Fishing Report for Week Ending July 31, 2016
Max Mabberley and his brother John caught two springs at Sherringham Point using a Madi flasher with bloody nose treaser head
OVERVIEW – Salon fishing was SLOW this past week, but more mature chinooks are being caught. Halibut fishing was SLOW with the big tides this past weekend.
For the latest details on recreational fishery openings and closures in your area:
Effective July 25, 2016 at 00:01 hours until October 14, 2016 at 23:59 hours, you may not retain Chinook salmon in the following waters: Subareas 18-6 to 18-8, 18-10.
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 SLOW this past week. Sherringham Point, Otter Point and Secretary Island were the best spots for fish. Dalton Labrau caught a 38.5 lb spring in Sooke on an anchovy in a red teaser to take the number one spot on our salmon leader board. Anchovies are now the top choice for bait and good choices for teaser head colors are UV Green, Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze.The top spoons for Sooke anglers are the White Lightening and Irish Cream Coho Killers, trolled behind a Betsey, Madi or Bon Chovi Flasher. Hootchies in Cop Car, Purple haze and White have been effective in the past month.
The Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society held their 2016 Chinook Derby on the weekend. The winner was Brian Gibson who caught a 39.35 lb chinook. Second place went to Ryan Chamberland for a 27.95 lb chinook. Third place went to Richard Hamilton for a 27.15 lb chinook. The largest hatchery chinook was a 21.6 lb fish caught by Dave Kennedy. The Largest chinook caught by a junior weighed 19.15 lbs. The ladies trophy was won by Jean Kennedy with an 18.1 lb chinook. Brian Brooks won the hidden weight prize. To see the derby results visit http://www.sookesalmonenhancement.com
BECHER BAY – Salmon fishing was SLOW this past week. The Trap Shack, Beechey Head and Aldridge Point were the most productive locations to fish. Trevor Webb (age 17) caught a 28 lb. white spring on Friday, 29th of July, off Aldridge Point using anchovy, a Black Moon Jelly Flasher and a green teaser head. There were a few fish in the mid 30’s caught but not very man and certainly more than in the last couple of weeks. Anglers using bait are finding anchovies in glow teaser heads have been working well. Spoons, such as the G-Force and Skinny G, in Bon Chovy or Outfitters’ colours were also effective. For flashers, the Purple Onion, Lemon Lime and Bon Chovi have been good.
PEDDER BAY –Salmon fishing IMPROVED this past week. Almost all the salmon were caught near the entrance of Pedder Bay. A number of fish in the 20’s and teens were seen being cleaned at the marina on the weekend. There was a lot of bait in the bay and that’s where most salmon were caught. This week, both trollers and jiggers fishing near the bait schools were hooking salmon. Anchovies also caught fish, but not as many as the ones taken jigging. Good choices for teaser head colors are UV Green, Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. Flashers that are popular include the Betsey, Lemon-Lime and Madi.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past weekend. The best areas were Race Rocks, William Head, 27 Fathom reef and Constance Bank. 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 9” Jumbo Squids if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
VICTORIA – Fishing for salmon was STILL SLOW off Victoria. There were a few caught along the waterfront near Esquimalt, and some of good size, but not very many. Dave Bury caught a 24.5 lb spring while jigging a 2.5 oz Delta Mac Fish in 26 feet of water close to a kelp bed. About 1 in 10 boats has been catching a salmon. Anchovies have been a good bait to use and Bloody Nose and Purple Haze have been the most popular colors for teaser heads. Spoons and squirts have been successful in getting hook ups as well. Good choices in plastic baits are the Pink Haze and White Glow. Green Spatter Back UV Coho Killers, Gibbs Outfitters or Bon Chovi Skinny G trolling behind a Moon Jelly flasher has also brought results in Victoria. Green/Gold Hot Spot flashers have also been good to use.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week with the best areas remaining being 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, and discouraging to dogfish, was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was SLOW this past week. There are some fish in the area, just not too many of them and they were scattered. There has been a lot of bait to hold fish, but the just haven’t shown up in any numbers. Anglers fishing with bait have been using anchovies or tiny strip in Glow teaser heads. Good trolling lures have been Coho Killers, Bon Chovi or Outfitters Skinny G spoons and APT Needlefish spoons. Anglers jigging have been using Needlefish Darts or Deep Stingers and have been doing much better than those trolling for salmon, with some anglers getting limits of 11-20 lb springs.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week. However, Wayne Cocks from St. Albert, Alberta caught his first halibut that weighed in at 67lbs (130cm) long in Haro Strait on a Salmon head and Octopus combo. Most anglers that were fishing for halibut were using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Also working well was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow. Also working well, and discouraging to dogfish, was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow.
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was SLOW this past week. We’ve heard of 20 and 9 lb springs being taken east of Fairfax Point. We also heard of a few springs near Cordova Spit. The Pender Bluffs have been very slow. Trollers fishing with tiny strip or anchovies were using Bloody Nose and UV 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 are popular for jigging salmon.
Effective July 25, 2016 at 00:01 hours until October 14, 2016 at 23:59 hours, you may not retain Chinook salmon in the following waters: Subareas 18-6 to 18-8, 18-10.
Notable Catches – Dalton Labrau caught a 38.5 lb spring in Sooke on an anchovy in a red teaser to take the number one spot on our salmon leader board. Trevor Webb (age 17) caught a 28 lb. white spring on Friday, 29th of July, off Aldridge Point using anchovy, a Black Moon Jelly Flasher and a green teaser head. The winner of the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society 2016 Chinook Derby on the weekend was Brian Gibson who caught a 39.35 lb chinook. Second place went to Ryan Chamberland for a 27.95 lb chinook. Third place went to Richard Hamilton for a 27.15 lb chinook. Dave Bury caught a 24.5 lb spring while jigging a 2.5 oz Delta Mac Fish in 26 feet of water close to a kelp bed.
Please send photos (in jpeg format) and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com
OVERVIEW – Fishing is GOOD in most lakes for both trout and bass. All streams within Management Units 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6, except the Big Qualicum River, the Puntledge River and the Quinsam River are closed to fishing until further notice.
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 - 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” are 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
Halibut
1) 75.8 lbs – Walker Grant – Waterfront – Herring - March 27th
2) 73.9 lbs – Jeff Brohman - Sooke Bluffs – April 30th
3) 71.3 lbs – Marty Antcil – William Head – April 30th
4) 68.9 lbs – Kevin Hicks – Trial Island – April 30th
5) 68.4 lbs – Wayne Boyd – Constance Bank - February 7th
Trout
1) 5 lbs – Simon Arney – Langford Lake – Powerbait - July 24th
2) 3 lbs 14 oz – Kody Stofer – Elk Lake – Salmon Eggs - January 26th
3) 3 lbs 9 oz – Ron Flower – Quamichan Lake – Wedding Band- April 23rd
4) 2 lbs 11 oz – Matt Beeby – Duncan – Black Leech – April 30th
5) 2 lbs 4 oz – Ryan Rock – Duncan – Black Leech – April 30th
Salmon
1) 38.5 lbs – Dalton Laubru – Anchovy – Sooke – July 29th
2) 34.4 lbs – Debbie Campbell – Anchovy - Beechey Head - July 24th
3) 33.7 lbs – Archie Currie – Anchovy – Point Renfrew – July 1st
4 28.5 lbs – Ryan Mace – Anchovy – Beechey Head - July 24th
5) 24.0 lbs – Kieran Cardinal – Anchovy – Sheringham Point - July 8th
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!
SALTWATER
OVERVIEW – Salon fishing was SLOW this past week, but more mature chinooks are being caught. Halibut fishing was SLOW with the big tides this past weekend.
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
Effective July 25, 2016 at 00:01 hours until October 14, 2016 at 23:59 hours, you may not retain Chinook salmon in the following waters: Subareas 18-6 to 18-8, 18-10.
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 SLOW this past week. Sherringham Point, Otter Point and Secretary Island were the best spots for fish. Dalton Labrau caught a 38.5 lb spring in Sooke on an anchovy in a red teaser to take the number one spot on our salmon leader board. Anchovies are now the top choice for bait and good choices for teaser head colors are UV Green, Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze.The top spoons for Sooke anglers are the White Lightening and Irish Cream Coho Killers, trolled behind a Betsey, Madi or Bon Chovi Flasher. Hootchies in Cop Car, Purple haze and White have been effective in the past month.
The Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society held their 2016 Chinook Derby on the weekend. The winner was Brian Gibson who caught a 39.35 lb chinook. Second place went to Ryan Chamberland for a 27.95 lb chinook. Third place went to Richard Hamilton for a 27.15 lb chinook. The largest hatchery chinook was a 21.6 lb fish caught by Dave Kennedy. The Largest chinook caught by a junior weighed 19.15 lbs. The ladies trophy was won by Jean Kennedy with an 18.1 lb chinook. Brian Brooks won the hidden weight prize. To see the derby results visit http://www.sookesalmonenhancement.com
BECHER BAY – Salmon fishing was SLOW this past week. The Trap Shack, Beechey Head and Aldridge Point were the most productive locations to fish. Trevor Webb (age 17) caught a 28 lb. white spring on Friday, 29th of July, off Aldridge Point using anchovy, a Black Moon Jelly Flasher and a green teaser head. There were a few fish in the mid 30’s caught but not very man and certainly more than in the last couple of weeks. Anglers using bait are finding anchovies in glow teaser heads have been working well. Spoons, such as the G-Force and Skinny G, in Bon Chovy or Outfitters’ colours were also effective. For flashers, the Purple Onion, Lemon Lime and Bon Chovi have been good.
PEDDER BAY –Salmon fishing IMPROVED this past week. Almost all the salmon were caught near the entrance of Pedder Bay. A number of fish in the 20’s and teens were seen being cleaned at the marina on the weekend. There was a lot of bait in the bay and that’s where most salmon were caught. This week, both trollers and jiggers fishing near the bait schools were hooking salmon. Anchovies also caught fish, but not as many as the ones taken jigging. Good choices for teaser head colors are UV Green, Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. Flashers that are popular include the Betsey, Lemon-Lime and Madi.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past weekend. The best areas were Race Rocks, William Head, 27 Fathom reef and Constance Bank. 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 9” Jumbo Squids if you want to stay away from the dogfish.
VICTORIA – Fishing for salmon was STILL SLOW off Victoria. There were a few caught along the waterfront near Esquimalt, and some of good size, but not very many. Dave Bury caught a 24.5 lb spring while jigging a 2.5 oz Delta Mac Fish in 26 feet of water close to a kelp bed. About 1 in 10 boats has been catching a salmon. Anchovies have been a good bait to use and Bloody Nose and Purple Haze have been the most popular colors for teaser heads. Spoons and squirts have been successful in getting hook ups as well. Good choices in plastic baits are the Pink Haze and White Glow. Green Spatter Back UV Coho Killers, Gibbs Outfitters or Bon Chovi Skinny G trolling behind a Moon Jelly flasher has also brought results in Victoria. Green/Gold Hot Spot flashers have also been good to use.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week with the best areas remaining being 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, and discouraging to dogfish, was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was SLOW this past week. There are some fish in the area, just not too many of them and they were scattered. There has been a lot of bait to hold fish, but the just haven’t shown up in any numbers. Anglers fishing with bait have been using anchovies or tiny strip in Glow teaser heads. Good trolling lures have been Coho Killers, Bon Chovi or Outfitters Skinny G spoons and APT Needlefish spoons. Anglers jigging have been using Needlefish Darts or Deep Stingers and have been doing much better than those trolling for salmon, with some anglers getting limits of 11-20 lb springs.
HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week. However, Wayne Cocks from St. Albert, Alberta caught his first halibut that weighed in at 67lbs (130cm) long in Haro Strait on a Salmon head and Octopus combo. Most anglers that were fishing for halibut were using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Also working well was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow. Also working well, and discouraging to dogfish, was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow.
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was SLOW this past week. We’ve heard of 20 and 9 lb springs being taken east of Fairfax Point. We also heard of a few springs near Cordova Spit. The Pender Bluffs have been very slow. Trollers fishing with tiny strip or anchovies were using Bloody Nose and UV 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 are popular for jigging salmon.
Effective July 25, 2016 at 00:01 hours until October 14, 2016 at 23:59 hours, you may not retain Chinook salmon in the following waters: Subareas 18-6 to 18-8, 18-10.
Notable Catches – Dalton Labrau caught a 38.5 lb spring in Sooke on an anchovy in a red teaser to take the number one spot on our salmon leader board. Trevor Webb (age 17) caught a 28 lb. white spring on Friday, 29th of July, off Aldridge Point using anchovy, a Black Moon Jelly Flasher and a green teaser head. The winner of the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society 2016 Chinook Derby on the weekend was Brian Gibson who caught a 39.35 lb chinook. Second place went to Ryan Chamberland for a 27.95 lb chinook. Third place went to Richard Hamilton for a 27.15 lb chinook. Dave Bury caught a 24.5 lb spring while jigging a 2.5 oz Delta Mac Fish in 26 feet of water close to a kelp bed.
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. All streams within Management Units 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6, except the Big Qualicum River, the Puntledge River and the Quinsam River are closed to fishing until further notice.
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 - 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” are 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
When checking your gear while salmon fishing, try to do it while you’re in a location where salmon are least likely to be caught. Most trolling locations have key areas of structure where the chance of getting a fish is most likely. Have your gear in the water there and check it when moving between hot spots, not at the hot spot.
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) 71.3 lbs – Marty Antcil – William Head – April 30th
4) 68.9 lbs – Kevin Hicks – Trial Island – April 30th
5) 68.4 lbs – Wayne Boyd – Constance Bank - February 7th
Trout
1) 5 lbs – Simon Arney – Langford Lake – Powerbait - July 24th
2) 3 lbs 14 oz – Kody Stofer – Elk Lake – Salmon Eggs - January 26th
3) 3 lbs 9 oz – Ron Flower – Quamichan Lake – Wedding Band- April 23rd
4) 2 lbs 11 oz – Matt Beeby – Duncan – Black Leech – April 30th
5) 2 lbs 4 oz – Ryan Rock – Duncan – Black Leech – April 30th
Salmon
1) 38.5 lbs – Dalton Laubru – Anchovy – Sooke – July 29th
2) 34.4 lbs – Debbie Campbell – Anchovy - Beechey Head - July 24th
3) 33.7 lbs – Archie Currie – Anchovy – Point Renfrew – July 1st
4 28.5 lbs – Ryan Mace – Anchovy – Beechey Head - July 24th
5) 24.0 lbs – Kieran Cardinal – Anchovy – Sheringham Point - July 8th
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!