CartFishing Report for Week Ending on June 21st, 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 21, 2015
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Chinook fishing was GOOD most of this past week. Halibut fishing was SLOW 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 GOOD this past weekend. Some nice fish in the JDF Fishing Derby were caught this past weekend, with the top 3 fish were all over 30 lbs! Congrats to Jeff Richmond the winner of the derby with a 34.4 lbs Chinook. The springs were consistent with the best fishing from Possession past Sherringham Point. Anchovies still seem to be the number one choice for Sooke anglers this week. Teaser heads that have been performing well are Bloody Nose, UV Green, Green Glow and the Joanne. Also, the fish seem more consistent in the 60- 80 ft zone. 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.
Jeff Richmond, the winner of the JDF Derby
JDF Leader Board
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. Most of the fish were caught between Trap Shack and Possession. Most springs were running from 15 to 25 lbs in size, with a couple larger fish into the 30’s earlier in the week. Most fish have been getting caught between 55- 80 ft on the downrigger. Anchovies were the most productive bait and Bloody Nose 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 Trap Shack 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 this week. Whirl Bay and Church Rock produced catches steadily throughout the week but Pedder Bay’s been seeing some steady action throughout the week, with reports of anglers getting some nice fishing jigging off the kelp beds. Mac Fish and Gibbs Minnows were the top choices used. There were fish caught into the mid 20’s from Pedder around to Whirl Bay. Most of the fish seem to be ranging from 12-18 lbs. Anchovy was the most productive bait for springs with Green, Special Red, Purple Haze and Bloody Nose being top choices in teaser heads. G-force spoons with both glow and green have been working as well. Also, The Skinny G looks like it will be very popular this year. We have had good feedback from the anglers that have already picked them up. Flashers that remain popular include the Madi and the Purple Onion.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past weekend, although most anglers were focused on chinook fishing due to the derbies held. Dylan Yakimovich had the largest halibut caught in the JDF Derby weighting 50.5 lbs. 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 springs was FAIR off Constance Bank and remains SPOTTY along the waterfront. There have been reports of the odd nice fish being around. Fish weighing into the high teens are still being caught at Constance. Mike Game weighed in a 29.2 lb chinook from Albert Head caught on an anchovy with a Bloody nose heads. 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.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was SLOW 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 SLOW during this past week. The fish caught were in the 12- 16 lb range with a few in the mid 20’s. A good mix of feeders and mature springs were reported this past week. 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. Anglers that were jigging in the afternoon in the gap, reported catching fish up into the 20’s in the evening. 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 SLOW 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.
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was SLOW near Sidney. A few fish were brought in over the past week into the low teens, but overall not a lot of success. This could be due to fast currents this past week. James Island, near the powder wharf and Sidney Spit is where the few fish caught were coming from. 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 – JDF Derby: With a total of 480 tickets, 300+ fishing were weighed in, 193 in the first day, 4 of them being halibut. Dylan Yakimovich had the largest halibut caught in the JDF Derby weighting in at 50.5 lbs. The 3 largest Salmon weighed in were: 1st Jeff Richmond 34.4 lbs; 2nd Sean Owens 32.8 lbs; 3rd Rob Hagel 30.4 lbs.
In the Port Renfrew Salmon Championship Derby, held at Pacific Gateway Marina, 1st place went to Jorgen Anderson with a 34.7 lbs. 2nd place went to Rob Barbon with a 31.9 lbs and 3rd place went to Adam Battisteui (30.5 lbs).
Leader Board of the Port Renfrew Salmon Championship Derby held at Pacific Gateway Marnina
Bruce Dunbar sent in a photo of a nice 27 lb Spring caught at Pender Bluffs on June 18th.
Photo sent in by Bruce Dunbar
Richard Driedegr caught a 30 lb Spring on a clear teaser head behind a purple falser off the Victoria water Front.
Richard Driedger
Duncan Watts brought in 4 nice Springs out of Beachy Head on June 20, with the largest weighing in at 29 lbs.
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 SLOW. 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 –
Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
Avoid the crowds. When you see lots of boats fishing in a small area, it doesn’t necessarily mean there are lots of fish there, just lots of anglers. And the more anglers, the more gear in the water competing for what fish that may be there. Usually, you’re better off to fish away from the crowd with less competition for those fish that are willing to bite.
Island Outfitters Leader Board 2015
Salmon
1) 31.7 lbs – Zack Homer – West of Sheringham – Anchovy - June 19th
2) 29.2 lbs – Mike Game – Albert Head – Anchovy - June 16th
3) 25.9 lbs – Zack Homer – West of Sheringham – Anchovy - June 19th
4) 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
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 21, 2015
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Chinook fishing was GOOD most of this past week. Halibut fishing was SLOW 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 GOOD this past weekend. Some nice fish in the JDF Fishing Derby were caught this past weekend, with the top 3 fish were all over 30 lbs! Congrats to Jeff Richmond the winner of the derby with a 34.4 lbs Chinook. The springs were consistent with the best fishing from Possession past Sherringham Point. Anchovies still seem to be the number one choice for Sooke anglers this week. Teaser heads that have been performing well are Bloody Nose, UV Green, Green Glow and the Joanne. Also, the fish seem more consistent in the 60- 80 ft zone. 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.
Jeff Richmond, the winner of the JDF Derby JDF Leader BoardBECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. Most of the fish were caught between Trap Shack and Possession. Most springs were running from 15 to 25 lbs in size, with a couple larger fish into the 30’s earlier in the week. Most fish have been getting caught between 55- 80 ft on the downrigger. Anchovies were the most productive bait and Bloody Nose 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 Trap Shack 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 this week. Whirl Bay and Church Rock produced catches steadily throughout the week but Pedder Bay’s been seeing some steady action throughout the week, with reports of anglers getting some nice fishing jigging off the kelp beds. Mac Fish and Gibbs Minnows were the top choices used. There were fish caught into the mid 20’s from Pedder around to Whirl Bay. Most of the fish seem to be ranging from 12-18 lbs. Anchovy was the most productive bait for springs with Green, Special Red, Purple Haze and Bloody Nose being top choices in teaser heads. G-force spoons with both glow and green have been working as well. Also, The Skinny G looks like it will be very popular this year. We have had good feedback from the anglers that have already picked them up. Flashers that remain popular include the Madi and the Purple Onion.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past weekend, although most anglers were focused on chinook fishing due to the derbies held. Dylan Yakimovich had the largest halibut caught in the JDF Derby weighting 50.5 lbs. 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 springs was FAIR off Constance Bank and remains SPOTTY along the waterfront. There have been reports of the odd nice fish being around. Fish weighing into the high teens are still being caught at Constance. Mike Game weighed in a 29.2 lb chinook from Albert Head caught on an anchovy with a Bloody nose heads. 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.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was SLOW 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 SLOW during this past week. The fish caught were in the 12- 16 lb range with a few in the mid 20’s. A good mix of feeders and mature springs were reported this past week. 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. Anglers that were jigging in the afternoon in the gap, reported catching fish up into the 20’s in the evening. 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 SLOW 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.
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was SLOW near Sidney. A few fish were brought in over the past week into the low teens, but overall not a lot of success. This could be due to fast currents this past week. James Island, near the powder wharf and Sidney Spit is where the few fish caught were coming from. 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 – JDF Derby: With a total of 480 tickets, 300+ fishing were weighed in, 193 in the first day, 4 of them being halibut. Dylan Yakimovich had the largest halibut caught in the JDF Derby weighting in at 50.5 lbs. The 3 largest Salmon weighed in were: 1st Jeff Richmond 34.4 lbs; 2nd Sean Owens 32.8 lbs; 3rd Rob Hagel 30.4 lbs.
In the Port Renfrew Salmon Championship Derby, held at Pacific Gateway Marina, 1st place went to Jorgen Anderson with a 34.7 lbs. 2nd place went to Rob Barbon with a 31.9 lbs and 3rd place went to Adam Battisteui (30.5 lbs).
Leader Board of the Port Renfrew Salmon Championship Derby held at Pacific Gateway MarninaBruce Dunbar sent in a photo of a nice 27 lb Spring caught at Pender Bluffs on June 18th.
Photo sent in by Bruce DunbarRichard Driedegr caught a 30 lb Spring on a clear teaser head behind a purple falser off the Victoria water Front.
Richard DriedgerDuncan Watts brought in 4 nice Springs out of Beachy Head on June 20, with the largest weighing in at 29 lbs.
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 SLOW. 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 –
Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
Avoid the crowds. When you see lots of boats fishing in a small area, it doesn’t necessarily mean there are lots of fish there, just lots of anglers. And the more anglers, the more gear in the water competing for what fish that may be there. Usually, you’re better off to fish away from the crowd with less competition for those fish that are willing to bite.
Island Outfitters Leader Board 2015
Salmon
1) 31.7 lbs – Zack Homer – West of Sheringham – Anchovy - June 19th
2) 29.2 lbs – Mike Game – Albert Head – Anchovy - June 16th
3) 25.9 lbs – Zack Homer – West of Sheringham – Anchovy - June 19th
4) 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
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!