CartFishing Report for Week Ending June 26, 2016
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – In most areas, Salmon fishing was GOOD and Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week.
For the latest details on recreational fishery openings and closures in your area: A) Call 1-866-431-FISH or 604-666-2828 (24-hour phone line); B) Visit our web page http://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm to find applicable fishery notices; or C) 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 in Sooke was SPOTTY for springs this past week. The last few days in Sooke have picked up for Salmon fishing. Sooke anglers have been using Anchovies with teaser heads in Lemon Lime or Bloody Nose with the hot flashers being STS Moon Jelly and the Bon Chovi. The salmon being brought in have ranged from 12lbs- 20lbs in size. There were also a few salmon up to 30lbs being released. The hot spots this past week were Beechey Head, the Trap Shack and Church Rock. The best downrigger depths are 50’- 80’ in 100’- 150’ of water.
BECHER BAY – Salmon fishing was GOOD for anglers all over Becher Bay this past week, although there have been more seals than usual. The hotter spots were Aldridge Point, East Race Rocks and the Mud Hole. Anglers using bait are finding anchovies in Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads are working well trolling behind the Purple Onion, Lemon Lime or Bon Chovi flashers. Summertime depths between 40’ and 70’ are working well to bring in the salmon between 10-16lbs. We have also seen a few fish in the 30’s being released in Becher Bay. The night bite is starting to pick up for those anglers wanting to get out there later in the day.
PEDDER BAY –Salmon fishing was SPOTTY this past week. Most anglers are fishing in 40’- 80’ of water, close to the bottom. Anglers have been fishing with anchovies in Glow teaser heads trolling behind flashers in Glow Green, Lemon-Lime and Madi. The fish being brought in are ranging from mid to high teens in size, with a few oversized fish being released.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week. The best areas were East Race Rocks, and the Mud Hole. Anglers that were fishing were using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use Mudraker, Lucky or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish. The Halibut being weighed in this week have ranged from 30- 50lbs.
VICTORIA – Fishing for salmon was SPOTTY off Victoria. The best fishing was out at Constance Bank again this week. Anglers have been successful using G-Force and Skinny G spoons in Irish Cream and Outfitters; or anchovies with teaser heads in Bloody Nose, Chrome Joanne, or Purple Haze. Squirts were successful in getting hook ups as well with Pink Haze and White Glow remaining to be good colour choices. For flashers, the Madi, Bon Chovi or Chart Blade Lemon Lime have been working well again this week. At Constance, anglers have been catching Springs fishing the bottom in depths of 60’- 120’ of water. The springs coming in were in the high teens and low twenties.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend with the best areas remaining to be East Constance Bank, Border Bank and the Mud Hole. Anglers that were fishing were using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Also working well to stay away from dog fish was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was FAIR with the Flats being the most popular spot this week. Good options for gear in Oak Bay are Needlefish Squirts in Purple Haze, Army Truck or Glow; or Coho Killers in Irish Cream, Cop Car or Outfitters. Use a 5’ leader for Coho Killers or a 3’ leader for Needlefish. For flashers, Chart Blade Lemon Lime, Madi and Bon Chovi have been working well. Fishing close to the bottom in depths of 70’- 110’ has been working well. Oak Bay has been slower this week but the few fish being brought in were larger in size, ranging in the higher teens. Jigging has also been working well with 2 1/2oz Mac Fish doing the trick.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend with the best areas remaining to be East Constance Bank, Border Bank and the Mud Hole. Anglers that were fishing were using extra-large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Also working well to stay away from dog fish was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow. The halibut being brought in were ranging from 20- 60lbs.
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was SLOW this past week. The best spots around Sidney were Coal Island and Fairfax Point. The few fish that were being brought in were ranging up to 15lbs in size. Trollers fishing with tiny strip or anchovies were using Bloody Nose and Glow Green teaser heads. Anglers using spoons found Coho Killers, Gibbs Needle G and AP Tackle needlefish spoons were successful. Anglers jigging have also been catching springs and are using Needlefish Darts and Deep Stingers. The Powder Wharf and Shag Rocks area remain to be good for jigging salmon.
Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Fishing is GOOD in most lakes for both trout and bass. Warmer weather has really made the fish more active and the insect hatches have increased.
COWICHAN RIVER – The water level is very, very low for this time of year. Fly fishing at the top end of the river for trout has been good and insect hatches are happening daily. The rainbows, cutthroats and resident brown trout are actively feeding on these hatches and migrating salmon fry. Good patterns are Pheasant Tail, Prince, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears and Stone fly nymphs. A fry imitation or a Wooly Bugger will also work, especially for the brown trout. When the fish are feeding on the surface, the Goddard Caddis has been a good fly to fish.
TROUT – Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. Shore anglers are catching trout on Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, or worms while fishing close to the bottom. Chartreuse and Fluorescent Yellow 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 are catching trout with Gibbs Gang Trolls and Gibbs Wedding Bands. 2” Tomic Plugs have also been working well for Trout.
BASS - All bass fishing is closed to retention until June 15th. Bass fishing is GOOD. Langford Lake has been very buy with bass anglers this past week. White Buzz baits, as well as Texas rigged Yum Dingers in Watermelon Flake or Berkley Oil Slicked Worms, have been working well. 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.
2016 Island Outfitters Leader Board
Halibut
1) 75.8 lbs – Walker Grant – Waterfront – Herring - March 27th
2) 73.9 lbs – Jeff Brohman - Sooke Bluffs – April 30th
3) 73.5lbs – Nick Carson – June 1st, 2016
4) 71.3 lbs – Marty Antcil – William Head – April 30th
5) 68.9 lbs – Kevin Hicks – Trial Island – April 30th
Trout
1) 3 lbs 14 oz – Chad McKay– Elk Lake – Salmon Eggs - January 26th
2) 3 lbs 9 oz – Ron Flower – Quamichan Lake – Wedding Band- April 23rd
3) 2 lbs 14 oz – Ryan Rock– Duncan – Black Leech – April 30th
4) 2 lbs 12 oz – Thomas Mayeras –Look Out Lake– Yellow Power Bait – April 12th
5) 2 lbs 11 oz – Matt Beeby – Duncan – Black Leech – April 30th
Salmon
We are now waiting for the first salmon of the year to be weighed in at the store. So, bring your next big salmon in for the contest!
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!
OVERVIEW – In most areas, Salmon fishing was GOOD and Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week.
For the latest details on recreational fishery openings and closures in your area: A) Call 1-866-431-FISH or 604-666-2828 (24-hour phone line); B) Visit our web page http://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm to find applicable fishery notices; or C) 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 in Sooke was SPOTTY for springs this past week. The last few days in Sooke have picked up for Salmon fishing. Sooke anglers have been using Anchovies with teaser heads in Lemon Lime or Bloody Nose with the hot flashers being STS Moon Jelly and the Bon Chovi. The salmon being brought in have ranged from 12lbs- 20lbs in size. There were also a few salmon up to 30lbs being released. The hot spots this past week were Beechey Head, the Trap Shack and Church Rock. The best downrigger depths are 50’- 80’ in 100’- 150’ of water.
BECHER BAY – Salmon fishing was GOOD for anglers all over Becher Bay this past week, although there have been more seals than usual. The hotter spots were Aldridge Point, East Race Rocks and the Mud Hole. Anglers using bait are finding anchovies in Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads are working well trolling behind the Purple Onion, Lemon Lime or Bon Chovi flashers. Summertime depths between 40’ and 70’ are working well to bring in the salmon between 10-16lbs. We have also seen a few fish in the 30’s being released in Becher Bay. The night bite is starting to pick up for those anglers wanting to get out there later in the day.
PEDDER BAY –Salmon fishing was SPOTTY this past week. Most anglers are fishing in 40’- 80’ of water, close to the bottom. Anglers have been fishing with anchovies in Glow teaser heads trolling behind flashers in Glow Green, Lemon-Lime and Madi. The fish being brought in are ranging from mid to high teens in size, with a few oversized fish being released.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week. The best areas were East Race Rocks, and the Mud Hole. Anglers that were fishing were using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use Mudraker, Lucky or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish. The Halibut being weighed in this week have ranged from 30- 50lbs.
VICTORIA – Fishing for salmon was SPOTTY off Victoria. The best fishing was out at Constance Bank again this week. Anglers have been successful using G-Force and Skinny G spoons in Irish Cream and Outfitters; or anchovies with teaser heads in Bloody Nose, Chrome Joanne, or Purple Haze. Squirts were successful in getting hook ups as well with Pink Haze and White Glow remaining to be good colour choices. For flashers, the Madi, Bon Chovi or Chart Blade Lemon Lime have been working well again this week. At Constance, anglers have been catching Springs fishing the bottom in depths of 60’- 120’ of water. The springs coming in were in the high teens and low twenties.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend with the best areas remaining to be East Constance Bank, Border Bank and the Mud Hole. Anglers that were fishing were using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Also working well to stay away from dog fish was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was FAIR with the Flats being the most popular spot this week. Good options for gear in Oak Bay are Needlefish Squirts in Purple Haze, Army Truck or Glow; or Coho Killers in Irish Cream, Cop Car or Outfitters. Use a 5’ leader for Coho Killers or a 3’ leader for Needlefish. For flashers, Chart Blade Lemon Lime, Madi and Bon Chovi have been working well. Fishing close to the bottom in depths of 70’- 110’ has been working well. Oak Bay has been slower this week but the few fish being brought in were larger in size, ranging in the higher teens. Jigging has also been working well with 2 1/2oz Mac Fish doing the trick.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend with the best areas remaining to be East Constance Bank, Border Bank and the Mud Hole. Anglers that were fishing were using extra-large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Also working well to stay away from dog fish was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow. The halibut being brought in were ranging from 20- 60lbs.
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was SLOW this past week. The best spots around Sidney were Coal Island and Fairfax Point. The few fish that were being brought in were ranging up to 15lbs in size. Trollers fishing with tiny strip or anchovies were using Bloody Nose and Glow Green teaser heads. Anglers using spoons found Coho Killers, Gibbs Needle G and AP Tackle needlefish spoons were successful. Anglers jigging have also been catching springs and are using Needlefish Darts and Deep Stingers. The Powder Wharf and Shag Rocks area remain to be good for jigging salmon.
Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
FRESHWATER
OVERVIEW – Fishing is GOOD in most lakes for both trout and bass. Warmer weather has really made the fish more active and the insect hatches have increased.
COWICHAN RIVER – The water level is very, very low for this time of year. Fly fishing at the top end of the river for trout has been good and insect hatches are happening daily. The rainbows, cutthroats and resident brown trout are actively feeding on these hatches and migrating salmon fry. Good patterns are Pheasant Tail, Prince, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears and Stone fly nymphs. A fry imitation or a Wooly Bugger will also work, especially for the brown trout. When the fish are feeding on the surface, the Goddard Caddis has been a good fly to fish.
TROUT – Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. Shore anglers are catching trout on Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, or worms while fishing close to the bottom. Chartreuse and Fluorescent Yellow 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 are catching trout with Gibbs Gang Trolls and Gibbs Wedding Bands. 2” Tomic Plugs have also been working well for Trout.
BASS - All bass fishing is closed to retention until June 15th. Bass fishing is GOOD. Langford Lake has been very buy with bass anglers this past week. White Buzz baits, as well as Texas rigged Yum Dingers in Watermelon Flake or Berkley Oil Slicked Worms, have been working well. 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.
2016 Island Outfitters Leader Board
Halibut
1) 75.8 lbs – Walker Grant – Waterfront – Herring - March 27th
2) 73.9 lbs – Jeff Brohman - Sooke Bluffs – April 30th
3) 73.5lbs – Nick Carson – June 1st, 2016
4) 71.3 lbs – Marty Antcil – William Head – April 30th
5) 68.9 lbs – Kevin Hicks – Trial Island – April 30th
Trout
1) 3 lbs 14 oz – Chad McKay– Elk Lake – Salmon Eggs - January 26th
2) 3 lbs 9 oz – Ron Flower – Quamichan Lake – Wedding Band- April 23rd
3) 2 lbs 14 oz – Ryan Rock– Duncan – Black Leech – April 30th
4) 2 lbs 12 oz – Thomas Mayeras –Look Out Lake– Yellow Power Bait – April 12th
5) 2 lbs 11 oz – Matt Beeby – Duncan – Black Leech – April 30th
Salmon
We are now waiting for the first salmon of the year to be weighed in at the store. So, bring your next big salmon in for the contest!
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!