Fishing Report for week ending June 30, 2013

SALTWATER

OVERVIEW - Salmon fishing is EXCELLENT for Cohos in Sooke and some Pink
salmon are being caught there as well. It’s been GOOD for springs
(Chinooks) in most areas. There is a nice mix of over the slot size wild
springs and hatchery fish that are being caught now, especially near Sooke.
Halibut fishing has also been GOOD out of Victoria. Port Renfrew has had
good fishing for both halibut and salmon offshore on Swiftsure Bank.

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!

FISHERY RESTRICTIONS

Effective April 1, 2013 until further notice: The maximum length for
halibut is 126 cm. 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.  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.

For the latest updates in salmon regulations in the Victoria and Sooke
areas go to  <http://http/www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/tidal-maree/a-s19-
eng.html> http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/tidal-maree/a-s19-eng.html
as further restrictions are in place.

PORT RENFREW - Salmon fishing has been ON FIRE for springs offshore on
Swiftsure Bank. Springs continue to be caught on cuttlefish, hootchies, and
turds fished behind purple onion, green onion, and glow flashers. Inshore,
the “beach area” remains slow. Halibut fishing in the area remains
strong. Herring, salmon bellies, and mackerel have been the best baits.

SOOKE - Salmon fishing was QUITE GOOD in the area. Lots of 3 to 8 lb
hatchery coho are moving through right now and the fishing for them has
been EXCELLENT.  Hatchery and wild springs, weighing up to 30 lbs, were
caught this past weekend.  Some fish in the high 20′s, early 30′s were
caught in the Otter Point area. The best action seems to be from Secretary
Island westward to Sherringham Point in about 120 feet of water with the
baits down from 50 ft to 75ft. It wouldn’t hurt to try some of the deeper
areas if you’re not getting them in the shallower water. Anchovies and
small herring are catching the most springs and Green glow, Bloody Nose,
Mint Pearl and Purple Haze teaser heads are popular when fishing bait for
springs. Flashers to use include gold or silver Betsy’s, Purple Onion,
Sooke Specials, and the new Green Onion.

Halibut - Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend out past Muir Creek and
towards near Point No Point and Jordan River. A few halibut up to 50 lbs
were 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.

BEECHER BAY- Fishing was PRETTY GOOD for salmon. Lots of coho and some
pinks are being caught on the flood tides. Spring fishing has been
relatively good too. The best fishing was around the Trap Shack, Beechey
Head/Aldridge point area. Anglers are hitting the fish between 50 to 95
feet on the downrigger. Most of the fish are in the teens but some legal
fish in the 20′s are being caught as well. There were some nice wild fish
in the 30′s released as well. Many anglers are finding bait out producing
artificial lures now, with anchovies being the most popular choice of bait.
The best teaser heads for anchovies were Green Glow, Peanut Butter, Purple
Haze, Chartreuse/Green Chrome and the Bloody Nose.

PEDDER BAY - Salmon fishing was EXCELLENT this past week. Lots of 3 to 8 lb
coho and some pinks are in the area and lots have been caught. Many of the
coho are hatchery marked and can be retained. Most of the coho are out in
300 to 500 feet of water and near the tide lines. It hasn’t been too bad
for springs either. The best areas were near William Head and the Can Buoy
at the mouth of the bay and Church Rock. Sean Ritchie was right off Church
Rock when he caught a 90cm, 30lb spring at 120 feet in 200ft of water on a
green and silver spoon, green glow flasher. The big fish was released
safely back into the water. Most hatchery marked springs caught went from 6
to 15 lbs in size. The fish were higher up in the water column, around 50
to 70 feet. Anchovies were the most productive bait with Green Glow, Bloody
Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads effective. Squirts will work 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 at times, with Green/Silver and
Green/White Glow good patterns.

Halibut - Halibut fishing was GOOD in the Race Rocks area. Most of the
halibut caught were on the small size. 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 VERY GOOD this past week along the
waterfront. Our guide boats were getting into some nice springs to 20+ lbs
out on Constance Bank. Closer in it was SPOTTY for springs. Most anglers
fishing are using artificial lures and trolling close to bottom while
fishing the bank. In close, 50 to 80 feet on the downrigger was the zone.
Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and the
Glo Below. Gibbs Coho Killer, Kingfisher and Coyote spoons in all colours
have been very effective. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and
Green/Silver Hot Spots.

Halibut - Halibut fishing was EXCELLENT over the week at Constance Bank due
to the milder currents. 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 was GOOD on the Oak Bay Flats. Anglers are
catching fin clipped springs up to 16 lbs, but some large wild fish up to
20 lbs have been released there too. The best bet for springs is trolling
near the bottom in 90 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. 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.

SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was GOOD in the Sidney area. The best locations have
been Moresby Island at Fairfax Point and near the Red Can. There’s a mix
of mostly smaller salmon with a few big ones thrown in. 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 -  Sean Ritchie was right off Church Rock when he caught a
90cm, 30lb spring at 120 feet in 200ft of water on a green and silver
spoon, green glow flasher. The big fish was released safely back into the
water.

Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email
<mailto:info@fishingvictoria.com> info@fishingvictoria.com

FRESHWATER 

We now have a TROUT category as one of our annual leader board contests. To
enter, just bring in your catch to be weighed at our store. There will be
special prizes for the top 5 trout weighed in this year. We also have a
CARP CULLING CONTEST. It’s time to get the carp numbers down in our local
lakes. The Top 5 Carp anglers with the top combined total weights weighed
in to our store will win a prize! Contest will go until June 01, 2014.

OVERVIEW - Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area.
Bass fishing is PICKING UP.  Carp fishing is EXCEL LENT. As of June 15th

Bass are now open for retention. 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 trout fishing is SLOWING DOWN in the fly only section
at the top end of the river. There are a few rainbows and cutthroat trout,
as well as resident brown trout that are active right now. Bead head nymphs
are the top producer. Patterns working recently include the Golden
Stonefly, Pheasant Tail nymphs, Prince Nymphs, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears,
Elk Hair caddis’ and Stimulators. With all the salmon fry in the river fly
anglers should try streamers, such as muddlers and fry patterns swinging
through pools on full sink or long sink tip fly lines, especially for the
Brown’s and Cutthroat.

TROUT - Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. Bank
anglers are catching trout on Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, or worms while fishing
from shore. Chartreuse and Orange have been good colours recently for
Powerbait. Fly anglers are trolling Pumpkinheads, Wooly Buggers, Leeches
and Micro Leech patterns on full sink fly lines. Trollers have been doing
well with a variety of lures. 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, the jointed Rapalas have also been great for
larger fish. Larger Willow Leaf Lake trolls with a size 6 hook tipped with
a small 1-2″ piece of worm always produce fish. If fishing with a down
rigger for trout, try finding the thermocline, this is usually between 15
and 25 feet this time of year in the local lakes. The biggest trout have
come from Langford Lake and Elk Lake.  All wild rainbows and cutthroats
over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.

BASS - Bass fishing is GOOD now that the spawning season is finished. Crank
baits have been effective when fished around 12 feet down with a fast
retrieve. Soft plastics rigged “Carolina Style “are also a good choice
when fishing drop offs and docks. Look for the fish suspended by drop offs
close to shore along docks, branches, and any overhanging structure.
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.

Carp - The simplest bait to prepare when time is an issue can be bought at
your local grocery store. A few pieces of toast or bread rolls can
sometimes be your best ticket to carp numbers. Bread balls are deadly. The
preparation is simple and clean. Roll a small piece of bread into a ball,
wet it with your saliva and onto the hook it goes. Use bread balls for
surface feeders, as your bait has a tendency to float. A can of corn can
provide a season of fun carping. They may seem to be unscented, but carp
often find them irresistible. Thread several onto the hook so it is
completely covered. If you want to make your own “Boilies”, a cup of
flour mixed with a cup of corn meal should be the basic ingredients of
your. Whatever you add on top of this will depend on you, or the fish.
Since scent is strong factor, the addition of a strong, yet new smell to
your bait can often produce surprising result. Scents that are commonly
used include strawberry, vanilla, peanut butter, corn, yam, and curry. Just
like other fisheries, use what you have confidence in and be sure to switch
if one becomes unproductive. The magical bait does not exist;
experimentation is the recipe to success.



Notable Catches - Shane Langlois brought in a 14.1 lb carp from Elk Lake.

Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email
<mailto:info@fishingvictoria.com> info@fishingvictoria.com
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK

After you catch a fish, always, always, always, check your leader for tooth
marks or scratches.  It’s amazing how often you seem to hook and lose that
big monster of a fish to a broken leader. It probably wouldn’t have
happened if you had noticed the small scratches left on the leader during a
previous battle with a fish.

Island Outfitters Leader Boards 2013

Salmon

1) 28 lbs 14 oz - Jim Phillion         - Port Renfrew - Anchovy -June 30th

2) 22 lbs 14 oz - Brian Sluggett- Port Renfrew - Anchovy -June 30th

4) 21.4 lbs - Ed McNabb - Victoria - Anchovy - June 2nd

5)19.1 lbs - Christien MacDonell - Albert Head - Hootchy - January 19th

Halibut

1) 113.2 lbs - Randy Lowe - Race Rocks - Hootchy/Herring -March 23 rd

2) 97.6 lbs - Ryan Prolyshyn - Constance Bank - March 22 nd

3) 75.8 lbs - Patrick Cunliffe - Race Rocks - March 17th

4) 58.4 lbs - Jesse McCullough - Constance - Octopus - March 24th

5) 57.5 lbs - Justin Wilson - Race Rocks - Grub & Octopus - April 21st

Trout

1) 7.1 lbs - Konrad Herrmann - Langford Lake - Leech fly - May 5th

2)  4 lbs15 oz -Duncan Watts - Langford Lake- Green Powerbait Eggs -    May
27th

3) 3.5 lbs - Blair Cox - Elk Lake - March 23 rd

Carp

1)   William Oliver - 27 carp weighed in, total 113.12 lbs.

2)   Dan Morris - 6 carp weighed in, total 58 lbs 3 oz

3)   Jodey Hillard - 7 carp weighed in, total 32 lbs 5 oz.

4)   Paul Carreia- 3 carp weighed in, total 29.14 lbs.

5)   Jayson Chavez - 3 carp weighed in, 25 lbs 10 oz

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!

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