Fishing Report for Week Ending August 30, 2015

SALTWATER

OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD this past week. Lots of chinooks were being caught all throughout the area, with most of them weighing in the teens. The coho are starting to appear out in the deeper waters of the strait. The pink salmon fishing was definitely slower and you had to work to find them. Halibut fishing was GOOD for those targeting this species.

A closure was implemented on all southern island freshwater systems, including the Cowichan River, in early July prohibiting all fishing, including First Nations FSC fishing. Management measures have been expanded to the adjacent terminal marine areas, elevating the key chinook non-retention areas to salmon non-retention areas. DFO analysis has shown that the implementation of this management measure will reduce the exploitation rate on Cowichan Chinook. The following subareas will close to salmon retention effective 00:01h August 4, 2015 until further notice: Subareas 17-5 to 17-7, 17-9, Subareas 18-6 to 18-8, Subareas 19-7 to 19-12

DFO notices (For all in-season changes, check DFO website http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips.

SOOKE – The salmon fishing was VERY GOOD this past week. The springs were quite abundant and good catches came from all areas. Most of the springs were weighing between 10 to 20 lbs, but there were a few 20+lbs size. Percy Miller landed a 33.6 lb spring near Otter Point on Friday. The bigger springs are being caught in the 35 - 60 ft depths. Some hatchery and wild coho are also being caught, mostly out in the shipping lanes. Sockeye and wild coho still have o be released. Some pink salmon are still around but there were fewer of them this past week. Anchovies are the number one choice of bait for Sooke anglers. Teaser heads that have been performing well with anchovies and herring are Chartreuse, Green Glow Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. G-Force spoons in Outfitters, Irish Cream and No Bananas have been catching their fair number of fish. Coho Killers have been quite effective in catching pinks. The most popular flashers recently have been the Ok’i Betsey, the Gibbs Outfitter and the Madi. 

BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD in East Sooke. The Trap Shack and the Bedfords were the most productive locations over the week. The best fishing there has been in tight to shore in 100 feet of water or less and between 40 – 70 feet on the downrigger. Most springs were running from 10 to 20 lbs in size with the occasional 20+ lber being caught. Anchovies were the most productive bait for the springs and No Bananas and Halloween Candy were productive teaser heads. However, spoons and plastic baits have been popular as well. There are a few pink salmon being caught and you had to work harder for them. The best pink fishing has been on the flood tide in the tide lines far out in the strait. A few hatchery coho are also starting to show up in the catches. The Glow/Green Stripe hootchy has been effective for springs this past week. Spoons, such as the G-Force and Skinny G, in the Bon Chovy or Irish Cream colours were effective. For flashers, the Lemon Lime, Super Betsey and the Purple Onion have been good.

PEDDER BAY – Salmon fishing was GOOD this week. Springs, a few hatchery coho, the odd pink and some catch and release wild coho were reported by Pedder Bay Marina. Everywhere from William Head to Church Rock produced spring salmon. The odd pink salmon is still coming in and most of those are from out near the shipping. Some hatchery coho are being caught there as well. Most of the springs caught have been at that 40-60 foot depths. Anglers jigging in the bay were also catching springs using the 8 oz and 6 oz Gibbs/Delta Jumbo Anchovy jigging lure. Anchovy was the most productive bait when trolling for springs with Glow Green and Bloody Nose being top choices in teaser heads Spoons, such as the G-Force and Skinny G, in the Bon Chovy or Irish Cream colours were effective Flashers that remain popular include Super Betsey, Lemon-Lime and Purple Onion.

The Tour de Rock Salmon Derby was held at Pedder Bay Marina this past weekend. First place went to Paul Egli who caught a 19.95 spring. Second place went to Kelly Brame for a 16.6 lb spring and third went to Richard Gear for a 15.0 lb spring.

HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past midweek. Fish from 30 lbs to just under 70 lbs were weighed at the marina. 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 VERY GOOD, both at Constance Bank and along the waterfront. The springs were spread out from Clover Point to Albert Head, depending on the tide. That said, Macauley Point was the area most congested with boats. Anchovies, spoons and squirts were successful in getting hook ups. Chartreuse and UV green have been the most popular colors for teaser heads. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and pink squirts. Gibbs Coho Killers, AP Sandlance and Coyote spoons in green, moon glow and silver colours have been very effective. The Lemon Lime flasher has been very effective recently. The Glow Green Splatter Back Coho Killer has been a very effective out on the bank. Terry Finnigan caught a 23 lb spring salmon off the breakwater Sunday.

The James Bay Anglers Association held their Annual Salmon derby this past Saturday and Sunday. First place went to Tomi Mitrovic for a 21 lb 8 oz spring. Wayne Gionet came in second with a 20 lb 10 oz spring. Third place went to Gerry Kuzyk for a 18lb 34 oz spring. There were 42 springs weighed in, 11 on Saturday and 31 on Sunday. The largest salmon caught by a lady was an 16 lb 10 oz spring caught by Donna Mae.



HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend. Anglers report that the dogfish were less of a problem this past week. 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 FAIR this past week. Most salmon were caught when fishing with lures right on the bottom (60-110 ft) on the Flats and by the Gap. The fish were hitting needlefish spoon and squirts. Anglers also caught fish jigging right on the bottom. G-force and Skinny G spoons in No Bananas and Outfitter colours worked just fine. Coho Killers in Gold Nugget and Green Splatterback have been pretty productive too. The best flasher has been the Gibbs Lemon Lime and the Bon Chovy.

HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island. 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 VERY GOOD near Pender Island. The salmon have been most abundant close to Pender Bluffs and most boats are getting fish there. The springs are there in good numbers and they have been hitting Electric Chair hootchies trolled between 60 - 120 feet on the downrigger. Some of the springs are in the high twenties in size. There are still some pinks around, just not too many. Coho are also in the area and we’ve heard of both wild and hatchery fish caught. 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 Orange/Black/White, Purple Haze and Electric Chair. Coho Killer spoons have also been working well, especially in double glow and Gold Nugget.

The Sidney Anglers Association held their annual Round Up derby this past Sunday. First place went to Cliff Kindree for an 18 lb 9 oz spring and second went to Don McIvor for a 10.8 lb spring. 



Notable Catches – Percy Miller landed a 33.6 lb spring near Otter Point on Friday. First place in the Tour de Rock Salmon Derby went to Paul Egli who caught a 19.95 spring. Second place went to Kelly Brame for a 16.6 lb spring and third went to Richard Gear for a 15.0 lb spring. Terry Finnigan caught a 23 lb spring salmon off the Victoria breakwater Sunday.  First place in the James Bay Anglers Association Annual Salmon Derby held their Annual Salmon derby went to Tomi Mitrovic for a 21 lb 8 oz spring. Wayne Gionet came in second with a 20 lb 10 oz spring. Third place went to Gerry Kuzyk for a 18lb 34 oz spring. There were 42 springs weighed in, 11 on Saturday and 31 on Sunday. The largest salmon caught by a lady was an 16 lb 10 oz spring caught by Donna Mae. The Sidney Anglers Association held their annual Round Up derby this past Sunday. First place went to Cliff Kindree for an 18 lb 9 oz spring and second went to Don McIvor for a 10.8 lb spring. 

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. Wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.

All rivers on Vancouver Island in Region 1 are now closed until further notice with the exception of the Campbell/Quinsam Rivers and the Qualicum River. We’re hoping that there will be enough rain this week to allow fishing in the rivers again.

TROUT – Trout fishing was GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area this past week. 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.

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 – Kody Stofer caught a 3lb largemouth bass at Elk Lake.



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

 

FISH TIP OF THE WEEK 

Take some binoculars fishing! You can use them to see what other successful anglers are using for bait, spot bait ball ups from a distance, or check for changes in the weather conditions by scanning the horizon. Or you can just enjoy the views or nature and make your day fishing more enjoyable. 

Island Outfitters Leader Board 2015

 

Salmon

1) 39.4 lbs – Justin Wilson – Church Rock – Anchovy - July 5^th

2) 38.2 lbs – Jordan Game – Sooke – Anchovy – July 18^th

3) 33.6 lbs – David Chung – Muir Creek – Anchovy - July 16^th

4) 33.6 lbs – Percy Miller – Otter Point – Anchovy – August 28^th

5) 32.5 lbs – Dennis Zarelli – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 1^st 

Halibut

1) 70.4 lbs – Mike Koff – Oak Bay - Octopus – April 26^th

2) 69.1 lbs – Mike Paltinger – Haro Strait – Herring - April 25^th

3) 67.3 lbs – Rick Lelonde – Oak Bay – April 25^th

4) 65.9 lbs – Marty Pinchin – Mud Hole – March 30^th

5) 65.8 lbs – Adam West – Zero Rock – Mackerel – April 25^th

 

Trout

 

1) 4 lbs 7 oz – Bryan Barter – Fuller Lake – March 8^th

2) 4 lbs 5 oz– Chris Findlow – Elk Lake – August 7^th

3) 4 lbs 3 oz– Paul Tilley – Langford Lake – January 17^th

4) 4 lbs 2 oz– Doug Burnit – Dougan Lake – May 9^th

5) 3 lbs 13 oz – Mike Reid – Elk Lake – March 8^th

 

 

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 31^st wins a special prize.

See our event pages for details on upcoming events and like us on facebook!