CartFishing Report for Week Ending Aug 12, 2012
Fishing Report for Week Ending Aug 12, 2012
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was PRETTY GOOD west of Race Rocks and but only FAIR east of Race Rocks. Halibut fishing was GOOD although dogfish were a problem in some areas.
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Jeff Saponja with his 182.8 lb halibut caught while fishing with us at Port Renfrew. A pretty good day!
Port Renfrew – Fishing has been EXCLLENT in Port Renfrew. Swiftsure Bank has been good for spring salmon running from 10 to 25 lbs, coho to 12 lbs and halibut to 30 lbs. Closer in, it’s picked up for big springs. The best fishing has been near Logan and Camper creeks. Jeff Saponja topped all catches this past week by landing a 182.8 lb halibut.
Another good day on our boat at Port Renfrew
Sooke – Spring salmon fishing GOOD for springs up to 41 lbs. Like last week, most springs were caught near Secretary Island, Possession Point and near Otter Point. Don Johnson landed a 38 lb spring near Secretary Island. A larger 41 lb fish came from near Otter Point. Salmon fishing was slower for cohos his past week. A few hatchery coho up to 12 lbs in size were caught. The coho were generally out farther into the strait, along the tide lines. Some Sockeyes are being caught but are not available retention at this time and must be released, just as the wild coho have to be released. A few pink salmon were also caught. Anchovies and herring are catching the most springs. 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 – Fishing for big springs was PRETTY GOOD this past week. The best spot was Beechey Head, where springs up to 33 lbs were caught. However, big springs came from the Bedford Islands all the way to Secretary Island. Most of the springs are being caught between 55 and 120 feet and weighed in the teens and twenties. It was slower for cohos his past week farther out on the tide lines in the Strait. Anglers caught a few hatchery coho up to 12 lbs, besides the occasional chinook out there. 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 Coyotes or Green/Silver Coho Killer spoons have been good for both springs and coho.
Logan and Luke Willis worked/played together to catch a 25 pound spring off the Trap Shack at 110 ft with gold flasher , anchovy in an army truck teaser,
Pedder Bay – The fishing for springs off Church Rock and Whirl Bay was GOOD this past week, with fish up to 28 lbs being caught. Some springs up to 25 lbs were also caught in Pedder Bay and by William Head. The fishing was slower for cohos most of this past week. The coho action was best a couple of miles out on the tide lines and shipping lanes. Anchovies are the most popular bait now. 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. The Coho Killer spoons have been deadly on coho when trolled quickly.
The 18th Annual MVFD Bite Me Derby was held at Pedder Bay on the weekend. First place went to Brian Crossley with a 33.8 lb spring salmon. Mike Paltinger came in second with a 29.3 lb spring and third went to Vic Saber who also caught a 29.3 lb spring but entered it after Mike entered his fish.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was VERY GOOD on the weekend. Halibut up to 72 lbs were brought in this past weekend from the Race Rocks area. Salmon Bellies and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. 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 GOOD out at Constance Bank and FAIR off the waterfront this past weekend. Out at the bank there were a few hatchery coho taken as well as springs up to 30 lbs. Although there were lots of boats by the breakwater, less than half caught a fish. On Saturday’s creel survey, most of the fish caught were taken at Constance Bank. The best fishing was during the tide changes close in and most of the day at Constance Bank. Anchovies are the most productive bait now and have been working best in Blue/Clear, Clear/Green Scale and Bloody Nose teaser heads. Green/Silver coyotes and Coho Killer spoons are working well out on Constance Bank. Hootchies and squirts are good in Electric Chair, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Good flashers have been the Ok’I Betsey and Green/Gold and Gold Fever Hot Spots.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was VERY GOOD this past week halibut up to 60 lbs. 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 GOOD on the Flats for most of last week. There were some nice fish into the low 20’s caught, but most were smaller. The best fishing has been just east of Brodie Rock in 80 to 110 feet of water. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 80 to 110 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. One boat brought in two halibut weighing 80 & 40 lbs! Other smaller halibut were also caught. 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 SLOW near Sidney. The best fishing has come from Sidney Spit, James Island and Hambley Point. Also, be aware of the seasonal closures in the Sidney area that are now in effect. 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 – Jeff Saponja topped all catches this past week by landing a 182.8 lb halibut near Port Renfrew. Don Johnson landed a 38 lb spring near Secretary Island. The 18th Annual MVFD Bite Me Derby was held at Pedder Bay on the weekend. First place went to Brian Crossley with a 33.8 lb spring salmon. Mike Paltinger came in second with a 29.3 lb spring and third went to Vic Saber who also caught a 29.3 lb spring, but entered it after Mike entered his fish.
Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
OVERVIEW – Trout fishing is SLOW on most lakes in the South Island area. The trout are moving closer to the bottom or thermocline where the temperature is cooler. If you fish the thermocline, you should have good action. Bass fishing is 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, Willow Leaf Lake 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.
Bass Fishing - Bass fishing is GOOD. 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.
Notable Catches – Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
Be alert and courteous to the boats around you! When boats are fishing close together and one boat hooks into a big spring, well that fish is going to make a big run (usually straight back). You should always move away from the boat that’s fighting a fish or get your gear up and away from the fish. You’ll appreciate it when you’ve hooked that slab and other boats keep out of your way.
2) 162.3 lbs – Des Hatchard – Port Renfrew – Herring - April 15th
3) 145.6 lbs – Ken Emms – Oak Bay – Herring - April 15th
4) 144.5.4 lbs – Trevor MacDougall – Oak Bay – Herring - May 12th
5) 142.6 lbs – Andrew Stawicki – Haro Strait – Octopus - May 13th
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
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 2012!
See our event pages for upcoming events and like us on facebook!
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was PRETTY GOOD west of Race Rocks and but only FAIR east of Race Rocks. Halibut fishing was GOOD although dogfish were a problem in some areas.
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!
Jeff Saponja with his 182.8 lb halibut caught while fishing with us at Port Renfrew. A pretty good day!Port Renfrew – Fishing has been EXCLLENT in Port Renfrew. Swiftsure Bank has been good for spring salmon running from 10 to 25 lbs, coho to 12 lbs and halibut to 30 lbs. Closer in, it’s picked up for big springs. The best fishing has been near Logan and Camper creeks. Jeff Saponja topped all catches this past week by landing a 182.8 lb halibut.
Another good day on our boat at Port RenfrewSooke – Spring salmon fishing GOOD for springs up to 41 lbs. Like last week, most springs were caught near Secretary Island, Possession Point and near Otter Point. Don Johnson landed a 38 lb spring near Secretary Island. A larger 41 lb fish came from near Otter Point. Salmon fishing was slower for cohos his past week. A few hatchery coho up to 12 lbs in size were caught. The coho were generally out farther into the strait, along the tide lines. Some Sockeyes are being caught but are not available retention at this time and must be released, just as the wild coho have to be released. A few pink salmon were also caught. Anchovies and herring are catching the most springs. 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 – Fishing for big springs was PRETTY GOOD this past week. The best spot was Beechey Head, where springs up to 33 lbs were caught. However, big springs came from the Bedford Islands all the way to Secretary Island. Most of the springs are being caught between 55 and 120 feet and weighed in the teens and twenties. It was slower for cohos his past week farther out on the tide lines in the Strait. Anglers caught a few hatchery coho up to 12 lbs, besides the occasional chinook out there. 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 Coyotes or Green/Silver Coho Killer spoons have been good for both springs and coho.
Logan and Luke Willis worked/played together to catch a 25 pound spring off the Trap Shack at 110 ft with gold flasher , anchovy in an army truck teaser,Pedder Bay – The fishing for springs off Church Rock and Whirl Bay was GOOD this past week, with fish up to 28 lbs being caught. Some springs up to 25 lbs were also caught in Pedder Bay and by William Head. The fishing was slower for cohos most of this past week. The coho action was best a couple of miles out on the tide lines and shipping lanes. Anchovies are the most popular bait now. 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. The Coho Killer spoons have been deadly on coho when trolled quickly.
The 18th Annual MVFD Bite Me Derby was held at Pedder Bay on the weekend. First place went to Brian Crossley with a 33.8 lb spring salmon. Mike Paltinger came in second with a 29.3 lb spring and third went to Vic Saber who also caught a 29.3 lb spring but entered it after Mike entered his fish.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was VERY GOOD on the weekend. Halibut up to 72 lbs were brought in this past weekend from the Race Rocks area. Salmon Bellies and/or Octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. 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 GOOD out at Constance Bank and FAIR off the waterfront this past weekend. Out at the bank there were a few hatchery coho taken as well as springs up to 30 lbs. Although there were lots of boats by the breakwater, less than half caught a fish. On Saturday’s creel survey, most of the fish caught were taken at Constance Bank. The best fishing was during the tide changes close in and most of the day at Constance Bank. Anchovies are the most productive bait now and have been working best in Blue/Clear, Clear/Green Scale and Bloody Nose teaser heads. Green/Silver coyotes and Coho Killer spoons are working well out on Constance Bank. Hootchies and squirts are good in Electric Chair, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Good flashers have been the Ok’I Betsey and Green/Gold and Gold Fever Hot Spots.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was VERY GOOD this past week halibut up to 60 lbs. 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 GOOD on the Flats for most of last week. There were some nice fish into the low 20’s caught, but most were smaller. The best fishing has been just east of Brodie Rock in 80 to 110 feet of water. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 80 to 110 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. One boat brought in two halibut weighing 80 & 40 lbs! Other smaller halibut were also caught. 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 SLOW near Sidney. The best fishing has come from Sidney Spit, James Island and Hambley Point. Also, be aware of the seasonal closures in the Sidney area that are now in effect. 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 – Jeff Saponja topped all catches this past week by landing a 182.8 lb halibut near Port Renfrew. Don Johnson landed a 38 lb spring near Secretary Island. The 18th Annual MVFD Bite Me Derby was held at Pedder Bay on the weekend. First place went to Brian Crossley with a 33.8 lb spring salmon. Mike Paltinger came in second with a 29.3 lb spring and third went to Vic Saber who also caught a 29.3 lb spring, but entered it after Mike entered his fish.
Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Trout fishing is SLOW on most lakes in the South Island area. The trout are moving closer to the bottom or thermocline where the temperature is cooler. If you fish the thermocline, you should have good action. Bass fishing is 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, Willow Leaf Lake 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.
Bass Fishing - Bass fishing is GOOD. 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.
Notable Catches – Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
Be alert and courteous to the boats around you! When boats are fishing close together and one boat hooks into a big spring, well that fish is going to make a big run (usually straight back). You should always move away from the boat that’s fighting a fish or get your gear up and away from the fish. You’ll appreciate it when you’ve hooked that slab and other boats keep out of your way.
Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2012
Halibut
1) 182.8 lbs – Jeff Saponja – Port Renfrew – Mackerel – August 11th
2) 162.3 lbs – Des Hatchard – Port Renfrew – Herring - April 15th
3) 145.6 lbs – Ken Emms – Oak Bay – Herring - April 15th
4) 144.5.4 lbs – Trevor MacDougall – Oak Bay – Herring - May 12th
5) 142.6 lbs – Andrew Stawicki – Haro Strait – Octopus - May 13th
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
2012 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 2012!
See our event pages for upcoming events and like us on facebook!