CartIsland Outfitters Fishing Report
Week Ending August 29, 2021
Saltwater Report
Saltwater Overview
Chinook and Pink salmon fishing was SLOWER from Sooke to Victoria. Those anglers fishing for springs were catching slot size keepers but many oversize and undersized springs were caught and released. Pink salmon were fewer in numbers and were found in deeper water. Some hatchery coho up to 8 lbs were caught, mostly in the western approaches. There are also reports of sockeye salmon being caught and released as there is no retention allowed for sockeyes. Halibut, Lingcod and rockfish fishing was SLOW this past week. Crabbing and prawning was HIT & MISS in most areas.
AREA 19 and AREA 20 Subareas 20-3 to 20-7 - daily quota and size restrictions (excluding those closed and non-retention areas/periods) - Effective 00:01 hours August 1 to 23:59 hours August 31: One (1) Chinook per day with a maximum size limit of 80 cm on marked and unmarked Chinook. -Effective 00:01 hours September 1 to 23:59 hours December 31: Two (2) Chinook per day, no maximum size limit.
Have you been looking for something fun to do close to home this summer? Join us in Port Renfrew for the ultimate Westcoast adventure! We only have a couple of openings left in late August so book your trip now before they are gone! Phone us at 250-475-4969 or email charters@fishingvictoria.com to book your trip.
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.cfmto 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.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is no longer providing printed BC Sport Fishing Guides from previous years or link to access an online PDF version. Interest in the Guides has diminished and there is an increasing gap between the information in the paper guides and the actual online fishing regulations. For current fishing regulations in your area, please see the online Sport Fishing Guide at: https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact your local fisheries office at: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/contact/regions/pacific-pacifique-eng.html
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0204
Sent March 4, 2021 at 0836
Notices
Fishery Notice
Anglers need to be aware that not all crab pots purchased conform to the BC Sport Fishing Regulations. Legal rot cord is made from untreated cotton twine, no greater than #120 (or approximately 5 mm or 3/16 inch diameter). Fishers should check the crab gear they buy and if it doesn't come with untreated cotton twine (rot cord) as specified above, then the cord needs to be replaced to be in compliance with the BC Sport Fishing Regulations. Illegal rot cord melts, while legal cotton rot cord will burn clean! The legal rot cord will allow crab to escape. This will stop the trap from catching and retaining crabs in a situation where it becomes lost on the sea floor (rope to float gets cut off by passing boat or trap drifts away to unknown spot and continues to fish). If these pots don't have the legal escape cord, they keep killing crab for a long time. More information is available on the BC Sport Fishing Guide at https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mike Kattilakoski 250-756-7315 Mike.Kattilakoski@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Karen Vaudry 778-834-8127 Karen.Vaudry@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0559
Sent June 10, 2021 at 1207
Fishery Notice
Continuing conservation concerns for Interior Fraser Coho require that 2021 Coho management measures remain precautionary. Unless otherwise specified below, the daily limit for Coho is two (2) per day, hatchery marked only, effective 00:01 hours June 1 to 23:59 hours December 31, 2021, in Areas 11 to 20, 111, and Subareas 29-1 to 29-5. These measures exclude finfish closed areas and Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs). Please check the DFO website referenced at the bottom of this notice for more information. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area 111 and Subareas 11-1, 11-2, and 12-14 (Portion of Queen Charlotte Sound): Effective 00:01 hours June 1 until 23:59 hours July 31, 2021 you may retain two (2) Coho per day (hatchery marked or unmarked). Effective 00:01 hours August 1 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021, you may retain two (2) Coho per day, of which only one (1) may be unmarked. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subareas 11-3 to 11-10 (inside Nakwakto Rapids): Effective 00:01 hours April 1 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021, you may retain two (2) Coho per day (hatchery marked or unmarked). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subareas 12-3 to 12-13, 12-15, 12-16 (except for the Hardy Bay portion described separately below), 12-17 to 12-19, and 12-21 to 12-23: Effective 00:01 hours June 1 until 23:59 hours July 31, 2021, you may retain two (2) Coho per day, of which only one (1) may be unmarked. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portion of Area 12-16 (Hardy Bay): Effective 00:01 hours August 1 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021, in that portion of Subarea 12-16 (Hardy Bay, inside of line from Duval Point to Daphne Point) you may retain four (4) hatchery marked Coho per day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subareas 12-26 to 12-48 (Portion of the Mainland Inlets): Effective 00:01 hours June 1 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021, you may retain two (2) Coho per day, of which only one (1) may be unmarked. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subareas 13-20, 13-21, a portion of 13-22 (East Side of Stuart Island and a portion of Bute Inlet): Effective 00:01 hours August 1 until 23:59 hours September 15, 2021, in Subareas 13-20, 13-21, and that portion of Subarea 13-22 (described as those waters in Bute Inlet from the RCA boundary sign at Littleton Point across to the opposite shore at 50 degrees 49.900' N and 124 degrees 51.6290' W), you may retain two (2) Coho per day, of which only one (1) may be unmarked. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portion of Subarea 14-11 (Baynes Sound): Effective 00:01 hours September 1 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021 in that portion of Subarea 14-11 Baynes Sound inside a line from the Cape Lazo Light, then to the P-54 Bell Buoy on Comox Bar, then to Longbeak Point, then to the mouth of Hart (Washer) Creek, you may retain two (2) Coho per day, of which only one (1) may be unmarked. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portion of Subarea 15-1 (Lang Creek): Effective 00:01 hours August 15 until 23:59 hours October 15, 2021 in that portion of Subarea 15-1 east of a line from Albion Point (locally known as Black Point) to Scotchfir Point, you may retain two (2) Coho per day (hatchery marked or unmarked). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subarea 16-5 and Portion of Subarea 16-6 (Sechelt Inlet and Porpoise Bay): Effective 00:01 hours June 1 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021, in Subarea 16-5 and a portion of Subarea 16-6 (Sechelt Inlet and Porpoise Bay - southerly of a line from Nine Mile Point true west to a boundary sign on the opposite shore), you may retain four (4) Coho per day (hatchery marked or unmarked). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portion of Subarea 18-8 (Separation Point): Effective 00:01 hours November 1 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021, in that portion of Subarea 18-8, inside of a line between Separation Point and Cherry Point, you may retain two (2) Coho per day (hatchery marked or unmarked). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No salmon fishing - Portions of Subareas 18-2, 18-4, 18-5, 18-9 - A separate Variation Order and Fishery Notice will be issued with detailed information regarding upcoming salmon fishing closures in these areas to protect SRKWs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Area 19: Effective 00:01 hours October 1 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021, in Area 19, you may retain two (2) Coho per day, of which only one (1) may be unmarked. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subarea 20-2 and portion of Subarea 20-1 (Port San Juan Light): Effective 00:01 hours September 5 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021 in Subarea 20-2, and a portion of Subarea 20-1 shoreward of a line between a square white boundary sign at Owen Point, the Port San Juan Light and Whistle Buoy, and San Juan Point, you may retain four (4) Coho per day, of which only two (2) may be unmarked. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Portion of Subarea 20-1 (Port San Juan Light), Subareas 20-3 to 20-7: Effective 00:01 hours October 1 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021 in that portion of Subarea 20-1 (seaward of a line between a square white boundary sign at Owen Point, the Port San Juan Light and Whistle Buoy, and San Juan Point) and Subareas 20-3 to 20-7, you may retain four (4) Coho per day, of which only one (1) may be unmarked, excluding the areas and timing closed to salmon fishing listed below: Effective 00:01 hours October 1 to 23:59 hours August 31, 2021 - No salmon fishing in Subareas 20-3 and 20-4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Portion of Subarea 29-1 (Chapman Creek): Effective 00:01 hours September 15 until 23:59 hours December 31, 2021 in that portion of Subarea 29-1 in front of Chapman Creek of Davis Bay and Trail Bay, inside a half mile ribbon boundary (1/2 mile offshore), commencing from one half mile true South of the Western boundary of Snickett Park (49 degrees 27.625'N and 123 degrees 45.903'W to one half mile true South of the marker at the entrance to the Port Stalashin Marina (49 degrees 25.875'N and 123 degrees 42.824'W), you may retain two (2) Coho per day (hatchery marked or unmarked). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Variation Orders: 2021-RFQ-0150; 2021-RCT-145 Fishers are reminded the minimum size for Coho is 30 cm. Notes: Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal waters of British Columbia. The term "hatchery marked" or "marked" means a fish that has a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. This is also referred to as an adipose fin-clipped (AFC) fish. Unmarked fish still have an adipose fin present. Sport anglers are encouraged to participate in the Salmon Sport Head Recovery program by labeling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped Chinook and Coho Salmon. Recovery of coded-wire tags provides critical information for coast-wide stock assessment. Contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program toll free at 1-866-483-9994 for further information. Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs) are currently in effect and are closed to all fin-fishing. Descriptions of RCAs, other closures such as finfish closed areas and salmon non-retention areas, and other recreational fishing information, can be found on the Internet at: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish
Fishery Notice
This Fishery Notice details Chinook recreational fishery opportunities that have been approved on a trial basis for 2021 in portions of Areas 12, 13, 15, 16, and Subarea 20-5 for the 2021 fishing season. These areas are located outside the primary migratory paths used by Fraser Chinook and are designed to limit impacts on wild Chinook stocks of concern. These opportunities are being implemented on a trial basis with enhanced creel survey monitoring. Anglers are reminded about the importance of reporting catch information, submitting heads for adipose fin clipped Chinook and providing access to fish for sampling when requested. This information will be used to support post-season evaluation and future decision making. Conservation measures to address conservation concerns for at-risk Southern BC Chinook stocks remain in effect for many southern BC waters. Please check the DFO web-site for specific restrictions in your area. Area 12: Subareas 12-27, 12-28, 12-35, 12-38, and 12-40; and That portion of 12-26 north of line from Dinner Point on Village Island (50°37.628'N, 126°30.322'W) across to a point on the opposite shore on Turnour Island (50°37.536'N, 126°29.845' W); AND east of the Lower Clio RCA boundary line at 50°35.397'N, 126°31.982'W; 50°34.943'N, 126°32.080'W; and That portion of 12-39 northeasterly of a line from Gordon Point on Broughton Island (50°45.885'N, 126°44.158'W) across to the RCA boundary on Eden Island (50°45.510'N, 126°42.831'W); AND those portions of Subarea 12-39 east of the Eden-Bonwick-Midsummer-Swanson Islands RCA: Effective immediately until 23:59 hours July 14, 2021, one (1) Chinook per day marked or unmarked, with maximum 80 cm size limit on unmarked Chinook. Area 13 (Portions of Bute Inlet and Ramsay Arm): That portion of Subarea 13-19 northerly of a line that runs from 50°19.584'N, 125°00.292'W (on Raza Island) to 50°19.9463'N, 125°01.9274'W (southeast of Frances Bay); and Subarea 13-21: Effective immediately until 23:59 hours July 14, 2021, one (1) Chinook per day marked or unmarked, with maximum 80 cm size limit on unmarked Chinook. Area 15 (portions of Toba Inlet): That portion of 15-5 north of a line from Tibbs Point on Raza Island (50°18.7312N 124°57.9802W) to Connis Point on West Redonda Island (50°18.2872N 124°55.1772W); AND northerly of a line from Dean Point on West Redonda Island (50°17.147'N, 124°47.172'W) across to a point on East Redonda Island (50°17.145'N, 124°46.989'W); AND north of a line from Price Point (50°09.399'N, 124°39.165'W) to East Redonda Island (50°10.075'N,124°41.763'W); and That portion of Subarea 15-6 (in Toba Inlet) west of a line from a boundary sign at Snout Point to a boundary sign on the opposite shore: Effective immediately until 23:59 hours July 14, 2021, one (1) Chinook per day marked or unmarked, with maximum 80 cm size limit on unmarked Chinook. Area 16 (portions of Sechelt and Jervis Inlets): Subareas 16-6, 16-9, 16-12; and That portion of Subarea 16-7 westerly of the Salmon Inlet RCA boundary following a meridian passing through at 123°43.00'W (near Black Bear Bluff); and That portion of Subarea 16-8 west of a line from a point on land at 49°41.5'N, 123°48.4'W, across to a point on the other shore at 49°41.1'N, 123°47.7'W; and That portion of Subarea 16-10 north of a line from a point on land at 49°40.0'N, 124°04.3'W, across to a point on the other shore at 49°40.0'N, 124°05.1'W; and That portion of Subarea 16-11 north of a line from a point on land at 49°44.99'N, 124°15.57'W, across to Ball Point (corner of the Hardy Island RCA) at 49°45.100'N, 124°13.750'W; and That portion of Subarea 16-13 south of a line from a point on land at 49°50.7'N, 123°55.2'W then across to a point on the opposite shore at 49°50.2'N, 123°52.9'W; and Effective immediately until 23:59 hours July 14, 2021, one (1) Chinook per day marked or unmarked, with maximum 80 cm size limit on unmarked Chinook. Subarea 20-5 (portions of Beecher Bay): That portion of Subarea 20-5 northerly of a line drawn from 48°19.554'N, 123°37.768'W to 48°19.589'N, 123°36.533'W, then following the shoreline of Frazer Island east to the RCA boundary at 48°19.700'N, 123°36.267'W, then to 48°19.633'N, 123°35.681'W; and Effective immediately to 23:59 hours July 31, 2021, one (1) Chinook per day hatchery-marked only. Variation Order: 2021-RFQ-273 Coast-wide Recreational Fisheries: For the recreational fishery, the annual aggregate limit for Chinook salmon is ten (10) coast-wide in all tidal waters. Variation Order: 2021-RFQ-094 Fishers are reminded that minimum legal size limits apply and to check the species regulations for the areas being fished. Notes: Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal waters of British Columbia. The term "hatchery marked" or "marked" means a fish that has a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. This is also referred to as an adipose fin-clipped (AFC) fish. Unmarked fish still have an adipose fin present. Sport anglers are encouraged to participate in the Salmon Sport Head Recovery program by labeling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped Chinook and Coho Salmon. Recovery of coded-wire tags provides critical information for coast-wide stock assessment. Contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program toll free at 1-866-483-9994 for further information. Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs) are currently in effect and are closed to all fin-fishing. Descriptions of RCAs, other closures such as finfish closed areas and salmon non-retention areas, and other recreational fishing information, can be found on the Internet at: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line at 1-800-465-4336 or by email at DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at 1-866-431-FISH (3474). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office or visit our website at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0467
Sent May 14, 2021 at 1323
Fishery Notice
To address conservation concerns for at-risk Fraser River Chinook stocks, DFO is continuing precautionary reductions in commercial, recreational and First Nations' fisheries to support conservation of these stocks. This Fishery Notice provides the interim recreational fishery management measures to provide protection to at-risk Fraser River Chinook stocks in Areas 11 to 28, 29, 121 to 127. The plan is to start the 2021 fishing season (beginning April 1, 2021) with measures in place at the beginning of last season, until further notice. As these are interim measures, a further announcement on possible revised management actions will be announced in a subsequent fishery notice. The management measures for Fraser Chinook are outlined below. Southern BC Recreational Fisheries: West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI) Subareas 20-1 and 20-2, Area 121, as well as Areas 123 to 127 seaward of a Boundary Line located approximately one (1) nautical mile from the surfline: 00:01 hours April 1, 2021 until further notice, Chinook non-retention. For the full definition of the Boundary Line in Areas 123 to 127, please see the bottom of this fishery notice. Chinook daily limits remain at two (2) per day shoreward of this boundary line. Queen Charlotte and Johnstone Straits (Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48): 00:01 hours April 1, 2021 until further notice, Chinook non-retention. Strait of Georgia - North - Areas 13 to 17, Area 28, and Subareas 29-1 and 29-2 (excluding those portions listed as closed below): 00:01 hours April 1, 2021 until further notice, Chinook non-retention; Strait of Georgia - South and Juan de Fuca - Area 18, Subareas 19-3 to 19-12, 20-3 to 20-7, and Subareas 29-3 to 29-5 and 29-8 (excluding those portions listed as closed below): 00:01 hours April 1, 2021 until further notice, Chinook non-retention. Portions of Southern Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound and Burrard Inlet - Subareas 28-7 to 28-9; Subarea 28-1, and that portion of Subarea 28-2 that lies southerly of a line drawn due East from Halkett Point on Gambier Island (49 26.735'N, 123 19.302'W) to a point (49 26.550'N, 123 14.317'W) on the mainland corresponding with the Southeast point of the Lions Bay RCA; and those portions of 29-3 to 29-5 that lie East of a line from Gower Point (49 23.021'N, 123 32.166' W) near Gibsons to Shah Point on the Southern tip of Valdes Island (49 01.695'N, 123 35.721'W): April 1, 2021 until further notice: No fishing for Chinook; Approaches to Fraser River - Subareas 29-6, 29-7, 29-9 to 29-17 and the non-tidal waters of the Fraser River from Mission Bridge to the confluence with Sawmill Creek: January 1 to November 1: No fishing for Salmon (Note: Fishing opportunities for specific salmon stocks may be considered at a later date) For clarity, Chinook retention is permitted in Areas 11, 21 to 27, 111, Subarea 12-14, and those portions of Areas 123 to 127 shoreward of a Boundary Line located approximately one (1) nautical mile seaward of the surfline.
Fishery Notice
Effective 00:01 hours March 1, 2021, until March 31, 2021, the daily limit for Chinook is two (2) per day. These Chinook may be marked or unmarked 45 cm to 67 cm, and hatchery-marked only greater than 67 cm. These measures apply in the following waters: Subareas 19-1, 19-3, 19-4 and 20-4 to 20-7 (those waters near Victoria between Cadboro Point and Sombrio Point). Variation Order: 2021-RFQ-045 Coast-wide Recreational Fisheries Reminder: For the recreational fishery, the annual aggregate limit for Chinook salmon is ten (10) coast-wide in all tidal waters. The annual licence period is from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Further information on specific management actions will be communicated by separate Fishery Notices. You can view or subscribe to fisheries notices at: http://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm Fishers are also required to check the DFO website for a full list of any additional regulations and restrictions in the area being fished. Please refer to the DFO recreational fisheries website at the following web address for a full list of regulations and restrictions: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html Rockfish Conservation Areas are currently in effect and are closed to all fin-fishing. Descriptions of these closures, and other recreational fishing information, can be found on the Internet at: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/maps-cartes/rca-acs/index-eng.html Notes: The term "hatchery marked" means a fish that has a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal waters of British Columbia. Sport anglers are encouraged to participate in the Salmon Sport Head Recovery program by labelling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped Chinook and Coho salmon. Recovery of coded-wire tags provides critical information for coast-wide stock assessment. Contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program toll free at 1-866-483-9994 for further information. Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line at 1-800-465-4336. For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at 1-866-431-FISH (3474). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office or visit our website at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0172
Sent February 23, 2021 at 1017
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Fishery Notice
This Fishery Notice supersedes FN0294 to provide clarity on the daily and possession limits effective April 1, 2021. The corrected Fishery Notice reads as follows: For 2021, the recreational Halibut fishery allocation is 914,750 pounds. The recreational Halibut fishery is actively managed to stay within sector's allocation and fishers should watch for subsequent Fishery Notices to announce potential in-season changes. The following measures are in effect coast wide as noted below: Open time: Effective at 00:01 hours February 15, 2021, fishing for Halibut was opened coast-wide until further notice (See Fishery Notice FN0133). Effective April 1, 2021 until March 31, 2022: The daily and possession limit for Halibut is EITHER of: ---- one (1) Halibut measuring 90 cm to 133 cm in length (69 cm to 102 cm head-off), OR ---- two (2) Halibut, each measuring under 90 cm in length (69 cm head-off). No person shall retain a Halibut greater than 133 cm head-on length (102 cm head-off). Head-off measurements are made from the base of the pectoral fin at its most forward point to the extreme end of the middle of the tail. Annual Limit: No person shall catch and retain more than ten (10) Halibut in the aggregate from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Licensing: The 2020/21 Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence and Conditions of Licence are in effect from February 15 until March 31, 2021 (See Fishery Notice FN0133). The 2021/22 Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence and Conditions of Licence will be in effect from April 1, 2021 until March 31, 2022. All Halibut retained by the licence holder between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022 shall be immediately recorded on the 2021/2022 Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence, or, if mobile access is immediately available, the licence holder may record catch in the National Recreational Licensing System. The area from which each Halibut is caught and its head-on length shall immediately be recorded. The exceptions to these openings are: Areas 121: No person shall fish for or retain Halibut, rockfish and lingcod in Area 121 outside the 12 nautical mile limit seaward of a line that begins at 48 degrees 34.000 minutes and 125 degrees 17.386 minutes W and continues south easterly at a bearing of 116 degrees True to a point at 48 degrees 28.327 minutes and 125 degrees 01.687 minutes W. Areas 121: Closed to all finfish, year round in the waters of Swiftsure Bank. Those portions of Subareas 121-1 and 121-2 inside a line that begins at 48 degrees 34.000 minutes N and 125 degrees 06.000 minutes W, then true east to 48 degrees 34.000 minutes N and 124 degrees 54.200 minutes W, then southeasterly to the International Boundary, outer perimeter at 48 degrees 29.618 minutes N and 124 degrees 43.553 minutes W, then westerly following the International Boundary perimeter to 48 degrees 29.605 minutes N and 124 degrees 56.190 minutes W, then northwesterly to the beginning point. Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) and Glass Sponge Reef (GSR) closures remain in effect - refer to the following web pages for descriptions: 1)RCAs- http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/restricted-restreint-eng.html#rca 2)GSRs- http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/restricted-restreint-eng.html#sponge Variation Orders 2021-RCT-140 (Close Time) and 2021-RFQ-141 (Quota) are in effect. Anglers are reminded of the mandatory condition of licence for the release of rockfish; all anglers in vessels shall immediately return all rockfish that are not being retained to the water and to a similar depth from which they were caught by use of an inverted weighted barbless hook or other purpose-built descender device. Non-residents of Canada: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Canadian border is closed to non-essential travel and BC Tidal Water Sport Fishing Licences are not available to non-residents of Canada at this time. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Greg Hornby (Regional Recreational Coordinator) - Greg.Hornby@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0296
Sent March 22, 2021 at 0925
Subject:
As Canadians continue to adjust with life under Covid-19 conditions, recreational fishers are reminded to follow the guidelines set out by Public Health Officials when taking part in recreational fishing activities in British Columbia waters to help stop the spread of Covid-19. The Public Health Officer of British Columbia has asked British Columbians to limit non-essential travel within the province, especially to smaller communities. Consistent with the Orders and Guidance for Fishing and Hunting from the Public Health Officer of British Columbia, fishers are expected to only fish in their local area. Fishers should also be aware that many coastal communities in BC have closed access and services to visitors to help protect their residents. Access to fuel, supplies and other services in these communities may not be available. Recreational fishers should be vigilant to follow the general recommendations from the Government of Canada for the Canadian public, see official advice on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) page https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html or call the information line at 1-833-784-4397 Updates and changes that were recently announced by the Province of British Columbia regarding recreational fishing in BC at the following webpage: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing-and-hunting-covid-19-updates . Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is keeping the health and well-being of all Canadians in mind as we work together in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19). To slow the spread of COVID-19 we ask that recreational fishers keep a physical distance between each other. Physical (social) distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. DFO's Conservation and Protection Program continues to provide a critical function in the Federal Government's management of Canada's marine resources. Regular integrated patrols by fishery officers on land, sea and air are ongoing. Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is committed to supporting our fisheries and aquaculture industry during these difficult times. The Government of Canada is taking the necessary steps to keep you informed of the latest developments. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Greg Hornby, A/Regional Recreational Fisheries Coordinator, Greg.Hornby@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
The following is a reminder of the South Coast Area Chinook management measures currently in effect and continuing January 1, 2021 until further notice. The daily limit for Chinook is two (2) per day in the following areas: Areas 11 to 27, 28, 111, 121, 123 to 127 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-5 and 29-8. Variation Order: 2020-RFQ-413; 2020-RFQ-689 Coast-wide Recreational Fisheries: For the recreational fishery, the annual aggregate limit for Chinook salmon is ten (10) coast-wide in all tidal waters. The annual licence period is from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Fishers are advised that further restrictions (including minimum and maximum size limits) do occur in some Areas and fishers are required to check the DFO website for a full list of any additional regulations and restrictions in the Area being fished. Please refer to the DFO recreational fisheries website at the following web address for a full list of regulations and restrictions: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html Further information on specific management actions will be communicated by separate Fishery Notices. You can view or subscribe to fisheries notices at: http://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm Notes: Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal waters of British Columbia. Sport anglers are encouraged to participate in the Salmon Sport Head Recovery program by labeling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped Chinook and Coho Salmon. Recovery of coded-wire tags provides critical information for coast-wide stock assessment. Contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program toll free at 1-866-483-9994 for further information. Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs) are currently in effect and are closed to all fin-fishing. Descriptions of RCAs, other closures such as finfish closed areas and salmon non-retention areas, and other recreational fishing information, can be found on the Internet at: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line at 1-800-465-4336 or by email at DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at 1-866-431-FISH (3474). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office or visit our website at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Fishery Notice
Recreational Prawn and Shrimp by Trap Fishers are advised that the harvest of prawns and shrimp by trap, ring net, or spear while diving, will close in the following Subareas as described in the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations: 1. Subareas 17-5, 17-6, and 17-9 (Stuart Channel); 2. Subareas 19-7 to 19-12 inclusive (Saanich Inlet); 3. Subareas 23-1 to 23-3 inclusive (Alberni Inlet). These areas will be closed for the following periods: from 00:01 hours September 8 until 23:59 hours September 15, 2020; from 00:01 hours October 1 until 23:59 hours October 15, 2020; from 00:01 hours November 1 until 23:59 hours November 15, 2020; from 00:01 December 1 until 23:59 hours December 15, 2020; from 00:01 hours January 1, 2021, until further notice. Decisions will be made and announced in December on the possibility for further openings or the need for winter closure from January 1 through to March 31, 2021 to allow the prawn spawning cycle to complete. The 3 month winter closure protects large, mature egg-bearing female prawns as their eggs prepare to hatch.
Fishery Notice
RECREATIONAL - General Information
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
RECREATIONAL - Shellfish
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is no longer providing printed BC Sport Fishing Guides from previous years or link to access an online PDF version. Interest in the Guides has diminished and there is an increasing gap between the information in the paper guides and the actual online fishing regulations. For current fishing regulations in your area, please see the online Sport Fishing Guide at: https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact your local fisheries office at: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/contact/regions/pacific-pacifique-eng.html
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0204
Sent March 4, 2021 at 0836
Sooke
Salmon fishing was SLOWER than in previous weeks in Sooke. Spring salmon fishing has been SPOTTY for chinooks. There were lots of slot size fish and some real large ones caught and released as well. Otter Point was the best location to find springs. The pink fishing was still GOOD, but the fish were out in deeper waters and not so much in close to shore. Some sockeyes and hatchery coho have also been caught this past week as well. Many anglers fishing for salmon have been using spoons with great success. Spoons such as Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, Coho Killers, Coyote spoons and AP Tackleworks spoons have been good for springs. For those using anchovies and herring, good choices for teaser head colors are Chartreuse, Tiger Prawn and Bloody Nose. Popular flashers have been Jelly Fish Glow, The Bon Chovy, the Madi and the Super Betsey. Halibut fishing was SLOW. Crabbing has been GOOD in the basin.
Becher Bay
Cheanuh marina reported that salmon fishing has been SLOWER over the past few days. Only about one in three boats was coming in with a salmon. Anglers targeting chinooks were having spotty success catching slot size springs. Depths of 50-70 feet have been the best for catching springs. The pink salmon were found out farther into the strait and 20-50 has been the zone for pink salmon. Anchovies have been the best bait for salmon, but many anglers are using spoons due to the anchovy shortage. Spoons such as Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, Coho Killers, Coyote spoons and AP Tackleworks spoons have been good for springs. Anglers using herring for bait are doing as well as when they were using anchovies. Good choices for teaser head colors are Chartreuse, Tiger Prawn and Bloody Nose. Popular flashers have been Jelly Fish Glow, The Bon Chovy, the Madi and the Super Betsey. Coho fishing has slowed down. Most anglers fishing coho and pinks are using spoons and pink hoochies. Halibut and Lingcod fishing was SLOW this past weekend. Crabbing has been GOOD inside the bay
Pedder Bay
Salmon fishing has been GOOD at the mouth and inside Pedder Bay. Pinks and springs were being caught from the mouth of the bay all the way west to the Bedfords. Most of the pinks have been from 3-6 lbs in size. Coho fishing has slowed down. Most anglers fishing coho and pinks are using spoons such as Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, Coho Killers, Coyote spoons and AP Tackleworks spoons. Anchovies have also been excellent for all salmon. Good choices for teaser head colors are UV Green, Purple Haze and Bloody Nose. Popular flashers have been Jelly Fish Glow, The Bon Chovy, the Madi and the Super Betsey. Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week.
Victoria
Salmon fishing was SLOWER this past week. There were fewer numbers of springs caught along the waterfront. We heard that it was more consistent out on Constance Bank when the wind wasn’t too bad. There were more undersized oversize springs being caught than in previous weeks. Pink salmon fishing was FAIR during the week, but the numbers were slower than the week before. Anchovies and herring have been for all salmon. Good choices for teaser head colors are UV Green, Purple Haze and Mint Pearl. Popular flashers have been Jelly Fish Glow, The Bon Chovy, the Madi and the Super Betsey. Halibut fishing was SLOW at Constance Bank this past weekend. Crabbing was SLOW with most traps holding undersize male crabs.
Oak Bay
Fishing was SLOW on the Flats this past week. There were still springs around but not nearly as many as in previous weeks. Most springs have been between 6-12 lbs in size, but some smaller feeder springs are moving onto the Flats. Not many pinks have been caught here recently. Small spoons and squirts have been the best lures in this area. Halibut fishing was SLOW in Oak Bay. Crabbing has been FAIR nearby.
Sidney
Fishing for salmon was SLOW this past week. Most of the springs were under size and not keepable. Halibut and lingcod fishing was SLOW. Crabbing and prawning has been HIT & MISS
Saltwater Notable Catches
Please send photos (in jpeg format) with name(s) and a description of your notable catch to our email fishingreports@fishingvictoria.com
Freshwater Report
Freshwater Overview
Not much has changed in freshwater angling. Fishing has been EXCELLENT for bass and SLOW for trout. Most rivers are now closed for fishing until September 1st. Most anglers are not fishing any rivers so as not to stress the fish.
Notices
For freshwater regulations visit the following website:
Cowichan River
The river is closed for fishing until September 1st.
Trout
Trout fishing has been SLOW at local lakes. The water temperatures is fairly warm and the fish are deeper near the thermocline in the local lakes. Shore anglers are catching trout on Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, and worms fished just off the bottom. White, Pink, Chartreuse and Fluorescent Yellow have been good choices recently for Powerbait. Fly anglers are mostly fishing Wooly Buggers, Leeches and Chironomid patterns. Chironomid hatches have been happening at most lakes. Trollers are catching the most trout with worms fished on Gibbs Wedding Bands fished behind Gang Trolls. Tomic Plugs in 2”-3” sizes have also been working well for trout at Cowichan Lake.
To find out about fish stockings all over the Island and the province, as well as the different strains being released, click on the link http://www.gofishbc.com/Stocked-Fish.aspx
Bass
Bass fishing continues to be EXCELLENT. Big Largemouth and Smallmouth bass have been quite active and four pound plus fish are being caught regularly. Topwater fishing is good in the early mornings and evenings with anglers having good luck with wake baits, frogs and poppers, Subsurface soft plastics continue to trigger the most bites, with wacky and Texas rig worms at the top of the list. Try fishing close to the docks and near shallow structure. Deep water has been good during the day and jigs and drop shot fishing has been effective. Hot lakes continue to be Shawnigan, Quennell, Langford and Prospect Lakes.
The following is taken from the Canadian Bass Fishing League’s facebook page with permission
“In what appeared to be prime conditions the Canadian bass fishing league set out on elk lake for the final regular season event of 2021 in the boater series. Today was a battle this was a battle of excellent anglers competing for the ultimate prize. With teams competing for not only the tournament title but angler of the year points as well, every quarter inch was crucial. One fish could propel an angler into the league championship winner-take-all invitational event this September. Today it was the tours reigning league championship and multiple tour winners Justin Booth and Tyrone Warth who took home the title. Justin and Tyrone have now been able to apply their skills on two different continents and prove skill knows no restraint of geography. In second place and with a tremendous second place finish is two of the tours "young guns" who are making a names for themself in the local bass scene. Caelen Veenstra put some excellent fish in the boat. It's no secret now these guys can reel them' in!!! Rounding out the podium was Rob Bowen and Derek Newton who consistently seem to hover around the top of the leaderboard in nearly every event. Big Bass went to Erick Pay who has quickly been gaining notoriety for being able to produce quality fish in multiple scenarios. Overall, it was another great even and regular season. The league is quickly attracting some of the best bass anglers in the region and all signs point to bigger things still to come! Thanks again to all the amazing members and sponsors. You are the league!”
Freshwater Notable Catches
Please send photos (in jpeg format) with name(s) and a description of your notable catch to our email fishingreports@fishingvictoria.com
Fish Tip of the Week
Go with the flow! When you fish, it is best to fish with the tide as it means you cover far more water for fish. Once you contact the fish, go in circles, particularly for schooling fish, like pinks and to a lesser extent coho.
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