CartFishing Report for Week Ending Aug 26, 2012
Fishing Report for Week Ending Aug 26, 2012
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was FAIR west of Victoria with several fish over 30 lbs caught but SLOW in the Victoria and Oak Bay area. Halibut fishing was GOOD in most areas.
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 FAIR in Port Renfrew. Swiftsure Bank has been slower for spring salmon running from 10 to 25 lbs and coho to 12 lbs, and tougher for halibut to 30 lbs. Closer in, it’s HOT & COLD for big springs. The best fishing has been near Logan and Camper creeks. Nicolas Harris (age 7) caught a 24 lb chinook in Port Renfrew! He played it and dad netted it! He asked his dad after they landed it..."dad? Is it knuckle duster or knuckle buster?
Nicolas Harris with his big spring!
Sooke – Spring salmon fishing was FAIR for springs up to 33 lbs. Most of the springs were caught from Otter Point westward to Point No Point and Muir Creek was again a hot spot. More coho were caught this past week, especially closer in to shore. All wild coho have to be released. 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 GOOD this past week. The best spots were Beechey Head and the Trap Shack. Aydan Crawford (age 11) caught her first Tyee off of the Trap Shack on a Bloody Nose teaser head and anchovy. She reeled it in with no help, only words of encouragement. Most of the springs are being caught between 55 and 110 feet and weighed in the teens and twenties. It was better for cohos his past as anglers caught hatchery coho up to 12 lbs. 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.
Cheanuh Marina held their Doug Smithson’s Memorial Fishing derby over the weekend. Girard Landry caught the largest salmon, a 27.8 lb fish. Second place went to Mike Hardy with a 26.6 lb spring and Ken Casilio was third with a 23.2 lb spring.
Aydan Crawford with her first TYEE!
Pedder Bay – The fishing for springs was GOOD this past weekend, both in the bay and near church Rock. The fishing was much better for hatchery cohos up to 12 lbs this past week. The coho action was best several 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.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD in the area. A fair number of halibut up to 55 lbs were caught. 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 FAIR out at Constance Bank and SPOTTY off the waterfront this past weekend. Out at the bank there were a few hatchery coho taken as well as springs up to 20 lbs. It was spotty at best near the breakwater and not much better at Clover Point. 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 Red/Silver, Silver Betsey and Gold Fever Hot Spots. There was a 44 lb ling cod caught by the breakwater recently and we think that was the big fish in last week’s rumor.
Esquimalt Anglers Association held their 60th anniversary salmon derby today (1952-2012). There were a total of 18 salmon weighed in; 15 were chinook and 3 were coho. First place was Dave Evans with a 24 lb 14 oz ($500), second place was Ken Prosser with a 16 lb 15 oz ($300) and third place was Tom Gogela with a 16 lb 6 oz ($200). There were 8 chinooks over 10 pounds. There was a huge turnout for this event so the total number of fish caught was quite low for the effort.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week halibut. Constance Bank was the best spot with lots of “chickens” caught there. 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 in Oak bay this past week. There were some nice fish up to 15 lbs caught. 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. Mostly smaller halibut were 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 GOOD near Sidney. The best fishing has come from the south end of James Island and Hambley Point. Wayne Pullen pulled a 28 lb spring out from south of James Island this past week. There were lots of birds and bait in that area. Also, be aware of the seasonal closures in the Sidney area that are now in effect, especially near Coal Island. 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 – Aydan Crawford (age 11) caught her first Tyee off of the Trap Shack on a Bloody Nose teaser head and anchovy. Cheanuh Marina held their Doug Smithson’s Memorial Fishing derby over the weekend. Girard Landry caught the largest salmon, a 27.8 lb fish. Second place went to Mike Hardy with a 26.6 lb spring and Ken Casilio was third with a 23.2 lb spring. . First place in the Esquimalt Anglers members Derby went to Dave Evans with a 24 lb 14 oz chinook, second place was Ken Prosser with a 16 lb 15 oz chinook and third place was Tom Gogela with a 16 lb 6 oz chinook.
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.
Guy Hebert sent us this picture of a catch from last week.
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 inBeaverLakeright 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
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 s to the brine to add that extra attractant.
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
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 FAIR west of Victoria with several fish over 30 lbs caught but SLOW in the Victoria and Oak Bay area. Halibut fishing was GOOD in most areas.
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 FAIR in Port Renfrew. Swiftsure Bank has been slower for spring salmon running from 10 to 25 lbs and coho to 12 lbs, and tougher for halibut to 30 lbs. Closer in, it’s HOT & COLD for big springs. The best fishing has been near Logan and Camper creeks. Nicolas Harris (age 7) caught a 24 lb chinook in Port Renfrew! He played it and dad netted it! He asked his dad after they landed it..."dad? Is it knuckle duster or knuckle buster?
Nicolas Harris with his big spring!Sooke – Spring salmon fishing was FAIR for springs up to 33 lbs. Most of the springs were caught from Otter Point westward to Point No Point and Muir Creek was again a hot spot. More coho were caught this past week, especially closer in to shore. All wild coho have to be released. 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 GOOD this past week. The best spots were Beechey Head and the Trap Shack. Aydan Crawford (age 11) caught her first Tyee off of the Trap Shack on a Bloody Nose teaser head and anchovy. She reeled it in with no help, only words of encouragement. Most of the springs are being caught between 55 and 110 feet and weighed in the teens and twenties. It was better for cohos his past as anglers caught hatchery coho up to 12 lbs. 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.
Cheanuh Marina held their Doug Smithson’s Memorial Fishing derby over the weekend. Girard Landry caught the largest salmon, a 27.8 lb fish. Second place went to Mike Hardy with a 26.6 lb spring and Ken Casilio was third with a 23.2 lb spring.
Aydan Crawford with her first TYEE!Pedder Bay – The fishing for springs was GOOD this past weekend, both in the bay and near church Rock. The fishing was much better for hatchery cohos up to 12 lbs this past week. The coho action was best several 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.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD in the area. A fair number of halibut up to 55 lbs were caught. 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 FAIR out at Constance Bank and SPOTTY off the waterfront this past weekend. Out at the bank there were a few hatchery coho taken as well as springs up to 20 lbs. It was spotty at best near the breakwater and not much better at Clover Point. 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 Red/Silver, Silver Betsey and Gold Fever Hot Spots. There was a 44 lb ling cod caught by the breakwater recently and we think that was the big fish in last week’s rumor.
Esquimalt Anglers Association held their 60th anniversary salmon derby today (1952-2012). There were a total of 18 salmon weighed in; 15 were chinook and 3 were coho. First place was Dave Evans with a 24 lb 14 oz ($500), second place was Ken Prosser with a 16 lb 15 oz ($300) and third place was Tom Gogela with a 16 lb 6 oz ($200). There were 8 chinooks over 10 pounds. There was a huge turnout for this event so the total number of fish caught was quite low for the effort.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week halibut. Constance Bank was the best spot with lots of “chickens” caught there. 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 in Oak bay this past week. There were some nice fish up to 15 lbs caught. 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. Mostly smaller halibut were 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 GOOD near Sidney. The best fishing has come from the south end of James Island and Hambley Point. Wayne Pullen pulled a 28 lb spring out from south of James Island this past week. There were lots of birds and bait in that area. Also, be aware of the seasonal closures in the Sidney area that are now in effect, especially near Coal Island. 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 – Aydan Crawford (age 11) caught her first Tyee off of the Trap Shack on a Bloody Nose teaser head and anchovy. Cheanuh Marina held their Doug Smithson’s Memorial Fishing derby over the weekend. Girard Landry caught the largest salmon, a 27.8 lb fish. Second place went to Mike Hardy with a 26.6 lb spring and Ken Casilio was third with a 23.2 lb spring. . First place in the Esquimalt Anglers members Derby went to Dave Evans with a 24 lb 14 oz chinook, second place was Ken Prosser with a 16 lb 15 oz chinook and third place was Tom Gogela with a 16 lb 6 oz chinook.
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.
Guy Hebert sent us this picture of a catch from last week.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 inBeaverLakeright 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
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 s to the brine to add that extra attractant.
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!