Fishing Report for Week Ending July 7, 2013
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing is EXCELLENT for Cohos and Pink salmon in Juan de Fuca Strait. 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. 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://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 FAIR 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 EXCELLENT for 3 to 8 lb coho and pink salmon. There was a 4-5 fish per boat average catch over the weekend. Many boats had limits and others released lots of salmon but didn’t get any hatchery fish for retention. Hatchery and wild springs, weighing up to 40 lbs, were caught this past week too. West of Sherringham Point was the place to fish if you wanted to catch and retain large wild springs. Duncan Watts came into the store with a 34 lb spring that he caught there on an anchovy. Fish in the high 20′s, early 30′s were caught in the Otter Point area. The best action seems to be 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 SLOWER over the weekend out past Muir Creek and towards near Point No Point and Jordan River. 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 EXCELLENT for salmon. No skunks were seen at the marina! Lots of coho and some pinks are being caught on the flood tides by the first tide lines. 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. Five year old Maximus Hellemond landed his first ever spring salmon, a 5 lb feeder, at Beechey Head. 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 pinks are were caught. Many of the coho are hatchery marked and can be retained. Most of the pinks and 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 Whirl Bay and Church Rock. Most hatchery marked springs caught were as large as the high teens 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 FAIR 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 FAIR to GOOD this past week near Victoria. Our guide boats were getting into some nice springs to 20+ lbs out on Constance Bank. Closer in it was SPOTTY for springs, but some nice ones were caught nonetheless. Christian Winstanley caught a big one off the Breakwater on Saturday morning. He was using an anchovy in a Bloody Nose teaser head with a Betsy flasher in 97 feet of water, 88 feet on the downrigger. It weighed a shade over 40 lbs on their boat's scale. It swam away in good shape after they released it. Most anglers fishing are using artificial lures and trolling close to bottom while fishing the Constance Bank. In close, anchovies are the lure of choice. 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 FAIR 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 FAIR 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 FAIR 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 SPOTTY in the Sidney area. The best locations have been Moresby Island at Fairfax Point where springs from 8 to 14 lbs are being caught. An 18 lb spring was taken near the Powder Wharf and some springs have also been caught off the tip of Sidney Spit very early in the morning. 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. Crabbing has been excellent.
NOTABLE CATCHES – Duncan Watts came into the store with a 34 lb spring that he caught By Sherringham Light on an anchovy. Five year oldMaximus Hellemond landed his first ever spring salmon, a 5 lb feeder, at Beechey Head. Christian Winstanley caught and released a 40 lb spring off the Breakwater on Saturday morning.
Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. Bass fishing is GOOD as well. Carp fishing is EXCELLENT. Anglers are 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. It’s the time of year when the tubers outnumber the anglers! 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 “is 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 – Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email 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 you always seem to hook and lose that big monster of a fish to a broken leader. The leader probably wouldn’t have broken if you had noticed the small scratches left on it from a battle with a previous fish.
Island Outfitters Leader Boards 2013
Salmon
1) 34 lbs – Duncan Watts – Sheringham Pt – Anchovy - July 6th
2) 28 lbs 14 oz – Jim Phillion - Port Renfrew – Anchovy -June 30th
3) 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, Trout and Halibut Leader Boards. 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!To enter, just bring in your catch to be weighed at our store.
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! The contest will go until June 1, 2014.
See our event pages for upcoming events and like us on facebook!