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By Sam Vandervalk
Forecast 2015
The preliminary forecast for 2015 is moderately good. From 1990 to 1999, the Columbia saw between 190,000 to 360,000 Chinook return each year. However, the forecast for Chinook returning to the Columbia River for 2015 is over 1.1 million, a positive trend observed over the past few years, and a well-deserved reward for the all the hard work of many private salmon enhancement organizations.
Unlike the American rivers however, it is harder to track numbers in Canadian rivers. According to Fisheries and Oceans, the 2015 Fraser River forecast is considered lower than normal, but better than 2014. The local Barkley Sound forecast is similar to what is was in 2014. What is the bottom line result from all the forecasts? The passing Columbia River run should provide a strong June and July, while our offshore fishing in August should be fairly good with Fraser Chinook and some Columbia Chinook still going through. Our inshore fishery should be good for Barkley Sound Chinook from mid-August to early September.
Hot Lures
UV hoochies became more popular in 2014 than in any year in the past. Once again, there were a plethora of squid around close to shore and we expect 2015 to be a good squid year. There are now quite a variety of UV hoochies available instead of just the common UV purple. You should find different shades of white UV for example, which could make a difference depending on your light conditions during the day. Glow lures will always work and you will want to choose the right glow for the right water conditions. Dirty water often needs a stronger glow, but in clear water a faint glow will most likely work better. If you are having trouble finding your hot lure, an all white glow is classic and works in many off shore areas for salmon and halibut.
We need your help!
If it weren’t for great work from our American neighbors, our west coast fishing would not be anywhere near as good as it has been. Canadian rivers need more restoration work completed. Please contact your MP and let them know salmon fishing is important to you. DFO budgets have been drastically cut and we need more money and volunteers to make a significant change. We need fishermen to get involved in local salmon enhancement societies, to volunteer any skills they can, as well as continually talking to MP’s about this issue. You will find more information at www.sportfishing.bc.ca.
For all the latest reports for the Barkley Sound/Ucluelet region please check out http://www.salmoneye.net/category/fishing-reports/.
Sam Vandervalk runs Salmon Eye Charters out of Ucluelet B.C.