Fishing Reports for August 31
Washington
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)
no report this week
Marine Area 2 (Westport)
Well, the 2016 Salmon season is in the books and in Westport we caught only 50.8% of our Chinook quota. As we look back there are a few things we can point too. Weather, Sea conditions, starting the season too conservatively, and the lack of fish. That being said we are already looking toward 2017.
Meanwhile “back at the ranch” Tuna fishing is ongoing. Catches are down from years past but the boats who are putting in their time are catching. The fish have been as far out of Westport as 65 miles and as close as 30. We ran 37 miles yesterday and found fish. Trolling Cedar plugs and Clones have worked to get us started then throw a live Anchovy to finish it up. Right now your biggest decision, besides the weather, will be whether to launch out of Westport or trailer down to Ilwaco. Both have their pluses and minuses. Weigh your options and make the best decision.
Hopefully, we will get word on Razor Clamming opportunities soon in the Twin Harbors. After a year and a half of no Clamming, it should be off the charts when it does open.
Have fun, be safe, and we will see you in Westport. for just a few more weeks.
The Tuna are as close as they get!As of the middle of last week we’ve been pounding away on nice grade Albacore at 30nm!!! That’s a shade over an hour run from Westport!The trill bite has been decent but otherwise it’s a bird and jumper show with good shots of tuna caught on live bait.Guides Canyon had been the got to zone. Don’t over run the fish…start fishing as soon as it gets deep.
It’s shaping up for an amazing late season!
Report submitted by Mark Coleman, All River and Saltwater Charters; 425-736-8920. The cover image of this week’s reports was also contributed by Coleman.
Marine 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
Marine Area 8.1
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reports “Excellent” prospects for pinks in Marine Area 8.1 during August.
Marine Area 8.2
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reports “Excellent” prospects for pinks in Marine Area 8.2 during August.
Marine Area 9 (Admirality Inlet)
no report this week
Marine Area 10
no report this week
Marine Area 11
There is some hatchery chinook being caught in MA 13 try trolling the Pt. Fosdick area, Green Pt. /Sand spit area, Chambers Bay and the Nisqually Delta area. Check your fish finder but productive depths have been from 40′ to 90′ depending on time of day and of course depth of water.
Make sure you carefully release any native Chinook and all Coho.
The crabbing catch has picked up recently in the usual areas but will close as of the 6th of Sept.
For those who like to fish squid which is fun to do and they are very tasty we are seeing squid being caught off of the area docks.
Salmon Fishing has been closed in Area 11 until February 2017. Area 13 remains open until September 1 and is closed until October 1 at which time it reopens for Hatchery chinook only.
The Pier is open until August 31 for salmon fishing and will remain open after that for bottom fishing; primarily flounder. Bottom fishing will remain open throughout the year.
For a more updated report call 253-591-5325
Point Defiance Marina has rental boats and motors and launch and overnight moorage facilities with pump out stations and shore power. In addition we have storage space for boats up to 17 feet as well as kayak storage. For more information call 253-591-5325
Basic Fishing Classes are offered throughout the summer months. 2 Hour classes are $15.00 and can be designed for youth and adults. Boat House Tackle Shop open 7 days a week.
Boat lifts open at 5am tackle shop open 5:30am tackle shop close 8:30pm boat lifts 8:50 and facility 9:00pm. For more information call 253-591-5325 Call 253-591-5325 or visit us on Facebook “Point Defiance Marina.”
Point Defiance Marina Fall Swap Meet
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)
no report this week
Marine Area 13
no report this week
Freshwater – Potholes Reservoir
The three-day Labor Day weekend is upon us and the projected weather will give us a comfortable weekend. Fishing should be fair to good based upon the reports I have received. Potholes is still coming down but remains higher then normal. The Blyth launch is just about out of water but I am seeing 4 wheel drive vehicles now launching off the east bank. Also, on the ramp off of M street the water is very low. The State Park, Mardons and the ramp at the east end of the dam will remain good places to launch. Perch and Crappie are being found just off the sand dunes and good fishing is to be had when you find them. Largemouth up in the dunes are good but be careful as where you ran a month ago the water is skinny. Smallmouth as usual relate to rocks like Goose Island, the Dam face and up in Linn Coulee. More Walleye are being caught thru out Potholes with water level dropping and the bait fish are moving out of the dunes area and into the main lake. With then the Walleye are also moving out. Several of the smaller lakes below the dam are now a good place for catching pan fish with a worm under a bobber.
For the water sports users the water is warm and now with the 3 day weekend tubing will be at your best. Please keep away from fishermen as they have to fish where the fish are. There is plenty room for all to use.. Check the Mardon tackle store for year ending specials.
Report submitted by Tom Pollack.
British Columbia
Vancouver
August has sure been an interesting month! We have had some excellent days, some tough days, lot’s of wind, and frequent visits from our resident Orcas. Overall, there has been good numbers of fish around, but local anglers have had to battle through the variables of mother nature to get them. It looks like we are heading into a calmer weather pattern with lots of southerly winds in our forecast… good news! With a few less Orca visits and calmer water, we should be in for a good September targeting our biggest chinook salmon of the year!
We have focused our efforts over the last couple weeks near the Fraser River Mouth targeting chinook salmon in the 10 to 30 pound range. On our half day trips we have fished the Bell Buoy, North Arm and the T 10 Marker. On some of our longer 8 and 10 hour trips we have made the run to the South Arm. As usual, these late summer chinook salmon are coming in waves, and some days there are solid numbers of fish around and some days a little more patience and persistence is needed to get a few hook ups. There has been increasing numbers of coho off the Fraser Mouth as well. We are anticipating a strong coho fishery off the South Arm of the Fraser River from mid September until the 3rd of 4th week of October.
In a couple weeks, the West Vancouver chinook fishery will begin to perk up. This fishery for big chinook is unique as it is literally only a mile or two from Downtown Vancouver and only a 10 minute run from our dock location on Granville Island. This fishery usually lasts into mid October, with the peak of the run usually falling between September 10th and October 5th. This fishery can get finicky if we get a lot of rain, so we are hoping for a relatively dry September and October.
The migratory chinook that are now in local waters are typically most effectively targeted by running flashers and anchovies. Our favourite Gibbs Delta Guide Series Flashers (T 10, Bon Chovy, Lemon Lime, STS, and Madi) are what we stick with this time of year. Various Rhys Davis teaser heads will work. We run a lot of green/glow combinations this time of year. In addition to bait it is always worthwhile running a hootchie or a whole herring. These migratory fish are usually quite high in the water column and depths between 25 and 75 feet seem to be where they hang. Our tackle shop on Granville Island is open almost every day of the week and we have all the right bait and tackle for local waters.
Give us a call or email to get out on the water! Tight lines!
For more info call Jeff or Jason at Bon Chovy Fishing Charters (604) 763-5460,bonchovy.com email: info@bonchovy.com.
Vancouver Island (Saltwater)
no report this week
Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound, and Ucuelet
no report this week
Bamfield
no report this week
Becher Bay
Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week although up and down at times. Most of the springs have been in the teens with a few in the twenties. The Trap Shack, Beechey Head and Aldridge Point were the most productive locations to fish. The coho fishing has picked up with anglers getting 6 – 14 lb hatchery fish. Those who targeted coho did quite well. Anglers using bait are finding anchovies in glow teaser heads have been working best. Spoons, such as the G-Force and Skinny G, in Bon Chovy or Outfitters’ colours were also effective. For flashers, the Betsey, Lemon Lime and Bon Chovi have been good.
Cheanuh Marina held their Annual Salmon Derby this past weekend. There were 227 rod tickets purchased and approximately 130 fish weighed in. The winner of the derby was Gary Garner who caught a 26.6 lb chinook. Second place went to Brent Cormer for a 25.5 lb chinook. Third place went to Brad Kumetsky for a 23.2 lb chinook. The prize for largest coho went to Brian stewart with a 13.2 lb hatchery coho.
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 SLOW again this past week. There were some fish caught, just not too many of them. Good trolling lures have been Coho Killers, Bon Chovi or Outfitters Skinny G spoons and. Anglers jigging have been using Needlefish Darts or Deep.
Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week. However, most anglers that were fishing for halibut were using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Also working well was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow. Also working well, and discouraging to dogfish, was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Jake Stofer caught two 15 pounders off the waterfront on Wednesday August 24th. He had to fight a seal to land the one with the scars.
Pedder Bay
Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. The best chinook fishing was near the entrance of Pedder Bay and near Bentick Island. Church Rock also produced a few as well. Some hatchery coho up to 13 lbs were also caught, mostly by angers targeting the coho. Anchovies were the top bait this past week. Good choices for teaser head colors are UV Green, Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. Flashers that are popular include the Betsey, Lemon-Lime and Madi.
Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week. The 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 9” Jumbo Squids 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 SLOW this past week. The Pender Bluffs produced a couple of large springs up to 27 lbs. Elsewhere it was very quiet. Sidney Anglers held a small derby and not a single legal chinook was caught. Anglers using spoons found Coho Killers, Gibbs Needle G and AP Tackleworks needlefish spoons the most successful this past year. Anglers jigging have also been caught springs using Needlefish Darts and Deep Stingers. The Powder Wharf and Shag Rocks area are popular for jigging salmon.
Effective July 25, 2016 at 00:01 hours until October 14, 2016 at 23:59 hours, you may not retain Chinook salmon in the following waters: Subareas 18-6 to 18-8, 18-10.
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 last week. Sherringham Point, Muir Creek, Otter Point, Possession Point and Secretary Island all produced salmon. There were some big springs in the 20’s, many “teeners” and some small ones too. The coho fishing also picked up and many of them were big. The hatchery fish were running from 8–14 lbs and the wild, unmarked coho were even bigger. Anchovies are now the top choice for bait and good choices for teaser head colors are UV Green, Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze.The top spoons for Sooke anglers are the White Lightening and Irish Cream Coho Killers. For flashers, you can’t go wrong with a Super Betsey, Madi or Bon Chovi Flasher. Hootchies in Cop Car, Purple haze and White have been effective in the past month.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com.
Victoria
Fishing for salmon was HOT AND COLD this past week. There were good bites at times and other long periods were there was nothing happening. The best depths have been 40 to 77 feet on the downrigger. There have been good bites at Macauley, the breakwall, Brotchie Ledge and Clover Point. Most of the springs have been from 8 to 15 lbs in size. Anchovies have been a good bait to use (12 or 10 pack) and Bloody Nose, UV Green and Purple Haze have been the most popular colors for teaser heads. Spoons have been successful in getting hook ups as well. Green Spatter Back UV Coho Killers, 3.5” Cop Car spoons or AP Tackleworks needlefish spoons have also brought good results in Victoria.
Halibut fishing was GOOD early this past week with the best areas Constance Bank, Border Bank and the Mud Hole. Anglers that were fishing were using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Also working well, and discouraging to dogfish, was the 9” Jumbo Squid in Green Glow.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Cowichan River
no report this week
Lakes
Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. Shore anglers are catching trout on Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, or worms while fishing close to the bottom. Chartreuse and Fluorescent Yellow 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 are catching trout with Gibbs Gang Trolls and Gibbs Wedding Bands. 2” Tomic Plugs have also been working well for Trout.
Bass fishing is EXCELLENT. At this time of year most of the bass are in the shallows. During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well too. Soft plastics rigged “Carolina Style” are 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
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- East wind continues and fish are deep and still biting. Mostly a spoon bite on 200 to 300 copper. The big King Chinooks are active every trip. The action and location has been from 75-170 feet. It’s an all species bite and it may be the best time of the season for a trophy. Chinooks went for regular size Vulcan spoons in silver or green/silver. Many Chinooks over ten pounds this week most averaged 12-18 pounds. White or green Howie’s flies also working well run behind a white flasher. The big Chinooks are active 75-90 down on downriggers.
Lake Trout action picking up they were hitting the Chinook tackle.
Brown Trout action was down with little or no pressure.
Rainbow Trout were hitting Vulcan Dolphin Green and Silver spoons in the top 45 feet.
Speed – For all fish speed has been very critical with the warmer 75 degree water. The temp break to 57 is down 85 feet in 100 feet of water. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed and temp at the ball. The boat speed of 2.0 to 2.2 has been best.
Where – I fished mostly out over 100 feet all week. East wind has pushed the warmer water in. Fish 75 to 170 feet. Near shore action on McKinley pier has been slow. Some Browns being caught on Vulcan spoons. We did not get out over 225 feet of water yesterday. Head 45 degrees north in Whitefish Bay and set lines in 75 feet. Troll northeast have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing! Note We are offering an extra hour for $35 when added to a five hour fishing charter.
Report submitted by Jim at Blue Max Charters out of Milwaukee. He can be reached at 414-828-1094.
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