Fishing Reports for May 17

By on May 17, 2017

Washington

Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)

no report this week

Marine Area 2 (Westport)

no report this week

Marine Area 3 (LaPush and Forks)

no report this week

Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)

no report this week

Marine Area 5

no report this week

Marine Area 6

no report this week

Marine Area 7

Everybody loves some San Juan Spot Prawns!

The big tides this last weekend weren’t conducive to prawning or Ling fishing, although one set at slack, or a few drifts could produce. We’ll have better tides this upcoming weekend, and Halibut is open on Sunday the 21st. Time to go get some!

Submitted by Kevin Klein, Team Parker Boats NW. The cover image of this week’s report was also submitted by Klein.

Marine Area 8.1

no report this week

Marine Area 8.2

no report this week

Marine Area 9 (Admirality Inlet)

no report this week

Marine Area 10

no report this week

Marine Area 11

The salmon fishing in area 11 is currently closed and will reopen 6/1/17 however ling cod fishing is open through 6/15/17 and so far the ling cod fishing has been fair.

Area 13 south of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is currently open and there has been decent opportunity to catch Chinook salmon there mostly trolling flasher and spoon combinations near Pt. Gibson, the Sand Spit/Green Pt. and Wollochett Bay area, for those who prefer to Mooch or Jig Pt. Gibson provides good opportunity. Tom Matthews Caught a nice Chinook 15 pounds 2 ounces in Area 13 jigging (see .icture).

For an updated report call (253)591-5325.

The shrimp in Area 13 is open May 20 from 9am to 1 pm

Crabbing is now closed until July 1 with no winter crabbing in Area 11. For a more up to date 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

Learn Basic Fishing Youth/Adult June 17, 2017 Saturday 10 am to 12 noon Cost $15 (ages 8+). The Adult (Age 15+) is on May 27, 2017 form 10 am to 12 noon. Cost is $15 . To sign Up call 253-591-5325

ABC Boater’s Class II for beginning boaters on Monday and Thursday nights from 7-9 pm , June 5-19 (5 nights total) This class will provide the requirements for the mandatory WA State Boater’s Card for boats with 15 hp or greater. The class will provide a Boater’s Manual and Navigational Software. Cost is $50. The class is taught by Tacoma Power Squadron. Info call 253-591-5325

Summer Camps Available Sails and Trails Camp for Ages 11-15. Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Cost $260/wk. Participants spend the week fishing and educational trail hikes at Point Defiance and Sailing and Kayaking at Tacoma Youth Marine Center. Also one day is spend at Foss Seaport Center with hands on marine science. July 10-14, July 17 21, July 24-28, July 31-Aug 4.

Point Defiance Marina Swap Meet. Come Shop or Sell/Trade on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 10 am to 3 pm. Cost is $15 for a 10X 10 covered space. 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

Last Saturday was the perfect day for shrimping. The water was flat and the sun was shining for most of the day.

Shrimping was still slow on Saturday, but folks with pot pullers that could fish deeper got their limits. Those that were hand-pulling had a harder time. Saturday the 20th is the last day of shrimping on Hood Canal and the weather forecast is another great day on the water. Have fun and be safe.

SU Staff

Freshwater – Lake Chelan

The Johnsons with their Mixed bag of Kokanee limits and Lakers having a good time on their Honeymoon!

The Johnsons with their Mixed bag of Kokanee limits and Lakers having a good time on their Honeymoon!

What’s hot is Kokanee Fishing in Manson Bay. Also hot is Laker Fishing around the State Park. Finally hot, is fishing uplake for Cutthroat Trout. BTW, Roses Lake is a great place to spend an hour and catch a nice Rainbow for Lunch.

The incomparable Pepe' with his buddy Clay with their (and Jeff's) limit of uplake Cutthroat.

The incomparable Pepe’ with his buddy Clay with their (and Jeff’s) limit of uplake Cutthroat.

Trolling for Kokanee has been excellent. Pull Mack’s Lure’s Kokanee Pro Wedding Rings and mini Cha Cha Squidders on a short leader behind their Double D Dodgers. Bait the Mini Cha Cha’s with Corn scented with Pro Cure’s Bloody Tuna. We have caught these dwarfed landlocked sockeye anywhere from the surface to over 100 feet deep. Manson Bay has been the location.

Laker fishing continues to be terrific in the morning near the State Park. 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.

Fishing for Cutthroat Trout uplake can be great when the weather lets you get there. Casting Roostertails when you see surface action is the most effective technique for these widely scattered fish. Remember to release all Cutts with unclipped adipose fins and stay at least 400 feet of the mouths of all the tributaries. Bonuses include the most spectacular scenery in North America and the chance to view unusual wildlife like Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep and Bears.

Roses Lake is a very productive put and take Rainbow trout fishery. Fishing Pautzke’s Fire Bait in American Wildfire on a slip sinker rig with a 30 inch leader from shore will work to get you lunch. If you are in a boat you can pull 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.

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.

Sandy (the D&D CFO) with our Roses produced lunch...

Sandy (the D&D CFO) with our Roses produced lunch…

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 that is going to enter Lake Chelan. 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

Every year seems to be different here at Potholes. Two years ago the Walleye population was huge. I fished the face of the dunes which is still underwater and then moved up into Crab Creek working worm harness with no takers. Then I moved off shore to some humps that had always brought me success. After 5 hours and no bites I called it a day for the next. I will fish Linn Coulee next but I believe that the entire Walleye population is still way back in the dunes area as the recent Walleye tournament showed. The water level is still high as you can run any here you want , just be aware of shallow spots reveled by exposed vegetation.

Bass fishing is still good up in the dunes and most fish are being caught in the shallows. Tossing large bait by brush piles or even top water baits are working. The water is dropping fast so fish should be moving out into the main lake. Patience for me is lacking.

Report submitted by Tom Pollack

British Columbia

Vancouver

That’s how you start a trip!

That’s how you start a trip!

Last week we saw some tougher fishing but it looks like things have perked up. We had some orca’s move through the Gulf Islands which led to some slower than average fishing on the far side. Our local offshore fishery has continued to produce bites if you put in some time and effort. This time of year we are targeting moving fish so consistency and some patience is often the difference between fish and not. We have been having Luck with Gibbs Skinny G’s(bon chovy, outfitter and Irish cream), and glow hootchies. With the colored water green and chartreuse flashers seem to be the most productive.

Curtis with a nice blackmouth

Curtis with a nice blackmouth

Our local fishery typically stays productive into the latter half of May. As we get into June our longer 10 hour trips really shine as we try to spend most of our time in the Gulf Islands if possible. This fishery will continue to produce fish into the early July and also offers the option of bottom fishing. With lots going on over the next couple of months, give us a shout to discuss your options for getting you on the water.

For more info call Jeff or Jason at Bon Chovy Fishing Charters (604) 763-5460,bonchovy.com email: info@bonchovy.com. 

Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound

no report this week

Bamfield

no report this week

Becher Bay

Salmon fishing was FAIR this past week. The best fishing has been on the flood tide inside the bay from Aldridge Point to the front of Frazer Island.. There were some hatchery springs from 6 -10 lbs caught and the occasional large unclipped fish that had to be released. The best depths for trolling have been from 50 – 130 feet on the downrigger.. More anglers are using bait now and are finding anchovies in glow teaser heads have been working best. Spoons, especially G-Force and Skinny G spoons, in No Bananas or Outfitters’ colours have been very effective. For flashers, the Red Glow Hot Spot, Lemon Lime and Green/Glow Hot Spot.

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

Oak Bay

Jon Bond with his 25 lb spring salmon

Salmon fishing was SPOTTY in Oak Bay. There are hatchery springs into the low teens near Brodie Rock and on the Flats. A 17 lb spring from Ten Mile Point was the largest salmon of the week. The salmon are feeding on needlefish and have been at depths from 65 to 145 feet, depending on where the feed is located. Most of the anglers have been either bottom bouncing or jigging close to the bottom. Good trolling lures have been Coho Killers, Bon Chovi or Outfitters Skinny G spoons or AP Tackleworks needlefish spoons. Sandlance lures and squirts (needle fish) are best in pearl, white & green, or white glow. Good jigging lures have been Point Wilson Darts and the Delta Mac Fish.

Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week. Most anglers that were fishing for halibut are using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Also working well was the 8” Powerbait Grubs and Delta Hali Hawgs.

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

Pedder Bay

Pedder Bay Marina reports SPOTTY salmon fishing when it’s not too windy. The anglers have had to work pretty hard for fish this past week. Most anglers are using artificial lures and trolling close to the bottom, but anchovies are also producing well. Spoons, especially G-Force, Skinny G and AP Tackle works spoons in Outfitters’, Bon Chovy or No Bananas colours, have been very effective. Hootchies and squirts with a green and glow color combination have been good plastic baits to use. Anchovies were still working this past week. Good choices for teaser head colors are UV Green, Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. Flashers that are popular include the Hot Spot Red/Glow, Lemon-Lime and Madi.

Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend.  Most anglers that were fishing for halibut are using extra large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus for bait. Also working well was the 8” Powerbait Grubs and Delta Hali Hawgs.

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 week. Although it’s slower than last week, anglers are still getting springs throughout the area. John Bond did really well while jigging by the Powder Wharf. Jon caught a 25 lb spring on a 2 oz GIBBS #60 Black/Silver Minnow. Anglers using spoons found silver Coho Killers, Gibbs Needle G and AP Tackleworks needlefish spoons the most successful spoons this past weekend. Anchovies and Tiny Strip were also good producers of fish.

There has been a new fishing regulation put in place for the Sidney area starting May 8th. The daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day of which only one (1) chinook may be greater than 67 cm. The minimum size limit for chinook salmon in these waters is 62 cm.

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

Sooke

The salmon fishing has been SLOW for springs. Most of the hatchery fish are running from 86 to 10 lbs in size. Also, some of the salmon are being caught at summertime depths (50-80 feet). The best fishing has been near Otter Point, Muir Creek and Sherringham Point. With the current chinook restrictions in place, it makes little sense to travel west of Sherringham. About half of the anglers are using artificial lures and the Skinny G needlefish spoon in the Outfitters color scheme has been the most effective spoon. The other half of the anglers is using bait, and anchovies are the most popular natural bait. Good choices for teaser head colors are UV Green, Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. For flashers, you can’t go wrong with a Super Betsey, Lemon/Lime or Bon Chovi Flasher. Hootchies in White, Glow/Green and Purple Haze have been effective recently. Halibut fishing has fair west of Sooke.

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

Victoria

Bob Deslippe with his 38 lb 3 oz Lingcod

Fishing for salmon was SPOTTY this past week. Constance Bank was the best area when the tides and currents weren’t ripping. There were a few hatchery springs up to 10 lbs were caught on the bank. Along the waterfront the salmon fishing has been very slow. However, the lingcod fishing has been coming on with a fair number of them caught. The best lingcod area is around the breakwater. Bob Deslippe landed a 38 lb 3 oz lingcod while fishing off the waterfront this past Tuesday. Best areas for salmon have been Albert Head, Brotchie Ledge and Clover Point. Your lure should be close to the bottom when trolling off for springs this time of year. Spoons have been very successful in getting hook ups. Green Spatter Back UV Coho Killers, 3.5” Cop Car spoons or AP Tackleworks needlefish spoons have brought some hookups. Like elsewhere, needlefish are the predominant feed right now.

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

Lakes and Rivers

Fishing was VERY GOOD in most lakes for trout and GOOD for  bass as the weather improves.

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

Oregon

Tillamook Bay

no report this week

Willamette River

no report this week

Great Lakes

Lake Michigan

How: It was mostly a spoon bite with a few fish on flies. The pattern hasn’t changed. A mixed bag of Coho, Chinooks, Browns and Lake Trout 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. Use 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 great today they are 30-40 down.

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. Some reports of Coho in 150 feet or more on the surface. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!

Report submitted by Jim Hirt at Blue Max Chaters (414-828-1094). 

Salmon University Staff
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