CartFishing Report for Week Ending on June 7th 2015
www.fishingvictoria.com
3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8Z 3L2
Tel: (250) 475-4969 Fax: (250) 475- 6942
Email: info@fishingvictoria.com
Written by: Tom Vaida
Fishing Report for Week Ending June 7, 2015
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Chinook fishing was GOOD most of this past week. Halibut fishing was FAIR but most anglers were out after salmon.
The daily limit for coho is two (2) per day, hatchery marked only from June 1 to December 31, 2015. Effective until 23:59 hours Friday, June 12, 2015 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. The minimum size limit in these areas is 45 cm in length.
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips.
SOOKE – The fishing for springs was FAIR this past weekend. Some hatchery springs into the teens were taken and there were some very big wild fish that were caught and had to be released east of Sherringham Point. The springs are scattered all the way west and past Sherringham Point and not concentrated in any specific area. The salmon restrictions are not in effect west of Sherringham and fish that are 20s to mid 30s are being reported on a more regular basis in this area. Bait still seems to be the number one choice for Sooke anglers this week. Teaser heads that have been performing well are No Bananas, UV Green, Green Glow and the Joanne. Also, the fish have been at different depths, from the mid water levels to the bottom. G-Force spoons in Irish Cream and No Bananas have been catching their fair number of fish. The most popular flashers recently have been the Gibbs Madi, the Outfitter and the Jellyfish UV.
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. This week was very similar to last, most of the fish were coming from the Bedfords and Whirl Bay again. The Trap Shack was more consistent this week and there were a few caught around Beechey Head and a few in the bay. Most hatchery springs were running from 9 to 15 lbs in size and there were some larger unclipped fish that had to be released. Most fish have been getting caught between 60- 100 ft on the downrigger. Anchovies were the most productive bait and No Bananas and Green Glow were the most popular teaser heads. Spoons and plastic baits have also been catching a few fish. Spoons, in 3 or 4 inch size such as G-Force in the Outfitter or Irish Cream were effective. Squirts are working too with Pistachio, Purple Haze and white the best patterns. For flashers, the Lemon Lime and the Purple Onion have been good lately.
PEDDER BAY – Chinook salmon fishing was GOOD at the beginning of the week, however, by Friday the reports were spotty for fish being caught in Pedder Bay. Whirl Bay and Church Rock produced catches steadily throughout the week. There were several wild fish over 20 lbs caught in Whirl Bay but most were hatchery fish in the 9 – 13 lb size range. Also, the fish have been at different depths, from the mid water levels to the bottom. Anchovy was the most productive bait for springs with Green, Special Red, Purple Haze and Bloody Nose being top choices in teaser heads. White hootchies have also been good. Coho Killers and G-force spoons with both glow and green have been working as well. Flashers that remain popular include the Madi and the Purple Onion.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past weekend. Most anglers that were fishing were using mackerel, extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. 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 – Fishing for winter springs was GOOD off Constance Bank but SPOTTY along the waterfront. Hatchery fish weighing into the high teens were caught at Constance, as well as some bigger unclipped fish that had to be released. The salmon were feeding on needlefish that were schooled on the bank. Needlefish spoons and squirts were very effective in getting hook ups. Anglers have not done as well fishing closer to shore but there were a few fish near Brotchie Ledge and clover Point. Anchovies and Tiny Strip have been working well in glow colors. Good choices in plastic baits are the Cloverleaf, Purple Haze and Glo Below squirts. Gibbs Coho Killer, Kingfisher and Coyote spoons in green and glow colours have been very effective. The Lemon Lime flasher with the Glow Green Splatter Back Coho Killer has been a very effective combo out on the bank.
Kingsley Grant with a hatchery around 20 lbs that was caught in Oak Bay
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past weekend. Most anglers that were fishing were using mackerel, extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. 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 during this past week. There was a mixture of both wild and hatchery fish in the area. The fish were hitting 3”-4” spoons as most of the needlefish in the area were small. Anglers did best using the G-force spoons in 3 -3.5in. No Bananas and Outfitter colours have been the most popular. Also, Coho Killers in Gold Nugget and Green Splatterback have been pretty productive. The best flasher has been the Gibbs Lemon Lime and the Bon Chovy.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island. There have been few reports of any luck in this area, maybe because more anglers are fishing for salmon due to excellent fishing conditions! Anglers that have been fishing are using mackerel, extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. 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.
Bill Bowers with a 21lbs Spring caught near Sidney
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD near Sidney. Fish were coming from all areas of Sidney, ranging from 9-12 lbs. Many anglers are fishing using anchovies in Bloody Nose and UV Green teaser heads. Squirts have been out-producing hootchies and the hot patterns for springs now are Purple Haze, J-79 and Electric Chair. Coho Killer spoons have also been working well, especially in double glow and Gold Nugget.
Notable Catches – Bill Bowers caught a 21 lbs spring in Sidney on the night bite. Kingsley Grant caught and released a fish into the 20’s out of the Oak Bay area. Kiel Horan reported a couple of 12-14 lbs hatchery fish caught also caught around Oak Bay in 75 ft of water with a Golden Nugget and Purple Haze flasher.
Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Fishing is GOOD on most lakes as the water temperatures climb. Trout fishing in the Cowichan River is EXCELLENT but the river is very low. Remember that ALL wild trout (steelhead included) must be released on ALL streams in Region 1. Wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake. Only single barb less hooks are allowed for all fishing on island streams and rivers. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.
COWICHAN RIVER – The water level is very low. The trout fishing in the mid and upper river is EXCELLENT. The rainbows, cutthroats and resident brown trout are actively feeding on these hatches and migrating salmon fry. During the hatch, match the hatch with dry flies for exciting action. Bead head nymphs are the top producer when a hatch isn’t in progress. Good patterns are Prince Nymphs, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears and Wooly Buggers. A fry imitation or a Wooly Bugger will also work, especially for the brown trout.
TROUT – Trout fishing was GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area this past week. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC most recent local releases of rainbow trout from the Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery are as follows. On May 25th, Thetis Lake received 750 and Poirier Lake received 500 catchable rainbow trout with an average weight of 242 grams. On May 11th, Elk Lake received 5,000 yearling trout with an average weight of 32.53 grams and Langford Lake received 2,500 yearling trout with an average weight of 64.46 grams.
Bank anglers are catching trout on Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, or worms while fishing from shore and right on the bottom. Orange Garlic and Pink Garlic have been good choices 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 Gibbs Gang Trolls and Gibbs Wedding Bands. Other good trolling lures are the Apex Trout Killers in rainbow, green or black and white patterns. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Frog, Black with Silver Flake or Rainbow Pattern. The biggest trout this year have come from Langford Lake.
BASS - Bass fishing is EXCELLENT. At this time of year most of the bass are in the shallows. During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well too. Soft plastics rigged “Carolina Style “is also a good choice when fishing drop offs and docks. The most productive colors in 4” Yum baits are Smoke or Pumpkinseed. 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. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.
Notable Catches – Kiel Horan reported catching and releasing plenty of Bass (some in the 5-6lb range) at Shawnigan Lake. He found Yum Dingers were more successful than Crank Bait.
Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
When you’re salmon fishing, follow the bait for best results. Schools of needlefish and herring are often pushed around by the action of tides and currents, especially on flats, and it pays to locate and then stay with the bait. Once you’re on the bait, it’s only a matter of time before the salmon show up.
Island Outfitters Leader Board 2015
Salmon
1) 24.3 lbs – Mark Parker- Waterfront – Anchovy - January 6th
Halibut
1) 70.4 lbs – Mike Koff – Oak Bay - Octopus – April 26th
2) 69.1 lbs – Mike Paltinger – Haro Strait – Herring - April 25th
3) 67.3 lbs – Rick Lelonde – Oak Bay – April 25th
4) 65.9 lbs – Marty Pinchin – Mud Hole – March 30th
5) 65.8 lbs – Adam West – Zero Rock – Mackerel – April 25th
Trout
1) 4.7 lbs – Bryan Barter – Fuller Lake – March 8th
2) 4.3 lbs – Paul Tilley – Langford Lake – January 17th
3) 4.2 lbs – Doug Burnit – Dougan Lake – May 9th
4) 3 lbs 13 oz – Mike Reid – Elk Lake – March 8th
5) 2.42 lbs – Bryan Barter – Elk Lake – March 23rd
2015 DERBIES and EVENTS
Port Renfrew Salmon Championship is June 20th and 21st 2015. Tickets are $500/Boat and they are availabel at Island Outfitters.
Juan de Fuca Salmon Derby is June 20th and 21st 2015. For more info visit our events page or www.anglerscoalition.com
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.
See our event pages for details on upcoming events and like us on facebook!
3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8Z 3L2
Tel: (250) 475-4969 Fax: (250) 475- 6942
Email: info@fishingvictoria.com
Written by: Tom Vaida
Fishing Report for Week Ending June 7, 2015
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Chinook fishing was GOOD most of this past week. Halibut fishing was FAIR but most anglers were out after salmon.
The daily limit for coho is two (2) per day, hatchery marked only from June 1 to December 31, 2015. Effective until 23:59 hours Friday, June 12, 2015 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. The minimum size limit in these areas is 45 cm in length.
Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips.
SOOKE – The fishing for springs was FAIR this past weekend. Some hatchery springs into the teens were taken and there were some very big wild fish that were caught and had to be released east of Sherringham Point. The springs are scattered all the way west and past Sherringham Point and not concentrated in any specific area. The salmon restrictions are not in effect west of Sherringham and fish that are 20s to mid 30s are being reported on a more regular basis in this area. Bait still seems to be the number one choice for Sooke anglers this week. Teaser heads that have been performing well are No Bananas, UV Green, Green Glow and the Joanne. Also, the fish have been at different depths, from the mid water levels to the bottom. G-Force spoons in Irish Cream and No Bananas have been catching their fair number of fish. The most popular flashers recently have been the Gibbs Madi, the Outfitter and the Jellyfish UV.
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. This week was very similar to last, most of the fish were coming from the Bedfords and Whirl Bay again. The Trap Shack was more consistent this week and there were a few caught around Beechey Head and a few in the bay. Most hatchery springs were running from 9 to 15 lbs in size and there were some larger unclipped fish that had to be released. Most fish have been getting caught between 60- 100 ft on the downrigger. Anchovies were the most productive bait and No Bananas and Green Glow were the most popular teaser heads. Spoons and plastic baits have also been catching a few fish. Spoons, in 3 or 4 inch size such as G-Force in the Outfitter or Irish Cream were effective. Squirts are working too with Pistachio, Purple Haze and white the best patterns. For flashers, the Lemon Lime and the Purple Onion have been good lately.
PEDDER BAY – Chinook salmon fishing was GOOD at the beginning of the week, however, by Friday the reports were spotty for fish being caught in Pedder Bay. Whirl Bay and Church Rock produced catches steadily throughout the week. There were several wild fish over 20 lbs caught in Whirl Bay but most were hatchery fish in the 9 – 13 lb size range. Also, the fish have been at different depths, from the mid water levels to the bottom. Anchovy was the most productive bait for springs with Green, Special Red, Purple Haze and Bloody Nose being top choices in teaser heads. White hootchies have also been good. Coho Killers and G-force spoons with both glow and green have been working as well. Flashers that remain popular include the Madi and the Purple Onion.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past weekend. Most anglers that were fishing were using mackerel, extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. 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 – Fishing for winter springs was GOOD off Constance Bank but SPOTTY along the waterfront. Hatchery fish weighing into the high teens were caught at Constance, as well as some bigger unclipped fish that had to be released. The salmon were feeding on needlefish that were schooled on the bank. Needlefish spoons and squirts were very effective in getting hook ups. Anglers have not done as well fishing closer to shore but there were a few fish near Brotchie Ledge and clover Point. Anchovies and Tiny Strip have been working well in glow colors. Good choices in plastic baits are the Cloverleaf, Purple Haze and Glo Below squirts. Gibbs Coho Killer, Kingfisher and Coyote spoons in green and glow colours have been very effective. The Lemon Lime flasher with the Glow Green Splatter Back Coho Killer has been a very effective combo out on the bank.
Kingsley Grant with a hatchery around 20 lbs that was caught in Oak BayHalibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past weekend. Most anglers that were fishing were using mackerel, extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. 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 during this past week. There was a mixture of both wild and hatchery fish in the area. The fish were hitting 3”-4” spoons as most of the needlefish in the area were small. Anglers did best using the G-force spoons in 3 -3.5in. No Bananas and Outfitter colours have been the most popular. Also, Coho Killers in Gold Nugget and Green Splatterback have been pretty productive. The best flasher has been the Gibbs Lemon Lime and the Bon Chovy.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island. There have been few reports of any luck in this area, maybe because more anglers are fishing for salmon due to excellent fishing conditions! Anglers that have been fishing are using mackerel, extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. 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.
Bill Bowers with a 21lbs Spring caught near SidneySIDNEY- Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD near Sidney. Fish were coming from all areas of Sidney, ranging from 9-12 lbs. Many anglers are fishing using anchovies in Bloody Nose and UV Green teaser heads. Squirts have been out-producing hootchies and the hot patterns for springs now are Purple Haze, J-79 and Electric Chair. Coho Killer spoons have also been working well, especially in double glow and Gold Nugget.
Notable Catches – Bill Bowers caught a 21 lbs spring in Sidney on the night bite. Kingsley Grant caught and released a fish into the 20’s out of the Oak Bay area. Kiel Horan reported a couple of 12-14 lbs hatchery fish caught also caught around Oak Bay in 75 ft of water with a Golden Nugget and Purple Haze flasher.
Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Fishing is GOOD on most lakes as the water temperatures climb. Trout fishing in the Cowichan River is EXCELLENT but the river is very low. Remember that ALL wild trout (steelhead included) must be released on ALL streams in Region 1. Wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake. Only single barb less hooks are allowed for all fishing on island streams and rivers. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.
COWICHAN RIVER – The water level is very low. The trout fishing in the mid and upper river is EXCELLENT. The rainbows, cutthroats and resident brown trout are actively feeding on these hatches and migrating salmon fry. During the hatch, match the hatch with dry flies for exciting action. Bead head nymphs are the top producer when a hatch isn’t in progress. Good patterns are Prince Nymphs, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears and Wooly Buggers. A fry imitation or a Wooly Bugger will also work, especially for the brown trout.
TROUT – Trout fishing was GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area this past week. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC most recent local releases of rainbow trout from the Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery are as follows. On May 25th, Thetis Lake received 750 and Poirier Lake received 500 catchable rainbow trout with an average weight of 242 grams. On May 11th, Elk Lake received 5,000 yearling trout with an average weight of 32.53 grams and Langford Lake received 2,500 yearling trout with an average weight of 64.46 grams.
Bank anglers are catching trout on Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, or worms while fishing from shore and right on the bottom. Orange Garlic and Pink Garlic have been good choices 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 Gibbs Gang Trolls and Gibbs Wedding Bands. Other good trolling lures are the Apex Trout Killers in rainbow, green or black and white patterns. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Frog, Black with Silver Flake or Rainbow Pattern. The biggest trout this year have come from Langford Lake.
BASS - Bass fishing is EXCELLENT. At this time of year most of the bass are in the shallows. During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well too. Soft plastics rigged “Carolina Style “is also a good choice when fishing drop offs and docks. The most productive colors in 4” Yum baits are Smoke or Pumpkinseed. 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. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.
Notable Catches – Kiel Horan reported catching and releasing plenty of Bass (some in the 5-6lb range) at Shawnigan Lake. He found Yum Dingers were more successful than Crank Bait.
Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
When you’re salmon fishing, follow the bait for best results. Schools of needlefish and herring are often pushed around by the action of tides and currents, especially on flats, and it pays to locate and then stay with the bait. Once you’re on the bait, it’s only a matter of time before the salmon show up.
Island Outfitters Leader Board 2015
Salmon
1) 24.3 lbs – Mark Parker- Waterfront – Anchovy - January 6th
Halibut
1) 70.4 lbs – Mike Koff – Oak Bay - Octopus – April 26th
2) 69.1 lbs – Mike Paltinger – Haro Strait – Herring - April 25th
3) 67.3 lbs – Rick Lelonde – Oak Bay – April 25th
4) 65.9 lbs – Marty Pinchin – Mud Hole – March 30th
5) 65.8 lbs – Adam West – Zero Rock – Mackerel – April 25th
Trout
1) 4.7 lbs – Bryan Barter – Fuller Lake – March 8th
2) 4.3 lbs – Paul Tilley – Langford Lake – January 17th
3) 4.2 lbs – Doug Burnit – Dougan Lake – May 9th
4) 3 lbs 13 oz – Mike Reid – Elk Lake – March 8th
5) 2.42 lbs – Bryan Barter – Elk Lake – March 23rd
2015 DERBIES and EVENTS
Port Renfrew Salmon Championship is June 20th and 21st 2015. Tickets are $500/Boat and they are availabel at Island Outfitters.
Juan de Fuca Salmon Derby is June 20th and 21st 2015. For more info visit our events page or www.anglerscoalition.com
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.
See our event pages for details on upcoming events and like us on facebook!