CartFishing Report for Week Ending June 28, 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
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Chinook fishing was GOOD most of this past week. Halibut fishing was FAIR but most anglers were out after salmon.
DFO notices (For all in-season changes, check DFO website )
The daily limit for coho is two (2) per day, hatchery marked only from June 1 to December 31, 2015. Effective 00:01 hours June 13th, 2015 until 23:59 hours July 17th, 2015 in subareas 19-1 to 19-4 and 20-5.
The daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day, of which only one (1) may be greater then 67 cm. The minimum size limit in these areas is 45 cm.
Effective 00:01 hours June 13th, 2015 until 23:59 hours July 17th, 2015 in the following waters:
- Subareas 18-1 to 18-6, 18-9 and 18-11, and
- Subareas 19-5, and -
-that portion of Subareas29-4 and 29-5 that lies south of a line from a point on the east side of Valdes Island located at 49.05.562n/123.39.989W then extending 57 degrees True for 5 nautical miles to a point at 49.08.316N/123.33.669W.
The daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day of which only one (1) may be greater than 67cm. The minimum size limit in these areas is 62cm 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. The springs were consistent from Beechey Head up to Sherringham Point. There were nicer fish caught early in the week but size average went down to the 7-15lb range towards the end. Size average can change with just one set of tides so hopefully the big ones will returm. Anchovies are the number one choice for Sooke anglers but with the high numbers of pinks being caught recently, anglers are forced to use more artificial baits. Now that the pinks are running, it is a great opportunity to get new anglers and kids out. Sooke anglers have reported 10-25 pink salmon in one day! 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.
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. Most of the better sized (high 20’s) fish were caught between the Bedfords and Beechey Head but fishing was good everywhere. Fewer pinks were reported in this area in comparison to the Trap Shack and Secretary. Most springs were running from 15 to 25 lbs in size, with a couple larger fish into the high twenties. Most fish have been getting caught between 35- 75 ft on the downrigger. Anchovies were the most productive bait for the big springs and Bloody Nose and Green Glow were the most popular teaser heads. However, spoons and plastic baits have been keeping up due to anglers switching to artificial baits because of the amount of bait needed to weed through all of the pinks! 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. Lots of fish were reported from the teens up to the mid-twenties caught from Pedder Bay up to Church Rock. Lots have pinks showed up mid week out off of Pedder Bay which means it’s a great time to get the family out to experience the action pinks provide. For some of the anglers that were jigging inside of the bay, Mac Fish and Gibbs Minnows were the top choices used. 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 and are getting more popular due to all of the pinks eating up bait. Flashers that remain popular include the Madi, Lemon-Lime and the Purple Onion.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week. Most anglers are finding lots of dogfish but those who stuck it out, they were able to find a few halibut. 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 GOOD off Constance Bank and is picking up along the waterfront. Fish weighing into the high teens and mid-twenties are being caught at Constance Bank and along the Waterfront. Pinks have also been showing up out on Constance bank and a few reported on the Waterfront. Shane Telford sent in a photo of his girlfriend with her first Spring caught in the evening out of James Bay. They also reported a few other fish from 8-12lbs all caught with glow teaser head and a silver Oki Flasher at 50 ft. Needlefish spoons and squirts were very effective in getting hook ups. 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.
Sent in By Steve Telford - His girlfriend with her first Chinook!
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past weekend. Anglers had mixed reports of success because of lots of dogfish on one day and then none the next. 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. The fish caught were 12- 25lbs when fishing gear right on the bottom (70-110ft) on the flats. 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 FAIR this past week out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island. Kingsley Grant sent in a photo of a nice Halibut caught off of Discovery on Sunday. 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.
Kingsley Grant and friends with their catch from the Oak Bay Area.
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was GOOD near Sidney. A few fish were brought in over the past week into the low twenties but the majority of the fish caught were between 12-18 lbs. James Island, near the powder wharf, Hambley Point and Pender Bluffs all produced fish. Glen Caught a nice 13 lb spring on Saturday using a purple haze teaser head while fishing the Pender Bluffs. 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.
Glen with a nice 13lb Spring caught fishing the Pender Bluffs.
Notable Catches – Shane Telford sent in a photo of his girlfriend with her first Spring caught in the evening out of James Bay. Kingsley Grant sent in a photo of his catch caught in the Oak Bay area on Sunday. Glen Caught a nice 13 lb spring on Saturday using a purple haze teaser head while fishing the Pender Bluffs. A team effort by Murray Mckay, his wife Annaick and daughter Eliyanna brought in a 29 lb spring in Port Renfrew last Monday.
Murray Mckay with a 29lb Spring caught out of Port Renfrew.
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.
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
A long Salmon fishing rod gives the advantage to the angler. Short rods can be used for convenience on small boats but give up a lot of advantage. Nine foot rods should be your absolute minimum but a 10’6” rod gives the fisherman that much more advantage.
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
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Chinook fishing was GOOD most of this past week. Halibut fishing was FAIR but most anglers were out after salmon.
DFO notices (For all in-season changes, check DFO website )
The daily limit for coho is two (2) per day, hatchery marked only from June 1 to December 31, 2015. Effective 00:01 hours June 13th, 2015 until 23:59 hours July 17th, 2015 in subareas 19-1 to 19-4 and 20-5.
The daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day, of which only one (1) may be greater then 67 cm. The minimum size limit in these areas is 45 cm.
Effective 00:01 hours June 13th, 2015 until 23:59 hours July 17th, 2015 in the following waters:
- Subareas 18-1 to 18-6, 18-9 and 18-11, and
- Subareas 19-5, and -
-that portion of Subareas29-4 and 29-5 that lies south of a line from a point on the east side of Valdes Island located at 49.05.562n/123.39.989W then extending 57 degrees True for 5 nautical miles to a point at 49.08.316N/123.33.669W.
The daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day of which only one (1) may be greater than 67cm. The minimum size limit in these areas is 62cm 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. The springs were consistent from Beechey Head up to Sherringham Point. There were nicer fish caught early in the week but size average went down to the 7-15lb range towards the end. Size average can change with just one set of tides so hopefully the big ones will returm. Anchovies are the number one choice for Sooke anglers but with the high numbers of pinks being caught recently, anglers are forced to use more artificial baits. Now that the pinks are running, it is a great opportunity to get new anglers and kids out. Sooke anglers have reported 10-25 pink salmon in one day! 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.
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. Most of the better sized (high 20’s) fish were caught between the Bedfords and Beechey Head but fishing was good everywhere. Fewer pinks were reported in this area in comparison to the Trap Shack and Secretary. Most springs were running from 15 to 25 lbs in size, with a couple larger fish into the high twenties. Most fish have been getting caught between 35- 75 ft on the downrigger. Anchovies were the most productive bait for the big springs and Bloody Nose and Green Glow were the most popular teaser heads. However, spoons and plastic baits have been keeping up due to anglers switching to artificial baits because of the amount of bait needed to weed through all of the pinks! 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. Lots of fish were reported from the teens up to the mid-twenties caught from Pedder Bay up to Church Rock. Lots have pinks showed up mid week out off of Pedder Bay which means it’s a great time to get the family out to experience the action pinks provide. For some of the anglers that were jigging inside of the bay, Mac Fish and Gibbs Minnows were the top choices used. 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 and are getting more popular due to all of the pinks eating up bait. Flashers that remain popular include the Madi, Lemon-Lime and the Purple Onion.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week. Most anglers are finding lots of dogfish but those who stuck it out, they were able to find a few halibut. 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 GOOD off Constance Bank and is picking up along the waterfront. Fish weighing into the high teens and mid-twenties are being caught at Constance Bank and along the Waterfront. Pinks have also been showing up out on Constance bank and a few reported on the Waterfront. Shane Telford sent in a photo of his girlfriend with her first Spring caught in the evening out of James Bay. They also reported a few other fish from 8-12lbs all caught with glow teaser head and a silver Oki Flasher at 50 ft. Needlefish spoons and squirts were very effective in getting hook ups. 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.
Sent in By Steve Telford - His girlfriend with her first Chinook!Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past weekend. Anglers had mixed reports of success because of lots of dogfish on one day and then none the next. 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. The fish caught were 12- 25lbs when fishing gear right on the bottom (70-110ft) on the flats. 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 FAIR this past week out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island. Kingsley Grant sent in a photo of a nice Halibut caught off of Discovery on Sunday. 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.
Kingsley Grant and friends with their catch from the Oak Bay Area.SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was GOOD near Sidney. A few fish were brought in over the past week into the low twenties but the majority of the fish caught were between 12-18 lbs. James Island, near the powder wharf, Hambley Point and Pender Bluffs all produced fish. Glen Caught a nice 13 lb spring on Saturday using a purple haze teaser head while fishing the Pender Bluffs. 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.
Glen with a nice 13lb Spring caught fishing the Pender Bluffs.Notable Catches – Shane Telford sent in a photo of his girlfriend with her first Spring caught in the evening out of James Bay. Kingsley Grant sent in a photo of his catch caught in the Oak Bay area on Sunday. Glen Caught a nice 13 lb spring on Saturday using a purple haze teaser head while fishing the Pender Bluffs. A team effort by Murray Mckay, his wife Annaick and daughter Eliyanna brought in a 29 lb spring in Port Renfrew last Monday.
Murray Mckay with a 29lb Spring caught out of Port Renfrew.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.
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
A long Salmon fishing rod gives the advantage to the angler. Short rods can be used for convenience on small boats but give up a lot of advantage. Nine foot rods should be your absolute minimum but a 10’6” rod gives the fisherman that much more advantage.
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!