Fishing Reports for May 18
Washington
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)
no report this week
Marine Area 2 (Westport)
Deep water bottom fishing has ended for a while here in Westport. Though we have to remain inside 180 feet, fishing continues to be outstanding. Rock fish have really been attacking flys and jigs while the Ling cod hammer bait. You pretty much have to find a good rock pile or hard bottom and go to work. Most spots are to the north of Westport up off Copalis and Moclips. Search in 60 to 160 feet of water. There will be no doubt when you find them.
The best way to load up on fish is to come down and get on one of the Charter boats here in Westport. It is very simple. No work, no Hassle, no fish to clean, and no boat to wash.
Salmon opens in Westport on July 1st. Chinook only. The very popular Westport Boat basin Coho fishery will be allowed to happen also this year. So if you enjoy this then you will have it for 2016.
I will be away for a few weeks visiting family so I will report from the sunny Gulf coast. I hope you all will make your way to the coast for some fun and fishing this summer. I hear more people say , “I thought there was going to be no Salmon fishing in the state this year” I remind them that we will be Salmon fish hre in the Ocean soon. 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. The cover image of this week’s fishing reports was also contributed by Cyndi Lanier.
Team ARSC captains Ian Winder and Jarrid Horn have had an amazing week fishing for ocean Lingcod and Rockfish and running into some nice bonus Halibut too! Marine Area 2 (Westport) is our primary bottom fishing point each spring for all of these reasons. The inshore Halibut season is still open at the moment but that quota is dwindling fast but we’ll continue to run trips for Lingcod and Rockfish all the way through July. Please keep in mind these inshore Halibut are caught randomly and we don’t specifically target them on our bottom fishing trips. But hey, what a nice bonus!!!
If you’re in the business of trying this fishery in your own I’d suggest using medium weight spinning setups with a tandem dropper loop and shrimp fly rig. This is our primary rockfish setup. For lingcod you can rig a slightly heavier conventional rod and mooch herring in many of the same areas as you would for rockfish.
Report submitted by Mark Coleman, All River and Saltwater Charters; 425-736-8920.
no report this week
Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lingcod fishing is expected to be “Excellent” in Marine Area 5 during May.
Salmon University staff
Marine Area 5 (Sekiu)
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Cabezon and Lingcod fishing is expected to be “Excellent” in Marine Area 5 during May.
Salmon University staff
Marine Area 6
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Cabezon and Lingcod fishing is expected to be “Excellent” in Marine Area 6 during May.
Salmon University staff
Marine Area 7
Halibut, Spot Prawns, and Ling cod are now open to fishing in the San Juan Islands. Check the WDFW regulations for specific rules and open dates before you go. With the amazing weather we’ve had, it’s great to be able to get out on the water and get in on some of the finest eating seafood around. Fun and food for the whole family.
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- Jason Schmidt does the lift and grin with a 58lb Halibut.
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- Bob Wilson takes a selfie with a flattie on the dance floor.
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- Scott Leeming’s got a live one, headed for the fish box. Fresh Halibut tonight!
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- Tyler Rhinehart shows off a keeper Ling Cod while headed back to the dock. The water, the weather, and the fishing has been Smokin’!
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- Jeff Rhinehart landed this nice Ling…”yup, that’ll eat”. Fresh Ling cod is about the best tasting fish that swims. Baked, broiled, BBQ’ed, or fried, it’s all eye rollin’ good.
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- Anthony Warren caught this slot sized Cod on…what else?…a tuna swim bait. Ling have to be between 26 and 36 inches to keep. The larger specimens are reproductive females that must be released.
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- Bob Cannon pulled a nice pot on this haul. Spot Prawn limits came fairly easy for most on opening day. There were mellow tides all weekend, which makes prawning much easier. Without enough weight in a heavy current, a lot of pots get “stolen” by the tide.
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- Our friends Par and Angi prepared this great looking prawn dish. That ain’t no ordinary happy hour shrimp cocktail! Not by a long shot of leaded line. The daily limit is 80 prawns per person, but with shrimp of this size, it doesn’t take many to make a meal.
Submitted by Kevin Klein, Fidalgo-SanJuan Islands Chapter PSA, CCA Northsound.
Marine Area 8.1
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reports “Excellent” prospects for cutthroat in Marine Area 8.1 during May.
Salmon University Staff
Marine Area 8.2
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reports “Excellent” prospects for cutthroat, and “Good” prospects for halibut in Marine Area 8.2 during May.
Salmon University Staff
Marine Area 9 (Admirality Inlet)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reports “Poor” prospects for Chinook and Coho in Marine Area 9 during April.
Marine Area 10
no report this week
Marine Area 11
Salmon fishing is closed until further notice. The spot shrimp fishery was a success most fishermen got their limits. The Ling Cod fishing continues to be slow with vary light fishing pressure, the best spots to catch Ling Cod continues to be near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Toliva Shoals. The Sole and Flounder fishing remains pretty good look for flat sandy bottom with eel grass for the best fishing.
For more information call 253-591-5325.
Lingcod season is open 5/01/2016 and ends 6/15/2016 for ling cod 26-36 inches. All others must be released. Limited to fish 120 feet of water or less
Shrimp Season opens from 7 am to 3 pm Saturday, May 14, 2016 in Area 11. Waiting to hear if the quota was met or if we have May 21, 2016 open in Area 11.
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.
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.comStart collecting those Swap Meet items for the Point Defiance Marina Swap Meet on Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 10 am to 3 pm. Covered Space will be limited…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. Contact Information: Gene Anderson genea@tacomaparks.com
(253) 591-5325 or genea@tacomaparks.com
• Register Now for a 10 X 10 Space
• Space is limited. Deadline to register May 19, 2016 . Registration form required and can be obtained at PDM Boathouse
• Cost: $15.00 PDM Locker Tenants receive $5 off
• No admission fee for shoppers
• Tables can be rented to sellers at $5 per table. Must reserve in advance at PDM Boathouse.
More information call 253-591-5325
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)
First-time shrimper Mike Kelly with the first pot of the season.
Shrimp fishing opened on an overcast day with absolutely flat water. Hood Canal had excellent shrimping for those that had their pots weighted properly and their bait mixed correctly. Most shrimpers are mixing five cans of 13-ounce Friskies Ocean Whitefish & Tuna Dinner (Classic Pate) with one can of Mackerel and three cups of ground-up Super Prawn Bait thinned with fish oil to the consistency of thick pancake batter. One third to one half of your bait in your bait jar should be used in your one-hour soak.
Most boats we talked to on Hood Canal had their limits in one or two drops of their pots. The good shrimping should continue Wednesday, May 18th; Saturday, May 28th and Monday, May 30th.
Report submitted by Tom Nelson, Salmon University
Marine Area 13
Salmon fishing is closed indefinitely in Marine Area 13. According to the WDFW, Marine Areas 11, 12 and 13 will remain closed to halibut fishing “to protect threatened and endangered rockfish species. ”
Salmon University staff
Freshwater – Lake Chelan
The ubiquitous Pepe’ Hernandez with Blueberry Kari Sorenson of Blueberry Hills with their catch of Lakers, Kokanee and Cutthroat from Lake Chelan.
What’s hot is fishing for 11 to 16 inch Rainbow Trout on Wapato Lake. Trolling for Lake Trout continues hot on Lake Chelan in Manson Bay and along Colyar Ledge. Kokanee Fishing is also hot from the Blue Roof Condos to the Narrows.
Dick Thaden with Dave and Josh Tripp of Marysville with their haul of Lake Chelan Lakers and a rare Chelan Landlocked Chinook! Another banner day for this groups annual trip out with us.
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 17 to 25 feet deep at 1.6 mph to trigger loads of bites. Silver Horde 2” Kingfisher Lite spoons 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 Kokanee has been excellent. Pull Mack’s Lure’s Kokanee Pro Wedding Rings 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 the surface to 60 feet deep. Locations have ranged from the Blue Roof Condos to the Yacht Club.
Your fishing tip of the week is keep your rod angle and your fish reeling moderate for best success. A too high rod angle gives the fish leverage to tear the hooks out. A low rod angle doesn’t allow your rod to buffer the head shakes and twists of the fish. Too slow a retrieve gives the fish too much time to shake off. Too fast a retrieve allows the fish leverage to tear off the hooks.
Dave Tripp again with his beautiful Lake Chelan Chinook.
The kid’s tip of the week is to get them ready for Lake Chelan’s late spring / early summer shore bonanza. Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pikeminnow are all available in the next month from docks and other public access points on Lake Chelan. This can provide some fast action for kids with a short attention span.
Your safety tip of the week is to really focus on the loads and loads of floating woody debris on Lake Chelan. With the fires last summer and the normal load coming, this will be a banner year for prop repair people Slow down!
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 – Potholes Reservoir
It was a weekend for big bass. The two-day event sponsored by Limit Out Marine and Anglers West had 93 teams participate. There were 15 money winners. Each hour of the day the largest bass weighed was a winner of $600. Most of the hourly winners were 5 1/2 to 6 1/2-pounds. The largest bass and overall winner, with a prize of $8,000, was the team of Brian Russell and James Bastillo. The wind was roaring Saturday with a little rain, which calmed down Sunday. What a sight to see all boat racing in to either weigh fish or get their boats on the trailer. By the way, there will be another two-day bass event this weekend. Since they fish back in the dunes there will be plenty of water for you walleye fishermen. The restaurant is now open Thursday through Sunday at Mardon Resort.
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
Salmon fishing for the past couple of weeks has been slow in Barkley Sound for the most part. There are however days when some nice Chinook have been taken. Kirby Point, Edward King, Cape Beale always seem to have a few. Fishing the tide changes has been important to catch these Chinook. Sometimes the bite doesn’t last long.
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 at Beechey Head and Aldridge Point. Most of the chinooks were running from 7 to 12 lbs in size but there were some larger hatchery springs up to 15 lbs. There some good size unclipped springs caught and released too. Most anglers are now switching over to using bait. 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. Only a few halibut up were brought back to the marina.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Oak Bay
Salmon fishing was FAIR this past week but some fish were being caught each day. The Flats have been holding some springs up to 20 lbs but most are less than ten pounds. The salmon have been feeding heavily on needle fish on the Flats. It’s been best in 90-130 depths and jigging is working just as well as trolling. The main bite period has been at the end of the ebb and the start of the flood. Good trolling lures have been Green Splatterback Coho Killers, Skinny G spoons and APT Needlefish spoons. Drift anglers have been getting fish on Needlefish Darts.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Pedder Bay
A great day on the water off Victoria with some awesome salmon fishing. Great fun for the whole family! Gibbs 4″ Irish Cream G-Force spoons were the hot lure!
Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. There were lots of springs in the 7-9 lb size range and a smattering of hatchery springs into the mid teens. Both whirl Bay and Pedder Bay held fish. Many anglers are still fishing close to the bottom, often bouncing the downrigger balls on the bottom, in 120-150 feet of water, while others are getting their fish at 60 – 80 feet along the kelp beds and rocky shore lines. The tide change for ebb to flood has been the best time to catch fish. Most of the salmon have been feeding on small squid, so white hootchies and small spoons, such as the G-Force, Coyote and Gypsy, in the glow colours were very effective. Flashers that remain popular include Glow green, Lemon-Lime and Madi.
Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend although the conditions were rough. A 130 cm 64 lb halibut was the largest one seen on the dock.. Best areas were Race Rocks, William Head, 27 Fathom reef and Constance Bank. Anglers that were fishing were using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use Mudraker, Lucky 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
Sidney
Salmon fishing was GOOD this past weekend. The Sidney Anglers’ Association held their annual Spring Derby this past weekend. The winning fish was a 15.9 lb chinook caught Larry Dalziel. Second place went to Max Harris with a 15.4 lb chinook. Third place went to Mark Kosick for a 13.4 lb chinook. Noah Kosick won the prize for the largest salmon by a junior angler with a 7.6 lb chinook. All areas around Sidney produced springs into the teens this past week but there was not one real hot spot. Many trollers were fishing with tiny strip or anchovies in Bloody Nose and UV Green teaser heads. Others are using Coho Killer, Gibbs Needle G and AP Tackle needlefish spoons and they are catching fish as well. Anglers jigging have also been catching a lot of springs and are using Needlefish Darts and Deep Stingers. The Powder Wharf and Shag Rocks area has been good for jigging salmon.
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 FAIR for springs this past weekend. Windy conditions kept most anglers off the water. Most of the salmon are still not very large, with the exception of some unclipped springs that were caught and released. 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.
Ucuelet
No report this week.
Victoria
ishing for salmon was FAIR off Victoria. The best fishing was out at Constance Bank, but it was unfishable there due to weather conditions much of this past week. Not many of the fish were reported to have come from close in along the waterfront. There are some large unclipped Chinook that have to be released in the area. Anchovies were a good bait to use and Bloody Nose and Purple Haze have been the most popular colors for teaser heads. Spoons and squirts were successful in getting hook ups. 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 Lemon Lime and Madi have been effective flashers lately.
Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend but the weather was bad. The best areas have been Constance Bank, Border Bank and the Mud Hole. Anglers that were fishing were using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use Mudraker, Lucky 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
Cowichan River
The water level is very low for this time of year and the water level is 0.4 meters at the lake and 0.38 meters near Duncan today. Fly fishing at the top end of the river for trout has been good and insect hatches are happening daily. The rainbows, cutthroats and resident brown trout are actively feeding on these hatches and migrating salmon fry. Bead head nymphs are the top producer there. Good patterns are Pheasant Tail, Prince, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears and Stone fly nymphs. A fry imitation or a Wooly Bugger will also work, especially for the brown trout. When the fish are feeding on the surface, the Goddard Caddis has been a good fly to fish.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Lakes
All bass fishing is closed to retention until June 15th. Bass fishing is GOOD. At this time of year some of the bass are moving into the shallows and many are on spawning beds. Look for the fish suspended by drop offs close to shore along docks, branches, and any overhanging structure. During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well too. Crank baits have been effective too when fished with a fast retrieve. Soft plastics rigged “Carolina Style “is also a good choice when fishing drop offs and docks, most productive in 4” Yum bait colors 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
Tillamook Bay
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that spring Chinook are available in decent numbers, and angling is improving. Trolling herring or large bladed spinners are the most productive techniques. Keep your gear near the bottom while trolling slowly.
Great Lakes
Lake Michigan
How – It was mostly a spoon bite with a few fish on flies. The pattern hasn’t changed. Coho are filling the box with limits possible. The big Chinooks are also in. Chinook are coming on small or magnum size spoons. Reapers and Vulcans made by Badger Tackle have been working for us. The small silver Vulcan in green or blue has been hot on the downriggers. Run them 50 feet behind the ball 15 feet down to the bottom. Six inch flashers or dodgers with green or blue Howie’s peanut flies also caught fish. Tie your flies 14.5 inches on 6 inch dodgers, 24 inches for 6 inch flashers. All orange dodgers and flashers. I hope this helps. Slide Diver are producing with flies set at 3 no ring 35 feet of line out.
Lake Trout action was slow today but we didn’t fish their favorite spots.
Speed – For all fish speed has been very critical with the warmer 51 degree water. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed at the ball. The Chinook are hitting Reaper Magnum Glow spoons at first light and blue or green with silver back all day. The boat speed of 2.2 to 2.4 has been best. The faster speed triggered the Chinook action.
Where – Fish are hanging in close to shore or the break wall. We did not get out over 50 feet of water yesterday.
Follow the shoreline working 40 feet of water. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!
Report submitted by Jim at Blue Max Charters out of Milwaukee. He can be reached at 414-828-1094.
