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Tofino B.C Vancouver Island fishing report May 2006


The month of May in the Tofino BC area provides some of the most diverse fishing opportunities of the year. Chinook salmon, Halibut, Steelhead and Trout all provide prime opportunities for angling success, catering to both Freshwater and Saltwater enthusiasts. Anglers of all gear types have the option to pursue their species of choice on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Abundant numbers of juvenile Coho Salmon have started the local saltwater fly fishery early this year, with the sizes of these feisty salmon increasing rapidly over the next few months. Small shrimp flies in orange or pink are the best bet, along with sparse candlefish streamers and Clousers. During this same time, Sea Run Cutthroat Trout become much more active along sloping rocky shores near river estuaries like the Cypre and Kootowis creek at Grice Bay.
Offshore fishing is now going full tilt, with great action for Chinook salmon in the 14-35 lb. range, and for Halibut in the 20-60 lb. average weight class. Both of these popular species are often found in the same areas on the baitfish rich banks a short distance offshore from Tofino and Ucluelet. Methods for success when fishing for Chinook and Halibut can very similar by trolling an Anchovy or Herring along the bottom depths that average between 140 and 165 ft. Halibut will readily take all of the favored salmon lures, such as various glow hoochies, 5-7 inch Tomic plugs, and a wide variety of spoons that mimic the local baitfish species. The most common gear used by local anglers when specifically targeting Halibut, is by bottom bouncing a spreader bar with bait along the underwater contours. Herring, Pilchards, Octopus and white Berkley power baits are the most effective baits, when fished with either a sharp circle hook, or a tandem set-up with 8/0 or 9/0 octopus style hooks. Remember, when you think your hooks are sharp enough, give them one more last touch with the file to ensure more hookups.
Many Steelhead anglers on the island have put away their waders for another season, while Vancouver Island’s small west draining river systems are still seeing fresh fish through the month of May. This is a prime time to fly fish for these true native sea run Rainbows, with a great mix of aggressive trout and often sunny conditions that are not really typical to winter Steelhead fishing on Vancouver Island. Medium to large Marabou and Rabbit strip patterns fished with a swing or undulating strip retrieve promote most takes. Fry patterns are a standby for the trout, and even the odd bonus Steelhead!
Check in for regular updated reports at www.tofinofishing.com or call us directly for up to date info. 1-888-534-7422

Tofino B.C. Vancouver Island Halibut fishing heats up





Halibut fishing in the Tofino B.C. area has been very consistent since mid March, with the last two weeks providing Halibut action and catches that made for a lot of happy charter guests hosted by Clayoquot Ventures.
On average, the waters near Tofino and Ucluelet provide an average Halibut size of 20-60 pounds, caught in depths that vary between 130-200ft. The same baitfish rich offshore banks that provide habitat for Tofino's world class Salmon fishery, is the same location for our great Halibut fishing opportunities. Tofino area's most productive offshore fishing areas average between 4 and 10 miles out, while Ucluelet's main offshore fishing areas average 8-18 miles from the shore.
Highlights of the week included Clayoquot Ventures guide Blake Klopfenstein returning after a 6 hour A.M. charter with very happy guests, and 5 Halibut that averaged at 35 lbs each.
A few days later, Clayoquot Ventures guide Derek Fraser was up to his usual tricks, bringing home ecstatic charter guests, 6 Halibut and a variety of Bottom fish. Below, you can read the testimonial from Derek’s guest, who is a very experienced west coast angler.
Something to note, is that fishing for Chinook Salmon has been good as well, but the excellent Halibut fishing has captured the focus of many Clayoquot Ventures charter fishing guests.

"Hi Jay, I Just wanted to thank you again for the excellent halibut trip we enjoyed with Derek Fraser on Tuesday. Derek did not disappoint - trying his proven spots that hold the halibut and then tying my wife into a big slab that really tested her out! Derek was a true pro and the trip could not have been better. Feel free to use any of the attached pics if you like. We'll be back!"

All the best,

Mark Teubert
Front Office Manager
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa

Report by;

Clayoquot Ventures Guide Team
Tofino B.C.
www.tofinofishing.com

The 2006 saltwater sport fishery approaching quickly, and the great memories of last year still being talked about, most anglers can’t wait to hear the reels screaming again. With the huge biomass of herring now in the Georgia Strait there are always good numbers of Chinooks following the huge schools around. Some of the largest salmon we hook into every year are out there right now. Over the years our boats have lost more than a few of these extremely large migrating Chinooks. These early fish, when hooked, seem to just want to head to the bottom, no matter how deep, and just keep on going. Try to match up your gear with the herring that are out there. Large silver or prism spoons (6-7") will get the best results, trolled without a flasher.

Last years Chinook fishery in our favorite hotspots around the south end of Denman and Hornby Islands (area 14) surpassed most everyone’s expectations. Larger numbers of herring kept the fish feeding around Flora Islets and Tribune Bay most of the summer. The average weight of salmon landed on our charters was up 7-10 lbs. Both the Big and Little Qualicum River runs were exceptional, with most fish hitting the scales at between 25-30 lbs. The time to prepare for the coming angling season is now. It’s never too early to haul out all your gear and give it the once over. Throw out all the rusty hooks, fouled line, frayed downrigger line etc and get ready to have fun out on the water. Try not be the guy who “ALMOST LANDED THE BIG ONE” because last years leader snapped!! All boat owners should take the extra time to give the boat complete inspection from top to bottom. Don’t overlook your trailer,faulty bearings, lights, hitches etc can really spoil your day.

The new boating regulations are coming into effect so be sure to check and see what applies to yourself and others that might take the control of your vessel. The next few months can provide some real treats for the dinner table. The local prawning is fantastic, you just have to wait for Mother Nature to co-operate a little. The numbers of crab in Baynes Sound is on the rise, so try dropping a trap around the spit in Deep Bay in 40-60 ft of water. The oysters are always tastier this time of year and a fresh winter spring on the grill can’t be beat. If you are going to do some winter spring fishing, best bet is around the ferry dock (Denman side) in Lambert Channel. There is a nice 220 ft hole where the fish always seem to be. Give it a shot with light 6 ft leader, small flashers and a silver prism coyote spoon. This set up seems to produce good results most days. Come on up to beautiful Deep Bay (just 20 minutes north of Qualicum Beach) For angling info or charters contact G&M FISHING CHARTERS at 1-800-577-6966 or 24 hr pager (250)954-6500 website www.fishingbc.ca

e-mail info@fishingbc.ca