CartFishing Report for Week ending June 5th, 2011
Fishing Report for Week Ending June 5th , 2011
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was GREAT this past week. Halibut fishing was FAIR, but is expected to pick up with the good tides this week!
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Sooke – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. The majority of the fin clipped salmon were in the 10 to mid teen’s size. Wild salmon between 20 and 25lbs were being caught and released. Most of the fish have been taken close to the bottom in 100 feet of water or deeper. Anchovies have been working best in Bloody Nose, Chartreuse or Purple Haze teaser heads. Hootchies and squirts were good in Purple Haze, Glow Below and Lemon Meringue. Green/Glow or Black/Glow spoons have also been good for springs.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this week. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. If dogfish are a problem then Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well.
Becher Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD over the past week with hatchery springs between 10 to 17 lbs seen at the Marina. The fish are being caught on all types of gear. The best teaser heads for bait were the Glow Green and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Purple Onion, Red Glow and Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in Purple Haze, Glow Below and Lemon Meringue. Coho Killer spoons or 3.5in Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs.
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past. Whirl Bay and Church Rock produced the most fish. Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads have been the most popular when using bait and the best flashers have been the Purple Onion, and Purple Haze. Squirts were good in Purple Haze and Electric Chair. Coho Killer spoons or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this week. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. If dogfish are a problem then Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well.
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD this past week at Constance Bank. Anglers fishing at the Bank reported catching their limits of hatchery springs into the mid teens. Seals stealing fish continue to be a problem off the waterfront. The best lures were purple haze and pink haze squirts, 3.5in green/glow coyote spoons, and coho killer spoons while fishing close to the bottom where needlefish are the major food source. If fishing bait the best teaser head colors are the Purple Haze and the new pearl/fire tiger. Many anglers though are fishing squirts and spoons along the bottom at 120 to 160 feet. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Purple Onion.
Neil's 16lb 12oz Hatchery Chinook
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this week. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. If dogfish are a problem then Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well.
Oak Bay – Salmon fishing had been VERY GOOD on the Flats this week. Anglers reported catching hatchery springs up to 16 lbs. The best lures were purple haze and pink haze squirts, 3.5in green/glow coyote spoons, and coho killer spoons while fishing close to the bottom where needlefish are the major food source. Glow in the dark flashers would be the best choice for springs now.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this week. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. If dogfish are a problem then Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well.
Sidney – Salmon fishing was FAIR near Sidney this week. Steve Madsen caught a 22lb hatchery spring at Powder Wharf James Island on anchovy.
Steve Madsen at Powder Wharf
Notable Catches – Shawn Heise caught a 16lb hatchery chinook on Friday at 80ft with an anchovy. Neil, a guest of Wayne Zaccarelli and Charles Blake, caught a 16lb 12oz and a 19.5in hatchery chinook at the waterfront.
Shawn Heise 16lb Hatchery Chinook
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 GOOD on the local lakes for trout and bass. The mornings and evenings have been the time of day. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.
Cowichan River – The Cowichan River water level is still at 1.0 meters near the lake today, down from 1.2 m last week. Fly anglers have been doing very well in the top end of the river. For fly anglers there is good insect activity and it’s best to match the hatch. Goddard Caddis Flies have been working well when the caddis flies are hatching. When the mayflies are hatching a #14 Adams is a good choice. Nymphs are good all year, and Wooly Buggers work well for brown trout, as do Bunny Leeches. Remember that it’s barbless hooks only and there is a bait ban on the river.
Local Lakes – Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. Many anglers are catching trout 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. Apex Trout Killers are working well. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Yellow/red or Blue/Silver. Smaller Rapalas in Trout patterns also work well. All wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
Bass Fishing - Bass fishing was GOOD this past week. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are more. The fly fishing for smallmouths has been good, and many anglers reported doing well with Yum Dinger worms. Langford Lake, Elk Lake and Prospect lake had the most fish reported this week. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.
Notable Catches – Andrew Rogers caught a 5.5lb smallmouth at elk lake in his float tube, and a 4.5lb smallmouth at Matheson Lake also! Dylan Brown caught his biggest bass yet at Langford Lake on a Yum Dinger.
Andrew Rogers 5.5lb Smallmouth
Dylan Brown at Langford Lake
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
Buy Two! Murphy’s Law dictates that if you have a hot lure, you’re sure to loose it, and if you don’t have a back up you’re out of luck. So next time you pick up the newest hot lure or fly, consider buying two.
Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2011
Halibut
1) 231.4 lbs – Terry Zarelli – Race Rocks area – Octopus- March 25th
2) 194.4 lbs – Al Crow – Sooke – Salmon Head – May 14th
3) 124.6 lbs – Todd Steen – Sidney – May 27 th
4) 83.7 lbs – Al Zaalberg – Oak Bay – May – May 14th
5) 74.0 lbs – Barry Eaglestone – Oak Bay – May 14th
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!
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 GREAT this past week. Halibut fishing was FAIR, but is expected to pick up with the good tides this week!
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Sooke – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. The majority of the fin clipped salmon were in the 10 to mid teen’s size. Wild salmon between 20 and 25lbs were being caught and released. Most of the fish have been taken close to the bottom in 100 feet of water or deeper. Anchovies have been working best in Bloody Nose, Chartreuse or Purple Haze teaser heads. Hootchies and squirts were good in Purple Haze, Glow Below and Lemon Meringue. Green/Glow or Black/Glow spoons have also been good for springs.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this week. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. If dogfish are a problem then Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well.
Becher Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD over the past week with hatchery springs between 10 to 17 lbs seen at the Marina. The fish are being caught on all types of gear. The best teaser heads for bait were the Glow Green and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Purple Onion, Red Glow and Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in Purple Haze, Glow Below and Lemon Meringue. Coho Killer spoons or 3.5in Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs.
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past. Whirl Bay and Church Rock produced the most fish. Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads have been the most popular when using bait and the best flashers have been the Purple Onion, and Purple Haze. Squirts were good in Purple Haze and Electric Chair. Coho Killer spoons or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this week. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. If dogfish are a problem then Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well.
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD this past week at Constance Bank. Anglers fishing at the Bank reported catching their limits of hatchery springs into the mid teens. Seals stealing fish continue to be a problem off the waterfront. The best lures were purple haze and pink haze squirts, 3.5in green/glow coyote spoons, and coho killer spoons while fishing close to the bottom where needlefish are the major food source. If fishing bait the best teaser head colors are the Purple Haze and the new pearl/fire tiger. Many anglers though are fishing squirts and spoons along the bottom at 120 to 160 feet. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Purple Onion.
Neil's 16lb 12oz Hatchery Chinook
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this week. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. If dogfish are a problem then Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well.
Oak Bay – Salmon fishing had been VERY GOOD on the Flats this week. Anglers reported catching hatchery springs up to 16 lbs. The best lures were purple haze and pink haze squirts, 3.5in green/glow coyote spoons, and coho killer spoons while fishing close to the bottom where needlefish are the major food source. Glow in the dark flashers would be the best choice for springs now.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this week. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. If dogfish are a problem then Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well.
Sidney – Salmon fishing was FAIR near Sidney this week. Steve Madsen caught a 22lb hatchery spring at Powder Wharf James Island on anchovy.
Steve Madsen at Powder Wharf
Notable Catches – Shawn Heise caught a 16lb hatchery chinook on Friday at 80ft with an anchovy. Neil, a guest of Wayne Zaccarelli and Charles Blake, caught a 16lb 12oz and a 19.5in hatchery chinook at the waterfront.
Shawn Heise 16lb Hatchery Chinook
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 GOOD on the local lakes for trout and bass. The mornings and evenings have been the time of day. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.
Cowichan River – The Cowichan River water level is still at 1.0 meters near the lake today, down from 1.2 m last week. Fly anglers have been doing very well in the top end of the river. For fly anglers there is good insect activity and it’s best to match the hatch. Goddard Caddis Flies have been working well when the caddis flies are hatching. When the mayflies are hatching a #14 Adams is a good choice. Nymphs are good all year, and Wooly Buggers work well for brown trout, as do Bunny Leeches. Remember that it’s barbless hooks only and there is a bait ban on the river.
Local Lakes – Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. Many anglers are catching trout 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. Apex Trout Killers are working well. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Yellow/red or Blue/Silver. Smaller Rapalas in Trout patterns also work well. All wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
Bass Fishing - Bass fishing was GOOD this past week. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are more. The fly fishing for smallmouths has been good, and many anglers reported doing well with Yum Dinger worms. Langford Lake, Elk Lake and Prospect lake had the most fish reported this week. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.
Notable Catches – Andrew Rogers caught a 5.5lb smallmouth at elk lake in his float tube, and a 4.5lb smallmouth at Matheson Lake also! Dylan Brown caught his biggest bass yet at Langford Lake on a Yum Dinger.
Andrew Rogers 5.5lb Smallmouth
Dylan Brown at Langford Lake
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
Buy Two! Murphy’s Law dictates that if you have a hot lure, you’re sure to loose it, and if you don’t have a back up you’re out of luck. So next time you pick up the newest hot lure or fly, consider buying two.
Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2011
Halibut
1) 231.4 lbs – Terry Zarelli – Race Rocks area – Octopus- March 25th
2) 194.4 lbs – Al Crow – Sooke – Salmon Head – May 14th
3) 124.6 lbs – Todd Steen – Sidney – May 27 th
4) 83.7 lbs – Al Zaalberg – Oak Bay – May – May 14th
5) 74.0 lbs – Barry Eaglestone – Oak Bay – May 14th
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!
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.