CartFishing Report for Week Ending May 8, 2011
Fishing Report for Week Ending May 8, 2011
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was FAIR around Southern Vancouver Island. A slot limit of 45 cm to 67 cm is in effect now for wild (unclipped adipose fin) Chinook to protect the early Fraser River Chinook. Halibut fishing was SLOWER.
We’ve just updated and changed our web site and if you visit our blog you can get reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Sooke – Salmon fishing was FAIR this past week but not many anglers were out fishing. Anglers were catching winter springs near Secretary Island, the Sooke Bluffs, Otter Point and Sherringham Point. The majority of the fin clipped salmon were in the 10 to 12 lb size range but there were a few nice mid teen’s size hatchery springs around as well. The odd larger “wild” salmon over 20 lbs were also being caught and released. Most of the fish have been taken close to the bottom in 120 feet of water or deeper. The fish are being caught on all types of gear, although we would give the edge to bait (anchovies) this past week. Anchovies have been working best in glow or Purple Haze teaser heads. Hootchies and squirts were good in Purple Haze, Glow Below and Lemon Meringue. Green/Slow or Black/Glow spoons have also been good for springs.
HALIBUT – A few halibut were brought in from the Sooke area but nothing too big. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Becher Bay – Salmon fishing was FAIR over the past weed. According to Cheanuh Marina, hatchery springs between 10 to 12 lbs were the standard catch. A lot of the fish were caught near Whirl Bay and the Bedfords but anglers also had good luck in Becher Bay by Frazer Island, near Aldridge Point, off the Trap Shack and by Secretary Island. The fish are being caught on all types of gear, but have shown a preference for large anchovies. The best teaser heads for bait were the Bloody Nose and the Purple Haze. The best flashers have been the Purple Onion, Red Glow and Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in Tiger Prawn, Glow Below and Lemon Meringue. Cop Car or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs. No halibut were seen this past weekend at the marina.
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week but not too many people went out fishing. Most boats fishing Whirl Bay and Church Rock in the afternoon was catching springs into the teens, however the majority went 7 to 12 lbs in size. A few larger wild fish were also caught and released. Anchovy and herring have been very productive baits for springs and probably have an edge over other lures right now. Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads have been the most popular when using bait and the best flashers have been the Purple Onion, Red Glow and Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in Purple Haze, Electric Chair and Lemon Meringue. Cop Car or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW and not many fish were brought back to the marina this past week. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was SPOTTY for much of this past week. Anglers fishing at Constance Bank reported catching some hatchery into the mid teens. Closer in, we heard that there were similar size hatchery springs from the Albert Head to Clover Point, but it was still spotty in terms of results. The “hot” new lure this year appears to be the Gold Star Coho Killer White Lighting spoon. It’s been really producing where the fish are feeding on needlefish. Anchovies and herring are top producers this time of year as well, especially in the medium and large sizes. The best teaser head colors are the UV Green and the Purple Haze. Many anglers though are fishing squirts and spoons along the bottom at 120 to 160 feet. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and the Baitrix Tiny Strip. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Purple Onion. The seals are still causing problems out at Constance Bank.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week and the weather was rough on many days. Matt Crandall and his buddies caught 3 halibut up to 55 lbs while on a Sunday charter with Island Outfitters. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Oak Bay – Salmon fishing had been FAIR on the Flats much of this past week. Anglers were catching hatchery springs up to 12 lbs while fishing close to the bottom where needlefish are the major food source. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 100 to 150 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts were the Electric Chair, Cricket and Purple Haze. With spoons, 3½” or 4” Gypsy, Titans, and Coyotes in Cop Car or Silver/Green colors and the Gold Star Coho Killer White Lightning. Glow in the dark flashers would be the best choice for springs now.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR. Rob Rhodes decide3d to drift for halibut and within a minute of putting his line in the water he hooked into a 67 lb halibut! Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Sidney – Salmon fishing was GOOD around Sidney this past week. The best spot was near the Powder Wharf and southern end of Sidney Channel were springs up to 20.5 lbs were caught. Coal Island was slow but did give up a few smaller salmon. Spoons have been good with 3.5” or 4” Green and Glow colors producing best. The best soft plastic lures to use for springs now are the J-79, Mint Tulip and Purple Haze Squirts. Anchovies and Strip are also working.
Notable Catches – Rob Rhodes decide3d to drift for halibut in Oak Bay and within a minute of putting his line in the water he hooked into a 67 lb halibut! Matt Crandall and his buddies caught 3 halibut up to 55 lbs while on a Sunday charter with Island Outfitters. If you have any fishing info, notable catches, digital photos (please send as attachments) or tips that you would like to share or have included in our fishing report, please email us at info@fishingvictoria.com. Also, check out our blog and facebook page for links to recent videos and reports from our staff.
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Fishing is OUTSTANDING on the local lakes for trout and bass. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.
Cowichan River – The Cowichan River water level is dropping again and is at 0.75 meters near the lake today. Fly anglers have been doing very well in the top end of the river on browns and rainbows and the occasional cutthroat. For fly anglers there is increased insect activity and it’s best to match the hatch. Goddard Caddis Flies have been working well when the caddis flies are hatching. Nymphs are good too, especially Prince, Caddis, and Mayfly nymphs. Wooly Buggers work well for brown trout , as do Bunny Leeches and Zonkers. Remember that it’s barbless hooks only and there is a bait ban on the river.
Local Lakes – Trout fishing is OUTSTANDING on most lakes in the South Island area. The biggest trout continue to be caught at Elk Lake with Langford Lake being your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”. We’ve had reports of trout pushing 4 lbs coming in from these lakes recently and have heard of people catching in excess of 50 trout per day.
Many anglers are catching fish near the bottom on either Powerbait Gulp eggs, or worms. Fly anglers are mostly using chironomids, Wooly Buggers or leech pattern flies. Trollers have been doing OK with a variety of lures. The Rhys Davis Baitrix Trout lures and UV Mini Strip Teasers work well for larger fish. Other good trolling lures are the Apex Trout Killers with the police car one of the best and the black with silver glitter spots taking second place. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Frog, Yellow with Red Spots or Blue/Silver. Smaller Rapalas in Rainbow Trout or Brown Trout patterns also work well. Lastly, Willow Leaf Lake trolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
Bass Fishing - Bass fishing was PICKING UP this past week. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are more active and moving into shallower water. The fly fishing for smallmouths has been good and that’s a great way to catch and release them, especially with barbless hooks. Suspending Rapalas (X-Rap, Husky Jerk) are working with a bit slower retrieve and a lot of twitching action for the bigger fish. Bass are also biting near the drop offs in deeper water. However, some anglers are doing well with spinner baits too. Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake on Salt Sring Island is also a great lake for bass fishing. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.
Notable Catches –. If you have any fishing info, notable catches, digital photos (please send as attachments) or tips that you would like to share or have included in our fishing report, please email us at info@fishingvictoria.com. Also, check out our blog and facebook page for links to recent videos and reports from our staff.
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
Double up for halibut! When you bait up a herring for halibut, add a small piece of octopus to the trailing hook. That way, if a halibut steals your herring, you can leave the bait down and get the fish when it comes back for the octopus a few minutes later.
Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2011
Halibut
1) 231.4 lbs – Terry Zarelli – Race Rocks area – Octopus- March 25th
2) 52.0 lbs lbs – Emmanuel Bedard – Albert Head – May 1st
We are now waiting for the first big springs of the year to be weighed in at the store. Maybe you will be bringing in the biggest one this year!
2011 DERBIES and EVENTS
Island Outfitters starts and ends the year with the free for fun and prizes Salmon and Halibut Leader Board. Simply weigh your catch in at Island Outfitters and the top five fish in each category on December 31st wins a special prize. Everybody who enters a fish gets a prize! Maybe it will be you bringing in the big one! Please let us know as early as possible about your up coming events in 2011!
May 14th and 15th: The 15th Annual Just for the Halibut Derby. First prize is $7,500 cash, 2nd prize is $2,500, and 3rd prize is $1,000 cash. A hidden weight “Bonus” prize is sponsored by SG Power. Tickets are available at Island Outfitters, Pedder Bay Marina or Cheanuh Marina. Call 250-475-4969 for more information.
May 15th: The Sidney Anglers’ Spring Derby: Heaviest salmon wins $200, second $150, third $100, fourth $75, fifth $50, heaviest fish (juniors only) $25 and a Draw prize of $25. Open to paid up members only.
June 12th: The Sidney Anglers’ President’s Derby: Heaviest salmon wins $200, second $150, third $100, fourth $75, fifth $50, heaviest fish (juniors only) $25 and a Draw prize of $25. Open to paid up members only.
June 18th – 19th: 25th Annual Alpine Juan de Fuca Salmon Derby -- The Island’s largest invitational derby. $80,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. Tickets are $90 per rod, which includes a derby shirt, hat, and entrance to the awards banquet. For information on the derby visit the web site www.jdfsalmonderby.com or call (250) 478-6153.
June 26th: The Sidney Anglers’ BBQ & Picnic: Open to paid up members only.
September 11th: The Sidney Anglers’ Roundup Derby: Heaviest salmon wins $200, second $150, third $100, fourth $75, fifth $50, heaviest fish (juniors only) $25 and a Draw prize of $25. Open to paid up members only.
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was FAIR around Southern Vancouver Island. A slot limit of 45 cm to 67 cm is in effect now for wild (unclipped adipose fin) Chinook to protect the early Fraser River Chinook. Halibut fishing was SLOWER.
We’ve just updated and changed our web site and if you visit our blog you can get reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Sooke – Salmon fishing was FAIR this past week but not many anglers were out fishing. Anglers were catching winter springs near Secretary Island, the Sooke Bluffs, Otter Point and Sherringham Point. The majority of the fin clipped salmon were in the 10 to 12 lb size range but there were a few nice mid teen’s size hatchery springs around as well. The odd larger “wild” salmon over 20 lbs were also being caught and released. Most of the fish have been taken close to the bottom in 120 feet of water or deeper. The fish are being caught on all types of gear, although we would give the edge to bait (anchovies) this past week. Anchovies have been working best in glow or Purple Haze teaser heads. Hootchies and squirts were good in Purple Haze, Glow Below and Lemon Meringue. Green/Slow or Black/Glow spoons have also been good for springs.
HALIBUT – A few halibut were brought in from the Sooke area but nothing too big. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Becher Bay – Salmon fishing was FAIR over the past weed. According to Cheanuh Marina, hatchery springs between 10 to 12 lbs were the standard catch. A lot of the fish were caught near Whirl Bay and the Bedfords but anglers also had good luck in Becher Bay by Frazer Island, near Aldridge Point, off the Trap Shack and by Secretary Island. The fish are being caught on all types of gear, but have shown a preference for large anchovies. The best teaser heads for bait were the Bloody Nose and the Purple Haze. The best flashers have been the Purple Onion, Red Glow and Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in Tiger Prawn, Glow Below and Lemon Meringue. Cop Car or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs. No halibut were seen this past weekend at the marina.
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week but not too many people went out fishing. Most boats fishing Whirl Bay and Church Rock in the afternoon was catching springs into the teens, however the majority went 7 to 12 lbs in size. A few larger wild fish were also caught and released. Anchovy and herring have been very productive baits for springs and probably have an edge over other lures right now. Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads have been the most popular when using bait and the best flashers have been the Purple Onion, Red Glow and Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in Purple Haze, Electric Chair and Lemon Meringue. Cop Car or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW and not many fish were brought back to the marina this past week. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was SPOTTY for much of this past week. Anglers fishing at Constance Bank reported catching some hatchery into the mid teens. Closer in, we heard that there were similar size hatchery springs from the Albert Head to Clover Point, but it was still spotty in terms of results. The “hot” new lure this year appears to be the Gold Star Coho Killer White Lighting spoon. It’s been really producing where the fish are feeding on needlefish. Anchovies and herring are top producers this time of year as well, especially in the medium and large sizes. The best teaser head colors are the UV Green and the Purple Haze. Many anglers though are fishing squirts and spoons along the bottom at 120 to 160 feet. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and the Baitrix Tiny Strip. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Purple Onion. The seals are still causing problems out at Constance Bank.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week and the weather was rough on many days. Matt Crandall and his buddies caught 3 halibut up to 55 lbs while on a Sunday charter with Island Outfitters. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Oak Bay – Salmon fishing had been FAIR on the Flats much of this past week. Anglers were catching hatchery springs up to 12 lbs while fishing close to the bottom where needlefish are the major food source. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 100 to 150 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts were the Electric Chair, Cricket and Purple Haze. With spoons, 3½” or 4” Gypsy, Titans, and Coyotes in Cop Car or Silver/Green colors and the Gold Star Coho Killer White Lightning. Glow in the dark flashers would be the best choice for springs now.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR. Rob Rhodes decide3d to drift for halibut and within a minute of putting his line in the water he hooked into a 67 lb halibut! Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Sidney – Salmon fishing was GOOD around Sidney this past week. The best spot was near the Powder Wharf and southern end of Sidney Channel were springs up to 20.5 lbs were caught. Coal Island was slow but did give up a few smaller salmon. Spoons have been good with 3.5” or 4” Green and Glow colors producing best. The best soft plastic lures to use for springs now are the J-79, Mint Tulip and Purple Haze Squirts. Anchovies and Strip are also working.
Notable Catches – Rob Rhodes decide3d to drift for halibut in Oak Bay and within a minute of putting his line in the water he hooked into a 67 lb halibut! Matt Crandall and his buddies caught 3 halibut up to 55 lbs while on a Sunday charter with Island Outfitters. If you have any fishing info, notable catches, digital photos (please send as attachments) or tips that you would like to share or have included in our fishing report, please email us at info@fishingvictoria.com. Also, check out our blog and facebook page for links to recent videos and reports from our staff.
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Fishing is OUTSTANDING on the local lakes for trout and bass. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.
Cowichan River – The Cowichan River water level is dropping again and is at 0.75 meters near the lake today. Fly anglers have been doing very well in the top end of the river on browns and rainbows and the occasional cutthroat. For fly anglers there is increased insect activity and it’s best to match the hatch. Goddard Caddis Flies have been working well when the caddis flies are hatching. Nymphs are good too, especially Prince, Caddis, and Mayfly nymphs. Wooly Buggers work well for brown trout , as do Bunny Leeches and Zonkers. Remember that it’s barbless hooks only and there is a bait ban on the river.
Local Lakes – Trout fishing is OUTSTANDING on most lakes in the South Island area. The biggest trout continue to be caught at Elk Lake with Langford Lake being your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”. We’ve had reports of trout pushing 4 lbs coming in from these lakes recently and have heard of people catching in excess of 50 trout per day.
Many anglers are catching fish near the bottom on either Powerbait Gulp eggs, or worms. Fly anglers are mostly using chironomids, Wooly Buggers or leech pattern flies. Trollers have been doing OK with a variety of lures. The Rhys Davis Baitrix Trout lures and UV Mini Strip Teasers work well for larger fish. Other good trolling lures are the Apex Trout Killers with the police car one of the best and the black with silver glitter spots taking second place. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Frog, Yellow with Red Spots or Blue/Silver. Smaller Rapalas in Rainbow Trout or Brown Trout patterns also work well. Lastly, Willow Leaf Lake trolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
Bass Fishing - Bass fishing was PICKING UP this past week. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are more active and moving into shallower water. The fly fishing for smallmouths has been good and that’s a great way to catch and release them, especially with barbless hooks. Suspending Rapalas (X-Rap, Husky Jerk) are working with a bit slower retrieve and a lot of twitching action for the bigger fish. Bass are also biting near the drop offs in deeper water. However, some anglers are doing well with spinner baits too. Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake on Salt Sring Island is also a great lake for bass fishing. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.
Notable Catches –. If you have any fishing info, notable catches, digital photos (please send as attachments) or tips that you would like to share or have included in our fishing report, please email us at info@fishingvictoria.com. Also, check out our blog and facebook page for links to recent videos and reports from our staff.
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
Double up for halibut! When you bait up a herring for halibut, add a small piece of octopus to the trailing hook. That way, if a halibut steals your herring, you can leave the bait down and get the fish when it comes back for the octopus a few minutes later.
Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2011
Halibut
1) 231.4 lbs – Terry Zarelli – Race Rocks area – Octopus- March 25th
2) 52.0 lbs lbs – Emmanuel Bedard – Albert Head – May 1st
Salmon
We are now waiting for the first big springs of the year to be weighed in at the store. Maybe you will be bringing in the biggest one this year!
2011 DERBIES and EVENTS
Island Outfitters starts and ends the year with the free for fun and prizes Salmon and Halibut Leader Board. Simply weigh your catch in at Island Outfitters and the top five fish in each category on December 31st wins a special prize. Everybody who enters a fish gets a prize! Maybe it will be you bringing in the big one! Please let us know as early as possible about your up coming events in 2011!
May 14th and 15th: The 15th Annual Just for the Halibut Derby. First prize is $7,500 cash, 2nd prize is $2,500, and 3rd prize is $1,000 cash. A hidden weight “Bonus” prize is sponsored by SG Power. Tickets are available at Island Outfitters, Pedder Bay Marina or Cheanuh Marina. Call 250-475-4969 for more information.
May 15th: The Sidney Anglers’ Spring Derby: Heaviest salmon wins $200, second $150, third $100, fourth $75, fifth $50, heaviest fish (juniors only) $25 and a Draw prize of $25. Open to paid up members only.
June 12th: The Sidney Anglers’ President’s Derby: Heaviest salmon wins $200, second $150, third $100, fourth $75, fifth $50, heaviest fish (juniors only) $25 and a Draw prize of $25. Open to paid up members only.
June 18th – 19th: 25th Annual Alpine Juan de Fuca Salmon Derby -- The Island’s largest invitational derby. $80,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. Tickets are $90 per rod, which includes a derby shirt, hat, and entrance to the awards banquet. For information on the derby visit the web site www.jdfsalmonderby.com or call (250) 478-6153.
June 26th: The Sidney Anglers’ BBQ & Picnic: Open to paid up members only.
September 11th: The Sidney Anglers’ Roundup Derby: Heaviest salmon wins $200, second $150, third $100, fourth $75, fifth $50, heaviest fish (juniors only) $25 and a Draw prize of $25. Open to paid up members only.