Island Outfitters
SALTWATER OVERVIEW – Chinook fishing was GOOD most of this past week. Halibut fishing was FAIR 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 FAIR this past weekend. Some hatchery springs into the teens were taken and there were some very big wild fish that were caught and had to be released east of Sherringham Point. The springs are scattered all the way west and past Sherringham Point and not concentrated in any specific area. The salmon restrictions are not in effect west of Sherringham and we heard of a couple of 40 lb springs caught out that way, but haven’t actually verified that report. Bait is now out producing artificial lures when fishing for the springs. 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 the Bedfords and Whirl Bay again. That said, there were also fish coming from the Trap Shack to Beechey Head and a few in the bay. Most hatchery springs were running from 9 to 15 lbs in size and there were some larger unclipped fish that had to be released. Some of the salmon were caught deep (120 -160 feet) in even deeper water and others were caught from 50-70 feet on the downrigger.
PEDDER BAY – Chinook salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. Like last week, Whirl Bay and Church Rock were the most consistent spots, although those fishing inside Pedder Bay were also picking up salmon. There were several wild fish over 20 lbs caught in Whirl Bay but most were hatchery fish in the 9 – 13 lb size range. Also, the fish have been at different depths, from the mid water levels to the bottom.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR 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, 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 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 FAIR this past weekend.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was GOOD during this past week. There was a mixture of both wild and hatchery fish in the area. The fish were hitting 3”-4” spoons as most of the needlefish in the area were small. Anglers did best using squirts, spoons, or tiny strip or anything that imitated a needlefish.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island. Mark Grant reports that halibut have moved over into Haro Strait following the big herring and can be found from 165 feet down to 350 feet. Find the balls of bait on the finder then fish there for the halibut. Look for G (gravel) or S (Sand) on your charts for the best results.
SIDNEY - Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD near Sidney. Coal Island produced some big salmon, up to 30 lbs. It was also very good for chinooks into the mid teens, near Hambley Point and from Sidney Spit to the Red Can in the afternoon and evenings. Moresby Island (which is for sale and can be yours for only $50,000,000) also produced springs up to 16 lbs. Mark Roler reported landing a nice 14.5 lb hatchery chinook while trolling a anchovy behind a chrome flasher at155’ just outside Deep Cove in 204’ water.
Notable Catches – Mark Roler reported landing a nice 14.5 lb hatchery chinook while trolling a anchovy behind a chrome flasher at155’ just outside Deep Cove in 204’ water. Kingsley reported landing a 53 lb halibut while his partner Mike Fekette landed a 43 lbs halibut.
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. Today it is 0.34 meters near the lake and 0.32 meters near Duncan. 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.
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. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
What’s your line? Is it strong and kink free or is it weakened from hard fishing? If it is monofilament, it’s a good habit to regularly check the first 20 to 30 feet of line for kinks, nicks, and scratches. Cutting off the weakened section can reduce the chances of losing that big one to a broken line. And, it’s a good idea to replace your monofilament line every year.