Island Outfitters
Fraser and Valerie Beale
Fraser and Valerie Beale with their catch.
Island Outfitters
SALTWATER OVERVIEW – The Chinook fishing was FAIR around the south Island with most of the Chinooks running from 3-8 lbs in size. Halibut fishing was relatively SLOW this past weekend.
Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Subject: FN0173 - RECREATIONAL - Salmon - Chinook - Areas 19 and 20: Chinook Recreational Fishery Management Actions - Effective immediately until 23:59 hours June 15, 2018
Waters: Subareas 19-1 to 19-4; and, Subareas 20-4 to 20-7 (those waters near Victoria between Cadboro Point to Sombrio Point): You may retain two (2) Chinook salmon per day. These Chinook may be either: 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 waters is 45 cm in length.
For the latest details on recreational fishery openings and closures in your area: A) Call 1-866-431-FISH or 604-666-2828 (24-hour phone line); B) Visit our web page http://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm to find applicable fishery notices; or C) Follow our sport fishing Twitter account https://twitter.com/sportfishingbc
SOOKE – The salmon fishing has been FAIR over the last few weeks. Most of the fish are from 3-8 lbs in size with the occasional larger one. The best location to fish for winter springs was from the Bluffs to Muir Creek. Most of the salmon are close to the bottom in 100-140 feet of water, but there are some at mid water depths. There were very few halibut caught this past week.
BECHER BAY – Salmon fishing was FAIR. Anglers have been having the most success on the top of the flood tide in Whirl Bay. It’s been slower inside the bay and near the marina. Most anglers are fishing close to the bottom in 100-140 depths. We haven’t heard of any salmon over 10 lbs here this past week.
PEDDER BAY – Pedder Bay Marina reports FAIR fishing in Whirl Bay. It’s been slower near the Green Can and at Whirl Bay. Most of the fish have been caught close to the bottom in 100-140 feet of water. The majority of the salmon have been from 3-6 lbs in size, but a couple of 12 lb springs were caught, one at Whirl and the other in Pedder Bay. Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week and most of the boats got skunked. That said, one boat landed three this past weekend.
VICTORIA – Fishing for salmon was FAIR off the waterfront this past week when the winds weren’t too blustery. Most of the fish are still small, from 3-7 lbs in size, but some larger ones have been caught. It was best out at Constance Bank. Wade Moore caught a 10.6 lb spring out at Constance Bank on Wednesday. In closer, there were springs from the Flagpole to Trial Island. In most locations the best depths to fish were 90-140 feet but we’ve heard of some larger fish being caught at mid-water depths. Fishing was SLOW for halibut this past week. Constance Bank and Border Bank produced a few.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was FAIR in Oak Bay this past week. There are salmon coming in from the Gap and from the Flats, but they were mostly small. The salmon are feeding on needle fish and have been close to the bottom where the feed is located. Most of the anglers have been either bottom bouncing or jigging close to the bottom. Fishing was SLOW for halibut.
SIDNEY – Salmon fishing was FAIR in the Sidney area. We have heard that there were some keeper springs being caught near Coal Island and in the Sidney channel. Some of the springs were over 10 lbs, but most salmon are still smaller than that.
FRESHWATER OVERVIEW – Fishing was SLOW in most lakes for trout and bass, and GOOD in the rivers for steelhead.
COWICHAN RIVER – The water level on the river is continuing to drop and is good for fishing. There are steelhead spawning in the river now, and we have heard of good fishing in the Riverbottom area. Fishing for trout in the fly only area has been FAIR due to the cold water temperature.
TROUT – Trout fishing has been SLOW for trout at the local lakes. It should be picking up soon due to the recent trout stockings and as the water temperatures warm up.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is currently stocking spring catchable rainbow trout into southern Vancouver Island lakes. On March 21st, Shawnigan Lake 304 trout and Dougan Lake received 500 trout averaging 263.58 grams. On March 13th, Shawnigan Lake received 600 trout, Thetis Lake 1,000 trout and Spectacle, Glen and Dougan Lakes 500 trout weighing 249.33 grams. On March 9th, Elk Lake received 1,800 trout, Prospect Lake 1,000 trout and Ida Anne Lake 250 trout averaging 255.17 grams. On March 8th, Durrance Lake received 1,000 trout, Shawnigan Lake 829 trout, Kemp and Matheson Lakes received 500 trout and Poirier Lake 300 trout averaging 246.87 grams. On March 3rd, Elk Lake and Prospect Lake were each stocked with 1,800 trout weighing 247.48 grams each. To find out about stocking all over the Island and the province, as well as the different strains being released, click on the link http://www.gofishbc.com/Stocked-Fish.aspx
BASS – Bass fishing is SLOW. 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 TIPS OF THE WEEK
Get a jump on your fishing season by getting all your gear in order now, before you start fishing in earnest. Service your rods, reels, lures, and downriggers, so that you can get a jump on repairs and replacements before the stores get busy and the fish beckon.
All fishing and hunting licenses expire at the end of this month so be sure to get your new licenses before your next trip outdoors. There often are changes in the regulations, so take some time to read and review the regulations before going out and accidentally getting into trouble. Click here for more information.
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips.
Connect with Island Outfitters on social media: facebook; instagram