CartFishing Report for Week Ending September 13, 2015
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was FAIR most of this past week. The number of chinooks were being caught is dropping as these fish head to the rivers. The coho are starting to appear out in the deeper waters of the strait, but they are mostly unmarked and not available for retention. The pink salmon fishing is basically over. Halibut fishing was FAIRfor those targeting this species.
Please note that there are salmon and other fishery closures in effect in numerous areas of BC’s tidal waters. For the latest details on openings and closures in your area: A) Call 1-866-431-FISH or 604-666-2828 (24-hour phone line); or B) Visit our web page http://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm to find applicable fishery notices; orC) Follow our sport fishing Twitter account https://twitter.com/sportfishingbc 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 SPOTTY this past week. The springs were not as abundant and were scattered in all areas. Most of the springs were weighing between 10 to 20 lbs, but there were some into the high twenties caught. The bigger springs are being caught in the 35 - 75 ft depths. Hatchery coho are more frequently being caught, usually out in the shipping lanes and in 300+ feet of water. Sockeye and wild coho still have to be released. There are very few pink salmon still around. Anchovies are the number one choice of bait for Sooke anglers. Teaser heads that have been performing well 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.
Rlyan Morrison with the results of 4.5 hours fishing off the Trap Shack on Sept 3rd. Springs, hatchery coho. pinks and rockfish for him and his dad, BrianBECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was HOT & COLD 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 – 75 feet on the downrigger. Most springs were running from 10 to 20 lbs in size with the occasional one in the twenties landed. More hatchery coho are showing up in the catches and a lot fewer pinks. The best coho and pink fishing has been on the flood tide in the tide lines far out in the strait. 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. 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 SLOW this past week. The salmon were sparsely spread throughout the area, but Church Rock and Whirl Bay Rock produced the most fish. Anglers jigging outside the bay were catching a few springs using the 8 oz and 6 oz Gibbs/Delta Jumbo Anchovy jigging lure. Some coho (mostly unmarked) and the odd pink salmon were being caught with most of those are coming from deep water south of Whirl Bay. 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.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past midweek. 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 along the waterfront. The springs were spread out from Esquimalt to Trial Island, depending on the tide. That said, Macauley Point was again the area most congested with boats. Constance Bank has been good, especially in the earlier part of the week. Greg Kutyn landed a 29 lb spring while trolling an anchovy at 50 feet off Clover Point. Anchovies, spoons and squirts were successful in getting hook ups. Chartreuse and Purple Haze have been the most popular colors for teaser heads. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and Glow white. Gibbs Coho Killers, AP Needlefish and Coyote spoons in green, moon glow and silver colours have been very effective. The Lemon Lime and Bon Chovy flasher has been very effective recently. The Glow Green Splatter Back Coho Killer has been a very effective out at the Constance Bank.
Greg Kutyn with a 29 lb spring from Clover PointHALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR 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 SLOW 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 FAIR 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.
Gord Gay with a 28 lb spring from the Pender BluffsSIDNEY- Salmon fishing was GOOD near Sidney. 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 white hootchies hootchies trolled between 90 - 130 feet on the downrigger. Some of the springs are in the high twenties in size. Gord Gay landed a 28 lb spring by the Pender Bluffs. 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. The pinks and coho have been holding around the 50 foot depths. 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.
Notable Catches – Greg Kutyn landed a 29 lb spring while trolling an anchovy at 50 feet off Clover Point. Gord Gay landed a 28 lb spring by the Pender Bluffs.
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 lake. Wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake. The Cowichan River is still closed to angling.
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 – Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
Lots of anglers are now targeting hatchery coho as the fish of choice. Be sure to increase your trolling speed, shorten your leaders and fish shallower if you want to get in on the coho action. Coho feed much closer to the surface and like a much faster moving lure than Chinook. And for some real excitement, try trolling bucktail flies right on the surface in the wake of the boat.
Island Outfitters Leader Board 2015
Salmon
1) 39.4 lbs – Justin Wilson – Church Rock – Anchovy - July 5th
2) 38.2 lbs – Jordan Game – Sooke – Anchovy – July 18th
3) 34.4 lbs – Peter Tang – Trap shack – Anchovy - September 4th
4) 33.7 lbs – Dave Byers – Church Rock – Anchovy – September 6th
5) 33.6 lbs – David Chung – Muir Creek – Anchovy - July 16th
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 lbs 7 oz – Bryan Barter – Fuller Lake – March 8th
2) 4 lbs 5 oz– Chris Findlow – Elk Lake – August 7th
3) 4 lbs 3 oz– Paul Tilley – Langford Lake – January 17th
4) 4 lbs 2 oz– Doug Burnit – Dougan Lake – May 9th
5) 3 lbs 13 oz – Mike Reid – Elk Lake – March 8th
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!
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 September 13, 2015
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was FAIR most of this past week. The number of chinooks were being caught is dropping as these fish head to the rivers. The coho are starting to appear out in the deeper waters of the strait, but they are mostly unmarked and not available for retention. The pink salmon fishing is basically over. Halibut fishing was FAIRfor those targeting this species.
Please note that there are salmon and other fishery closures in effect in numerous areas of BC’s tidal waters. For the latest details on openings and closures in your area: A) Call 1-866-431-FISH or 604-666-2828 (24-hour phone line); or B) Visit our web page http://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm to find applicable fishery notices; orC) Follow our sport fishing Twitter account https://twitter.com/sportfishingbc 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 SPOTTY this past week. The springs were not as abundant and were scattered in all areas. Most of the springs were weighing between 10 to 20 lbs, but there were some into the high twenties caught. The bigger springs are being caught in the 35 - 75 ft depths. Hatchery coho are more frequently being caught, usually out in the shipping lanes and in 300+ feet of water. Sockeye and wild coho still have to be released. There are very few pink salmon still around. Anchovies are the number one choice of bait for Sooke anglers. Teaser heads that have been performing well 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 HOT & COLD 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 – 75 feet on the downrigger. Most springs were running from 10 to 20 lbs in size with the occasional one in the twenties landed. More hatchery coho are showing up in the catches and a lot fewer pinks. The best coho and pink fishing has been on the flood tide in the tide lines far out in the strait. 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. 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 SLOW this past week. The salmon were sparsely spread throughout the area, but Church Rock and Whirl Bay Rock produced the most fish. Anglers jigging outside the bay were catching a few springs using the 8 oz and 6 oz Gibbs/Delta Jumbo Anchovy jigging lure. Some coho (mostly unmarked) and the odd pink salmon were being caught with most of those are coming from deep water south of Whirl Bay. 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.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR this past midweek. 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 along the waterfront. The springs were spread out from Esquimalt to Trial Island, depending on the tide. That said, Macauley Point was again the area most congested with boats. Constance Bank has been good, especially in the earlier part of the week. Greg Kutyn landed a 29 lb spring while trolling an anchovy at 50 feet off Clover Point. Anchovies, spoons and squirts were successful in getting hook ups. Chartreuse and Purple Haze have been the most popular colors for teaser heads. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and Glow white. Gibbs Coho Killers, AP Needlefish and Coyote spoons in green, moon glow and silver colours have been very effective. The Lemon Lime and Bon Chovy flasher has been very effective recently. The Glow Green Splatter Back Coho Killer has been a very effective out at the Constance Bank.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was FAIR 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 SLOW 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 FAIR 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 GOOD near Sidney. 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 white hootchies hootchies trolled between 90 - 130 feet on the downrigger. Some of the springs are in the high twenties in size. Gord Gay landed a 28 lb spring by the Pender Bluffs. 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. The pinks and coho have been holding around the 50 foot depths. 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.
Notable Catches – Greg Kutyn landed a 29 lb spring while trolling an anchovy at 50 feet off Clover Point. Gord Gay landed a 28 lb spring by the Pender Bluffs.
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 lake. 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 Nitinat, Campbell/Quinsam Rivers and the Qualicum River. We’re hoping that there will be enough rain soon 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 – Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
Lots of anglers are now targeting hatchery coho as the fish of choice. Be sure to increase your trolling speed, shorten your leaders and fish shallower if you want to get in on the coho action. Coho feed much closer to the surface and like a much faster moving lure than Chinook. And for some real excitement, try trolling bucktail flies right on the surface in the wake of the boat.
Island Outfitters Leader Board 2015
Salmon
1) 39.4 lbs – Justin Wilson – Church Rock – Anchovy - July 5th
2) 38.2 lbs – Jordan Game – Sooke – Anchovy – July 18th
3) 34.4 lbs – Peter Tang – Trap shack – Anchovy - September 4th
4) 33.7 lbs – Dave Byers – Church Rock – Anchovy – September 6th
5) 33.6 lbs – David Chung – Muir Creek – Anchovy - July 16th
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 lbs 7 oz – Bryan Barter – Fuller Lake – March 8th
2) 4 lbs 5 oz– Chris Findlow – Elk Lake – August 7th
3) 4 lbs 3 oz– Paul Tilley – Langford Lake – January 17th
4) 4 lbs 2 oz– Doug Burnit – Dougan Lake – May 9th
5) 3 lbs 13 oz – Mike Reid – Elk Lake – March 8th
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!