CartFishing Report for Week Ending July 15, 2012
Fishing Report for Week Ending July 15, 2012
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was FAIR TO GOOD this past week. The further west you went the better the fishing. Halibut fishing was GOOD although dogfish were a problem.
Visit our facebook page to enter our fishing picture contest and see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Port Renfrew – Fishing has been GOOD for both salmon and halibut. Swiftsure Bank has been good for both salmon and halibut. The salmon on the bank have been in the mid teens to the low twenties. Closer in, the salmon have been near Logan and Camper creek, but it’s been slow fishing for them. Most of the halibut from the bank are 15 to 35 lbs in size but you can get larger ones if you fish them off the humps and reefs closer to the Island.
9yr old Davin Monyard with an 18 lb spring. He reeled it in like a pro!
Sooke – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. Quite a lot hatchery coho up to 7 lbs in size have been caught. There have been a few sockeyes caught as well. Sockeyes are not available retention at this time and must be released, just as the wild coho have to be released. The springs have been caught in most locations, but Otter Point to Sherringham Point seems to have produced the most and largest springs. Several springs into the low 30’s have been caught, but mostly smaller ones. Gavin Robertson caught a 29 lb spring at Possession Point. Anchovies and small herring are catching the most fish. Bloody Nose, Glow Green and Purple Haze teaser heads. The best flasher has been the O’KI Super Betsey and HOT SPOT Gold Fever Hot. The fish will also hit hootchies and squirts, especially white ones. Other hootchies and squirts that are good are Purple Haze, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Blue/Silver or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for coho.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies 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, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Becher Bay – It was PRETTY GOOD fishing for salmon this past week. Roy Crevatin weighed in a 32.4 lb at the Cheanuh Marina that he caught at Aldridge Point. Big chinook salmon have been caught in all locations from Aldridge Point to the Trap Shack. Most of the springs are being caught between 55 and 120 feet. The favored bait this past week was once again anchovy in a teaser head. The best teaser head colours were Bloody Nose, Army Truck, Green Glow and Purple Haze. The best flashers have been the Super Betsey and the Gold Fever. Hootchies and squirts were good in White, Glo Below and Purple Haze. Cop Car, Mongoose or Green/Silver spoons have also been good for springs and coho.
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD most of this past week. It was slow around William Head and the entrance to the bay but better around Church Rock and in Whirl Bay. That said, most anglers launching at Pedder Bay were running to Sooke where the fishing was better. Springs up to 31 lbs were caught by Church Rock, but not a lot of them. Anchovies are the most popular bait The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Glow Green, Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Silver Fever and Super Betsey. Hootchies and squirts were good in White, Mint Tulip and Purple Haze. Kingfisher spoons in Green/White or Black/Glow and Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also worked very well for the salmon.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD on the weekend. Gord Gavin weighed in halibut up to 90 lbs. Berkeley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was FAIR out at Constance Bank and SPOTTY off the waterfront this past week. On the weekend, though, it was very slow. The best fishing was during the tide changes. Anchovies are the most productive bait now and have been working best in Green glow, Blue and Bloody Nose teaser heads have worked well. Coho Killers, Green/Glow and Army Truck spoons are working well for winter springs. Hootchies and squirts are good in Electric Chair, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Green/Silver Hot Spots.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week for chickens. Constance Bank was the best spot. Extra Large herring, Salmon Bellies 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, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish, and there are lots of dogfish around now.
Oak Bay – Salmon fishing was SPOTTY on the Flats and in the Gap up to Friday last week. On the weekend it was very slow, except for brief periods. The afternoon seems to have been the best time. The best fishing has been on the Flats, just east of Brodie Rock. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 80 to 130 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts are the Cloverleaf, J-79 and Electric Chair. 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.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend. Extra large herring, Salmon Bellies and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Sidney – Salmon fishing was FAIR near Sidney. The best fishing has come from Moresby Island, where springs up to 27 lbs were caught. Coal Island and Hambley Point were much slower due to the heavier currents. In the first hour of daylight the springs have been as shallow as 30-40 feet, but then they head right to the bottom as the day progresses. Anglers have not been using much bait as the dogfish are there in heavy numbers. Squirts have been out producing hootchies and the hot patterns for springs are the J-79, Glow Below and Electric Chair. Mongoose Coyote spoons have also been working well.
Notable Catches – Roy Crevatin weighed in a 32.4 lb at the Cheanuh Marina that he caught at Aldridge Point. Gavin Robertson caught a 29 lb spring at Possession Point. Gord Gavin weighed in halibut up to 90 lbs at Pedder Bay Marina.
Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Trout fishing is SLOWER on most lakes in the South Island area. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are moving closer to the bottom where the temperature is cooler. If you fish the thermocline, you should have good action though. Bass fishing is VERY GOOD on most lakes.
Cowichan River – The water level on the Cowichan River is fairly low and water temperatures are warming as the summer progresses. The best fishing is now in the early morning and evening. The best flies for resident rainbow trout are usually nymphs, especially bead headed Prince and Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear nymphs. If you want to target browns, fish with minnow imitating streamers, muddlers, zonkers or wooly buggers. Also there have been complaints of spin fishermen in the fly only section of river. Keep an eye out and report any possible poachers. Remember it is fly fishing only between the trestle at Greendale road and the 70.2 mile trestle. All wild trout must be released on all streams in region 1 as well.
Local Lakes – Trout fishing is SLOWER on most lakes in the South Island area. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are moving closer to the bottom where the temperature is cooler. Many anglers are catching trout on both Powerbait, Gulp! eggs, or worms, especially while fishing from shore. Fly anglers are doing well using Wooly Buggers, Leeches or Micro Leech patterns when fishing deep. That said, there has been a lot of surface activity lately and both Caddis and mayflies are hatching on most lakes. Trollers have been doing OK with a variety of lures but we’ve heard tat the Orange Hot Shot has been good. The Rhys Davis Baitrix Trout lures and UV Mini Strip Teasers work well for larger fish too. 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,WillowLeafLake trolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. The biggest trout continue to be caught at Elk Lake with Langford Lake being your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”. By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
There are also lots of carp in Beaver Lake right now and anglers are having fun trying to catch them. Dough balls have been traditionally effective bait for carp.
Alex Economou caught a 51 cm bass caught at Shawnigan Lake.
Bass Fishing - Bass fishing is EXCELLENT. Top water lures are working well in the mornings and evenings. During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well tool. 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. Alex Economou caught a 51 cm bass caught at Shawnigan Lake.
Notable Catches – Alex Economou caught a 51 cm bass caught at Shawnigan Lake.
Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
Catching too many dogfish? Try increasing your trolling speed to just a little bit faster than normal, to cut down on the number of hook ups. Be sure to check your baits action, especially if you’re using bait, to make sure that it’s got the correct action at the higher speed.
1) 162.3 lbs – Des Hatchard – Port Renfrew – Herring - April 15th
2) 145.6 lbs – Ken Emms – OakBay– Herring - April 15th
3) 144.5.4 lbs – Trevor MacDougall – OakBay– Herring - May 12th
4) 142.6 lbs – Andrew Stawicki – HaroStrait– Octopus - May 13th
5) 133.5 lbs – Andrew Stawicki – Haro Strait – Octopus – June 11th
1) 39.4 lbs – Curtis Petres – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 2nd
2) 34.8 lbs – Jason Whittaker – Beechey Head – Anchovy – June 23rd
3) 30.0 lbs – Debbie Campbell – Beechey Head – Anchovy - June 27th
4) 28.6 lbs – Duane Bertrand – Trap Shack – Anchovy - June 20th
5) 28.5 lbs – Falon Lancey – Sherringham Point – Anchovy - May 25th
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was FAIR TO GOOD this past week. The further west you went the better the fishing. Halibut fishing was GOOD although dogfish were a problem.
Visit our facebook page to enter our fishing picture contest and see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Port Renfrew – Fishing has been GOOD for both salmon and halibut. Swiftsure Bank has been good for both salmon and halibut. The salmon on the bank have been in the mid teens to the low twenties. Closer in, the salmon have been near Logan and Camper creek, but it’s been slow fishing for them. Most of the halibut from the bank are 15 to 35 lbs in size but you can get larger ones if you fish them off the humps and reefs closer to the Island.
9yr old Davin Monyard with an 18 lb spring. He reeled it in like a pro!Sooke – Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. Quite a lot hatchery coho up to 7 lbs in size have been caught. There have been a few sockeyes caught as well. Sockeyes are not available retention at this time and must be released, just as the wild coho have to be released. The springs have been caught in most locations, but Otter Point to Sherringham Point seems to have produced the most and largest springs. Several springs into the low 30’s have been caught, but mostly smaller ones. Gavin Robertson caught a 29 lb spring at Possession Point. Anchovies and small herring are catching the most fish. Bloody Nose, Glow Green and Purple Haze teaser heads. The best flasher has been the O’KI Super Betsey and HOT SPOT Gold Fever Hot. The fish will also hit hootchies and squirts, especially white ones. Other hootchies and squirts that are good are Purple Haze, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Blue/Silver or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for coho.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies 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, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Becher Bay – It was PRETTY GOOD fishing for salmon this past week. Roy Crevatin weighed in a 32.4 lb at the Cheanuh Marina that he caught at Aldridge Point. Big chinook salmon have been caught in all locations from Aldridge Point to the Trap Shack. Most of the springs are being caught between 55 and 120 feet. The favored bait this past week was once again anchovy in a teaser head. The best teaser head colours were Bloody Nose, Army Truck, Green Glow and Purple Haze. The best flashers have been the Super Betsey and the Gold Fever. Hootchies and squirts were good in White, Glo Below and Purple Haze. Cop Car, Mongoose or Green/Silver spoons have also been good for springs and coho.
Pedder Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD most of this past week. It was slow around William Head and the entrance to the bay but better around Church Rock and in Whirl Bay. That said, most anglers launching at Pedder Bay were running to Sooke where the fishing was better. Springs up to 31 lbs were caught by Church Rock, but not a lot of them. Anchovies are the most popular bait The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Glow Green, Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Silver Fever and Super Betsey. Hootchies and squirts were good in White, Mint Tulip and Purple Haze. Kingfisher spoons in Green/White or Black/Glow and Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also worked very well for the salmon.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD on the weekend. Gord Gavin weighed in halibut up to 90 lbs. Berkeley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Victoria Waterfront – Salmon fishing was FAIR out at Constance Bank and SPOTTY off the waterfront this past week. On the weekend, though, it was very slow. The best fishing was during the tide changes. Anchovies are the most productive bait now and have been working best in Green glow, Blue and Bloody Nose teaser heads have worked well. Coho Killers, Green/Glow and Army Truck spoons are working well for winter springs. Hootchies and squirts are good in Electric Chair, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Green/Silver Hot Spots.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week for chickens. Constance Bank was the best spot. Extra Large herring, Salmon Bellies 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, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish, and there are lots of dogfish around now.
Oak Bay – Salmon fishing was SPOTTY on the Flats and in the Gap up to Friday last week. On the weekend it was very slow, except for brief periods. The afternoon seems to have been the best time. The best fishing has been on the Flats, just east of Brodie Rock. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 80 to 130 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts are the Cloverleaf, J-79 and Electric Chair. 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.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend. Extra large herring, Salmon Bellies and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. Berkely Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, a Jig-a-Lu, Big Eye Jigs, Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
Sidney – Salmon fishing was FAIR near Sidney. The best fishing has come from Moresby Island, where springs up to 27 lbs were caught. Coal Island and Hambley Point were much slower due to the heavier currents. In the first hour of daylight the springs have been as shallow as 30-40 feet, but then they head right to the bottom as the day progresses. Anglers have not been using much bait as the dogfish are there in heavy numbers. Squirts have been out producing hootchies and the hot patterns for springs are the J-79, Glow Below and Electric Chair. Mongoose Coyote spoons have also been working well.
Notable Catches – Roy Crevatin weighed in a 32.4 lb at the Cheanuh Marina that he caught at Aldridge Point. Gavin Robertson caught a 29 lb spring at Possession Point. Gord Gavin weighed in halibut up to 90 lbs at Pedder Bay Marina.
Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Trout fishing is SLOWER on most lakes in the South Island area. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are moving closer to the bottom where the temperature is cooler. If you fish the thermocline, you should have good action though. Bass fishing is VERY GOOD on most lakes.
Cowichan River – The water level on the Cowichan River is fairly low and water temperatures are warming as the summer progresses. The best fishing is now in the early morning and evening. The best flies for resident rainbow trout are usually nymphs, especially bead headed Prince and Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear nymphs. If you want to target browns, fish with minnow imitating streamers, muddlers, zonkers or wooly buggers. Also there have been complaints of spin fishermen in the fly only section of river. Keep an eye out and report any possible poachers. Remember it is fly fishing only between the trestle at Greendale road and the 70.2 mile trestle. All wild trout must be released on all streams in region 1 as well.
Local Lakes – Trout fishing is SLOWER on most lakes in the South Island area. The water temperature is increasing and the fish are moving closer to the bottom where the temperature is cooler. Many anglers are catching trout on both Powerbait, Gulp! eggs, or worms, especially while fishing from shore. Fly anglers are doing well using Wooly Buggers, Leeches or Micro Leech patterns when fishing deep. That said, there has been a lot of surface activity lately and both Caddis and mayflies are hatching on most lakes. Trollers have been doing OK with a variety of lures but we’ve heard tat the Orange Hot Shot has been good. The Rhys Davis Baitrix Trout lures and UV Mini Strip Teasers work well for larger fish too. 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,WillowLeafLake trolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. The biggest trout continue to be caught at Elk Lake with Langford Lake being your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”. By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
There are also lots of carp in Beaver Lake right now and anglers are having fun trying to catch them. Dough balls have been traditionally effective bait for carp.
Alex Economou caught a 51 cm bass caught at Shawnigan Lake.Bass Fishing - Bass fishing is EXCELLENT. Top water lures are working well in the mornings and evenings. During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well tool. 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. Alex Economou caught a 51 cm bass caught at Shawnigan Lake.
Notable Catches – Alex Economou caught a 51 cm bass caught at Shawnigan Lake.
Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
Catching too many dogfish? Try increasing your trolling speed to just a little bit faster than normal, to cut down on the number of hook ups. Be sure to check your baits action, especially if you’re using bait, to make sure that it’s got the correct action at the higher speed.
Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2012
Halibut
1) 162.3 lbs – Des Hatchard – Port Renfrew – Herring - April 15th
2) 145.6 lbs – Ken Emms – OakBay– Herring - April 15th
3) 144.5.4 lbs – Trevor MacDougall – OakBay– Herring - May 12th
4) 142.6 lbs – Andrew Stawicki – HaroStrait– Octopus - May 13th
5) 133.5 lbs – Andrew Stawicki – Haro Strait – Octopus – June 11th
Salmon
1) 39.4 lbs – Curtis Petres – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 2nd
2) 34.8 lbs – Jason Whittaker – Beechey Head – Anchovy – June 23rd
3) 30.0 lbs – Debbie Campbell – Beechey Head – Anchovy - June 27th
4) 28.6 lbs – Duane Bertrand – Trap Shack – Anchovy - June 20th
5) 28.5 lbs – Falon Lancey – Sherringham Point – Anchovy - May 25th