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[ Current Fishing reports ]

Salmon University is always looking for reliable sources for fishing reports. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in providing on-going fishing reports in a given area, please click here.

This is where you can find out the current fishing conditions in different areas around the Northwest.

IMPORTANT – ALWAYS check the most current regulations before you go out.
For the most recent updates to Washington regulations, click here.
For the most recent updates to British Columbia regulations, click here.

To find out how to fish a particular area, click on the area name.


 


WASHINGTON - SALT WATER REPORTS


 

La Push (Marine Area 3 & Forks):

June 27th Report

FISHING RULE CHANGE

Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

MAY 16, 2006 - Recreational Halibut fishing closes in Neah Bay and La Push Action:

Marine Areas 3 and 4 close for Halibut fishing at the end of the day May 18, 2006. Anglers may not fish for, retain, possess or land Pacific Halibut into Marine Areas 3 and 4.

  • Marine Areas 3 and 4 will reopen on Thursday, June 22nd and Saturday, June 24th for Halibut fishing.

OTHER INFORMATION: Bottomfish fishing will remain open in Marine Areas 3 and 4. There is a 20-fathom depth restriction in place in Areas 3 and 4 through Sept. 30, 2006. Anglers may not fish for, retain, possess or land any rockfish or lingcod caught seaward of a line approximating 20 fathoms offshore on days that halibut fishing is closed. The coordinates are available on the WDFW website and recreational hotline.


Halibut - Halibut trips this week to the Canadian side have been providing quick limits of halibut and some really nice lingcod.

Sea Bass / Lings - Excellent fishing for sea bass slow for inshore lings.

Salmon - The commercial trollers had there last opener until mid July this week. There were virtually no fish caught this week or any other week they have been open, hopefully something will show up before the end of the summer.

Albacore Tuna - NOAA charts show warm water pushing north fast the last couple weeks, it would not be surprising to have fishable numbers of tuna again this year by mid July.

For more information contact Jim Richeson, Top Notch Ocean Charters/Quillayute River Guide Service/Jims Cabin Rentals; Toll Free 1-888-501-5887; 360-374-2660; jricheson@centurytel.net; www.forks-web.com/jim


The second opener for Halibut out of LaPush picked up right where the first one left off. HOT HOT HOT!!! Easy limits of Halibut for those that ventured offshore. Bait didn't seem to matter as all the usuals attracted the flatties. Most fish were in the 20 - 25lb range but a few tipped the scales in the 40 - 50 class and I also heard of at least one in the 80's.

Lingcod was open on the Halibut days, but the production rate was not the same as the first go a round. There were a few of the toothy critters brought aboard but overall not many Lings reported.

SeaBass was fantastic as usual. 10 fish per person limits came fast and furious once a school was located.

Pictured above, Terry Wiest with a mid 40's Halibut.

Pictured above, Brad Pott with a 30lb butt.

Submitted by Terry Wiest, Salmon University Staff


Pictured above, Ron Garner and Eileen Herrling with a nice 80 pound Halibut. (If the weight scale was inaccurate, the length table shows it at almost 90 pounds!

We were fishing out of LaPush at the SW corner of the closure in a little deeper water than normal, about 575 feet deep. Water was lumpy with wind, but fishing was great. We were using leadhead jigs that John Herrling made with a swivel built into it so the hook swiveled with the power grub tail. They were HOT.

I hooked a bigger one on Thursday that I could hardly get pulled off of the bottom. I could only get about 6" of line at a time with it and the hooks tore out about halfway up and it got away.

Pictured above, Eileen Herrling with a nice Ling caught this last weekend out of LaPush.

Submitted by Ron Garner, Sno-King Chapter Puget Sound Anglers


On our halibut outing, using Bill Lee's knowledge and way-points, everybody succeeded in subduing their halibut. Pictured is Mike Shea taking credit for the entire catch (as usual), consisting of fish weighing 20,30,40, and 60#. Fish were caught in 520 feet of water 29 miles out from LaPush in Bill's secret hole that we shared with 50+ other boats. After Gary reeled in his 60#er and nobody wanted to give him CPR to revive him we decided electric reels should be on the Christmas list.

Submitted by Gary Edin, Mike Shea, Joe Masterson and Steve Lindberg, North Kitsap Puget Sound Anglers, Hansville, WA

 

Neah Bay (Marine Area 4):

June 27th Report

FISHING RULE CHANGE

Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

MAY 16, 2006 - Recreational Halibut fishing closes in Neah Bay and La Push Action:

Marine Areas 3 and 4 close for Halibut fishing at the end of the day May 18, 2006. Anglers may not fish for, retain, possess or land Pacific Halibut into Marine Areas 3 and 4.

  • Marine Areas 3 and 4 will reopen on Thursday, June 22nd and Saturday, June 24th for Halibut fishing.

OTHER INFORMATION: Bottomfish fishing will remain open in Marine Areas 3 and 4. There is a 20-fathom depth restriction in place in Areas 3 and 4 through Sept. 30, 2006. Anglers may not fish for, retain, possess or land any rockfish or lingcod caught seaward of a line approximating 20 fathoms offshore on days that halibut fishing is closed. The coordinates are available on the WDFW website and recreational hotline.

 


No report this week

Big Salmon Resort, PO Box 140, Neah Bay, WA 98357 John Lofquist and Joey Lawrence (360)645-2374 or Toll Free (866)787-1900 E-mail: jlofquist@olypen.com

 

Sekiu (Marine Area 5):

June 27th Report

Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point):

Halibut fishing has definitely been on the slow side the past few days. The tides are mixing things up pretty good out there, and finding a good drift has not been easy. However, many people are finding very good sea bass and lingcod fishing either down by the Sekiu River or just over the line in Area 4.

Lingcod: May 1 - June 15: Daily limit 1. Minimum size 26", maximum size 40".

Rockfish: May 1 - Sept. 30: West of Slip Point, the daily limit is the first 3 legal rockfish caught, of which only 1 may be other than a black rockfish. East of Slip Point, the daily limit is the first legal rockfish caught (1).

Halibut: May 25 - August 5. Daily limit 1, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week.

Salmon: May 1 - June 30: CLOSED July 1 - Aug. 31: Two fish daily limit. Chinook 22 inch minimum size. Release Wild Chinook, wild Coho and Chum. Areas 5 and 6 season quota of 3,500 Landed Chinook, or 62 days of fishing; afterwards, release all Chinook. South of Kydaka Point - Shipwreck Point line - closed to salmon angling.

Sept. 1 - Sept. 30: Two fish daily limit. Release all Chinook, wild Coho and Chum. South of Kydaka Point-Shipwreck Point line - closed to salmon angling.

Oct. 1 - Oct 31: CLOSED

Nov 1 - Nov. 30: Two fish daily limit, no more than one Chinook. Minimum Size for Chinook is 22 inches.

Dec 1 - Feb 15: CLOSED

Feb. 16 - April 10 (2007): One fish daily limit. Minimum size for Chinook is 22 Inches.

April 11 - 30 (2007): CLOSED

For more info call Olson's Resort (360) 963-2311 or on the web www.olsonsresort.com

Marine Area 8.1:

June 27th Report

 

No report this week

Salmon fishing not scheduled to open till August.

Crabbing in Marine areas 8-1 and 8-2 will be open July 1-2, close July 3-4, then resume on a Wednesday-through-Saturday schedule.

For more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters,
800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email
gary@allstarfishing.com

 

Marine Area 8.2:

June 27th Report

Tulalip Bubble producing more fish. All Star Fishing Charters two boats caught 8 king salmon this past weekend. The best trips were the Sunday evening one and the Monday Morning trip. This fishery should improve each week. Salmon Fishing is closed in the general 8.2 marine Area.

Tulalip Bubble regs are! Open all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday and till noon on Monday of each week. Limit is 2 Chinook over 22 inches fin clipped or not

Very Important Note: This summer fishery is not restricted to fin clipped fish only, as all Chinook over 22 inches are legal in this special fishery.

Crabbing in Marine areas 8-1 and 8-2 will be open July 1-2, close July 3-4, then resume on a Wednesday-through-Saturday schedule.

Crabbing spots include the Jetty off the Snohomish River mouth. South Hat Island and the shore line from Everett to Mukilteo. Try 35 to 50 feet of water with fish or chicken parts for bait. Check your pots every 30 to 60 minutes for the best catches.

For more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters,
800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email
gary@allstarfishing.com


While Tulalip Bay did not get off to the hot start we saw last year, the action has been slowly picking up steam. The opener in '05 was a "flash in the pan" as fishing never really got hot for most anglers. This year however, things seem to be following a more "normal" pattern with Chinook numbers steadily building with good numbers of bright Chinook in a biting mood.

Pictured above is a chrome 22 pounder taken aboard the North River "Dawg Sled" over the weekend. This dandy king took a Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoon in green/glow with 42" of 40 lb TripleFish Flourocarbon behind a Hot Spot flasher in the new "Ultra Violet" Purple haze pattern. I run 12-pound balls off the Scotty Downriggers at Tulalip and I custom make my Scotty PowerGrip release leaders out of 150 lb test TripleFish mono in Salt Water Camo color. Use large crimps instead of knotting the 150 lb and run the release off of a Silver Horde Rudder Flasher for added effectiveness.

If you don't have the above gear or you're not clear on putting it together, Head to Outdoor Emporium. I'll have a demo set of this set up available for your information. Or, Tune in this Saturday morning from 6-8am to Sportsradio 950 KJR AM to NorthWest Wild Country. I'll give a Silver Horde Rudder Flasher release setup away sometime during the show. In addition we'll be giving a Westport Tuna trip away courtesy of Deep Sea charters (www.deepseacharters.biz). Salmon University Professor emeritus, The Dean of Salmon anglers: Tom Nelson will join me in the studio this Saturday as Joel Shangle heads to Alaska for some "research" this Saturday. Hopefully Joel and Bill Herzog will check in with us for a live report from Craig, Alaska.

The Tulalip chinook are absolutely chrome right now and dripping with sea-lice. Here's what our 18 pounder from Monday (6-26) looked like in the fish box. This fish took a Gamakatsu-rigged Silver Horde glow squid with 42" of 40lb TripleFish Flourocarbon behind a Hotspot UV flasher. The king bit 60' deep off the Scotty Downriggers in about 100 feet of water.

SEE TJ'S REPORT ON SITKA ALASKA BELOW IN THE ALASKA SECTION

See RIVER REPORTS UNDER "FRESH WATER REPORTS" (BELOW)

 

Tune in to 950 AM KJR Sportsradio this Saturday from 6-8 am for NorthWest Wild Country. Host Joel Shangle & Yours Truly will keep you up-to-date on all area fisheries and techniques. Pour a cup and tune in!

For more info call T.J. Nelson, Skagit River Outfitters Guide Service; 425-377-1167; tom@fishskagit.com

 

Marine Area 9:

June 27th Report

 

 

Salmon fishing opens on July 15.

 

Crabbing in marine area 9 will be open every day from July 1-8 and after July 8th, switch to the Wednesday-through-Saturday schedule.

 

For more info, call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters, 800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email gary@allstarfishing.com

All-Star Fishing Charters - Delivering Quality fishing on Puget Sound


I caught this 37" (15+ lb) Ling on June 9th around noon off of Possession Point Area 9 in a 70' hole with 40' sides on a 6" glow scampi twin tail on a 6 oz jig head with a herring chunk teaser.

Caught by Jon Sanwald with Captain Harold Rowan and first mate Tony Do

Best Ling I've ever put in a boat.

Submitted by Jon Sanwald

 

Seattle area (Marine Area 10):

June 27th Report

We have two openings in area 10 starting July 1st. First we have the first 8 days open to crabbing and then after that, a rotation of being open Wednesday thru Saturday of each week. Area 10 will open to hook and release of Chinook in the area outside of the Elliott Bay closure. Retention of Coho will be legal outside of the Elliott Bay closure.

This past Saturday and Sunday I went fishing on the Columbia River upstream from Buoy 10. I had my son Scott and his daughters sturgeon fishing. We caught 6 sturgeon from 47 to 52 inches. Some fine eating.

For more info, call Tom Pollack, Auburn Sports & Marine 253-833-1440

 Marine Area 11:

June 27th Report

No report this week

For more info call Tim Hartman at the Point Defiance Boathouse Marina, MetroParks Tacoma 253-591-5325 www.metroparkstacoma.org TimH@tacomaparks.com.

 

Hood Canal (Marine Area 12):

June 27th Report

Crabbing opens July 1st. After being closed for so long, it should be great. Now's a good time to gear up and get everything in order. Cushman Boats has all your crabbing gear on hand.

Potlatch State Park and Potlatch DNR Tidelands - opened April 1st to August 31st for clams and oysters. Note: DNR has made it very difficult to dig on their tidelands as they have made that area "Emergency Parking Only". You would have to park at the State Park and walk the mile to the tidelands.

Point Whitney Tidelands - opened March 1st through July 31st for clams. Year-round for oysters.

Duckabush - year round for clams and oysters.

Lilliwaup north - year round for clams and oysters.

Eagle Creek - open for oysters only.

Crabbing opens July 1st.

For more info call Cushman Boats, 22320 N Highway 101, Hoodsport, WA 98548, 360-877-5244 www.cushmanboats.com .

 

Marine Area 13:

June 27th Report

Fishing is spotty but getting better. Numerous fish into the high teens are coming in from the sand spit, Wollochet Bay and Pt. Fosdick. We caught fish Sunday that went from 14.4 to 15.8. Monday we saw a 22 pounder at the boat ramp before we even got our lines wet. So fishing is getting much better and crabbing is doing very well.

For more info call Bill Dever at Puget Sound Salmon Charters (253) 435-1834 or e-mail at salmoncharters@comcast.net

Tuna Report - Washington Coast:

June 27th Report

Finally, the Pacific Ocean off the NW coast is getting back to normal temperatures for this time of year after months of being 6 to 8 degrees below normal. Surface temperatures at sea are still well below optimal for the migration of tuna into this area unlike last year when they were near shore along the entire Oregon Coast north to Westport.

Two weeks ago I received a single report of a commercial troller that had caught several albacore 50 miles out and 30 miles south of Tillamook Bay. I was very skeptical. Ocean temps in that area were at least five degrees below what they should be for tuna to be comfortable.

Albacore should be getting closer now but I still don't think there should be any significant numbers closer than 150 miles SW of Cape Mendocino. It would not surprise me, however, to hear of a few strays being caught about 50 miles WSW of Westport due to some very cold waters 300 to 600 miles off the whole Oregon Coast. Those cold waters would funnel the few fish in the leading edge of the migration directly at a bubble of warmer water near shore between the mouth of the Columbia River and the Queets River.

All this being said, what is bad news for albacore anglers is great news for salmon anglers this year and in the future for both salmon fishers and coastal crabbers. Plankton production has been very high all along the coast from Cape Mendocino to Cape Flattery. This year's outmigration of salmon/steelhead smolts of all species will have outstanding survival due to the rich food supply and lack of competitor/predators from the south. The coastal Dungeness crab resource that will begin its collapse in late 2007 through 2008 will recover very quickly due to great survival of the spawn this year.

Also due to the unusually rich feeding conditions offshore, I soon expect to hear comments about unusually large pinks (7#+) and Coho (12#+) being caught by Makah tribal commercial trollers out of Neah Bay. These will be harbingers of a great August and September for sports anglers in the Straits of Juan de Fuca and northern Puget Sound when 10# pinks and 15#+ Coho will be common as record returns head for the Snohomish and Skagit River systems (but not elsewhere such as the Columbia where Coho numbers will be low but the fish equally large).

Hopefully by my next Albacore News, conditions will be right to begin my usual estimations of bearings and ranges of albacore schools from important NW coastal landmarks.

Tight Lines to all!

Ward Norden

 


FRESH-WATER REPORTS - WASHINGTON


 

Banks Lake:

June 27th Report

We fished Banks Lake for a few days last week. The morning bite was best (7am - 9am). We fished Punch Bowl by Steamboat Rock using an artificial lure (silver beads with a gold spinner). We kept ten 17-23" Walleye. The weather was excellent and the lake smooth like glass.

David Greene with a string of Walleye

Gordon Frydenlund filleting the Banks Lake catch

Sunset At Banks Lake

Submitted by David Greene, Seattle, WA

 

 

Lake Chelan:

June 27th Report

Lake Trout fishing has been fair for us with a scattering of fish coming from the lower basin, Mack Bar and the Yacht Club area. The fish are where you find them, with depths ranging from 75 to 275 feet. U-20 flatfish in purple glow, luminous chartreuse as well as K-Lures with green and glow have been the productive lures.

The kokanee have continued to be the story here. Fish that are 10 to 12 inches that are ever present in depths of 15 to 50 feet. Try wedding rings behind a 0000 dodger and a Mack's Lures Hot wings inbetween. Bait the wedding ring with anise scented white shoepeg corn.

You can fish an over / under combination for both species at about 1.5 mph.

The driftwood hazard is still extreme. Be prepared to brake for rafts of driftwood. There are some very sneaky deadheads lurking just at and below the surface. Take Care.

Pictured above on 6-20-06 Andy Kvalhein of Petaluma, CA with Brother in law Ernest Scheger of San Carlos, CA with their combo catch of Lake Chelan Mackinaw and Kokanee

For more info call Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service; darrellanddads.com; antonj@aol.com or call (509)687-0709 or toll free at (866)360-1623

Chinook Pass (Naches, WA)):

June 27th Report

No report this week

Submitted by Doug Williams, Whistlin' Jack Lodge @ Cliffdell/Chinook Pass, 20800 State Route 410, Naches, WA 98937 (509) 658-2433

 

 

 

River Reports:

June 27th Report

Fishing on the Cowlitz has been a hit and a miss affair this week. We've had a couple of stellar days this last week hooking as many as 10 or 12 fish in a few hours. Other days we've went all day with 2 or 3 fish in the box for 12 hours of fishing. I've been fishing the Blue Creek area down to Mission bar as most of the fish seem to be in this area. I've been seeing more fish lately laying in the shallow water a good sign that there are fish in the river waiting to be caught. These fish are averaging 8 to 12 pounds with my boat landing a fish in the 17 pound range this week.

Mid July to early August is peak time in the Cowlitz so it's only going to get better. I have a few days left open in July and a few in August. I will also be running afternoon trips starting in July and these are heavily discounted at $75.00 per person with a fish on Guarantee.

These fish were takin in fast and furious late afternoon bite this week. The bigger one went 13 pounds.

For more info call Phil Stephens, Mystical Legends Guides Service , (206) 940-0052 or E-mail


No report this week

Stay tuned to KJR AM 950's Northwest Wild Country for the latest local fishing news and live on the water reports every Saturday Morning from 6-8 am. Good Luck!

For more info call T.J. Nelson, Skagit River Outfitters Guide Service; 425-377-1167; tom@fishskagit.com

 

ALASKA - SALT WATER REPORTS

Alaska - Sitka:

June 27th Report

Sitka was very solid this year with chinook averaging larger than last year and silvers suprising everyone by their numbers and size. Halibut fishing was a bit tougher but you would not know it by this nice 87 pounder taken on a Pt. Wilson dart! The kings pictured were 26 and 31 lbs and just loaded with krill! I've never seen Chinook exclusively feeding on euphasid shrimp (or krill) but once we opened these fish up that was the exactly the case. Most fish we kept had red pigment coming out the vent in the fish box which is the result of digesting such a large amount of shrimp! The Chinook were in a mood to bite herring too and we were able to catch fish mooching and jigging as well as trolling with the Scotty Downriggers.

The early arrival and size of silvers was a most pleasant surprise and should be an indicator of what is coming up for us here on the Washington coast and Puget Sound.

If you ever have the opportunity to fish south east Alaska, you should seriously consider Sitka. There are several excellent Charter operators in the area such as Greg Kain with Greg Kain fishing adventures or Derek Floyd with Reel Class charters. Sitka is much closer and more affordable than you think!

For more info call T.J. Nelson, Skagit River Outfitters Guide Service; 425-377-1167 tom@fishskagit.com

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA – SALT WATER REPORTS


 

Ucluelet, BC:

June 27th Report

Ucluelet has been very hot the last few years and is expected to continue for this year. Here you can often hook 20-60 salmon per day as well as halibut. If you are trying to decide what time in the summer to come, any time between May and September is good. While June, July and August are peak months, May and September also see very good action as well. Many people are concerned about catching fish, so one thing to note about Ucluelet is that it is not like some other areas that have really slow times and really good times. We have a large area to choose from and there are so many fish traveling past, that you almost always have a good shot of a good days fishing, whether coming in May, June, July, August or September. Here is an outline of what is happening in each month:

  • June also has good numbers of Chinook and Halibut. There tend to be more Halibut closer to shore during June while trolling along the bottom in 180 to 200 ft with a glow hootchy or spoon. If you would like to bottom bounce, Berkey Power Worms are the best option. There is also a good chance of getting halibut up even around 100 ft while fishing for salmon.
  • July starts seeing Coho show up around Chrowe Island as well as offshore in good numbers. Often you can't get your line down as the aggressive Coho swarm around. Coho show in good numbers to the end of September. For Coho Coyote Spoons work well fished at 20-50 ft.
  • August is the month known for the larger Chinook. Large sizes for Ucluelet range from 30 - 50 lbs. The large Chinook can be caught right up to about September 10. Seven inch Tomic plugs generally work well for these larger Chinook. It also works well at keeping the smaller ones off the line. Some favorite Tomic plugs are 101, 158, 600, 700 and 702.
  • September is usually good until about the 10th for the larger Chinook and then after that you fish the feeder Chinook that are 5-15 lbs. There are usually a good number of Coho around until the 20th and then you are primarily fishing Chinook. Last year we had great halibut fishing up to the 20th as well, but that is unusual.

Right now....

The average size for Chinook(Kings) is definitely up from last year. We have been catching quite a few 20lb plus fish the last week and a few tyees this week. Many bigger fish are coming from Inside South Bank and Wya Point on anchovies. Chinook fishing has also been good along the Gullies and around the Rats nose. Salmon are biting glow hutchies, spoons and anchovies from 70 feet down to right on the bottom.

The halibut have shifted a little, but not very far. Big bank has been producing halibut at the Shallows, the Gullys and the Stinky hole-though the last couple of days the Stinky Hole slowed down and we had to move to a different location, which is not named, but very productive. The Lighthouse bank was good for a while and then has slowed down. Halibut have been averaging between 12-20 pounds, though we have been getting some up to 50 lbs. Straight glow hootchies seem to be the best. Glow spoons are also working-thought I have mainly been using hootchies. At the Stinky hole we bottom bounce for them and that has been very effective. Well, tight lines and tasty dinners!

Pictured above on June 26, 2006, Fraser Hart and Vince Bernier with their catch of Tyees.

For more info, call Sam Vandervalk, 877-777-4344 Salmon Eye Fishing Charters www.salmoneye.net

 

Alberni Inlet and Barclay Sound

June 27th Report

 

Port Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound, West Coast, Somass-Stamp River

 

 

No report this week

 

 

For more info, call Doug Lindores at Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (250)724-2502 www.catchsalmon.ca

 

Quatsino Sound/Winter Harbour:

June 27th Report

Things have turned on nicely in our area over the last two weeks. We are seeing steady Spring and Coho action as our season rounds into form. Water temperatures are near normal, so most fish are coming in relatively shallow water as the Needlefish are filling in the near shore shoals. Action has been steady within a mile of Kains Island, Lighthouse and Lippy Point in 200-250ft of water with most fish coming in the 75-125ft range. Angelo's Purple Haze and Cotton Candy behind Oki Plaid flashers are the best performers.

Lingcod, Halibut and Snapper action was particularly robust this week as the very limited fishing pressure continues to reward good anglers. The vast majority of groundfish are coming on Spreader bars with XL Herring as bait in 250-300ft of water directly off Kains Island.

Pictured above on June 19, 2006, Tony Sampson and Heidi Walsh with their 15 & 18lb Spring Salmon caught at Lippy Point, Winter Harbour, using Angelo's Purple Haze and Cotton Candy Hoochies.

For world class guided charter fishing, visit historic Winter Harbour

For more info call Greg Vance, The Outpost at Winter Harbour, Guided Charters and Accommodations  www.winterharbour.ca  winterharbour@telus.net   250-969-4333


Vancouver Island Overview

Salmon fishing was GOOD overall with quite a few springs from the high teens to the high 30's were landed. A few hatchery coho up to 9 lbs have been caught and anglers are also mentioning that the dogfish have showed up in large numbers. Halibut fishing was SLOW because of strong currents and tides but should be good by this coming weekend.

www.fishingvictoria.com

 

Sooke, BC:

June 27th Report

Salmon - Salmon fishing was GOOD this past weekend and the top two fish in the Glen Lake derby came from Sooke. Quite a few salmon between the teens and mid 30's were brought back to the marina. The most productive area was from Secretary (Donaldson) Island west to the Bluffs. There was a little bit of action near Muir Creek and Sheringham Point as well. The springs are mostly running from 50 to 70 feet. The hatchery coho are also starting to show up and fin clipped coho up to 9 lbs were weighed in at the marina. Anchovy is still the most popular bait by a large margin. Rhys Davis teaser heads in the Army Truck or Glow Green colors have been working the best. With plastic baits go with Army Truck, Purple Haze, or Green/White color patterns and with spoons use Army Truck or Cop Car. Hot Spot Gold Fever and Betsey Gold flashers are working well in conjunction with your favorite lure.

HALIBUT - Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week due to big tides and strong currents. Extra Large Herring, Mackerel and/or Octopus fished off of a spreader bar and close to the bottom is the best bet to catch the big flatfish.

Becher Bay

Salmon fishing was GOOD according to the marina, although when the Killer Whales came through on Sunday that slowed things down. During the week and on Saturday quite a few fish in the high teens, lots in the 20's and several into the high 30's were caught. Cam Green landed the biggest of the week, a 38 lb spring near the Trap Shack on Monday evening at 85 feet on an anchovy in Chrome Bl/GR Scale Anchovy Special. The coho are also starting to show up in this area. The most productive spots were from Beechey Head to O'Brien Point. Most of the fish are being taken at depths of 55 to 85 feet. The vast majority of salmon are coming in on anchovy. The best teaser heads have been the Rhys Davis Anchovy Special in Green Glow and the JDF Purple Haze. Big Shooter Betsey Gold and Gold Fever Hot Spot flashers have been the best flashers to use. The Army Truck has been the best hootchy this past week. Spoons also work and the best ones lately are the 4 inch Coyotes, Titans or Gibbs Gators in Army Truck or Cop Car.

 Pedder Bay

Salmon - - Salmon fishing was PRETTY GOOD this past week. Once again, there were quite a few springs from the mid teens to the mid 30's caught this past week. One 4 lb hatchery coho was also weighed in at the marina. Church Rock was the area where most of the larger salmon were taken, with several into the low 30's coming from there. However, the Bedfords produced a 34 lb spring for Dick Piercy. Inside the bay, anglers jigging near the Deep Hole continue to catch lots of springs weighing from 10 to 20 lbs, mostly on Gibbs Minnows in the 3 to 4 ounce size. Most trollers are catching their fish on anchovies in glow or chrome Rhys Davis teaser heads and at 60 to 80 feet on the downrigger. Hootchies have been also been effective recently with Army Truck, Green & White and Purple Haze the best colors to use. If you want to troll spoons, the Army Truck, Mongoose and Lime Twist Coyotes, Gypsies, Titans and Tomics in 4 or 5 inch sizes have been best. Oki Betsey Gold and Red Hot Spot flashers have been good for attracting fish.

HALIBUT - Halibut fishing was SLOW this past weekend because of the big tides and strong currents. Last Monday, before the big tides started, Gord Gavin brought in halibut weighing 75, 62 and 50 lbs. Extra Large Herring or Octopus fished off of a spreader bar and close to the bottom works best to catch the big flatfish. This coming weekend should be a real good one for the big flatfish.


 

Victoria/Sydney, BC:

June 27th Report

Victoria Waterfront

Salmon - Salmon fishing was SPOTTY along the waterfront this past week. In spite of that, there were some nice springs caught near the Breakwater and Harbour entrance. Rod Noble got a 38 lb spring one night early in the week, Adam Heffelfinger caught a 29 lb fish mid week, and Murray Elphrick landed 26 and 20 lb springs Saturday evening. The best fishing was around the end of the flood tide or near the bait. The fish are running fairly shallow and the best depths to troll have been around 40 to 80 feet. The dogfish have also arrived too. Medium anchovy has been good and Glow/Green or Chartreuse were the best teaser head colors to use. Betsey Gold and Gold Fever Hot Spots flashers have been the most effective. Jellyfish hootchies and squirts fished behind Purple Glow or Purple Haze flashers have been working well too. If you use spoons, use Green/Glow, Black/Glow or Army Truck color combinations with 4" Coyotes, Gypsies and Titans.

HALIBUT - Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week on Constance Bank due to big tides and currents. However, next weekend should be really good. Most anglers are fishing Octopus or Herring on a spreader bar, just off the bottom. However, some anglers use Mudraker or Lucky Jigs with good success too


 Oak Bay

Salmon - Salmon fishing was SLOW in Oak Bay this past week. Only a few springs from 6 to 18 lbs were caught on the Flats this past week. We didn't hear of any springs coming in from the Gap either. The salmon have been hitting a wide range of lures: anchovy, strip, squirts, hootchies and the blue or green Coyote spoons have been working too. The best patterns for hootchies and squirts have been the Purple Haze and Green/White. Green Glow or Purple Glow flashers have been good.

HALIBUT - Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week. Again, big tides and strong currents have been a problem. Extra Large Herring or Octopus fished off of a spreader bar and close to the bottom is the best bet to catch the big flatfish. However, some anglers use Mudraker or Lucky Jig with good success too

 

Sidney

Salmon fishing has been SLOW in the Sidney area. We've heard that a 15 ½ lb spring was caught near James Island and a couple of smaller ones form near Moresby Island. Trolling close to the bottom produced the best. Tiny Teaser, small anchovy, and Cop Car spoons have produced the most action recently.


Port Renfrew

No report this week

Updates for this area, as well as current statistics, can be found at http://www.portrenfrewmarina.com/.

NOTABLE CATCHES

Here are some of the notable catches that we know of from this past week. Mike Wurtich caught a 48.6 lb Chinook on anchovy near Camper Creek in Port Renfrew this morning. The Glen Lake Inn 16th Annual Salmon Derby was won by John Wright with a 35.8 lb spring. Second place went to Joanne Skakun-Harrison for a 33.4 lb spring. Cam Green landed the biggest of the week in East Sooke, a 38 lb spring near the Trap Shack on Monday evening at 85 feet on an anchovy in Chrome Bl/GR Scale Anchovy Special. Off the waterfront, Rod Noble got a 38 lb spring one night early in the week, Adam Heffelfinger caught a 29 lb fish mid week, and Murray Elphrick landed 26 and 20 lb springs Saturday evening.

Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com

 

TIP OF THE WEEK

Many nice salmon are lost each season by anglers ripping the hooks right out of the fish's mouth. This is especially true of anglers who insist on "setting the hooks" on a salmon that has tripped the line from the release on the downrigger. When you fish off of a downrigger, the fish usually hooks itself while pulling the line from the release and by "setting the hooks" you only increase your chances of having the big one get away.


 

BRITISH COLUMBIA – FRESH WATER REPORTS


OVERVIEW - Bass fishing and trout fishing are both STILL GOOD.

Cowichan River

Fishing was GOOD with anglers reporting decent actions in the top end of the river. However, they've stopped releasing as much water from the weir and the water levels have dropped to just over 0.4 meters. There are insect hatches going on so matching the hatch should produce the most action. Good flies include Prince Nymphs, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymphs, Pheasant Nymphs or stonefly nymphs. Wooly buggers also work well, especially on the Brown Trout.

Local Lakes

Local Lakes - Trout fishing is STILL GOOD in most lakes. Warming water temperatures is starting from a thermocline in many lakes, so you may have to go deeper to get the most action. Elk Lake continues to produce the most and largest trout and we heard of some good sized ones being caught this past week. Prospect Lake and Langford Lake have also been good. The trout are getting deeper in the lake now as the surface temperature increases. Anglers fishing Green Glitter Powerbait from the fishing pier on the west side of the lake have been pulling in some of these big ones too.

On most lakes, fly anglers can stay with the old reliables (Black Leeches, Green Wooly Buggers) and expect good action. Chironomids have been good (there have been some big hatches lately) and Pheasant Tail, Halfback and Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear nymphs also work well. For trolling try Red/Pearl Dick Nite or Needlefish, Flatfish or Wee Tads in orange, frog or rainbow patterns, red & white, or yellow with red spots. Willow Leaf Lake trolls with Wedding Bands and/or worms will almost always work.

Bass Fishing

Bass fishing is GOOD. However, the spawning period is over and more of the fish are moving into deeper water and starting to feed again. However, evenings and mornings have been good for top water action. Anglers are reporting lots of fish and lots of good sized ones too. All the local bass lakes (Elk Lake, Beaver Lake, Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake, Thetis Lake, Quennell Lake and St. Marys Lake) are producing excellent catches of bass now. Use almost any bass lure, (tube jigs, lizards, jigs with pork rind, plastic worms, stick baits, plugs or crankbaits) and fish the shoreline or near structure in shallower spots. The YUM DINGER with Live Prey Technology & salt soft plastics has been awesome! Especially when fished without a weight. Fly anglers are also getting in on the action. If you've never tried catching bass on light fly tackle or ultra light spinning tackle, you should get out and do it now. It's just way too much fun.

Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com

 

Fraser River System

June 27th Report

No report this week

 

For more info call Tony Nootebos, Owner - Harrison Bay Guide Services, located on the shore of Harrison Lake.  (604)-796-3345 or e-mail at info@harrisonbay.com

 


OREGON


 

  North Oregon Coast

June 27th Report

 

No report this week

 

FOR UP TO DATE REPORTS OR CURRENT CONDITIONS CALL US ANYTIME.

Tight Lines. Take a KID FISHING TODAY!

For more info call Val Perry – Perry’s Fishing Adventures www.fishignwithval.com

fishingwithval@msn.com  503-738-6991 or 503-440-5281

 


GREAT LAKES

 Great Lakes

June 27th Report

Milwaukee, WI - Lake Michigan Fishing

Rainbow trout, Chinook and Coho have been active during the past week. The area and depth have been constant as the big pond settles into a summer pattern. The best water has been 80 to 120 feet with Rainbows coming on Slide Divers set to #3 with 80 feet of line out and 5 color lead core with small Vulcan #2 Silver Sky spoons. This is a midday bite between 10 am to 4 pm. This same tackle will take Coho early and Rainbows thru the day. You can also catch Chinook all thru the day but the best bite has been early and late in the day. Look for them in water below 50 degrees. The temp break to 50 degrees is at 65 feet. Fish for them from 65 to the bottom on downriggers. I find the best action about ten feet off the bottom. Magnum spoons like the #5 Monkey Puke and Fish n Chip Reapers along with most of the different types of rotators with green or blue flies are taking the big ones. Watch your speed kick up your speed to 2.4 to 2.6 for Rainbows and between 1.8 and 2.4 for Kings. Have a blast!

Submitted by Capt. Jim Hirt (Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI) 414-828-1094 www.bluemaxcharters.com

 

 

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