Bill Bowers
Bill Bowers with a 21lbs Spring caught near Sidney
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 fish that are 20s to mid 30s are being reported on a more regular basis in this area.
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. This week was very similar to last, most of the fish were coming from the Bedfords and Whirl Bay again. The Trap Shack was more consistent this week and there were a few caught around 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. Most fish have been getting caught between 60- 100 ft on the downrigger.
PEDDER BAY – Chinook salmon fishing was GOOD at the beginning of the week, however, by Friday the reports were spotty for fish being caught in Pedder Bay. Whirl Bay and Church Rock produced catches steadily throughout the week. 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.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR 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 VERY GOOD near Sidney. Fish were coming from all areas of Sidney, ranging from 9-12 lbs.
Notable Catches – Bill Bowers caught a 21 lbs spring in Sidney on the night bite. Kingsley Grant caught and released a fish into the 20’s out of the Oak Bay area. Kiel Horan reported a couple of 12-14 lbs hatchery fish caught also caught around Oak Bay in 75 ft of water.
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.
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
When you’re salmon fishing, follow the bait for best results. Schools of needlefish and herring are often pushed around by the action of tides and currents, especially on flats, and it pays to locate and then stay with the bait. Once you’re on the bait, it’s only a matter of time before the salmon show up.