CartFishing Report for Week Ending July 31, 2011
Fishing Report for Week Ending July 31, 2011
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing remains VERY GOOD in most locations. The big pink salmon run has started with limit catches from Race Rocks westward. There are sockeye around but they are still closed to retention. Halibut fishing was SLOW except at Swiftsure Bank where it’s AWESOME.
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Port Renfrew – Fishing for both halibut and salmon is still FANTASTIC out at Swiftsure Bank. Springs, coho, and loads of halibut are being caught by those who venture out to the bank. Limit catches are the rule. Closer in along the beach it has been hot and cold for anglers on big springs, coho and pink salmon. Renfrew is the place to be right now for lots of action. Ian Robinson brought in a 47.1 lb spring from Renfrew to take over first place on our leaderboard.
Sooke – Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD with different types of salmon abundant. Anglers fishing for springs were finding nice springs near Secretary Island and Possession Point. Those anglers targeting the pinks were fishing the first and second tides lines off of Sooke Bay and limiting out in fairly short order. Quite a few sockeye were caught and released as they are not open for retention. There are also coho (some are hatchery ones which can be retained) as well. The pinks have been as large as 9 lbs while the coho are in the 4 to 6 lb size range. Anglers caught several springs up to 42 lbs, a few in the 30’s, a lot more in the 20’s and some smaller ones in the teens. Productive locations were Secretary Island and Possession Point, Otter Point and Sherringham Point. Most of the springs were caught on bait (anchovies) but with all the pinks around you have to bring lots of bait or you’ll run out. Anchovies have been working best in Purple Haze, Green Glow or Bloody Nose teaser heads. Hootchies and squirts were good in Purple Haze, Glow Below and Electric Chair. The best flasher has been the Silver Betsey and Red/Gold Hot Spot. Mongoose Coyote spoons also work well.
HALIBUT – Halibut action was SLOW this past weekend towards Jordan River. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, 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 catch halibut with a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs.
Becher Bay – Salmon fishing was PRETTY GOOD over the past week. Lots of anglers are limiting out on pink salmon as well as catching cohos and springs. The springs have been pretty good sized with some in the 30’s but most in the 20’s and high teens. Many of the pinks were caught from Fraser Island west to Secretary Island, but there are even more out on the tide lines. The majority of anglers fishing for springs are now using bait, with anchovies being more popular than herring. Be sure to bring lots of bait though if you’re heading out for springs as the pinks are abundant. The best teaser heads for bait were the Purple Haze, Green Glow and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Silver Betsey, Red/Gold Hot Spot and Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in Glow Below, Purple Haze and Electric Chair. Cop Car or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs. If you are fishing for pinks use the small pink or green mini squirts on short leaders.
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. The pink run has made it here to the Race Rocks area but most are still out further on the tide lines. Out on the tide lines limit catches are the rule and not the exception. Trollers were catching springs up to 30 lbs fishing near Whirl Bay and Church Rock The inside of Pedder Bay did produce a few nice springs up to 27 lbs in size as well as a 38 lb halibut for anglers jigging. Anchovy and herring have been the best baits for springs and 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 Silver Betsey 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 worked for springs.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD in the Race Rocks area with halibut up to 48 lbs brought in on the weekend. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, 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 catch halibut with a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs.
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was FAIR for much of this past week. Anglers fishing at Constance Bank reported catching springs into the high teens mid and some pink salmon. There were also some pinks starting to show up near the Yellow marker buoy. Along the waterfront it was SPOTTY for springs but a few nice ones into the high 20s were caught. Sean McSweeney caught a 27b lb spring on a Nasty Boy spoon at 55’ near the breakwater. 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 Chartreuse, Blue and the Bloody Nose. Many anglers though are fishing squirts and spoons with good success. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and the Glo Below. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Green/Silver Hot Spots.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week at Border Bank, Constance Bank and Albert Head for fish up to 80 lbs. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, 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 most of this past week for smaller springs up to 15 lbs. The pink salmon have not showed up on the Flats yet. Anglers were catching springs while fishing close to the bottom where needlefish are the major food source. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 80 to 150 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts were the Electric Chair, Pickle Green, J-79 and Jellyfish. With spoons, 3½” or 4” Gypsy, Titans, and Coyotes in Cop Car or Silver/Green colors and the Gold Star Coho Killer. Glow in the dark flashers would be the best choice for springs now. Also, jigging can be productive as there are lots of areas with good bottom structure that hold salmon. Gibbs Minnows are a good choice when fishing these spots.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW in Oak Bay and Haro Strait. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, 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 catch halibut with a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs.
Sidney – Salmon fishing was GOOD around Sidney this past week. There have been reports of lots of springs from 15 to 24 lbs by Moresby Island, Coal Island and Hamley Point. Many anglers have been using anchovies in Bloody Nose, Purple Haze and UV Green teaser heads. Hootchies have been out producing squirts recently and the hot patterns for springs now are Army Truck, Glow Below and Electric Chair. We’ve also heard that # 602 Tomic Plugs are catching fish too.
Notable Catches – Ian Robinson brought in a 47.1 lb spring from Renfrew to take over first place on our leaderboard. Sean McSweeney caught a 27b lb spring on a Nasty Boy spoon at 55’ near the breakwater. If you have any fishing info, notable catches, digital photos 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.
OVERVIEW – Fishing is FAIR TO GOOD on the local lakes for trout and bass. The mornings and evenings have been the best while it’s been slow in the middle of the day.
Cowichan River – The water level on the Cowichan River is at the summer lows. Fishing is tough and tubers will be out in full force if we ever get a warm, sunny day. Try fishing small nymphs and/or streamer patterns for the Rainbows and Browns. Early in the morning or late in evening would be the best times for trout fishing the river. Nymphs are good flies to use all year round, 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 FAIR TO GOOD 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.
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. 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 GOOD this past week. Anglers have been having good luck with spinnerbaits fished near shore in the mornings and evenings. Top water plugs are also lots of fun early and late into the night when fished near structure and the shoreline. 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.
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
Dogfish eating your bait before the salmon can get to it? You can minimize this problem by increasing your trolling speed. The dogfish have a hard time trying to attack quickly moving bait while the much faster salmon have no trouble at all.
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) 127.5 lbs – Reg Day – Sidney – June 26th
4) 124.6 lbs – Todd Steen – Sidney – May 27th
5) 101.9 lbs – Reg Day – Sidney – June 27th
1) 47.1 lbs – Ian Robinson – Port Renfrew – Anchovy – July 29th
2) 33.0 lbs – Bill Campbell – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 5th
3) 32.8 lbs – Joe Zammit – Trap shack – Anchovy – July 16th
4) 30.9 lbs – Debbie Campbell – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 5th
5) 30.0 lbs – Milk Jadresko – Trap shack – Anchovy - July 5th
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing remains VERY GOOD in most locations. The big pink salmon run has started with limit catches from Race Rocks westward. There are sockeye around but they are still closed to retention. Halibut fishing was SLOW except at Swiftsure Bank where it’s AWESOME.
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Port Renfrew – Fishing for both halibut and salmon is still FANTASTIC out at Swiftsure Bank. Springs, coho, and loads of halibut are being caught by those who venture out to the bank. Limit catches are the rule. Closer in along the beach it has been hot and cold for anglers on big springs, coho and pink salmon. Renfrew is the place to be right now for lots of action. Ian Robinson brought in a 47.1 lb spring from Renfrew to take over first place on our leaderboard.
Sooke – Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD with different types of salmon abundant. Anglers fishing for springs were finding nice springs near Secretary Island and Possession Point. Those anglers targeting the pinks were fishing the first and second tides lines off of Sooke Bay and limiting out in fairly short order. Quite a few sockeye were caught and released as they are not open for retention. There are also coho (some are hatchery ones which can be retained) as well. The pinks have been as large as 9 lbs while the coho are in the 4 to 6 lb size range. Anglers caught several springs up to 42 lbs, a few in the 30’s, a lot more in the 20’s and some smaller ones in the teens. Productive locations were Secretary Island and Possession Point, Otter Point and Sherringham Point. Most of the springs were caught on bait (anchovies) but with all the pinks around you have to bring lots of bait or you’ll run out. Anchovies have been working best in Purple Haze, Green Glow or Bloody Nose teaser heads. Hootchies and squirts were good in Purple Haze, Glow Below and Electric Chair. The best flasher has been the Silver Betsey and Red/Gold Hot Spot. Mongoose Coyote spoons also work well.
HALIBUT – Halibut action was SLOW this past weekend towards Jordan River. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, 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 catch halibut with a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs.
Becher Bay – Salmon fishing was PRETTY GOOD over the past week. Lots of anglers are limiting out on pink salmon as well as catching cohos and springs. The springs have been pretty good sized with some in the 30’s but most in the 20’s and high teens. Many of the pinks were caught from Fraser Island west to Secretary Island, but there are even more out on the tide lines. The majority of anglers fishing for springs are now using bait, with anchovies being more popular than herring. Be sure to bring lots of bait though if you’re heading out for springs as the pinks are abundant. The best teaser heads for bait were the Purple Haze, Green Glow and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Silver Betsey, Red/Gold Hot Spot and Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in Glow Below, Purple Haze and Electric Chair. Cop Car or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs. If you are fishing for pinks use the small pink or green mini squirts on short leaders.
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. The pink run has made it here to the Race Rocks area but most are still out further on the tide lines. Out on the tide lines limit catches are the rule and not the exception. Trollers were catching springs up to 30 lbs fishing near Whirl Bay and Church Rock The inside of Pedder Bay did produce a few nice springs up to 27 lbs in size as well as a 38 lb halibut for anglers jigging. Anchovy and herring have been the best baits for springs and 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 Silver Betsey 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 worked for springs.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD in the Race Rocks area with halibut up to 48 lbs brought in on the weekend. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, 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 catch halibut with a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs.
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was FAIR for much of this past week. Anglers fishing at Constance Bank reported catching springs into the high teens mid and some pink salmon. There were also some pinks starting to show up near the Yellow marker buoy. Along the waterfront it was SPOTTY for springs but a few nice ones into the high 20s were caught. Sean McSweeney caught a 27b lb spring on a Nasty Boy spoon at 55’ near the breakwater. 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 Chartreuse, Blue and the Bloody Nose. Many anglers though are fishing squirts and spoons with good success. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and the Glo Below. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Green/Silver Hot Spots.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week at Border Bank, Constance Bank and Albert Head for fish up to 80 lbs. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, 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 most of this past week for smaller springs up to 15 lbs. The pink salmon have not showed up on the Flats yet. Anglers were catching springs while fishing close to the bottom where needlefish are the major food source. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 80 to 150 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts were the Electric Chair, Pickle Green, J-79 and Jellyfish. With spoons, 3½” or 4” Gypsy, Titans, and Coyotes in Cop Car or Silver/Green colors and the Gold Star Coho Killer. Glow in the dark flashers would be the best choice for springs now. Also, jigging can be productive as there are lots of areas with good bottom structure that hold salmon. Gibbs Minnows are a good choice when fishing these spots.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW in Oak Bay and Haro Strait. Salmon bellies, Mackerel, 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 catch halibut with a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs.
Sidney – Salmon fishing was GOOD around Sidney this past week. There have been reports of lots of springs from 15 to 24 lbs by Moresby Island, Coal Island and Hamley Point. Many anglers have been using anchovies in Bloody Nose, Purple Haze and UV Green teaser heads. Hootchies have been out producing squirts recently and the hot patterns for springs now are Army Truck, Glow Below and Electric Chair. We’ve also heard that # 602 Tomic Plugs are catching fish too.
Notable Catches – Ian Robinson brought in a 47.1 lb spring from Renfrew to take over first place on our leaderboard. Sean McSweeney caught a 27b lb spring on a Nasty Boy spoon at 55’ near the breakwater. If you have any fishing info, notable catches, digital photos 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 FAIR TO GOOD on the local lakes for trout and bass. The mornings and evenings have been the best while it’s been slow in the middle of the day.
Cowichan River – The water level on the Cowichan River is at the summer lows. Fishing is tough and tubers will be out in full force if we ever get a warm, sunny day. Try fishing small nymphs and/or streamer patterns for the Rainbows and Browns. Early in the morning or late in evening would be the best times for trout fishing the river. Nymphs are good flies to use all year round, 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 FAIR TO GOOD 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.
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. 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 GOOD this past week. Anglers have been having good luck with spinnerbaits fished near shore in the mornings and evenings. Top water plugs are also lots of fun early and late into the night when fished near structure and the shoreline. 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.
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
Dogfish eating your bait before the salmon can get to it? You can minimize this problem by increasing your trolling speed. The dogfish have a hard time trying to attack quickly moving bait while the much faster salmon have no trouble at all.
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) 127.5 lbs – Reg Day – Sidney – June 26th
4) 124.6 lbs – Todd Steen – Sidney – May 27th
5) 101.9 lbs – Reg Day – Sidney – June 27th
Salmon
1) 47.1 lbs – Ian Robinson – Port Renfrew – Anchovy – July 29th
2) 33.0 lbs – Bill Campbell – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 5th
3) 32.8 lbs – Joe Zammit – Trap shack – Anchovy – July 16th
4) 30.9 lbs – Debbie Campbell – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 5th
5) 30.0 lbs – Milk Jadresko – Trap shack – Anchovy - July 5th