Fishing Reports for March 30
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Washington
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)
no report this week
Marine Area 2 (Westport)
Will Stoll of the Charter boat Slammer helps a customer land a really nice Ling. Check out the Sea Bass hanging out of its mouth. This happens more than you think. If this happens to you be ready to net the Ling when it reaches the surface because it is usually not hooked but just holding on to that bass.
The weather has been cooperating much better down here on the coast and hence more fishing trips are occurring, Ling Cod fishing has been really good but the Rock Fish have been somewhat finicky. As the days lengthen and and the temperatures rise it is a definite sign that spring is in the air and with that here in the state of Washington it means fishing.
Here are some Happy customers from the Charter boat Gold Rush. They pose with their prize Ling Cod.
Bait or Pipe jigs work best for the Lings while jigs, bait, and Shrimp flies do it for the Sea Bass. We have been fishing in 60 to 160 feet of water around rock piles and other hard bottom.
Still no Clamming here in the Twin Harbor area but Long Beach and Copalis both have scheduled digs. Salmon seasons will be announced on April 13th. Just a little heads up, it is most likely going to be different than in years past and shorter. Make you plans now.
The weather outlook for the ocean this week is good. Get down here to Westport and take advantage of this window of opportunity.
This weekend is the 9th annual Salmon University Seminars in Kent Washington. Saturday and Sunday are filled with tons information. This years is extra special for me but you will have to attend to find out why. Have Fun, be Safe, and we will see you in Westport.
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.
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
no report this week
Marine Area 8.1
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) predicts “Good” prospects for cutthroat during March in Marine Area 8.1.
Salmon University Staff
Marine Area 8.2
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) predicts “Good” prospects for cutthroat during March in Marine Area 8.2, and “Poor” prospects for Coho.
Salmon University Staff
Marine Area 9 (Admirality Inlet)
See you on the water!
Report submitted by Nelson “Spud” Goodsell of Salmon for Soldiers (FISHTALE 2).
With calmer weather, more anglers are fishing in Area 9. Fishing is not red hot, but some fish are being caught. Most of the salmon being caught are in the 5 – 10 lb range. A Pro-Troll flasher and a Silver Horde Tailwagger spoon fished 40 inches behind the flasher and right on the bottom seems to be doing the trick. Using the bigger size spoons helps keep the shakers off. Better spots to fish include Hoods Head just above the Hood Canal Bridge, Point No Point, Double Bluff and Mid-Channel Bank.
Tom Nelson – Salmon University
Marine Area 10
no report this week
Marine Area 11
The salmon fishing has improved recently. The best success has been the Southern end of Vashon Island from Quarter Master Harbor to near Pt. Dalco with Trolling flasher and spoons or artificial squid in about 120’ to 150’ of water for the best results. For updated reports call 253-591-5325.
Crabbing is now closed in Area 11
Basic Fishing Classes (Youth 8+) Parent or guardian welcome to register and learn with their youth. Cost $10 April 2, 2016 10 am to 12 noon at Point Defiance Marina. Pre-register at MetroParksTacoma.org/GO or call 253-591-5325 Learn beginning fundamentals for fresh and salt water angling including regulations, equipment, tackle, rigging, knots, casting, fish identification, landing and care for fish.
Basic Fishing Classes (adults 15+) Cost $10 May 28, 2016 10 am to 12 noon at Point Defiance Marina. Pre-register call 253-591-5325 Learn beginning fundamentals for fresh and salt water angling including regulations, equipment, tackle, rigging, knots, casting, fish identification, landing and care for fish.
Basic Trailering Class Learn the basic fundaments of care, proper and safe trailer connections, towing, launching, docking, and returning the boat to the trailer and the trip home. Saturday, April 16, 2016 10 am to 12 noon@ Point Defiance Marina Complex Cost $20 – Questions: Gene Anderson (253)591-5325; genea@tacomaparks.com
ABC Boater’s Education Classes Wednesdays 7-9 pm May 4- June 1, 2016 Taught by Tacoma Power Squadron Learn what you will need to be a safe boater and receive your mandatory WA State Parks Boater’s Education Card. Cost $50 (Includes a student manual, CD, and an introductory navigation software CD from RosePoint Navigation) – Questions: Gene Anderson (253)591-5325; genea@tacomaparks.com
Report submitted by Point Defiance Marina. For more information contact: Art Tachell, Boathouse Marina Technician, 253.591.5325 art@tacomaparks.com www.pointdefiancemarina.com.
Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) predicts “Fair” prospects for Coho during March in Marine Area 12.
Salmon University staff
Marine Area 13
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) predicts “Fair” prospects for Coho during February in Marine Area 13.
Salmon University staff
Freshwater – Lake Nahwatzel
It can pay off following WDFW’s planting reports online. It can give you better fishing options knowing where they are dumping the biggest trout around our state. Lake Nahwatzel sits just outside of Shelton and was recently planted with 400 rainbow trout that averaged 3.5 lbs. The lake has had it’s share of pressure the past couple of weeks. Boat anglers and even fly guys spattered the lake on Good Friday.
My buddy Dick did pretty well last week before the wind blew he and a buddy off the lake. We couldn’t have picked a better day. The early moring the lake was fogged over, as the sun poked between the clouds the lake started to come alive with more and more fish rolling at hatch on the surface. We worked the lake for an hour or so without getting a bite switching up gear between small Rapalas, wedding rings, Apex Trout Killers and even spoons. It didn’t seemt to matter once the bite turned on. The sun and lack of a breeze seemed to keep the fish right on the surface. We each landed our share of hefty fish along with a few 14-15 inchers. Dick even had a double with two rods out!
Report submitted by Brad Hole of Kayak Fishing Washington (206 313-5567).
Columbia River
This week we saw little waves of hot bright spring kings working there way up river. That’s been giving us sporadic good action especially on big fish…classic March fishing on the Columbia River.
This run builds quickly so I’m expecting a quick transition from ok fishing to great fishing. Flows are fine and are forecasted to come down slightly this week. Clarity on the CR is upwards of 5′ above the Willamette and about 3′ below. We’ve caught fish down-hill trolling herring in both water conditions so I’m not seeing any real issues with the 3′ vis below the Willamette.
We’ve done all of our fishing so far by down-hill trolling green label, plug cut herring 6′ behind a Yakima Bait fish flash…color doesn’t matter much.
Give us call to schedule a day out with us!
Report submitted by Mark Coleman, All River and Saltwater Charters; 425-736-8920.
Freshwater – Potholes Reservoir
It seems like most every day I have a new venture here at Potholes. In returning home from Moses Lake last week and going towards the west over the dam, I saw what looked to be a large kite or a parachute out over the lake. I found a wide spot to pull over and with the binoculars saw a person under what looked like a chute with control lines standing on a paddle board.. He could control it to lift him high off the water and change directions. There was no boat around him nor boats on the lake as I saw white caps up to four feet.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
John took this nice Halibut fishing Octopus on a spreader bar rig in Barkley Sound.
Halibut fishing has remained pretty consistent for the last couple of weeks. Once again weather has been the limiting factor, some days with not being able to fish the most productive areas.
Halibut fishing is good around Barkley Sound and we will see more fish coming from the offshore waters as the weather improves.
Salmon fishing has been a little bit of a hit and miss proposition the past week with some big seas and high winds to make things interesting. On Easter Sunday we fished the Vernon Bay area and were into quite a few Chinook up to 10 pounds.
Dennis and the Guys from the mainland with their limit of 5-10 pound Chinook taken in Vernon Bay.
With the weather improving this week we should see more boats out and hopefully get out for some offshore action.
For more info call Ken Bodaly at Rocky Point Charters, Bamfield, B.C. 250-728-3678 or the boat cell phone 250-735-4224 website: www.rockypointcharters.ca email: rockypointcharters@shaw.ca facebook: Rocky Point Charters
Becher Bay
Salmon fishing was GOOD for anglers in East Sooke. Anglers were catching springs in the bay, near Beechey Head and Whirl Bay. An 18 lb hatchery fish from Beechey Head was the biggest salmon at the marina this past week. A 14.5 from Whirl Bay was the largest from that area. Insiide the bay the fish were running from 6 to 8 lbs in size. Anglers have been successful with all types of gear. Anchovies in glow teaser heads have been very effective. Spoons, such as the G-Force and Skinny G, in Cop Car, Bon Chovy or Irish Cream colours were also effective. For flashers, the Madi, Lemon Lime and Purple Onion have been good. Some halibut up to 50 lbs were also brought back to the marina. There were also quite a few halibut brought into Cheanuh Marina from Race Rocks and points east.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Pedder Bay
Ross Hopkins with his 18 lb spring from Pedder Bay
Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD this past week. There were springs at the entrance to the bay and at Whirl Bay. Most anglers are fishing close to the bottom and often bouncing the downrigger balls on the bottom, in 120-150 feet of water. Ross Hopkins got an 18 lb spring near the Can Buoy at 125’ in 160’ of water on an anchovy fished in a Purple Haze teaser/flasher combination. However, David Turenne was fishing at 36’ in 60’ of water near Bentick Island when he landed an 18 lb fin clipped chinook. There were many nice hatchery springs in the 11-18 lb range brought in this past week. Small spoons, such as the G-Force, Coyote and Gypsy, in the glow and/or any bright colours were very effective. Hootchies and squirts also produced well. Flashers that remain popular include Glow green, Lemon-Lime and Purple Onion. And you can’t go wrong fishing anchovies in a Bloody Nose teaser.
Sidney
Salmon fishing was GOOD near Sidney. Fairfax Point and Mandarte Island produced several 20-24 lb springs one day this past week. There was a salmon derby in Mill Bay this past weekend, but only 7 salmon were weighed in from 70 boats fishing. The winning fish was a 13.5 lb spring caught near Whisky Point. Second place went to a 13 lb spring and a 10.75 lb spring came in third. There was also a small derby in Sidney and a 15.8 lb fish won that derby. The majority of the winter springs caught recently have been short of the minimum size for retention though. There have also been a number of boats fishing in the north end of Saanich Inlet. Most 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. We also heard of a 79” halibut that was caught, videoed and released near Sidney. That fish would have been pushing 270 lbs if it had been weighed on a scale.
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 GOOD for winter springs this past week. Anchovies have been the top bait recently, especially with Cop Car and Purple Haze teaser heads. The 3”-4” Kingfisher, Gypsy and G-Force spoons, as well as hoochies, are also top choices for Sooke anglers. Good colors have been Kitchen Sink, Irish Cream and No Bananas. Hoochies in White Glow, Army Truck and Tiger Prawn have been catching their fair number of fish. The most popular flashers recently have been ones with Moon Jelly patterns such as the Madi and the Lemon Lime.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com. The cover image of this week’s fishing reports was contributed by Island Outfitters.
Ucuelet
no report this week
Victoria
Fishing for salmon was HIT AND MISS off Victoria. Some areas produced really well and other areas did not produce at all. There were salmon on some spots on Constance Bank and Albert Head (on the pinnacles). Most of the salmon are still not very large in size, but there are a decent number of keepers out there. Brotchie Ledge to Ross Bay has also produced a few fish, but not too many. Spoons and squirts were successful in getting hook ups. Bloody Nose and Purple Haze have been the most popular colors for teaser heads. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and White Glow. Coho Killers, AP Needlefish, G Force and Coyote spoons in Green Splatterback, Moon Glow and Cop Car colours have also been good. The Purple Onion, Lemon Lime and Madi have been effective lately.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Lakes
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has started their spring releases of catchable rainbow trout from the Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery. On March 17th, Kemp, Matheson and Spectacle lakes received 500 trout each with an average size of 250 grams. On March16th, Durrance Lake received 187 brood stock trout with an average size of 675 grams and 1,255 trout with an average size of 242grams. On March 8th, Lookout Lake received 175 trout and Ida Anne Lake received 75 trout with an average size of 225 grams. On March 3rd, Elk Lake received 2,000 trout and Shawnigan Lake received 1,950 trout with an average size of 232 grams. On February 29th, Prospect Lake received 2,000 trout, Thetis Lake received 1,000 trout and Glen Lake received 500 trout with an average size of 222 grams. On March 3rd, Elk Lake received 2,000 catchable rainbows and Shawnigan Lake received 1,950 trout averaging 232 grams.
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
Tillamook Bay
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon could be good. Fish the channel edges on the outgoing tides.
Great Lakes
Lake Michigan
no report this week
