Canada

[SalmonEye]

Since the salmon and halibut fishing season is over, we at Salmon Eye Charters are looking for other ways to get our fishing fix.

In order to do this, we’ve been putting together some fishing videos of our clients this past summer. Take a look! We’ve had a lot of fun with these, and we hope you’ll enjoy them, too.


"WHOOOA! Look at him go!" Salmon Fishing Video
"The action is fast and crazy" Halibut Fishing Video

The videos were taken out of Ucluelet, BC, Canada. In the salmon fishing video, we trolled for salmon with flashers and coyote spoons, and in the halibut fishing video we bottom bounced.

You can also see pictures of our season on our fishing reports.

[Tofinofish]

2009 The Best Fishing in years for Tofino B.C.

Over the past few years, Tofino area Sport Fisherman have been fortunate to experience very consistent fishing, while some areas of the B.C. coast have had some tough times. The first three to four months of the 2009 Tofino fishing season have not only followed this recent trend, it has been nothing short of phenomenal. It has been many years since the first wave of transient Chinook Salmon have showed up in such full force, with very strong numbers and so large on average!! Fortunately the fishing has stayed very consistent since mid May, and is likely to continue through until the fall, with some very large and healthy Chinook and Coho Salmon landed and released.
For the Tofino area to see many Tyee class (30 lbs and over) Chinook salmon is not uncommon, but this normally happens in the peak of mature salmon migration in August, not at the beginning of the migration in mid May, and continuing through July. So far we have seen the normally consistent Halibut action that is common for April, May and June, to only compliment the Chinook fishery a short distance offshore. Many Halibut were caught while trolling deep for Chinook, on simple salmon gear set ups with Flashers and Anchovies, Spoons, and Needlefish hoochies. There is no doubt that the size and strength of these earlier season Chrome, Prime and Tasty Chinook salmon will rival the fight of a mature late season fish regardless of size. There have been accounts of Chinook salmon hitting the gear and not stopping until they almost spool the reel or bust off while heading south. Some of these long distance releases may be the relation the few 40 lb. Chinook already caught in the Tofino area over the last couple months.
Coho Salmon action has also been fantastic, with the outer coastline and inner waters of the sound providing an excellent fishery that we have been missing for a few years. The inshore waters of Clayoquot Sound and the outer coastline have once again become a great option for non-stop action in semi-protected waters, with smaller boats and light tackle or Fly anglers loving the ample baitfish and kelp beds that are like a magnet for feeding Coho and Chinook. The offshore waters are alive with Coho salmon in the top 80 feet of water, with the Chinook salmon dominating the action from lower depths. Alike the Chinook, the average size of the Coho indicates a strong ocean survival regime, with ample food source to pack on may more pounds over the next couple months. Fisheries forecasts of strong returns have been quite accurate so far, so with approximate numbers of nearly 1.5 Million Chinook, 2 Million Coho, 20 Million Pink Salmon as well as Sockeye and Chum, this is the season to get out and enjoy some of B.C.’s finest Sport Fishing in Tofino.
Clayoquot Ventures is excited to host a summer long Catch and Release Derby for Chinook salmon and Halibut! Our guide team is excited to see Clayoquot Ventures host this event, and in fact, the idea stems from their studies and efforts. After supporting the release of many large fish over the years, the Catch and Release Derby is just another way to add to the excitement of the catch and the thrill of the release to support sustainable fishing and tourism for the future.
Clayoquot Ventures also looks forward to seeing you this summer at our new location at 561 Campbell Street in Tofino, directly across from our current store front. Give us a call to find out how we can help point the bow of your own boat in the right direction, or join us on a memorable guided charter yet this year.

[Tofinofish]

The month of May kicked off the Tofino B.C. Saltwater fishing season in a big way, and it should only get better as we roll through June. After commercial and sport fishing the waters off the west coast of Vancouver Island for almost 30 years now, and I don’t remember many seasons when the first wave of transient Chinook Salmon have showed up in such force, with very strong numbers and so large on average!!
With local Saltwater and Freshwater fisheries in full swing, the angling opportunities in the Tofino area are primed for another great season. June is undoubtedly one of the finest months in the Clayoquot region to target some of British Columbia’s finest game fish.
For the Tofino B.C. area to see so many Tyee class (30 lbs and over) Chinook Salmon is not uncommon, but this normally happens in the peak of mature salmon migration in August, not at the beginning of the migration in mid May and through June...man are we in for it this year!! There is no doubt that the size and strength of these early season Chrome, Prime and Tasty Chinook salmon will rival the fight of a mature late season fish regardless of size. There have been accounts of Chinook Salmon hitting the gear and not stopping until they almost spool the reel or bust off while heading south. Some of these long distance releases may be the relation of the 40 lb. Chinook already caught in the Tofino area this past month. Anglers can expect fantastic Chinook salmon and Halibut fishing in the offshore banks from Tofino throughout the month, with the abundant bait fish stocks encouraging these fish to feed in the area for extended periods of time.
Both species can be caught while trolling deep along these underwater contours, but to ensure the best success for Halibut in the Tofino area, consider bottom bouncing fresh baits such as Octopus, Sardines or Herring. Anglers should note that retention of Halibut is set at one per day, with a possible change to 2 in season, and though we catch very few of the famous “Barn Door” sized fish in the Tofino area, we encourage the larger Halibut to be released in support of future stocks.
Chinook Salmon prefer Anchovies trolled with a tight roll, as well as a variety of Spoons. If you encounter schools of Sardines during this time, look towards the larger variety of spoons like the #6 and #7 Wonders or Oki Titans. With the presence of large bait fish in the area, don’t hesitate to match your gear size accordingly.
Coho Salmon are starting to show up as well, and looking very healthy as predicted. Saltwater Fly fisherman are experiencing the start of another great season in Clayoquot Sound, with numerous “Blueback” Coho readily taking small Shrimp, Clouser Minnows in pink or orange, and various small streamer patterns. These 3-6 lb. Salmon feed aggressively and grow fast throughout the remainder of the season.
With the strong presence of Coho and Chinook, we will see more boats fishing the near shore area and protected waters of the sound over the next few months. With an extremely strong presence of Pacific Sandlance (aka Needlefish) it is likely that the transient runs of Salmon will feed for extended periods in the Clayoquot area, before traveling further south. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada has predicted increased returns to many coastal rivers this season, along with highlighted forecasts of U.S. bound Chinook and Coho Salmon, and it sure is great to see that this part of their forecasting has come true so far, supporting a great outlook for the West coast of Vancouver Island.
Freshwater options are fantastic during this time, with prime timing for the downstream migration of Salmon fry, which attracts hungry Sea-Run Cutthroat to the lower rivers and estuary areas of local watersheds.
The pristine local lakes create another great option during this time, with Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout enjoying the warmer waters that have instigated the bug life that they have waited for all winter. Chironomids, Caddis, Olive Damsels, Leeches and Scuds are all “must have” bugs for the spring time lake fishery. Small spoons and spinners work great with light tackle as well.

We look forward to helping with further questions about fishing yet this season, and will be back soon to share more good news about Tofino’s great Sport Fishing opportunities.

[Tofinofish]

May 15th Sport Fishing update Tofino/Clayoquot Sound B.C.


With recent weather patterns providing a day to day mix of all types, springtime conditions may be a little delayed, but not totally abnormal.
Also a little later than normal, the Tofino sport fishing conditions and opportunities for Chinook Salmon and Halibut were slowed a bit by the mixed weather conditions, as well as the anticipated wait for the first strong runs of transient Chinook Salmon heading south past the coastline of Clayoquot Sound. The springtime waiting game is over on many fronts, with timely indicators prevalent in many areas both on land and sea. During the same time that local Cherry trees blossom, and the Black bears roam the hillsides and beaches in search of their spring forage, there are also many ocean indicators that help notify anglers that the “Spring Season” is upon us. Local Fishermen know the Salmon are here or near when current indicators at sea are so obvious. Acres upon acres of Krill or Plankton a short distance offshore have created massive clouds of the nutrient rich base food source for most local aquatic species. Amazing numbers of Humpback whales, marine mammals and birds, as well as aggressively feeding Chinook salmon, Halibut and various other fish species are currently enjoying one of nature’s best spring-time offerings. On a very positive note, there have been reports from many areas of the coast that the plankton abundance is extremely strong, supporting many marine species.
Over the past week in the Tofino/ Clayoquot Sound area, Chinook salmon fishing has increased dramatically, with consistent action and catches for those to enjoy the best tasting salmon of the season. Most Chinook Salmon have been caught offshore from Tofino approximately 4-6 miles, while trolling near clouds of bait like the pre-mentioned Plankton, as well schools of commonly abundant Needlefish. On the tougher weather days, the salmon fishing inshore has been very good as well, with spots very near Tofino harbour, creating close and reliable option. The offshore areas for Salmon fishing have also been hot spots for Halibut fishing, with many Halibut being caught while trolling for Salmon. To catch Halibut this way is not uncommon, especially when trolling with baits like Anchovies or Herring near the bottom. Coho Salmon are also starting to show up, with these likely being the start of the Columbia River summer run of Coho that is anticipated to be extremely strong over the next three to Four months.

Image included shows Paul from Calgary on a repeat trip to Tofino, with a great catch from early May.



With nature serving up a mixed bag of weather as we approach summer, it is much easier to take with the great fishing we have been waiting for, and the great fishing forecast ahead for the 2009 season.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for further details and information for your next fishing adventure in the Tofino area.


www.tofinofishing.com

"TOFINO'S MOST RECOMMENDED FISHING OUTFITTER SINCE 1996"

[Tofinofish]

Coho and Pink Salmon - Mother Nature’s Stimulus Package

There is no disputing that Chinook Salmon, specifically TYEE Chinook over 30 lbs have been a focal point of many sports fishermen’s’ dreams. With Chinook being the largest and most powerful on average, nature’s “King” of all Salmon often holds the spotlight in comparison to its’ four Pacific cousins; Chum, Sockeye, Coho and Pink. Where the other four species may not dominate in size and brute strength, they do help make up for the Chinooks salmon’s shortcomings in sheer numbers for their run size returning to natal streams.
For the 2009 Sports Fishing season in the Tofino area, Coho and Pink are two sub-species of Salmon that will undoubtedly help not only local sports fishing and sustenance opportunities, but the river ecosystems of their origin. With much discussion about ocean survival conditions and habitat being key factors in salmon survival, combining the two factors can have a very positive effect. Though the Tofino region doesn’t experience local salmon returns in the millions, or even the hundreds of thousands to our small to medium sized rivers of Clayoquot, the strength in numbers of salmon returning to spawn is obviously vital for many that benefit, including the riparian ecosystems.
Less discussed, but equally important is the decaying salmon carcasses and subsequent fertilization of stream bed areas in the way of enriched nitrogen to the ecosystem. Research has indicated that trees and shrubs near spawning streams derive approximately 24% of their foliar nitrogen from spawning salmon. With the aid of this nutrient subsidy, growth rates are significantly increased in spawning streams. Riparian forests affect the quality of in-stream habitat through shading, sediment and nutrient filtration, this fertilization process serves not only to enhance riparian production, but may also improve spawning and rearing habitat for subsequent salmon generations and maintain the long-term productivity of rivers along the Pacific coast. It really is a simple equation, strong runs of salmon equals a healthier Rainforest ecosystem.
Local Coho Salmon numbers are anticipated to experience a fair increase again in 2009, following a pretty solid return last season with remarkably large fish on average. The biggest news comes from south of the border, where the Columbia River Coho salmon forecasted return has been upgraded to 1.3 Million, which rivals peak numbers from the early 90’s. The strength of Columbia River Coho run is a very strong component in supporting Tofino and Ucluelet area sport fishing opportunities, most specifically the inshore action for Fly and light tackle anglers. Very strong numbers of Coho grilse were present along the West Coast of Vancouver Island late last season, which is a great indicator for future stocks, as well as the state of the ocean off the west coast of the island.
The Tofino Area Rivers and streams historically hosted large runs of Pink salmon, but we do benefit from transient Fraser River Pink salmon that are forecasted to arrive approximately 2 million fish over the historic average, with likely numbers in around 14 million salmon. This season will be a prime opportunity to help expose someone new to recreational fishing in the saltwater, as well as benefit from Mother Nature’s version of stimulus to support angling opportunities and the health of rivers and their tributaries along the coast. Visit us at www.tofinofishing.com for updated fishing info and guided Tofino area fishing excursions.
We hope to hear from you in 2009 and get you out on the water.

[Tofinofish]

2009 Sport fishing Outlook
Tofino/Ucluelet-West Coast Vancouver Island


The Pacific Rim region along Vancouver Island’s west coast played host to British Columbia’s most consistent recreational saltwater fisheries throughout 2007 and 2008. Local anglers are excited to hear that based on recent DFO reports, the 2009 season is forecasted to follow suit once again. The consistency of fishing in this area is largely due to the fact that the offshore waters of the Pacific Rim region are a primary rearing area and migratory route for numerous stocks of salmon, primarily Chinook and Coho. With a unique ocean habitat here, as well as prolific baitfish stocks, there are fish in these waters all year long. Though the Pacific Rim area has a long history of fantastic Sports Fishing opportunities, the local fisheries have evolved over time, continuing to provide World class angling.
In years past, the salmon fishery was focused closer to the coastline, and often by late summer, the majority of anglers would fish for the largest Chinook and Coho of the season within the protected inshore waters of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. The late season terminal area fishery in these areas has become much more regulated over the past 9 years, with the majority of the recreational fleet now fishing the offshore waters for Chinook salmon stocks destined for the lower Fraser River, the Columbia River and enhanced stocks from Washington state. The shift of focus to the offshore waters has also exposed many to new methods of fishing as well as alternate species like Halibut and Ling Cod.
The increased recreational Halibut catch along the B.C. coast is being closely monitored, as the total allowable Canadian catch (TAC) has decreased in recent years. The question in the catch numbers has nothing to do with concerns for conservation, as the biomass of Pacific Halibut is strong. The challenge remains within the allocation process established by the DFO, where the recreational sector has been falsely guaranteed stability and growth without a true mechanism to facilitate the process. Discussions are ongoing with DFO to rectify the skewed allocation process, meanwhile, the average size of Halibut along the WCVI is said to be on the increase based on researched natural cycles. –Update- The new TAC for area 2B (B.C. coastline) is now set at 7,630,000 lbs and 2009 recreational fisheries regulations are set at 1 Halibut per day with 2 in possession. B.C. recreational Halibut fishing is to be monitored as the season progresses, and if the recreational Halibut catch numbers look to stay within the 918,000 lb catch ceiling, DFO will then consider increasing the limit to 2 per day. The Tofino and Ucluelet area Halibut fishing action is a very reliable option for anglers who are focused on these large Flounders, with the average 15-30 lb size making the best table fare while providing ample sport.
Regardless of how some media outlets continue to put a negative spin on the status of Salmon stocks along the B.C. coast, there are reasons for optimism;
The State of the Oceans report shows cooler ocean trends that are favorable to outgoing salmon smolts in the spring, enhancing the start of their ocean survival regime with an important high protein Northern Copepod diet. This positive scenario took place last spring, and is forecasted to repeat in following years, which will likely support the ocean survival rate of multiple age classes of B.C. salmon.
Similar cool water conditions and subsequent food source of the North Pacific likely contributed to the health of the runs in 2007, which was the largest catch of North Pacific Salmon ever, at 1.04 million metric tons.
In summary, the 2009 Salmon fisheries look to be even better than in 2008 along Vancouver Island’s west coast. Chinook numbers will be slightly better, with the main factor of improvement anticipated in the 4 year old age class which makes up approximately 60 % of the fishery, which was a main component missing from the 2008 returns. A recent increase to the Columbia River Chinook Salmon forecast to over 500 Thousand returning fish, will no doubt be a welcome addition to the strengthening fishing opportunities in the Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. areas.
Chinook regulations are anticipated to be similar to 2008, with continued efforts to conserve terminal area Chinook destined to the smaller wild systems along the coast. Terminal area Chinook Salmon conservation has been in place for 2 full life cycles of Chinook in Tofino/Clayoquot Sound, with little change in escapement numbers. Many believe it is time for DFO to stop turning a blind eye to all other possible factors of decline, while supporting existing runs with necessary enhancement, as the habitat exists to support Salmon survival and rebuilding.
Tofino area Coho Salmon numbers are anticipated to experience a fair increase again in 2009, following a pretty solid return last season with remarkably large fish on average. The biggest news comes from south of the border, where the Columbia River Coho salmon forecasted return has been upgraded to 1.3 Million, which rivals peak numbers from the early 90’s. The strength of Columbia river Coho run is a very strong component in supporting Tofino and Ucluelet area sport fishing opportunities, most specifically the inshore action for Fly and light tackle anglers. Very strong numbers of Coho grilse were present along the West Coast of Vancouver Island late last season, which is a great indicator for future stocks, as well as the state of the ocean off the west coast of the island. The 2008 season provided a consistent fishery for good numbers of strong and healthy Coho in Clayoquot Sound, which provided a liberal retention of 2 Coho per person daily. The offshore waters from Tofino and Ucluelet saw waves of Coho Salmon passing through from early July onwards, with retention limited to hatchery fin clipped Coho only. As the season progressed, numerous Coho Salmon over 20 lbs were released unharmed by the Clayoquot Ventures guide team, making for better Photos and Memories than table fare. We are very excited about the Coho Salmon fishing opportunities along the West Coast of Vancouver Island in 2009.

Sockeye Salmon returns to Barkley sound are forecasted to improve in 2009, with recreational fisheries anticipated. The 2008 Sockeye Salmon returns did not allow a recreational fishery in this area, so local anglers are happy to hear of the stronger forecast.
To add to the mix of great opportunities along WCVI waters this year, the return of forecasted Fraser River Pink Salmon is considered to arrive approximately 2 million fish over the historic average, with likely numbers in around 14 million salmon. This season should be a prime opportunity to help expose someone new to recreational fishing in the saltwater, especially our younger generation that is seeing too many video screens and not enough outdoor activities. Lighten up the tackle and help create some lasting memories and new healthy addictions.
Visit us at www.tofinofishing.com for updated fishing info and guided Tofino area fishing excursions.
We hope to hear from you in 2009 and get you out on the water.

[administrator]

Chasen Fish Charters Winter Newsletter


In this newsletter you will find: - Last years report

- Predictions for this year

- Rates for 2009

- New Boat

- Web Site

- Booking in 2009

- Transport Canada Safety Standards



Last year, the fishing was down a little at Port Hope, the same as other places on Lake Ontario. My average catch was down about 1 ½ fish per trip. The Salmon were the fish that seemed to come and go all summer. Rainbows were fairly steady and we had a good catch of Brown Trout. The Salmon were larger and all caught on a fly behind a Pro-Troll flasher with the EChip.We had 5 over 28 LB. and a picture of the largest 28.82 LB. is on my Photo Gallery Page. http://www.chasenfish.com/pages/gallery2008.htm



I am predicting the Salmon fishing this year will be like the years before and lots of Rainbows available. Will be starting earlier this year in Port Hope to take advantage of the mid June fishing. Over the last few years some of our best fishing has been in June and the first part of July.



Rates this year will stay the same as last year. To check them out go to my Rates Page. Also there check out the Great Ontario Salmon Derby. As of right now you will be entered in the derby with your charter fee. http://www.chasenfish.com/pages/rates.htm



Purchased a new 2009 18 foot Alaskan by Lund with a 60 HP. 4 stroke Mercury. This boat will be used on the St. Lawrence River so we can fish places the big boat was too large for. There is a picture of it on the Fishing Reports Page for Sept. 2008.



The web site is being updated when info becomes available, so check back regularly. Also, the Fishing Reports page I will try and keep updated weekly when I start fishing along with a picture. http://www.chasenfish.com/pages/reports.htm



Have been receiving inquires for charters already, but remember if you had a charter last year on a weekend you get first chance this year for that date. Phone early to reserve your date.



Transport Canada still requires all charter boats to meet certain safety standards and be inspected when possible. This is for your protection on the water. I have been inspected and have a certificate on my boat to show it has been done. Copy of it on the Charter Info page. http://www.chasenfish.com/pages/charter_info.htm . If you plan on taking a charter remember to ask if he has been inspected and ask to see his decal to prove it.



James Dexter
Chasen Fish Charters
184 Ferguson Drive
Brockville , On.
K6V 4R6
613-342-3102
www.chasenfish.com
Captain@chasenfish.com

[Tofinofish]

Signs of Spring for Tofino and Ucluelet B.C.





After a winter that didn’t batter us nearly as hard as last year on Vancouver Island’s west coast, the signs of spring are showing in a number of ways.

We know that during this time of year, the overall temperature and weather conditions start to show a marked improvement than the “Storm Watching” months of November thru February. I often see a few different indicators within the local landscape that remind me of Chinook Salmon feeding and growing not to far outside of the Tofino Harbour, as well as spring run Steelhead entering local rivers chrome bright and ready to spawn along with their summer and winter run cousins from the same family of Rainbow Trout.

One obvious indicator for Chinook Salmon at this time of the year is the recent Herring spawn in local inlets, most often near Hot Springs Cove at the mouth of Sidney Inlet. Hungry Chinook Salmon follow the Herring into the inlets during January, and play the chase and feed game until mid to late February when the Herring normally spawn along the rocky shores and Kelp beds. This event is an amazing spectacle of nature, with most forms of local Marine mammals and Birds getting in on the festivities. From below, the Chinook Salmon, Orca Whales, Sea Lions and Sea Birds will push schools of Herring near the surface where the Gulls and Eagles are anxiously awaiting there lunch to boil to the surface. During this time, often the hierarchy of the food chain is prevalent, as the whales will consume Salmon and Sea Lions (though not close to enough of them), while the Sea Lions will consume the Salmon and so on…..

After the Herring spawn finishes, Chinook Salmon will again follow the masses of these baitfish back out to the outer coastline, where they resume the feeding ritual on various other species like the Pacific Sand lance, Pilchard and Anchovy.

Around this same time, the temperature promotes budding in the trees and plants, and encourages a common spring time plant that I personally use as one of my main natural indicators. The Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton Americanus) is a smelly plant that grows in swampy or wet wooded areas. The appearance is far better than the smell, and I am always happy to see this bright yellow and green plant, as it is a timely indicator for me to get ready for the spring times best action for Chinook Salmon, Halibut and my personal favourite, Steelhead.

Over the years of fishing many remote and not so remote river systems on Vancouver Island, I have always found that when the Skunk Cabbage sprouts out of the moist soil, and really starts to get the pungent aroma, it is prime time for my favourite fishery of the year. The progressive increase in water and air temperature during this time, encourages spring runs of Steelhead to enter various rivers along the coast, and makes for very enjoyable fishing conditions. I find these Steelhead unique in comparison to most others throughout the year. It is not because they are easier to catch, and definitely not due to their overall numbers, as they can be sparse at best. There is something to be said about an anadromous fish that waits for the ideal timing of water flow and temperature to enter the river system, ripe with Eggs or Milt, and wearing a coat of ocean bright chrome. They can travel many miles upstream overnight to find their natal spawning beds, and do their deed of nature. Often they will spend a few days to mend after spawning, when these “Kelts” will migrate out to sea, back to the challenges and dangers of the open ocean for another year. It is during this ocean survival regime that they have to pass their lives most rigorous tests, hopefully allowing them a return to the spawning beds once again. I am always amazed to catch and release these powerful Silver Bullets, still adorned with natural lice from the sea, already spawned out and heading back downstream. I suppose that this amazing and unique spawning cycle has helped ensure future returns, as most other Steelhead will hold for many months in-stream prior to spawning.

I would assume that whether you are an angler or not, there is a sign of spring that often brings a smile to your face or provides good thoughts of an outdoor opportunity, one of many that we are fortunate to have on Vancouver Island.

[Tofinofish]

Tofino B.C. Vancouver Island Fishing Report August 2007


Most often considered the prime time of the year for Salmon fishing in the Tofino B.C. area, on Vancouver Island’s beautiful and rugged west coast, this August is shaping up to fulfilled everyone’s expectations. A considerable hype to this August’s fishing outlook is the pending return of numerous large 4-5 year class Chinook salmon to Vancouver Island’s main Hatchery river systems, which consistently supports our fisheries along the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
With great fishing opportunities in most of the traditional areas along Tofino B.C.’s coastline for these maturing Chinook Salmon and feisty Coho Salmon, all indications are pointing to one of the better August fisheries in many years. The offshore banks from Tofino that provide fantastic Salmon and Halibut fishing during the early season have become very popular for the August fishery as well. Huge masses of Sardines and Needlefish have helped slow these maturing fish for extended periods, helping create a phenomenal fishery for the season’s largest Salmon.
For fishing the outer coastline areas, as well as the offshore banks during this time of the year, be prepared with large baits, spoons and trolling plugs to resemble the size of the baitfish that the Salmon are actively feeding on. Anchovies will often work as well, but this time of the year supports the old adage “Big bait big fish”.
Coho Salmon fishing among the many islands and reefs of inner Clayoquot Sound is once again providing a dynamic fishery for many different angling interests. World Class light tackle fishing opportunities within a safe and fuel efficient distance from the protected Tofino harbour has become increasingly appealing to many over the last few years. Gear options vary between flashers and small spoons to light jigs. Fly fishermen have enjoyed great Coho fishing since early June, with a surprising number of Chinook salmon hooked on the fly as well.
Flies to strongly consider are the chartreuse Clayoquot Clouser, Pink, Chartreuse or Orange rubber leg Streamers, as well as tandem hook Bucktails in orange or pink fished in the prop wash. This fantastic inshore fishery will stay strong until mid October for gear and fly anglers alike.
Don’t disregard the great bottom fishing opportunities that prevail offshore. Halibut, Ling Cod and various other bottom fish provide great action through the late fall. The offshore reefs and outer bank contours provide great habitat and food sources for these varied bottom-fish that range in size, color and species.
Consider these great fishing options when planning your next excursion to the west coast of Canada, or see us online at www.tofinofishing.com to view other fantastic opportunities that are available yet for the 2007 season.

[Tofinofish]

After a month of not so typical July summer weather in Tofino B.C., contrasted by the commonly great fishing for Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon and Halibut that July normally provides, we have had a lot to write about but very little time to do it.
After last season’s poor return of Coho Salmon to Tofino and Ucluelet area waters, this past month has reminded us of how dynamic the action can be for these hard fighting and always feeding Salmon in the 6-10 lb range. Hatchery Coho in the offshore waters have provided anglers with fair opportunity for retention, but the inshore areas of Area 23 and 24 (Ucluelet and Tofino) have provided great rewards of two Coho per day for those who choose to retain any of these tasty fish. It has been normal while fishing the inshore areas of Tofino/Clayoquot Sound to connect with an average of 15-20 Coho Salmon for a half day of fishing. As always the right speed, depth and location helps, but the choice of gear has not been a major factor in determining success. Most small spoons or needlefish hoochies behind a Red Blade flasher have been a hit, with bait being very productive, but not overly necessary to ensure success. We’ve been tying a variety of new epoxy fly patterns for casting as well as Buck-tailing for Coho Salmon, with some blends of Chartreuse and Kelly Green being very productive. A very short trip to Tonquin Island recently to test a few of these new patterns allowed 5 quick Coho Salmon in the 5-8 lb. range that preferred a slow to medium retrieve while casting the flies in 25 feet of water.
Chinook Fishing has been very good overall. Not dynamic, but very consistent action for Chinook averaging 16-28 lbs with most experienced anglers and guides finding limits or near limits of these powerful fish on a daily basis. With an unstable barometer for most of the last three weeks, the Chinook Salmon that were encouraged to stop and feed locally on our normally prolific bait stocks, were also prematurely encouraged to continue there Southward travels as the rains came down on us. Some of the larger fish to date have been caught offshore from Tofino B.C. with either medium Herring or medium to large Spoons trolled 110-140 feet deep. Last week we saw numerous Tyee Class (30 lbs plus) Chinook Salmon hit the dock, with a few over the 40 lb mark. This should be the front end of the run that is forecasted to bring a strong number of large 4-5 year old Chinook Salmon to the West Coast of Vancouver Island, normally peaking by the 3rd week of August, and tapering often by mid September. It has been very common to experience a great extended Chinook fishery in the offshore waters into late September, but we have a lot of days, and a lot of fishing to do before we reach that point. As the Pacific Sardine (Pilchard) numbers have arrived again in very impressive masses both offshore and inshore, we will be turning to larger baits and lures to match this bait size which has been attractive to both Chinook and Coho Salmon. The 6-7 inch Tomic Plugs, 5-6 inch spoons and medium to large Herring not only act as a very effective lure for Chinook and Coho, but the size also helps avoid too many encounters with Pink Salmon that can be great fun, but also a detriment in keeping your gear out of the water when it could be effectively fishing for other species.
Very notably, August 1st marks a change in Chinook Salmon fishing regulations along the coastline of Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. with larger Chinook Salmon getting protection with a slot limit of 77 cm in specific areas. Please consult with current regulations through the Fisheries and Oceans website as well with local outfitters and Tackle shops for specific details.
Halibut fishing in the Tofino and Ucluelet areas has been consistent for most of the season, with ample numbers of “Chicken” sized Halibut in the 18-25 lb range on average, with numerous Halibut exceeding this size by up to 80 lbs.
Overall, the month of July was excellent fishing and only fair weather, but a great warm-up for the peak month of August ahead of us, which looks to be some of the better Chinook and Coho fishing in years.
For more specific fishing information, connect with us on-line at www.tofinofishing.com or call us at 1-888-534-7422.