Washington

Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)

no report this week

Marine Area 2 (Westport)

Area 2 just finished day 4 of deep water Halibut today and we have not been disappointed. Many folks travel down to the coast to participate in this short but productive fishery. We had a great trip Sunday landing our limit of Halibut and some really nice Lingcod. Lowell Richterhoss started us off right with a Big ling caught on a pink and white Silver Horde Skirt-Herring combination and hooked right on the bottom in 540 feet of water.

All in all it was a successful Halibut season in Westport. When everything is counted this week and the final tally is in, we will see if there are enough fish left to enjoy some shallow water Halibut fishing or not. LaPush and Neah bay open their deep water season this Thursday and Saturday. Always, Please check the WDFW website for the latest information.

Marina Area 3 (LaPush and Forks)

no report this week

Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)

no report this week

Marine Area 5 (Sekiu)

no report this week

Marine Area 6

no report this week

Marine Area 7

It’s that time of year in the San Juans…Ling, Halibut, and Prawns. Halibut and Prawns are open on selective dates, so read the regs before you go. Last Friday’s opener was pretty good for Flatties, and Prawns have been productive, depending on where you are. I like to bust out the Tuna heads from last summer to use as Shrimp bait. They sure do fit well in a bait bag, and they are pungent and oily. Some nice Ling’s just under the slot limit have come in all over the Islands. This weather has just been phenomenal too. It’s times like these that getting out on the water makes lasting memories.

Submitted by Kevin Klein, Fidalgo-San Juan Islands Chapter PSA , CCA Northsound

Marine Area 8.1

no report this week

Marine Area 8.2

no report this week

Marine Area 9

no report this week

Maine Area 10

no report this week

Marine Area 11

The salmon fishing has picked up a bit in Marine Area 13. Pt. Gibson on the outgoing tide mooching, jigging and trolling all seem to be working with salmon ranging from 5lbs. to 18 lbs. Also the Green Pt. / Sand spit area is producing some salmon as well mostly trolling in this area and a little inconsistent.

The ling cod fishing is slow with just a few fish coming. The best area continues to be the Narrows bridge area and Toliva Shoals. Remember you can only fish in 120’ of water or less and release any rockfish carefully as their survival is very important.

Still some time to hook into a ling cod before the June 15 closure.

The new marina hours are 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Basic Fishing Classes Offered at Point Defiance Marina Monthly classes are offered to youth and adults to prepare you to better take advantage of the fishing at Point Defiance and the local lakes and rivers. Learn knot tying, tackle, rods and reels, rigging techniques, regulations, and safety.

Point Defiance Marina Spring Swap Meet – Saturday, May 16, 10:00 am to 3 pm. Booth Space $15. A great way to clear up your lockers or garages with tackle and gear others may really need. No firearms, bullets, tobacco, or alcohol products. Register now for a 10 X 10 Space is limited. Must register in advance at PDM Boathouse by May 14, 2015

Sails and Trails Camp for Ages 11-15 years old

Mornings begin with beach side activities, fishing, and hiking at Point Defiance Park, Tacoma. Afternoons are spent at Tacoma Youth Center learning sailing and kayaking in Foss Waterway with Marine Education at Foss Seaport Center. Camp Dates : July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, 2015 Monday – Friday 8 am to 5 pm COST: $250/WEEK

Point Defiance Marina, For more information contact:  Art Tachell, 253.591.5325  art@tacomaparks.com www.pointdefiancemarina.com

Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal)

On May 9th and May 11th shrimping was once again excellent. Calm water, easy shrimping and sunny days made for pleasant trips for almost everybody. The shrimp seemed to be thickest in the depths of 200-300 feet. Most people were using bait consisting of cat food mixed with mackerel and thinned with fish oil. Those who used ground up pellets soaked in fish oil usually limited their boats after two pulls of the pots. The last day for shrimping in Area 12 is tomorrow, Wednesday – May 13th.

Submitted by Tom Nelson, Salmon University.

 

Marine Area 13

no report this week

Columbia River Area

Spring Chinook fishing has been lights out at times in the last week above Bonneville dam, The numbers over the dam have been very good although the last couple days they have dropped off a little. Trolling prawn spinners, herring or Mag Lip plugs will get fish to bite at either the Wind River area or Drano lake. If trolling isn’t what you like bobber fishing a shrimp at either location will be a good choice. You’ll need a couple good anchors, some good bait and your set. Keep your bait suspended a couple foot off bottom and you’ll get bit. The Cowlitz is still putting out some nice fish mostly around the Barrier damn now but there are a few still in the lower river and they will continue moving through over the next few weeks. Low water has these fish a bit spooked at times so use a little stealth when approaching the holes. Don’t run over them and expect them to bite. Herring, eggs, sand shrimp all work here.

Mystical Legends Guide Service
Phil Stephens
206.940.0052
www.riverfishin.com

Freshwater – Blackman’s Lake

Blackmans Lake is an easy to access lake right in Snohomish that gets stocked throughout the year with planter rainbow trout.

Blackmans Lake is an easy to access lake right in Snohomish that gets stocked throughout the year with planter rainbow trout.  There is shore fishing and a couple of public docks where many fisherman congregate to get their limit of trout.

I packed up my kayak this afternoon and drove up to Blackmans Lake.   I worked the perimeter of the lake casting weedless Senkos in and around the lily pads. Over the course of a couple hours, I landed four largemouth bass in the 2 to 3 lb range. I had one big wake nearly cresting behind my lure but at the last moment she turned.

Having worked most of the shallows for bass, I tossed out the lead core line and trolled a small 50/50 Dick Nite Spoon. It wasn’t long before I caught a rainbow and then three others. Not a bad day on the water!

Submitted by Brad Hole, Kayak Fishing Washington, 206-313-5567 – kayakfishingwashington.com 

Freshwater – Chelan

What’s hot is fishing for 11 to 15 inch Rainbow Trout on Wapato Lake. Trolling for Lake Trout continues hot on Lake Chelan in Manson Bay and along Colyar Ledge once again. Kokanee Fishing continues to be spotty, but can be good at times from Fields Point to Rocky Point.

Wapato Lake continues to produce Rainbow trout at a phenomenal rate. Fishing Pautzke’s Fire Bait in American Wildfire on a slip sinker rig with a 30 inch leader from an anchored boat will work. We pulled a Mack’s Lure Wedding Ring baited with Pautzke’s Fire corn behind a Mack’s Double D Dodger at 25 to 35 feet deep at 1.6 mph to trigger loads of bites. A green 1/8 ounce spinner also worked.

Laker fishing continues to be terrific early in the morning along Colyar Ledge. I would suggest staying until you are blank for an hour. Some days that happens by 9AM. Others the bite can last until noon. Manson Bay has been my secondary location working depths of 175 to 225 feet deep. As always, fish within 3 to 5 feet of the bottom and keep your speed around 1.2 mph. The Mack’s Lure Bead and Blade combo our guide, Jeff Witkowski has developed has been very productive. Bait this rig with a chunk of Northern Pikeminnow.

Trolling for suspended Kokanee can be hot and cold. Pull Mack’s Lure’s Mini Cha Cha Squidders in Orange or Pink on a short leader behind their Double D Dodgers in 00 to 0000 sizes. Bait the Mini Cha Cha’s with Pautzke’s Fire Corn in natural, pink or yellow. We have caught these dwarfed landlocked sockeye anywhere from 37 to 120 feet deep. Locations have ranged from Fields Point, to the Yacht Club all the way down to the blue roof condos.

Your fishing tip of the week is an oldie but goody. Periodically check your hook points when banging the bottom for Lakers on Chelan. Pounding the wood and rocks can turn a hook point and cost you fish. Twenty seconds with a file and you’d be back in business.

The kid’s tip of the week is to pick your battles. Taking on every single misbehavior of a toddler can be exhausting and counterproductive. Sometimes ignoring minor misbehaviors can extinguish it better than corrective action. Sometimes, the function of those behaviors is to get attention. Even negative attention is attention…

The safety tip of the week is to really start keeping a lookout for woody debris as Lake Chelan fills. Manson Bay has a lot of debris in it now. It looks like another foot of water will float a load of logs in the Narrows.

For more info call Anton & Sandra Jones of Darrell & Dad’s Family Guide Service; darrellanddads.com; antonj@aol.com or call (509)687-0709 or toll free at (866)360-1523

Freshwater – Cowlitz River

no report this week

Freshwater – Lake Sawyer

I met up with a buddy on Thursday for some kayak fishing at Lake Sawyer. We worked several docks around the lake without much success. We moved into shallower water and could see several spawning beds both largemouth and smallmouth bass had cleared to raise their young. A couple nice looking mamas were protecting their nests.

Lake Sawyer is a great little lake in Black Diamond, WA.  It holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie and is even stocked with rainbows. We each tired of the lack of bass activity so we switched to trolling. I had a couple of take downs but no fish. My buddy released a nice rainbow trout about 15 inches long.

I worked the lily pads at the end of the lake. I managed to catch a couple of small largemouth bass and one smallmouth.  A nice day on the water but no trophies.

Submitted by Brad Hole, Kayak Fishing Washington, 206-313-5567 – kayakfishingwashington.com 

Freshwater – Lake Washington

no report this week

Freshwater – Mardon

Wow what a weekend for a walleye tournament!!! On day one of the 2015 Spring Walleye Classic all 74 teams caught and weighed walleye. We had 74 teams this year in the Walleye Tournament. These fishermen and women caught 822 fish with an average size of 2.77/lb. Our volunteers asked teams that weighed their 6 fish limit, how many walleye they caught and released during the tourney. Teams said numbers between 3 and 50! Weigh Master Georg Allen of the Spokane Walleye Club was amazed at the number of walleye weighed during the 2 day tournament. We would like to thank all of our volunteers that make this event possible every year.

Upcoming Events for MarDon Resort

•May 16-17, 2015. MarDon Open Bass Tournament (CWFAC). This is the 2nd bass fishing tournament for the season.
•May 22nd-25th, 2015. What greater place to spend a holiday weekend than in our beautiful backyard with 28,000 acres of water, sun and local festivities. Special: 1/2 Price Monday Night, 4th Night Only
•June 6th-7th, 2015. FREE Fishing Weekend – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife annual weekend for free fishing. Take advantage of our marina/docks and even our weekend lodging special.

Submitted by Mardon Resort 8198 Hwy 262 SE, Othello, WA 99344  www.mardonresort.com   509-346-2651

Freshwater – Potholes Resevoir

This past week the potholes has been good for me and my family. My son Scott and his family came over for the weekend. They arrived just before dark and just in time to set 10 crawfish pots. This is something I have heard about and not tried. They were well baited. Saturday morning we started early to pull the 10 pots to find nothing. Either it was too early or not set in the right location. Back to our new home, one minute from the launch to get the pots out of the boat for the next adventure. That was loading the carp archery gear and some bass gear.  They were not to be found where I had seen them the previous week so now some exploring. We ran to the north end of Potholes and started looking in the shallows for carp. Scot, our oldest son was standing on the bow with polarized glasses and was able to see and got shots off on several carp. What saw were several largemouth bass. Tossing small Yamamoto Senkos weightless we managed to hook and land several quality bass. Back to the house for something to eat and on to the next adventure. That was to reset the crawfish in Soda Lake. which we did. Then we got out the nitecrawlers to try for some walleye. In 45 minutes we caught 4 keeper walleye, all over the 16 inch legal and released several others.

The next day we got to Soda lake early to pull the crawfish pots and again no success so the pot were loaded back into the truck for room to fish walleye. The next 2 hours we kept 8 walleye that were 17 to 19 inches while releasing that same number of sub legal fish. Once the fish were filleted and iced the family was on the road back to their home on the west side.

Monday I decided we would do some bass fishing and headed out onto to Potholes. Linda has always wanted to see the water falls off Winchester Wasteway into the lake. It is a hard location to find and I did have on my Lowrance the GPS and a matching slug trail. After a picture taking session we ran to a beaver hut I knew of. Again fishing Yamamoto Senkos weightless, fishing was epic for these largemouth in water 2 to 5 feet deep. We started by releasing several fish. Then the large bass took over with fish after fish released in the 3 to 4# class. I was wondering just why the largemouth had turned on so well. The wind started and was really ripping when we got back to the boat ramp. We were fishing the front of a falling barometer bringing on wind and rain. I have experienced this before and it was a great experience.

Submitted by Tom Pollack (retired)

Freshwater – Shadow Lake

I headed north to Snohomish today to target some bucket mouths. They were small buckets but fun to catch none-the-less. Shadow Lake is a neat little lake with limited access and loaded with lily pads and structure. There’s a steep gravel path leading down to the lake which would have been too much of a struggle to pull my Hobie kayak down and then back up. I worked what little access I could on foot find landing a few small largemouth bass.  I noticed a small marsh-like pond to the right of the path covered in lily pads.  I got a little wet attempting to access it. I waded in along reeds. One cast and I landed a nice 2lb fish so it was worth the effort.

Submitted by Brad Hole, Kayak Fishing Washington, 206-313-5567 – kayakfishingwashington.com 

British Columbia

Alberni Inlet

The West Coast of Vancouver Island is a wonderful area to visit and spend valued time for many people worldwide when on vacation.   Known for its unique settings and rugged coastlines, Vancouver Islands west coast also better known as the Pacific Rim, not only offers world class salmon fishing but also offers other adventures and unique cultural activities. The whole of Vancouver Island is located only twenty miles off of British Columbia’s mainland.   On this vast island there exists a majestic geographical area of tall coniferous forests and breath-taking scenic views of rugged terrain and coastlines that have been battered by winter storms. There is also a display of wonderful exquisite and secluded white sandy beaches located in areas of pristine and calm water. Those visiting Vancouver Island during the late spring and summer months must take in not only a “fishing adventure” but also explore the great rainforests, beaches, and lakes. When fishing out in scenic Barkley Sound or offshore one can view wildlife and also whale watch. When on land and visiting the many local communities, visitors can seek out west coast culture, spa retreats, and of course take in some great west coast cuisine.

Vancouver Islands West Coast has had superb salmon fishing over the years. Salmon fishing in many of the so called “hot spots” has been nothing better than world class. The West Coast is also one of the only spots on Canada’s West Coast where one has the opportunity of hooking into a twenty pound salmon twelve months of the year. Of course every year is not entirely the same because predicted run sizes returning to many of the natal rivers, creeks and streams to West Vancouver Island are not as good as other years. When fishing the Pacific Rim and many parts of Vancouver Island’s West Coast the opportunities for landing a Chinook or Coho salmon during the late spring or the summer months are very probable. In the Pacific Rim area we have the opportunity during these fair weather sport fishing months to target the vast quantities of migratory or transient salmon headed for the big watersheds to the south.

The 2015 sport salmon fishing season is expected to be “Very” good on the west coast surf line and offshore. Scenic Barkley Sound during the months of June and July and the early part of August should be fabulous. The expectation of high numbers of transient salmon headed to distant southern watersheds is already looking fantastic. Salmon fishing around Ucluelet and a few areas of Barkley Sound has been successful for a few avid fishermen.   A few Chinook salmon in the high teens and low twenties have been landed by guides and their guests and also sport anglers fishing in their private boats.   Salmon fishing in Barkley Sound, along the surf line, and also offshore waters will continue from now through mid September or longer. There will be great opportunities to fish for Chinook and Coho in the waters of Barkley Sound during the months of May, June, and July. Coho salmon will become predominant in Barkley Sound in August and September with opportunity for Chinook in offshore waters. Look for another banner sport salmon fishing year on British Columbia’s West Coast —Vancouver Island.

For more information and/or reservations, call Doug Lindores at Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (250) 723-2435; (250)724-2502; cell (250)731-7389 or 1-877-214-7206 www.catchsalmon.ca or www.catchsalmon-ca.com; dlindy@shaw.ca

Bamfield

The Bamfield Wall and the Harbor Mouth have also produced some good salmon fishing. Some of the Chinook as of late have been clipped and the thought is that many of these Chinook are the early run of salmon migrating to rivers to the south. The salmon have been relatively deep from 85 to 150 feet. A variety of coyote spoons have been working. Green glow has been a favorite in the three and a half and four inch size as has the green and blue nickel. White spoons and white hootchies have also been on and off. Green glow, chartreuse, and purple glow hotspot flashers seem to be ideal when using spoons. Needle fish hootchies in army truck and mint tulip have also been working very well. Fishermen trolling with anchovy have had their best success using a chartreuse Rhys Davis teaser head with a six foot tail behind either a Chartreuse or green glow hotspot flasher. There are a good number of undersize salmon so at times it is best to fish with spoons, needlefish and hootchies.

We are expecting the fishing during June and July to be terrific. The mid- summer run of Chinook and Coho which are migrating to the big southerly watersheds historically begins in mid June and runs into mid July followed by the fall or “late run” with expected large numbers of these transient salmon headed to the Columbia, Sacramento, and Willamette systems to the south. Many of the salmon migrating down the Vancouver Island West Coast are forecasted to be four and five year olds which often means some good sized Chinook over thirty pounds. The surf line areas of Barkley Sound and out to offshore area at three to seven miles should have some great fishing as the rich resources of bait fish come into these areas which bring in the bigger Chinook.

For more information and/or reservations, call Doug Lindores at Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (250) 723-2435; (250)724-2502; cell (250)731-7389 or 1-877-214-7206 www.catchsalmon.ca or www.catchsalmon-ca.com; dlindy@shaw.ca

Barkley Sound

The month of April and May is often quiet in the Alberni Inlet except for those individuals fishing for prawns if and when the opportunity for this sport fishing is available. The Prawn fishing in the Alberni Inlet during the year when open has been very slow.   Barkley Sound on the other hand has had some good areas for prawn fishing. Guide boats in the early spring often include in their salmon fishing trips to Barkley Sound, prawn fishing. Usually the prawn traps are dropped before fishing and then after fishing the traps are picked up to find the great prize coming up from the ocean floor. Barkley Sound fishing has been fairly consistent over the last few months although one would have to sum up the fishing as being very mediocre. When fishing for feeder or winter Chinook the rule is often where one finds bait there will be Chinook salmon.   Swale Rock, Vernon Bay, and Alan Point have all produced some nice salmon in the eleven to fifteen pound range. Austin and Cree Island have also had the odd salmon up to twenty pounds.

For more information and/or reservations, call Doug Lindores at Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (250) 723-2435; (250)724-2502; cell (250)731-7389 or 1-877-214-7206 www.catchsalmon.ca or www.catchsalmon-ca.com; dlindy@shaw.ca

Sooke

The fishing for winter springs was FAIR this past weekend. Some hatchery springs into the teens were taken outside the harbour and near Secretary Island. However, the best fishing was west of Sherringham Point. Bait is now out producing artificial when fishing for the springs and the fish have been deeper that during the previous week. Anchovies are working the best and Green and Bloody Nose teaser heads being the best color choices. G-Force spoons in Irish Cream and No Bananas have been catching their fair number of fish. The most popular flashers recently have been the Gibbs Madi, the Outfitter and the Jellyfish UV. Halibut fishing was FAIR this past weekend.

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

Ucuelet

Ucluelet is one of those spots where it is possible to land a twenty pound salmon every month of the year. Of course weather plays an important role in terms of getting out onto the water. During the winter months it seems there are breaks in the weather patterns which make it possible for keen anglers to get out on the water.   Some nice quality fish up to twenty pounds have been landed during the latter part of March and the month of April. The Chinook have been feeding on sand lance and needle fish. Great Bear has been relatively good.   The Alley, Forbes, Sail Rock and Beg Island have all produced some nice feeder Chinook. Most of the feeders are averaging seven to twelve pounds.   With the weather pattern changing and becoming more favorable over the last few weeks guided trips and sports anglers have been periodically able to get further offshore. April 17^th to 20^th were wonderful days on the Pacific with no wind and little swell. The Inner South Bank as example was perfect with some feeder Chinook and halibut sitting on the bottom feeding on sand lance and needle fish. Sport Fishermen and a few guided trips have at times had some great fishing with a few Chinook weighing up to seventeen and eighteen pounds.   As mentioned the Inner South has been most favorable for those fishing close to the bottom at 135 to 150 feet. Some fisher people have had success using purple haze and army truck glow hootchies.   However the white Turd and the T-Rex hootchie have been very good for some sport fishermen with both of these lures producing the best catches. The past few weeks has also produced some of the first halibut of the season. The five mile (inside south) and the seven mile (outside south) for those offshore have produced relatively well. Halibut fishing has been best on the ebb tides and using a spreader bar with six inch white grubs. The Halis have been migrating back to the deep after their spawn and by the third week of May will have migrated back to the shallows. The white turd for three sport anglers was good for two perfect sized halibut while fishing the Inner South. May, June, and July should prove to be three very good fishing months with some nice Coho coming into the mix in late June when the big migratory flow of the mid-summer run begins. Look for some salmon in the mid to high thirties this summer.

For more information and/or reservations, call Doug Lindores at Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (250) 723-2435; (250)724-2502; cell (250)731-7389 or 1-877-214-7206 www.catchsalmon.ca or www.catchsalmon-ca.com; dlindy@shaw.ca

Salmon fishing really turned on this past week. There were lots of Chinook in the 8 -18 pound range being taken pretty much anywhere you wanted to fish. Right from Bamfield to Cape Beale produced well. The outer edges of Barkley Sound or the south bank were great.  Kirby Point – Edward King was good at times.

Halibut and Lingcod fishing is good. There are lots of nice Halibut showing up on the offshore Banks now and we will be fishing there more as the weather allows.

For more info call Ken Bodaly at Rocky Point Charters, Bamfield, B.C. 250-728-3678 or the boat cell phone 250-735-4224 www.rockypointcharters.ca  email rockypointcharters@shaw.ca

 

Vancouver

Right on schedule the Gulf Islands have really heated up over the last few days!   The eastern shoreline of Gabriola Island up to the Five Fingers seems to be the place to be.   Our local trips have produced some fish as well off the Hump, Howe Sound and deep inside Vancouver Harbour.  Sturgeon fishing has been surprisingly good as the Fraser River is staying in good shape as a result of the low snow pack this year.

Early to mid-May is when we shift a lot of our attention over to the far side of Georgia Strait.  This year is no exception and based on the last handful of days, the fish have arrived in good numbers.  The offshore waters off Gabriola Island have been where the boats found the majority of our action.  The fish have been fairly deep with most fish getting picked up from 120 to 200 feet down.   As with any offshore salmon fishery, covering ground and dialing in the depth of where the fish are important for consistency. Over the next 6 weeks, the Gulf Islands will be where we will be spending most of our time.

Locally, fishing has been ok.  Some days boats are getting into a handful of salmon, and some days the boats are struggling for a couple of hook ups.  Areas that have produced over the last week have been the Hump, QA marker, the Bell Buoy, the Freighters, and Howe Sound.  We should expect our local fishery to last for another couple weeks, before it gets pretty hit or miss for the month of June.

For more info, call Jeff or Jason at Bon Chovy Fishing Charters (604)763.5460 www.bonchovy.com email: info@bonchovy.com

Vancouver Island (Freshwater)

Fishing is PICKING UP on most lakes as the water temperatures climb. Trout fishing in the Cowichan River is EXCELLENT. Remember that ALL wild trout (steelhead included) must be released on ALL streams in Region 1. Wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake. Only single barb less hooks are allowed for all fishing on island streams and rivers. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15^th.

COWICHAN RIVER – The water level has been steadily dropping for the fourth consecutive week. The water level today is between 0.45-0.55 meters throughout its length. The trout fishing in the mid and upper river is EXCELLENT. Insect hatches are becoming larger and more frequent. There were some huge mayfly hatches this past week. The rainbows, cutthroats and resident brown trout are actively feeding on these hatches and migrating salmon fry. During the hatch, match the hatch with dry flies for exciting action. Bead head nymphs are the top producer when a hatch isn’t in progress. Good patterns are Prince Nymphs, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears and Wooly Buggers. A fry imitation or a Wooly Bugger will also work, especially for the brown trout.

TROUT – Trout fishing was GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area this past week. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC most recent spring releases of catchable rainbow trout from the Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery are as follows. On April 24^th, Elk Lake received 1,150 trout with an average weight of 214 grams and Durrance Lake received 650 trout with an average weight of 214 grams. On April 22^nd, Spectacle Lake received 500 trout with an average weight of 232 grams. On April 21^st, Matheson Lake, Kemp Lake and Glen Lake received 500 trout with an average weight of 226 grams and Colwood Lake received 250 trout with an average weight of 226 grams. On April 8^th, Elk Lake received 2,000 trout, Lookout Lake received 175 trout and Ida Anne Lake received 75 trout with an average weight of 208 grams. On March 13^th, Shawnigan Lake received 2,164 trout averaging 248 grams. On March 12^th, Spectacle Lake received 500 trout with an average size of 239 grams. On March 10^th, Elk Lake received 1,850 trout, Lookout Lake received 200 trout and Ida Anne Lake received 50 trout with an average weight of 240 grams. On March 9^th, Thetis Lake received 1,250 trout and Kemp, Matheson, Glen and Dougan Lakes each relieved 500 trout with an average size of 234 grams.

Bank anglers are catching trout on Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, or worms while fishing from shore and right on the bottom. Orange Garlic and Pink Garlic have been good choices recently for Powerbait. Fly anglers are fishing Pumpkinheads, Wooly Buggers, Leeches and Micro Leech patterns on full sink fly lines. Trollers have been doing well with Gibbs Gang Trolls and Gibbs Wedding Bands. Other good trolling lures are the Apex Trout Killers in rainbow, green or black and white patterns. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Frog, Black with Silver Flake or Rainbow Pattern. The biggest trout this year have come from Langford Lake.

BASS – Bass fishing is PICKING UP. At this time of year most of the bass are in the shallows for spawning.  During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well too. Soft plastics rigged “Carolina Style “is also a good choice when fishing drop offs and docks. The most productive colors in 4” Yum baits are Smoke or Pumpkinseed. Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake on Salt Spring Island is also a great lake for bass fishing. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15^th.

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

Stamp River – The winter Steelhead season is all but over. Many of the spawned out fish are heading back down the river and making their way out to the waters of the vast Pacific. The Fall of 2015 is once expected to be very good with plenty of early Coho and summer Steelhead in the mix. Those keen on fly fishing should look at booking trips from the 10^th of October into the first ten days of November.

For more information and/or reservations, call Doug Lindores at Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (250) 723-2435; (250)724-2502; cell (250)731-7389 or 1-877-214-7206 www.catchsalmon.ca or www.catchsalmon-ca.com; dlindy@shaw.ca

 Vancouver Island (Victoria)

Victoia Waterfront – Fishing for winter springs was GOOD off Constance Bank. Hatchery fish weighing into the teens were caught, as well as some bigger unclipped fish that had to be released. The salmon were feeding on needlefish that were schooled on the bank. Needlefish spoons were very effective in getting hook ups. Anglers have not done as well fishing closer to shore but they have ppicked up fish near Finlayson Point.. Anchovies and Tony Strip have been working well in glow colors. Good choices in plastic baits are the Cloverleaf, Purple Haze and Glo Below squirts. Gibbs Coho Killer, Kingfisher and Coyote spoons in green and glow colours have been very effective. Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week. Most of the action has come from out near Border Bank and not so much from Constance and Albert Head. Most anglers that were fishing were using mackerel, extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

Oak Bay – Salmon fishing was SLOWER this past week. Anglers had the most action trolling out on the Flats. That said, anglers jigging were also picking up a few salmon. Many of the springs were in the mid teens in weight and there were a few large wild springs in the 20’s caught that had to be released. There were lots of needlefish around, keeping the fish in the area. Anglers were using squirts, spoons, or tiny strip or anything that imitated a needlefish. Many of the fish that were being caught trolling were caught on Coho Killer spoons and 3” to 4” G-Force & Gypsy spoons. Good squirts were the Purple Haze, J-79 and Electric Chair. Good flashers have been the Purple Onion, Green/silver or Green Jellyfish. Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island. Steve Webb and son Trevor caught a 67″ long (approximately 150lbs) halibut off Oak Bay on Saturday after a 45 minute struggle to bring it to the surface. Anglers that were fishing were using mackerel, extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

Sidney – Salmon fishing was SLOWER near Sidney this past week. We’ve hear of a 14 lb spring coming from Coal Island area and 18 & 14 lb springs from near Hambley. We did not hear of any of the other areas producing fish other than bottomfish. A wide variety of lures and baits are working. Many anglers are fishing using anchovies in Bloody Nose and UV Green teaser heads. Squirts have been out producing hootchies and the hot patterns for springs now are Purple Haze, J-79 and Electric Chair. Coho Killer spoons have also been working well, especially in double glow and 50/50 colors.

Fish Tip of the Week – Set your drag – properly! The best way to set your drag is with an accurate measuring scale, the same type that you use to weigh a fish. Your drag should be set to slip at approximately 30% of your line’s breaking strength when pulled directly off of the reel.

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

Great Lakes

no report this week

Oregon

Oregon Coast

no report this week

 

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