Alicia Cutbill with a nice spring around 20lbs.
Island Outfitters
SALTWATER OVERVIEW – Chinook fishing was FAIR most of this past week. Halibut fishing was SLOW but most anglers were out after salmon.
The daily limit for coho is two (2) per day, hatchery marked only from June 1 to December 31, 2015. 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 springs was GOOD this past weekend. Some nice fish were caught this week, with a couple fish reported in the high 30’s! The springs are scattered all the way west and past Sherringham Point and not concentrated in any specific area. Bait still seems to be the number one choice for Sooke anglers this week. Also, the fish have been at different depths, from the mid water levels to the bottom.
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. Most of the fish were coming from Beechey Head to the Trap Shack. Although, Beechey Head had reports of bigger fish on average (Cheanuh reported a 39.2 lbs Salmon caught on Saturday). Most springs were running from 10 to 21 lbs in size. Most fish have been getting caught between 60- 100 ft on the downrigger. Anchovies were the most productive bait.
PEDDER BAY – Chinook salmon fishing was GOOD this week. Whirl Bay and Church Rock produced catches steadily throughout the week but Pedder Bay came on strong with nice catches being reported (Brian Fraser caught a 19lb Hatchery). There were several wild fish over 20 lbs caught in Whirl Bay but most ranging from 9-15 lbs. Anchovy was the most productive bait for springs.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past weekend.
VICTORIA – Fishing for winter springs was GOOD off Constance Bank but SPOTTY along the waterfront. Hatchery fish weighing into the high teens were caught at Constance. The salmon were feeding on needlefish that were schooled on the bank. Needlefish spoons and squirts 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 and clover Point.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past weekend.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was FAIR during this past week. A good mix of feeders and mature springs were reported this past week. The fish were hitting 3”-4” spoons as most of the needlefish in the area were small. 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 SLOW this past week out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island. There have been few reports of any luck in this area, maybe because more anglers are fishing for salmon due to excellent fishing conditions!
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was GOOD near Sidney. Fish were coming from all areas of Sidney, ranging from 9-22 lbs. James Island, near the powder wharf and Sidney Spit had the most success. Carl Trepels caught a 22lb hatchery.
Notable Catches – Brian Fraser caught a 19 lbs Hatchery near Pedder Bay. Carl Trepels caught a 22lbs Spring near Sidney. Bob Briggs and Alicia Cutbill caught some nice fish in Port Renfrew up to 20 lbs.
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. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.
COWICHAN RIVER – The water level is very low. The trout fishing in the mid and upper river is EXCELLENT. 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 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. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
Avoid the crowds. When you see lots of boats fishing in a small area, it doesn’t necessarily mean there are lots of fish there, just lots of anglers. And the more anglers, the more gear in the water competing for what fish that may be there. Usually, you’re better off to fish away from the crowd with less competition for those fish that are willing to bite.