Fishing Report for Week Ending March 17, 2013



SALTWATER


OVERVIEW – Halibut fishing was GOOD for those who braved the poor conditions and went fishing for the season’s first open weekend. Salmon fishing was FAIR for winter springs (feeder Chinooks) in most areas, but not too many anglers out fishing.

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Effective 00:01 hours March 1, 2013 until 23:59 hours June 15, 2013 in Subareas 19-1 to 19-4 and Subarea 20-5(those waters near Victoria between Cadboro Pt to Sheringham Pt.), the daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day which may be wild or hatchery marked between 45 cm and 67 cm or hatchery marked greater than 67 cm in length.

Effective at 00:01 hours March 15, 2013 fishing for halibut will be opened coast wide until further notice. Limits and sizes: Effective 00:01 hours March 15 to 23:59 hours March 31, 2013, the daily limit for halibut is one (1) and the possession limit for halibut is two (2), of which only one may be greater than 83cm.

Effective 00:01 hours April 1, 2013 until further notice: The maximum length for halibut is 126cm. The daily limit for halibut is one (1). The possession limit for halibut is two (2), only one of which may be greater than 83cm in length. There will be an annual limit of six (6) halibut (per license holder).  All halibut retained by the license holder shall be immediately recorded in ink on the Tidal Waters Sport Fishing license.  The area from which each halibut is caught and its length shall immediately be recorded on license.

 SOOKE– Once again, not much is new as winter spring fishing has been FAIR in the area. Winter springs weighing up to 9lbs were being caught, near Sooke. The best action still seems to be in front of the Bluffs in about 120 to 220 feet of water with the baits down from 120 ft to 150 ft. However, not all the salmon are in deep water. Otter Point has also been good at times too. Anchovies are catching the most springs and Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads are the most popular when fishing bait for winter springs. Since the winters are very active feeders, just about any gear will catch them. One very good combination recently has been the Purple Haze squirt behind a Purple Glow flasher. Crabbing has been good recently.

Halibut – – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend. The best results came from west of Otter Point where fish from 25 to 40 lbs were taken. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

BECHER BAY – Fishing was NOT TOO BAD for winter springs but very few anglers were out for salmon. Most anglers were out for halibut and several were caught inside Becher Bay. As for salmon, the springs were holding close to the bottom, from just outside the marina by the Flag Pole then out Aldridge Point. Most of the fish are less than 10 lbs though. Many anglers are finding bait out producing artificial lures, with anchovies being most popular choice of bait. The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. Like usual, the fish are close to the bottom, and glow in the dark flashers are a good choice. The 4” Coyote type spoons have been effective, with Green/Silver and solid White Glow the best patterns.

PEDDER BAY – Salmon fishing was FAIR this past week but not many anglers were out fishing on the opening weekend of halibut season. Most of the winter springs caught were from 5 to 8 lbs in size. A few fish were caught in Pedder Bay, but Whirl Bay was more productive, and Constance Bank was the best. The fish were near the bottom at 120 to 140 feet. However, most of the Pedder Bay boats were travelling to Constance Bank to get their fish. Anchovies were the most productive bait with Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads the most popular now. Squirts are productive bait too with UV colors like the Jellyfish, Purple Haze and Electric Chair the best patterns. The best flashers have been the Purple Glow and Purple Haze. 4” Coyote type spoons have been effective this past week, with Green/Silver and solid White Glow the best patterns. Crabbing has been good since the commercial crabber stopped crabbing in the bay.

Halibut – – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend. Several dozen halibut up to 67 lbs came into the marina. Even though the weather was poor, most boats caught halibut. Good spots were the reef off William Head and the 27 fathom reef. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

 

VICTORIA – Salmon fishing was FAIR this past week along the waterfront. Constance Bank was better by far than closer in, with most fish in the 4 to 10 lb size range.  Most anglers fishing the bank are using artificial lures and trolling with the currents rather than against them. Good lures are Electric Chair, Purple Haze and Glo Below squirts. Closer in, there has been some action, but not as much as on the bank. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and the Glo Below. Coho Killer spoons have been effective also with the UV Purple Haze patterns very popular. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Green/Silver Hot Spots. The bad news is that the seals are a real problem in this area and that many anglers are losing fish to them, especially around Clover Point.

The Department of National Defense (DND) has created fish habitat in the form of an artificial rocky reef complex in Esquimalt Harbour. The 3 reefs are located between approximately -2m and -9m chart datum on either side of the mouth of Esquimalt Harbour. More information can be found at the Esquimalt Angler’s web site: http://www.islandnet.com/~eanglers/Eharbour.html

03-17-13 halibut Kingsley Grant and Noah and Mike Fekete with a nice limit of Halibut


Halibut – – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend, even though the weather was foggy and windy. Constance Bank and Albert Head were the two areas to fish and both produced for anglers. Kingsley Grant and Noah and Mike Fekete had a wonderful day on Constance bank producing some nice fillets for the freezer. They landed 4, lost 1, and kept 3 for their daily limit. The largest was 55 lbs.

They were fishing in 155 feet of water, using Mackerel in combination with Berkley Saltwater power bait and Octopus and Halibut "Butt Juice" by Pro cure. Mackerel, Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

OAK BAY – Salmon fishing has been FAIR on the Oak Bay Flats. Anglers are catching mostly small winter springs, but some have been going as large as 8 lbs. The best bet for springs is trolling right on bottom in 110 to 130 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.

Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend, even though the weather wasn’t. We’ve only heard of chicken sized halibut caught. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

 

SIDNEY - Salmon fishing remains GOOD in the Sidney area. Jim Dunn caught a pair of 16 & 11 lb springs near Swartz Bay. We also heard that it was good near the red can buoy at the north end of the Sidney Channel. The predominate feed in the area Many anglers have been fishing for springs using anchovies in Bloody Nose, Purple Haze and UV Green teaser heads. Squirts have been out producing hootchies recently and the hot patterns for springs now are Purple Haze, Glow Below and Electric Chair. Coho Killer spoons have also been working well, especially in double glow and 50/50 colors.

NOTABLE CATCHES – Kingsley Grant and Noah and Mike Fekete caught their limit of three halibut weighing up to 55 lbs at Constance Bank. Jim Dunn caught 16 & 11 lb springs near Swartz Bay.

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. Bass fishing is VERY SLOW on most lakes. Anglers are further reminded of the following:" The use of single barbless hooks is mandatory in all streams in Region 1;" All foul hooked (i.e.: hooked other than in the mouth) must be returned to the river immediately.  ALL wild trout must be released on all streams in region 1 as well.

COWICHAN RIVER – The water level is just high, above 1.8 meters near the lake and 1.6 meters near Duncan. We’ve heard of some steelhead being caught and released in all stretches of the river. Some steelhead are fresh and silver and some are colored. For steelhead, good lures to fish are Spin ‘n Glo’s, Corkies, Gooey Bobs and the always reliable Pink Worm. Fly anglers are doing well with Intruders and Golden Stonefly nymphs. Although many anglers are successful catching winter runs on flies, most anglers chose to use floats and gear.


In request of the Province of British Columbia and, to update the 2011 – 2013 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis: Effective 00:01 hours November 27, 2012 until 23:59 hours March 31, 2013 the Cowichan River from the Weir at Cowichan Lake downstream to the Greendale Trestle is closed to all angling. In addition, effective 00:01 hours November 27, 2012 until 23:59 hours March 31, 2013 the Cowichan River from the Greendale Trestle to CNR Bridge (mile 70.2) is open to Fly-Fishing only.


 TROUT – Trout fishing is PICKING UP on most lakes in the South Island area. The Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery has started releasing catchable rainbow trout into Vancouver Island lakes. On March 5th, 1.953 trout were released into Langford Lake. On March 7th, 1,500 trout were released into Thetis Lake and 500 into Glen Lake. On March 11th, Shawnigan Lake received 2,002 trout.  On March 12th, Prospect Lake received 2,000 trout and Elk Lake received 1,359 trout. On March 13th, Durrance Lake received 1,000 trout; Langford Lake received 650 trout, Spectacle Lake 500 trout and Dougan Lake 482 trout.  All told, 18,748 trout have been released into lakes on Vancouver Island this year.

Bank anglers are catching trout on both Powerbait, Gulp! Eggs or worms while fishing from shore. Fly anglers are using Pumpkinheads, Wooly Buggers, Leeches or Micro Leech patterns and fishing deep. 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.

BASS - At this time of year the bass are still located near deeper drop offs and are hard to find. During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well too. 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 emailinfo@fishingvictoria.com

 

FISH TIP OF THE WEEK


 All fishing and hunting licenses expire at the end of this month! So be sure to get your new licenses before your next trip outdoors. The new freshwater regulations are coming out soon and the new saltwater regulations as well. There often are changes in the regulations, so take some time to read and review the regulations before going out and accidentally getting trouble. The saltwater licenses will only be available on line until later on in April.

 Island Outfitters Leader Board 2013


 Salmon


1) 19.1 lbs – Christien MacDonell – Albert Head – Hootchy - January 19th

 Halibut


 1) 75.8 lbs – Patrick Cunliffe – Race Rocks – March 17th



 2013 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 upcoming events in 2013!

April 4th through 7th:  Island Outfitters 19th Anniversary Sale: Our storewide annual sale with LOTS of great deals and bargains.

April 13th.  The 6th Annual Elk Lake Take a Kid Fishing Derby. Tickets are Adults - $25, Children under 16 - $10. All ticket holders are entered into the draw for a new boat and motor package. First place prizes of $1,000 for the largest tout and the largest bass. This derby has live release weigh boats and weigh-station located strategically on the lake. For more info contact us at 350-475-4969.

April 20th and 21st: The 18th Annual Just for the Halibut Derby. First prize is $7,500 cash, 2nd prize is $2,500, and 3rd prize is $1,000 cash. A hidden weight “Bonus” prize is sponsored by SG Power. Tickets are available at Island Outfitters, Pedder Bay Marina or Cheanuh Marina. Call 250-475-4969 for more information.

April 24th: The Fly Fishing Film Tour Canada: The Victoria Royal Canadian Legion Branch #292, 411 Gorge Rd East Victoria B.C. Parking around back off Dunedin St. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 Door $5 for under 15. Wednesday April 24th doors open @ 6pm   http://flyfilmtour.com/

May 4th: The Sidney Salmon Derby. Rod Tickets are only $125.00 each! Banquet Tickets are $22.00 (including HST). Scales close at 4:00pm.- Banquet Dinner at Mary Winspear Centre starts after 4:00pm. Prizes to be won! 1st Place; $5,000 2nd Place; $3,000 3rd Place; $1,000:  Plus Draw Prizes and 50/50 Tickets! All proceeds go to Salmon Enhancement Tickets available at Island Outfitters

See our event pages for upcoming events and like us on facebook!