Fishing Report for Week Ending September 4, 2011

for Week Ending September 4, 2011

SALTWATER

OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing remains PRETTY GOOD in most locations. The big pink salmon has slowed but fish are still being caught in most areas. Right now there is a mix of springs, pinks, coho and sockeye in local waters. Halibut fishing was GOOD but only one more day until the closure on Sept 5th.

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Port Renfrew – Fishing for halibut is EXCELLENT out at Swiftsure Bank. However, the spring fishing on the bank has slowed down. Closer in along the beach it has been GOOD for anglers after big springs, coho and pink salmon. Camper Creek, Walbram and Logan have been hot spots recently. Springs up to 35 lbs have been caught this past weekend along the beach.

 Sooke – Salmon fishing was PRETTY GOOD with different types of salmon abundant. Those anglers targeting the pinks and fishing the first and second tides lines off of Sooke Bay were lcatching pinks, but not always limits. Anglers fishing for springs were finding nice springs, mostly 10 to 25 lbs in size, near Secretary Island and Possession Point, Otter Point and Sherringham Point. Ron Lear landed a big one this past week, a 42 lb spring caught near Possession Point on anchovy. A 32 lb spring was also caught there this past week. Some sockeye were also caught. The pinks have been as large as 10 lbs while the coho are mostly in the 4 to 10 lb size range. 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. Good lures for the pinks are small pink plankton squirts or the 4.5 # 80 Apex.

HALIBUT – Halibut action was GOOD for small ”chickens” 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 catching pink salmon, as well as springs, cohos and sockeyes. The springs have been running in the teens and 20’s in size with the odd bigger one. Tom Pitts caught one of those, a 43.6 lb spring, while fishing an anchovy at 40 feet near the Trap shack. The Trap Shack and the Head have been the best spots for springs. Lots of pinks were caught from Fraser Island west to Secretary Island, but there are even more fish further 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/Glow 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 or the # 80 Apex.

Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was PRETTY GOOD this past week. Lots of anglers were targeting pink salmon, mostly out into the strait, but some were fishing as close as the edge of the bay. Out on the tide lines catches are more consistent. If you are fishing for pinks use the small pink or green mini squirts or a # 80 Apex. Trollers were catching springs near Whirl Bay and Church Rock up to the mid 20 lbs in size. 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 during the weekend. A 200 lb halibut was brought in late on Saturday evening according to the marina. No names were available as to who caught the fish or where. 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 SLOWER for much of this past week. Constance Bank was good for springs and pinks early in the week but slowed by the weekend. The pinks are starting to show up near the Yellow marker buoy and anglers are getting springs out there as well while fishing for the pinks. Closer in the pinks are also being caught near Clover Point and Finlayson Point. Along the waterfront it was slower for springs into the 20s. For most of the past week spring salmon were chasing small herring around the harbour area. Anchovies and herring are top producers this time of year as well. 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. If you are fishing for pinks use the small pink or green mini squirts or the 4.5 # 80 Apex.

David Simpson hooked into a double header of big springs off the waterfront while fishing alone. He managed to land the smallest of the pair, which weighed 33½ lbs. 

HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend at Constance Bank. We know of at least 7 halibut up to 50 lbs that were caught there on Saturday. 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 for smaller springs up to 15 lbs and pink salmon. Anglers were catching springs while fishing close to the bottom where needlefish are the major food source but getting the pinks higher up in the water column. The best bet for springs 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 GOOD in Oak Bay and Haro Strait. An 85 lb halibut was seen at the cleaning table this past 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.
 

Sidney – Salmon fishing was NOT TOO BAD around the Pender Bluffs this past week. There were some springs into the high teens as well as pink salmon caught there. The pinks have been caught from 17 to 100 feet on the downrigger, so you have to find the right depth to really get into them. That said, the majority were taken between 55 to 75 feet. The springs are being caught close to the Bluffs in 70 to 90 feet of water. Elsewhere, it’s been slower for springs in the channel and around Coal Island. Anglers are now catching winter springs just short of the minimum retention size in the channel. Many anglers have been fishing for springs 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. Mongoose Coyote spoons have also been working well. If you are fishing for pinks use the small pink or green mini squirts or a # 80 Apex.

Notable Catches – Ron Lear landed a big one this past week, a 42 lb spring caught near Possession Point on anchovy. Tom Pitts caught a 43.6 lb spring while fishing an anchovy at 40 feet near the Trap shack. David Simpson hooked into a double header of big springs off the waterfront while fishing alone. He managed to land the smallest of the pair, which weighed 33½ lbs. 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.




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”.

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 – Guy Herbert caught and released a 17” rainbow trout and a 16” cutthroat trout this past week. 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

 Brine your salmon bait! It’s a fact that many top salmon anglers brine their anchovies or sardines in salt before going fishing for the day.  This makes the bait tougher, last longer, and retain its shape better while trolling.  Some anglers prefer liquid brine while others just heavily salt the bait. And still others add scents and oils or other scent to the brine to add that extra attractant.

 Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2011

Halibut

1)    231.4 lbs – Terry Zarelli – Race Rocks area – Octopus- March 25^th

2)    194.4 lbs – Al Crow – Sooke – Salmon Head – May 14^th

3)    127.5 lbs – Reg Day – Sidney – June 26^th

4)    124.6 lbs – Todd Steen – Sidney – May 27^th

5) 101.9 lbs – Reg Day – Sidney – June 27^th 

Salmon

 

     1) 47.1 lbs – Ian Robinson – Port Renfrew – Anchovy – July 29^th   

     2) 40.0 lbs – Dave Stubbs – Constance Bank – Hootchy – August 20^th

     3) 36.4 lbs – Brandon Salter – Waterfront – Anchovy – August 7^th

     4) 33.0 lbs – Bill Campbell – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 5^tth

     5) 32.8 lbs – Joe Zammit – Trap shack – Anchovy – July 16^th

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 31^st 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!

See our event pages for upcoming events!

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 – Guy Herbert caught and released a 17” rainbow trout and a 16” cutthroat trout this past week. 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

 

Brine your salmon bait! It’s a fact that many top salmon anglers brine their anchovies or sardines in salt before going fishing for the day.  This makes the bait tougher, last longer, and retain its shape better while trolling.  Some anglers prefer liquid brine while others just heavily salt the bait. And still others add scents and oils or other scent to the brine to add that extra attractant.

 

Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2011

Halibut

1)    231.4 lbs – Terry Zarelli – Race Rocks area – Octopus- March 25^th

2)    194.4 lbs – Al Crow – Sooke – Salmon Head – May 14^th

3)    127.5 lbs – Reg Day – Sidney – June 26^th

4)    124.6 lbs – Todd Steen – Sidney – May 27^th

5) 101.9 lbs – Reg Day – Sidney – June 27^th 

Salmon

 

     1) 47.1 lbs – Ian Robinson – Port Renfrew – Anchovy – July 29^th   

     2) 40.0 lbs – Dave Stubbs – Constance Bank – Hootchy – August 20^th

     3) 36.4 lbs – Brandon Salter – Waterfront – Anchovy – August 7^th

     4) 33.0 lbs – Bill Campbell – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 5^tth

     5) 32.8 lbs – Joe Zammit – Trap shack – Anchovy – July 16^th

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 31^st 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!

See our event pages for upcoming events!