Clayquot
"Off The Chart" Fishing Forecasts for 2012
With labels like “Phenomenal” “Outstanding” and “Best Salmon fishing in decades!”, there is no doubt that the memorable 2011 Sport fishing season will be a tough act to follow. Fortunately for Tofino B.C. fishing enthusiasts, 2012 looks to be the Rival, with Salmon numbers forecasted to feed and travel along our local coastline in staggering numbers again. While the whole B.C. coast enjoyed better than average fishing for Chinook and Coho salmon throughout 2011, Tofino’s outer coast waters were labelled as the most consistent fishing location in 2011, with the highest catch rate of Chinook salmon anywhere in B.C. The Tofino and Ucluelet area fisheries have proudly worn this “label” for the past 4 years with huge Thanks to the Salmon Hatchery outputs from Washington, Oregon and California states, which provide literally Millions of salmon to catch along Vancouver Island’s West Coast.
Chinook and Coho Salmon numbers can be expected to follow the similar reliable pattern to the previous season, with good numbers of Spring Chinook showing up on the docks by mid April through early May. These bright Silver and Purple hued “feeder” Chinook are great sport on light tackle and exceptional table fare, actually favoured by many as the best Salmon you can eat for both flavor and health benefits! These abundant “Spring Chinook” also known as “Springs” can be caught inshore and offshore from Tofino throughout April and May, with a key element is finding the baitfish they are following and feeding on continuously. Mid May through early June will provide the season’s first wave of summer Chinook, with common sizes in the high teens to mid twenty pound range. Blueback Coho Salmon in the 3-6 pound range arrive during this time as well, making the Tofino area’s inshore kelp beds and sand bars a regular feeding area for the summer months, providing a prime habitat for both fish and anglers.
For the many anglers interested in the great Halibut fishing available near Tofino, the early season should be the focus a short distance outside of Lennard Island lighthouse. The months of May June and July will provide the season’s best Halibut fishing in 140-160 feet of water, with natural and artificial baits working well with a little patience. Halibut numbers in the area are forecasted to be strong again in 2012, with the average sizes often weighing in at 20-45 lbs. There has been an increase of larger Halibut near Tofino over the last 2 years, and anglers might consider releasing any Halibut over 90 pounds as they are the spawning females needed for a healthy biomass coast wide. The numbers of Ling Cod and Rockfish in the Tofino offshore areas continue to provide not only an exceptionally reliable fishery, but a variety of fascinating colors and sizes of these amazingly tasty bottom dwellers. With average depths in the 80 to 140 ft range, Tofino’s bottom fishing options are best along the rocky reefs and contours within 45 minutes of travel west of town. For all offshore fishing excursions, knowing the area, the weather, vessel preparedness and safety are your first steps to a successful trip.
Overall, an exceptional Sport fishing season is expected again for 2012, supported by natural conditions like the cold water currents that have helped increase ocean survival, as well as Hatchery augmented stocks originating from the U.S.A. Anglers who benefit from these great fisheries can also help by making conscious and concerted efforts of practising sustainable fishing and also by protecting Wild Salmon and their habitat. For more information regarding Tofino’s exceptional fishing opportunities, see us at Clayoquot Ventures -Tofino Fishing 561 Campbell Street on your way into Tofino, just look for the big Cedar Salmon!