Fishing Report for Week Ending September 15, 2013

SALTWATER

OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing is SLOWING DOWN in most areas. Recent rains have drawn the salmon closer to their home rivers and their inland migration. Most of the chinooks are now gone but the coho are here in good numbers. Most of the coho are wild fish; with about a 5 to 1 ratio of wild to hatchery clipped fish. Halibut fishing has also been GOOD in all areas.

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 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 DFO regulations go to http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/fns/index.cfm?pg=search_results&lang=en&ID=recreational&Year=2013

PORT RENFREW – Salmon fishing has been SLOWER both on the beach and out at Swiftsure Bank. There are lots of coho around and not many springs. More fish are moving into the bay and some are already up in the river. Halibut fishing in the area remains strong for fish up to 50 lbs.

SOOKE – Salmon fishing remains GOOD in Sooke. Most boats were catching salmon all week, mostly a mixture of coho, pinks and springs. Most of the springs have been in the teens and the real big ones are by and large gone from the area. There are more coho moving into the area, but most are wild, not hatchery clipped fish. There are still some pinks to fill out the 4 salmon per day limit, but not as many as in previous weeks. The best action seems to be with the baits down from 50 ft to 90 feet of water and out along the tide lines.  Anchovies and herring are catching the most springs and Green glow, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads are popular when fishing bait for springs. Flashers to use include the Super Betsy, 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. 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 NOT TOO BAD for salmon. There are still some pink salmon around, but a lot more coho. The coho are mostly wild (unclipped) fish, but there are some hatchery ones too, especially out on the second and third tide lines. Spring fishing is slower with the fish running from 10 to 26 lbs in size. The best fishing for springs was at the Trap Shack and then eastward to Aldridge Point. It’s also been picking up around the Bedford Islands. Anglers are hitting the fish between 50 to 90 feet on the downrigger. Most anglers are finding bait out producing artificial lures for springs, with anchovies being the most popular choice of bait. But bring lots of bait as the coho and pinks are biting steadily while you’re fishing for springs. The best teaser heads for anchovies were Green Glow, Chartreuse/Green Chrome and the Bloody Nose.

PEDDER BAY – Salmon fishing was SLOWER this past week. Lots of coho were caught as well as some pinks and a few of springs. The coho are mostly wild (unclipped) fish, but there are some good size hatchery ones being caught to make coho fishing worthwhile. Most of the pinks and coho are out in 300 to 500 feet of water and near the tide lines in the strait. It has been fair for springs in the 5 to 15 lb size range in Whirl Bay and near Church Rock. The springs are fairly shallow in the water column, around 50 to 80 feet deep. 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. The 27 and 17 fathom banks and the reef off of William Head all produced halibut on the weekend. 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 near Victoria. On Constance Bank anglers were catching the most fish, a mixed bag of pinks, coho and springs. Closer in by the harbour, it was slow for springs. Some coho and pink salmon are being caught closer in to shore too, usually near the end of the ebb and the start of the flooding currents, especially off Brotchie Ledge and the Flag pole. The best depth close in has been around 60 to 80 feet. Most anglers fishing Constance Bank are using artificial lures and trolling close to bottom, usually with Coho Killer or G-Force spoons. In close, anchovies are the bait 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 Super Betsey and Green/Silver Hot Spots.



Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the week at Constance Bank.  Hunter Grant, visiting from Ontario, caught his first halibut ever off Constance Bank. Doug Forseth, Grant McKenzie and Al fyfe landed three nice halibut and a 22.5 lb spring off the waterfront. 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 SPOTTY this past week. There were springs to be caught, but not too many and mostly feeder size springs. The most popular method for catching springs is trolling near the bottom in 75 to 130 feet of water with squirts or spoons, Baitrix tiny strip, or small anchovy. Anglers jigging for salmon were still getting salmon and often small halibut as well. Coho Killer spoons in Glow/Green worked well this past week. With spoons, 3” to 4” G-Force, Gypsy, Titans, and Coyotes in Cop Car or Silver/Green color will work just fine. Good squirts were the Electric Chair, Pickle Green, J-79 and Jellyfish.

Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend. A lot of small halibut moved onto the flats recently, with many being caught by anglers fishing there for salmon. 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 off the Pender Bluffs.  There were lots of coho there, mostly wild, and a few pinks and springs. The springs were as large as 17 lbs. There are smaller springs being caught by the red can in the Sidney Channel and near James Island. 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 – Hunter Grant, visiting from Ontario, caught his first halibut ever off Constance Bank. Doug Forseth, Grant McKenzie and Al Fyfe landed three nice halibut and a 22.5 lb spring off the waterfront.

Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com

 

FRESHWATER

OVERVIEW – Trout fishing is FAIR TO GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. Bass fishing is EXCELLENT 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 SLOW in the fly only section at the top end of the river. The water level is still low. 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 FAIR 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 fishing 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. Wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.

BASS - Bass fishing is EXCELLENT. 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. Blair Cox weighed in a 5.7 lb bass from Elk Lake.

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 – Blair Cox weighed in a 5.7 lb bass from Elk Lake. Dan Morris weighed in carp totaling 25 lb 3 oz this past weekend from Elk Lake. William Oliver weighed in carp totaling 13 lb 13 oz.

Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com

FISH TIP OF THE WEEK

At this time of the year you have to pay particular attention to fishery openings and closures. It almost seems as if some areas are only open for salmon on a day-to-day basis. What is closed one day may be open the next, and vice versa. So the day before you go fishing, phone federal fisheries or visit their web site to find out what opportunities are available and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Island Outfitters Leader Boards 2013

Salmon

1) 34.0 lbs – Duncan Watts – Sheringham Pt – Anchovy - July 6^th

2) 32.4 lbs – Jason Owens –Otter Point – Anchovy - August 23^rd

3) 32.1 lbs – Rob Smith –Breakwater – Anchovy - August 27th

4) 32.0 lbs – Denis Ekstrom –Breakwater – Anchovy - August 7th

5) 31.6 lbs – Daryl Quenet – Anchovy - August 2^nd

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 17^th

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

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

Trout

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

2)  4 lb s15 oz -Duncan Watts – Langford Lake- Green Powerbait Eggs –    May 27^th

3) 3.5 lbs – Blair Cox – Elk Lake – March 23 ^rd

Carp

1)   Dan Morris – 27 carp weighed in, total 164 lbs 13 oz

2)   William Oliver – 39 carp weighed in, total 160 lbs 9 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 31^st 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