CartFishing Report for Week Ending September 12, 2011
Fishing Report for Week Ending September 12, 2011
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon is rapidly SLOWING DOWN in most locations. The big pink salmon run is just about over. Right now there still is a mix of springs, pinks, coho and sockeye in local waters. Halibut fishing is CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Port Renfrew – Salmon fishing has SLOWED DOWN since the big rains moved the fish towards their natal waters. There are still springs up to 30 lbs being caught, but mostly at Swiftsure Bank. Along the coastline it’s a lot slower. The Chinooks by Nitinat have all moved into the lake and river. Elsewhere, a few Chinooks are being caught from Camper Creek to Walbram Creek. The coho are not really abundant either and the odd pink is still being caught. Anchovies are producing best right now.
Sooke – Salmon fishing has SLOWED DOWN. Anglers are still catching a mixture of pinks, springs and coho, but have to work really hard for their fish. We’re also hearing of more boats getting skunked. The springs have been mostly in the teens and twenties in size. The best spots to catch them have been Sherringham Point, Otter Point, and Possession Point. Anchovies have been working best in Purple Haze, UV Green 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 Gold Fever Hot Spot. Mongoose Coyote spoons also work well.
Becher Bay – Salmon fishing has SLOWED DOWN over the past week. Anglers are catching fewer pink salmon, as well as fewer springs and cohos. The springs have been running in the teens and 20’s in size with the odd bigger one. Last Monday a 35 lb spring was caught by Beechey Head. The Trap Shack and the Head have been the best spots for springs. The majority of anglers fishing for springs are now using bait, with anchovies being most popular. The best teaser heads for bait were the Purple Haze, UV Green and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Silver Betsey, Gold Fever 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.
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was has PRETTY SLOW this past week. The number of pink salmon around has really dropped and only a few hatchery coho were taken near here. Anglers were catching springs near Church Rock up to the mid 20 lbs in size, but not too many of them. Not much action came from inside the bay. 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.
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was SLOW for much of this past week. Constance Bank had a big run of just barely legal feeder springs but most anglers were staying away from them, preferring to let them grow to adulthood. Closer in the some pinks are still being caught near Clover Point and Finlayson Point. Along the waterfront it was slower for springs into the 20s. Anchovies and herring are top producers this time of year as well. The best teaser head colors are UV Green 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.
The James Bay Angers’ Association held their annual salmon derby over the weekend. First place went to Jim Senese for a 20 lb 14 oz spring. Jim also caught an 18 lb 11 oz spring which was not eligible for a prize but was the third largest salmon caught. Second place went to Kevin Creelman for a 19 lb 11 oz spring. Third place was awarded to Greg Bath for an 18 lb 6 oz spring. The largest coho prize went to Mark Twidale for an 8 lb 4 oz fish. Top lady angler was Carla Parkes with an 11 lb 2 oz spring. Top junior angler was Chris Imhoff with a 5 lb coho. Runner up in the junior category went to Brennan Creelman.
Oak Bay – Salmon fishing has SLOWED DOWN on the Flats for smaller springs and pink salmon. Anglers were catching springs while fishing close to the bottom where most of the fish being caught are feeder springs. 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.
Sidney – Salmon fishing has SLOWED DOWN around the Pender Bluffs this past week. There were some springs as well as pink salmon caught there. The majority of pinks majority were taken between 65 to 75 feet while trolling into the current around the tide changes. The springs are being caught close to the Bluffs in 70 to 90 feet of water at 45 feet on the downrigger. There have also been springs near Hamley Point. Elsewhere, there have been a lot of just undersize springs in the Sidney 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.
There were two derbies around Sidney this past weekend. There was the Grady white Derby for Grady White owners and guests and it was won by Maxwell Harris with a 16½ lb spring caught near Pender Island. The Sidney Anglers Association held their annual Roundup Derby on Sunday. It was won by Doug Ellison with a 21 lb spring. Second place went to Cliff Kindree with a 17 lb 8 oz spring and third went to Brian Dunic for a 16 lb spring.
Notable Catches – The James Bay Angers’ Association held their annual salmon derby over the weekend. First place went to Jim Senese for a 20 lb 14 oz spring. Jim also caught an 18 lb 11 oz spring which was not eligible for a prize but was the third largest salmon caught. Second place went to Kevin Creelman for a 19 lb 11 oz spring. Third place was awarded to Greg Bath for an 18 lb 6 oz spring. The largest coho prize went to Mark Twidale for an 8 lb 4 oz fish. Top lady angler was Carla Parkes with an 11 lb 2 oz spring. Top junior angler was Chris Imhoff with a 5 lb coho. Runner up in the junior category went to Brennan Creelman.
Maxwell Harris won the Grady White salmon derby with a 16½ lb spring caught near Pender Island. The Sidney Anglers Association held their annual Roundup Derby on Sunday. It was won by Doug Ellison with a 21 lb spring. Second place went to Cliff Kindree with a 17 lb 8 oz spring and third went to Brian Dunic for a 16 lb spring.
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.
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”.
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
At this time of the year you have to pay particular attention to fishery
openings and closures. It almost seems as if some areas are only open for salmon on a day-to-day basis. What is closed one day may be open the next, and vice versa. So the day before you go fishing, phone federal fisheries or visit their web site to find out what opportunities are available and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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) 40.0 lbs – Dave Stubbs – Constance Bank – Hootchy – August 20th
3) 36.4 lbs – Brandon Salter – Waterfront – Anchovy – August 7th
4) 33.0 lbs – Bill Campbell – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 5tth
5) 32.8 lbs – Joe Zammit – Trap shack – Anchovy – July 16th
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!
See our event pages for upcoming events!
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon is rapidly SLOWING DOWN in most locations. The big pink salmon run is just about over. Right now there still is a mix of springs, pinks, coho and sockeye in local waters. Halibut fishing is CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Port Renfrew – Salmon fishing has SLOWED DOWN since the big rains moved the fish towards their natal waters. There are still springs up to 30 lbs being caught, but mostly at Swiftsure Bank. Along the coastline it’s a lot slower. The Chinooks by Nitinat have all moved into the lake and river. Elsewhere, a few Chinooks are being caught from Camper Creek to Walbram Creek. The coho are not really abundant either and the odd pink is still being caught. Anchovies are producing best right now.
Some staff and friends of Island OutfittersSooke – Salmon fishing has SLOWED DOWN. Anglers are still catching a mixture of pinks, springs and coho, but have to work really hard for their fish. We’re also hearing of more boats getting skunked. The springs have been mostly in the teens and twenties in size. The best spots to catch them have been Sherringham Point, Otter Point, and Possession Point. Anchovies have been working best in Purple Haze, UV Green 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 Gold Fever Hot Spot. Mongoose Coyote spoons also work well.
Becher Bay – Salmon fishing has SLOWED DOWN over the past week. Anglers are catching fewer pink salmon, as well as fewer springs and cohos. The springs have been running in the teens and 20’s in size with the odd bigger one. Last Monday a 35 lb spring was caught by Beechey Head. The Trap Shack and the Head have been the best spots for springs. The majority of anglers fishing for springs are now using bait, with anchovies being most popular. The best teaser heads for bait were the Purple Haze, UV Green and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Silver Betsey, Gold Fever 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.
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was has PRETTY SLOW this past week. The number of pink salmon around has really dropped and only a few hatchery coho were taken near here. Anglers were catching springs near Church Rock up to the mid 20 lbs in size, but not too many of them. Not much action came from inside the bay. 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.
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was SLOW for much of this past week. Constance Bank had a big run of just barely legal feeder springs but most anglers were staying away from them, preferring to let them grow to adulthood. Closer in the some pinks are still being caught near Clover Point and Finlayson Point. Along the waterfront it was slower for springs into the 20s. Anchovies and herring are top producers this time of year as well. The best teaser head colors are UV Green 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.
The James Bay Angers’ Association held their annual salmon derby over the weekend. First place went to Jim Senese for a 20 lb 14 oz spring. Jim also caught an 18 lb 11 oz spring which was not eligible for a prize but was the third largest salmon caught. Second place went to Kevin Creelman for a 19 lb 11 oz spring. Third place was awarded to Greg Bath for an 18 lb 6 oz spring. The largest coho prize went to Mark Twidale for an 8 lb 4 oz fish. Top lady angler was Carla Parkes with an 11 lb 2 oz spring. Top junior angler was Chris Imhoff with a 5 lb coho. Runner up in the junior category went to Brennan Creelman.
Oak Bay – Salmon fishing has SLOWED DOWN on the Flats for smaller springs and pink salmon. Anglers were catching springs while fishing close to the bottom where most of the fish being caught are feeder springs. 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.
Sidney – Salmon fishing has SLOWED DOWN around the Pender Bluffs this past week. There were some springs as well as pink salmon caught there. The majority of pinks majority were taken between 65 to 75 feet while trolling into the current around the tide changes. The springs are being caught close to the Bluffs in 70 to 90 feet of water at 45 feet on the downrigger. There have also been springs near Hamley Point. Elsewhere, there have been a lot of just undersize springs in the Sidney 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.
There were two derbies around Sidney this past weekend. There was the Grady white Derby for Grady White owners and guests and it was won by Maxwell Harris with a 16½ lb spring caught near Pender Island. The Sidney Anglers Association held their annual Roundup Derby on Sunday. It was won by Doug Ellison with a 21 lb spring. Second place went to Cliff Kindree with a 17 lb 8 oz spring and third went to Brian Dunic for a 16 lb spring.
Notable Catches – The James Bay Angers’ Association held their annual salmon derby over the weekend. First place went to Jim Senese for a 20 lb 14 oz spring. Jim also caught an 18 lb 11 oz spring which was not eligible for a prize but was the third largest salmon caught. Second place went to Kevin Creelman for a 19 lb 11 oz spring. Third place was awarded to Greg Bath for an 18 lb 6 oz spring. The largest coho prize went to Mark Twidale for an 8 lb 4 oz fish. Top lady angler was Carla Parkes with an 11 lb 2 oz spring. Top junior angler was Chris Imhoff with a 5 lb coho. Runner up in the junior category went to Brennan Creelman.
Maxwell Harris won the Grady White salmon derby with a 16½ lb spring caught near Pender Island. The Sidney Anglers Association held their annual Roundup Derby on Sunday. It was won by Doug Ellison with a 21 lb spring. Second place went to Cliff Kindree with a 17 lb 8 oz spring and third went to Brian Dunic for a 16 lb spring.
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”.
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
At this time of the year you have to pay particular attention to fishery
openings and closures. It almost seems as if some areas are only open for salmon on a day-to-day basis. What is closed one day may be open the next, and vice versa. So the day before you go fishing, phone federal fisheries or visit their web site to find out what opportunities are available and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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) 40.0 lbs – Dave Stubbs – Constance Bank – Hootchy – August 20th
3) 36.4 lbs – Brandon Salter – Waterfront – Anchovy – August 7th
4) 33.0 lbs – Bill Campbell – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 5tth
5) 32.8 lbs – Joe Zammit – Trap shack – Anchovy – July 16th
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!
See our event pages for upcoming events!