Fishing Reports for November 4
Washington
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)
no report this week
Marine Area 2 (Westport)
Certainly not much going on around here. Grays Harbor Bay and all of the Chehalis river tributaries are closed due to extremely low Coho returns. The WDFW just announced that most of the Willapa Bay tributaries are closing this week. I hate to say it but I think we are getting a glimpse into our future for the next few years. We need rain now and a lot of snow over the winter. The current ocean conditions are not favorable to the growth of young salmon. With warmer waters invading the northwest we will most likely see a downturn in salmon returns over the next few year. The environmentalist would like you to believe it is “global warming” but a similar event occurred back in the early 90’s and we recovered. It is just the way nature operates.
Report by Kevin Lanier, owner of KC Sportfishing Charters 425-328-8558, President PSA Ocean Anglers, VP PSA State Board. Photos by Cyndi Lanier, Owner of Dockside Art,Gifts,and Tackle Westport Wa. 425-328-8559. The cover image of this week’s fishing reports was provided by Cydni Lanier.
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
Salmon fishing is now closed in Marine Area 7. Winter Chinook opens December 1st. Crabbing is open in the San Juan’s until December 31st.
Submitted by Kevin Klein, Fidalgo-SanJuan Islands Chapter PSA, CCA Northsound. The cover image of this week’s fishing reports was also contributed by Kevin.
Marine Area 8.1
With Area 9 only open for Chum its time we let those blackmouth grow in that Area and move to Area 8-1 and 8-2.
Tip of the Month : Don’t waste your time catch and releasing small fish. The bait is big…..big fish eat big bait. Catching shakers is not only
bad for the fishery but it is a total waste of time on the water.
Here is a rig I “borrowed” from my good guide buddy Jambo. He is one of the best guides around and cannot waste his or his clients time reeling in small fish all day long.
Grab an Ace-Hi Fly and a little red hootchie…..tie on a big 5/0 barbless hook to a swivel using 50 pound test…….go catch a 14 pound KingKong in the mud .
Now, wait for the wind to die down and I hope to see you on the water. There are a dozen great points to fish in Area 8-1 and 8-2 from Onamac Point to Columbia Beach.
Stay dry and watch out for deadheads !
Report submitted by Nelson “Spud” Goodsell – Salmon for Soldiers, IGFA Life Member, FISHTALE2
Marine Area 8.2
see report for Marine Area 8.1
Marine Area 9 (Admirality Inlet)
no report this week
Marine Area 10
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) predicts “Good” prospects for Chinook and “Poor” prospects for Coho during November in Marine Area 8.1.
Marine Area 11
Area 11 salmon fishing is a little slow right now with a few Coho still being caught along the Gig Harbor and Dash Pt. shoreline close to the shore with light tackle. A few Chum are starting to show on the Gig Harbor Area. Several Blackmouth just short of 22 inch minimum have been caught and released. A few weeks ago blackmouth up to 11 pounds were being caught but the weather this week has not helped fishing with rain and winds.
Squid fishing has really picked up with lots of squid being caught off of Les Davis, Dash Point and Pt. Defiance Pier. The best times are high tides and of course high tide just before dark, but people fish them throughout the day.
Point Defiance fishing pier is closed when the tackle shop closes at 6:30 pm.
Crabbing has been fair some limits but mostly 2 to 3 legal crabs after soaking pots for a few hours, most popular spots are Quarter Master Harbor, Commencement Bay and the Dash Pt. area. For an up to date report call 253-591-5325
Fall Fishing Class at Point Defiance Marina—Learn fundamentals of fishing to include equipment, tackle, rigging, know tying, casting and fall fisheries in the area. Saturday, November 14, 2015 Cost $10. For ages 15 and up.
Squid Fishing Class at Point Defiance Marina –Learn the regulations, and how to jig squid, care for, prepare, and cook. For ages 8+. Saturday December 5, 2015 from 4-6 pm / Sign up online at MetroParksTacoma.org/GO or 253-591-5325.
Pier Peer in Tacoma –See and touch creatures brought up from local divers. Participate in plankton and sea life netting to view the variety we have in Puget Sound as you learn about these amazing creatures from Tacoma Nature Center and Point Defiance Marina educators. Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 7:30-9 pm Cost $8 For ages 8+. Every youth needs an adult chaperone. Complementary Hot Chocolate and Coffee.
Sign up online at MetroParksTacoma.org/pier-peer or 253-591-5325.
Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) predicts “Excellent” prospects for Chum, and “Fair” prospects for Coho during November in Marine Area 12.
Marine Area 13
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) predicts “Excellent” prospects for Chum, and “Fair” prospects for Coho during November in Marine Area 13.
Freshwater – Lake Chelan
no report this week
Freshwater – Potholes Reservoir
The outlet of Potholes has been closed and we are seeing the lake rising daily to provide easier access back into the dunes. Where there was no water yesterday is different tomorrow. I am hearing more shooting going on as the temperatures are dropping. No ice is yet forming. We have had some heavy winds this past week but there have been calm times. My wife Linda is recovering from a knee replacement which is a long time process. It was was calm enough one afternoon so we did get out for a couple of hours after a dose of pain pills. Just afternoon and for 2 hours we were able to land 5 walleye and a catfish, all released as my freezer is full. We were fishing well off the dunes in 25 to 35 feet of water using a bottom walker, 1 1/2 oz with a smiley blade and a slow death hook baited with a juicy nitecrawler. Anyone who is fishing walleye is still having good success and this fishery is to continue. Locals say this is their favorite time of the year to fish. The Blyth launch has water enough to use for most boats and with the lake coming up all launches are easier to use.
Report submitted by Tom Pollack.
British Columbia
Vancouver
no report this week
Vancouver Island (Saltwater)
no report this week
Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound
no report this week
Bamfield
no report this week
Becher Bay
Salmon fishing was SLOW in East Sooke. You had to work hard to find the coho and keep on the schools. The best fishing has been in 550 feet of water and way out in the strait. The best depths to fish have been between 60 – 150 feet on the downrigger. There are some fin clipped coho being caught but most were unclipped fish. There were a few winter springs caught, just not too many, and most are too small to keep. G-force spoons were the most productive lure. However, plastic baits have been popular as well. The Glow/Green Stripe hootchy has been effective for springs this past week. Spoons, such as the G-Force and Skinny G, in the Bon Chovy or Irish Cream colours were effective. For flashers, the Lemon Lime, Super Betsey and the Purple Onion have been good.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Pedder Bay
Salmon fishing was FAIR this past week. Most anglers are catching coho out in the tide lines past Race Rocks and south of Church Rock with the catches averaging 1 to 2 fish per boat. You had to work hard to find the coho and keep on the schools. The 400-600 foot depth has produced the best results this past week. Most coho have been caught between 70 to 90 feet on the downrigger but the fish are sometimes a little deeper and it’s a good idea to have one line down at 120 feet. The coho have mostly been ranging from 3-6 lbs, with a mixture of marked and unmarked fish being caught. There is also a ton of shaker chinook out in the mid strait. Anchovy was the most productive bait when trolling for springs with Glow Green and Bloody Nose being top choices in teaser heads Spoons, such as the G-Force and Skinny G, in the Bon Chovy or Irish Cream colours were effective Flashers that remain popular include Super Betsey, Lemon-Lime and Purple Onion.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Sidney
Salmon fishing was SLOW near Sidney. The Pender Bluffs have really slowed. There are a lot of feeder springs in the Sidney Channel, but they are almost all 1” to 4” short of the minimum size for retention. We did hear of a 13 lb spring taken near Saanichton Spit. Many anglers are fishing using anchovies in Bloody Nose and UV Green teaser heads. Coho Killer spoons have also been working well, especially in double glow and Gold Nugget. Prawning has been quite slow in Saanich Inlet.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Sooke
The salmon fishing was SLOW to FAIR this past week. It’s mostly coho that are being caught, usually out in the shipping lanes and in 400+ feet of water. The second and third tide lines have been producing most of the fish. Most boats are getting about 1-2 fish per day. There are lots of undersize springs out in the shipping lanes. A few Chums have been caught as well. The 3.5-4” G-Force spoons, as well as hoochies, are the top choices for Sooke anglers. G-Force spoons in Outfitters, Irish Cream and No Bananas and Hoochies in White Glow, Army Truck and Tiger Prawn are the go to colours that have been catching their fair number of fish. The most popular flashers recently have been the Ok’i Betsey, the Gibbs Outfitter and the Madi.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Ucuelet
no report this week
Victoria
Gordon Rogers caught his first halibut (130cm) 66lbs, Mike Fekete landed a 50lb (125 cm) fish and Kingsley Grant got a 34b Halibut while fishing together near Border Bank.
Fishing for salmon was SLOW along the waterfront but a bit better out at Constance Bank. Coho anglers were finding some success in 300 ft of water off Albert Head but most of the fish were coming from Constance Bank or Border Bank. Anchovies, spoons and squirts were successful in getting hook ups. Chartreuse and Purple Haze have been the most popular colors for teaser heads. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and Glow white. Gibbs Coho Killers, AP Needlefish and Coyote spoons in green, moon glow and silver colours have been very effective. The Purple Onion and Bon Chovy flashers have been very effective recently. The Glow Green Splatter Back Coho Killer has been a very effective out at the Constance Bank.
Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week. Gordon Rogers caught his first halibut (130cm) 66lbs, Mike Fekete landed a 50lb (125 cm) fish and Kingsley Grant got a 34b Halibut while fishing together near Border Bank. They were fishing in 285 feet of water with octopus and salmon bellies with fresh herring. Ken Goodin and his buddy Dave caught 46 and 43 lb halibut on Sunday November 1st on octopus and salmon belly in 285 feet of water near boarder bank. 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.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Lakes
Fishing is GOOD on most lakes. Wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.
Trout fishing was GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area this past week. The Vancouver Island Fish hatchery is doing the fall stocking program of catchable rainbow trout. On October 23rd, Shawnigan Lake received 1,062 averaging 223 grams. On October 21st, Prospect Lake received 2,125 catchable rainbow trout and Elk lake received 2,000 catchable rainbow trout averaging 223 grams. On October 16th, Fuller Lake received 1,000 catchable rainbow trout averaging 246 grams and Chemainus, Shawnigan and Dougan Lakes received 750 catchable rainbow trout averaging 246 grams. On October 15th, Thetis Lake received 1,300 catchable rainbow trout averaging 222 grams, Glen, Kemp, and Matheson Lakes received 500 catchable rainbow trout averaging 222 grams, Lookout Lake received 175 catchable rainbow trout averaging 222 grams and Ida Anne Lake received 75 catchable rainbow trout averaging 222 grams. On October 14th, Durrance Lake received 1,900 catchable rainbow trout averaging 234 grams. On October 5th, Lookout Lake received 175 catchable rainbow trout averaging 222 grams and Ida Anne Lake received 75 catchable rainbow trout averaging 216 grams. On October 2nd Shawnigan Lake received 1,375 trout, Dougan Lake 750, Fuller Lake 1,225 and Chemainus Lake 750 trout averaging 216 grams in size. On October 1st, Elk Lake received 2,000 trout and Prospect Lake received 2,175 catchable rainbow trout averaging 211 grams in size. On September 30th, Langford Lake received 750 trout averaging 644 grams ion size.
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.
Bass fishing is SLOW. Soft plastics rigged Carolina style are working well and crank baits 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.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
no report this week
Oregon
Columbia River
no report this week
Tillamook Bay
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that fishing for Chinook is fair to good and that trolling herring or spinners have been the two most popular techniques. Fish are being caught throughout the bay. The bay closed to wild coho retention on October 31.
Great Lakes
Lake Michigan
no report this week
