambley Point and Pender Bluffs all produced fish.
FRESHWATER OVERVIEW – Fishing is GOOD on most lakes as the water temperatures climb. Trout fishing in the Cowichan River is EXCELLENT but the river is very low. 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 barb less hooks are allowed for all fishing on island streams and rivers.
COWICHAN RIVER – The water level is very low. The trout fishing in the mid and upper river is SLOW. 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.
TROUT – Trout fishing was GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area this past week. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC most recent local releases of rainbow trout from the Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery are as follows. On May 25th, Thetis Lake received 750 and Poirier Lake received 500 catchable rainbow trout with an average weight of 242 grams. On May 11th, Elk Lake received 5,000 yearling trout with an average weight of 32.53 grams and Langford Lake received 2,500 yearling trout with an average weight of 64.46 grams. The biggest trout this year have come from Langford Lake.
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
A long Salmon fishing rod gives the advantage to the angler. Short rods can be used for convenience on small boats but give up a lot of advantage. Nine foot rods should be your absolute minimum but a 10’6” rod gives the fisherman that much more advantage.