Fishing Reports for August 30
Washington
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)
no report this week
Marine Area 2 (Westport)
We’ve had an amazing grade of tuna these past few weeks with an average size of almost 30lbs. Catch counts have been strong with highliner scores like 28, 15, 26, 32, and 19. Once again all 30lb fish so even on bait stops with big volumes of fish, you’re limited by how long it takes to land this grade of fish (15-30 minutes, depending on the angler).
The live bait bite is and has been very good. The bird and bait life is tremendous and we’re seeing 64-65 degree water at 2-2.5 hours run time from Westport!
Report submitted by Mark Coleman, All River and Saltwater Charters; 425-736-8920. The cover image of this week’s fishing 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
no report this week
Marine Area 6
no report this week
Marine Area 7
Kevin and Vicki Klein got a couple Chinook on the way back from Salmon for Soldiers. I don’t doubt the table quality of these fish.
Catches of 40 plus Atlantic Salmon per outing have not been uncommon near the net pens.
Salmon fishing in Marine Area 7 has been the topic of conversation in the Northwest, but not for great Summer Chinook fishing. The unintended escape of possibly hundreds of thousands of farmed Atlantic salmon from the net pens near Cypress Island has turned the fishing from good to great…although for a dubious species. These fish do fight better than expected, and were willing biters. They are getting more wary and scattering now. Reports of catches from Pender Island B.C, to Sekiu, to Tacoma mean they are everywhere, and can be taken on the troll. It’s your call whether to eat them or not. I’ve heard they do taste good.
Kings and Pinks are in the Islands now, and fishing can be good. Trolling hootchies 36″ behind an 11″ flasher has paid off for us. Chinook seem to be a bit more suspended than in years past. Especially in the morning. Then they’ll move deeper as the sun comes up.
Marine Area 8.1
no report this week
Marine Area 8.2
no report this week
Marine Area 9 (Admirality Inlet)
Shorebound anglers fishing for Coho while still spotty is starting to get better by the day. If fishing remains open into September this should be a fairly good beach fishery. The Point No Point area seems to have the best access and best results so far. Atlantic Salmon are starting to show up in the catches on a daily basis. They are hard fighting and a good size. It is a shame that WDFW has the area closed to boats. If it were open, it would certainly help diminish the Atlantic Salmon population.
Submitted by SU Staff
Marine Area 10
Coho fishing seems to get better by the day. Some of the better fishing for Coho is coming as deep as 150 ft. Most Coho however are being caught in the top 85 ft of water. One of the better lures to use is the Silver Horde Ace HI Fly with a Herring Teaser on the top hook. If you get a strike when using a Herring Teaser, the Coho will usually come back and hit it a second time. One of the Silver Horde Tailwagger spoons in any of the UV colors seems to work well also. Early morning and late evening fishing and around tide changes seem to garner the best results.
Submitted by Tom Nelson, Salmon University
SALMON FOR SOLDIERS … that is what it was all about this Saturday for over 100 volunteer boat captains and their crews. We were honored to take out close to 300 veterans in search of Coho and Pinks in Area 10. We all flew our flags loud and proud . The fishing was good to very good for most as the boats came in with plenty of fish and smiles. We followed it all up with a spectacular celebration BBQ for close to 600 at the Port of Everett. A lot of laughs, and plethora of smiles, a couple tears and all I can say is “I am proud to be an American!”
Thank you all who put this great event together. We look forward to even a bigger and better celebration next year. Veterans deserve our very best and that is what they will get from Salmon for Soldiers.
Report submitted by Nelson “Spud” Goodsell – Salmon for Soldiers, IGFA Life Member, FISHTALE2.
Marine Area 11
The Chinook salmon fishing has been fair to good. The bulk of the chinook are being caught along the Gig Harbor shoreline in about 40’ to 80’ of water early in the morning or late in the evening, fishermen are also catching fish at the Clay banks, Dalco area and from the Slag area to Owen Beach some of these fish are suspended as well but if you see fish on your depth finder near bottom then get your gear there. In the past week several anglers off the pier have caught salmon with buzz bombs. They include chinook salmon and coho. The chinook have ranged from 10-14 pounds and the coho 3-5 pounds.
The Coho fishing is still decent small fish from 3lbs to 5lbs are being caught along the kelp beds or out in deeper water from 30’ to 60’ deep and in the usual spots you find Chinook.
Pink salmon are being caught along the shore line outside of Quartermaster Harbor, Dash Pt., Browns PT., Puyallup River Mouth and Gig Harbor shoreline and also trolling deeper water from 30’ to 60’ of water.
Dungeness crabbing remains slow overall with a few being caught in waters to 150’ or more. For an updated report call (253)591-5325.
Learn fall fishing opportunities and how to pursue them: Basic Fishing Adult September 2, 2017, Saturday 10 am to 12 noon Cost $15 Point Defiance Marina
Crabbing is open in Area 11 until September 4. 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. There are also Kayak rentals at Owen Beach . For more information call 253-591-5325
Point Defiance Marina Fall Swap Meet
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2017; Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; Location: Point Defiance Marina (5912 No. Waterfront Drive, Tacoma, WA 98407)
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
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
no report this week
Freshwater – Banks Lake
After a long and less than stellar Walleye season on the lake the bite is finally becoming consistent. Anglers are finding near limits to limits regularly on flats on both the north and south ends of the lake. Bottomwalker rigs with slow death hooks rigged with a nightcrawler are the hot ticket trolled at 0.7 to 1 mph. Long lining diving plugs or crankbaits capable of reach 15’+ in depth is also producing fish trolled at 1.7 to 2 mph. We opted to troll plugs on our most recent trip and enjoyed the aggressive bites on these lures versus the traditional walleye nibble on crawler rigs. We also caught numerous Smallmouth Bass in the 1 to 3 lb to range as well as a handful of bonus Yellow Perch in the 11-12″ range.
Report submitted by Tyler Hicks, Cascadia Kayak Angler, North 40 Outfitters – Fishing, spiltmilt@gmail.com, 509-422-9840. The cover image of this week’s fishing reports was also contributed by Hicks.
Freshwater – Conconully Lake
Fishing for Kokanee has been excellent. Fish are of a good grade, chrome, averaging 15-17″ in length and fat. Fishing has been better on the lower half of the lake nearer the dam. While elusive on the fish finder limits of fish are being caught at 30′ and easily reachable to anglers without downriggers. Dodgers with orange or pink hoochies tipped with corn are producing best. Troll speeds of 1.5 to 1.7 mph with frequent turns will put limits in your cooler faster than straight line trolling. Fishing should remain good for the next several weeks before fish begin to turn. Anglers are also catching the occasional Rainbow Trout up to 18-inches.
Report submitted by Tyler Hicks, Cascadia Kayak Angler, North 40 Outfitters – Fishing, spiltmilt@gmail.com, 509-422-9840. The cover image of this week’s fishing reports was also contributed by Hicks.
Freshwater – Lake Chelan
no report this week
Freshwater – Potholes Reservoir
The water level here at Potholes is very low. I understand it has been drawn low to do some work on the dam. Most fishermen are staying on the main lake fishing the face of the dunes and Goose Island, but be careful of rocks now showing or up in Linn Coulee. The Blyth launch is nothing but a mud bay. The state launch is ok but do not head straight out from the launch as there is a sand bar just underwater and not showing until your boat finds it. Once launched head south a couple hundred yards and then head out. The launch at Mardons is useable but I suggest you walk down and take a look. The ramp on the east of the dam is ok but a long back down.
There was an ABA bass tournament this past Saturday and Sunday. Thirty-some boats fished Saturday and about a dozen fished Sunday. Most boats could not get up in the dunes because of the low water. The team of Messeberg and Ross had a air boat and with their knowledge did get way up in the dunes and did win the event with a two day weight of 50 pounds.
This week I got a short distance up in the dunes and had a very successful week. I will be fishing the main lake this week and be looking for Bluegills. Wild fire smoke has totally cleared up but with tne one day of high wind we did have dust in the air. The Mardon resort will be having their annual yard sale I will be restocking leaving Linda home.
Submitted by Tom Pollack (retired)
British Columbia
Vancouver
Right on schedule our first major pulse of chinook salmon arrived in local waters in the middle of August. We have seen some very good waves of chinook salmon in the 10 to 30 pound range roll into local waters over the last couple weeks. These fish are coming in with the tides and some pulses have been more significant than others resulting in the odd slow tide. Overall, fishing has been quite good for some excellent quality chinook salmon. A significant improved from a slower than normal July!!
We have been having our success all along the Fraser RIver mouth. Depending on the day, tides and weather there have been fish from the Mile Markers all the way down the shelf to Sandheads. Mixed in with the adult chinook have been some pinks, the odd coho and quite a few jack chinook. We are expecting continued pulses of Fraser bound chinook for the the next 4 weeks. The majority of the chinook we are landing are red chinook, but this will
change in the next 10 to 15 days as the big white chinook enter local waters. September is typically the month that the biggest chinook of the year are in local waters! We are looking forward to big September bites! In addition to the chinook, we should see a mixed fishery for pinks, hatchery coho and chum in September.
We have been running primarily anchovies while targeting these Fraser bound chinook. Having said that there are days where Skinny Gs and Glow Hootchies have been very productive. With the often silty Fraser River mouth water, we rely on flashers with UV blades as they kick up a lot of light down in the water. Our favourites are the Gibbs Delta Guide Series STS, Lemon LIme, Madi, Bon Chovy, Slurpee, and T 10 flashers. You can’t go wrong with a selection of these flashers in local waters. Our favourite teaser heads have been anything with green, glow and chartreuse. Stop by our charter and tackle shop on Granville Island, we have all the right tackle and bait for local waters.
We made a great addition to our fleet this month!!!! We added “Bob Dolphin” to our charter roster. The boat is a 25 Foot Grady White Dolphin. The boat has one of the best fishing layouts that we have found with lots of deck space. The boat is decked out with all the goodies needed for a first class charter boat! We got a fresh re-power and got taken care by River City Marine with an impressive set of twin 200 Mercury Verados and a 9.9hp Trolling Motor. This boat moves in comfort and style! Looking forward to some fishy seasons to come! Check out the video below!
Sturgeon fishing has also been decent in the Fraser River. Putting your time in has resulted in some great fish being landed. The next few months are typically solid months to target sturgeon in the Fraser.
Give us a call or an email if you would like to get out on the water, September is typically provides good weather and good salmon opportunity in local waters!
For more info call Jeff or Jason at Bon Chovy Fishing Charters (604) 763-5460,bonchovy.comemail: info@bonchovy.com. The cover image of this week’s report was also contributed by Bon Chovy.
Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound, and Ucluelet
no report this week
Bamfield
no report this week
Becher Bay
Salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. The springs are spread out from the Bedfords to the trap Shack. The best depths to fish have been from 40 to 70 feet. The pink salmon have been running from 7 to 9 lbs on the average and best fishing for them has been out on the tide lines. Anchovies are the most popular bait. Good teaser heads have been the Bloody Nose, Mint Pearl and Chartreuse. The best color combinations for spoons have been Nickel/Blue, Outfitters and No Bananas. For flashers, the GIBBS Highliner Guide Series Outfitters and Lemon Lime, Gold Fever Hot Spot and Big Shooter Gold Betsey have been working well. Anglers casting off the rocks are also getting into some nice fish. Cheanuh Marina now has rental boats available.
Cheanuh Marina held their annual fishing derby this past weekend. The winner was Dave Kennedy with a 26.6 lb spring caught near Possession Point. Second place went to Wade Grunert with a 21.8 lb spring. The winner in the kids category was Connor Warford with a 14.4 lb spring. The winner in the bottomfish category was Wayne Campbell with a 56 lb Skate.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Oak Bay
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 GOOD BUT SPOTTY salmon fishing. All areas from Church Rock to William Head were producing some Chinook salmon. Trollers are doing best trolling from 30 – 70 feet on the downrigger with anchovies for bait. Anchovies are now the most popular bait for trollers. Good teaser heads to fish have been the Bloody Nose, Chartreuse and Mint Pearl. Spoons are also producing well, especially the smaller ones around 3.5”. The most popular spoons have been Skinny G’s, Left Coast Hammers, AP Tackleworks herring and Coho Killers. Hootchies and squirts with a green and glow, or UV white have been popular color choices this week. Flashers that are popular include the Hot Spot Gold Fever, GIBBS Guide Series Outfitters and Lemon Lime and Big Shooter Gold Betsey. Jiggers were also doing well fishing near the kelp beds and by Bentinck Island in the Race.
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 are 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 in the Pender Island area. We did hear that there were some large pink salmon off Pender Island at 90 feet and they were only hitting anchovies. There were also some springs running much deeper at 150-180 feet off Pender. Anglers jigging were also catching springs. Good jigging lures have been 2¼ oz Point Wilson Darts, GIBBS Minnows and the Delta Mac Fish. Anglers using spoons found Coho Killers, Gibbs Needle G and AP Tackleworks needlefish spoons the most productive spoons this past week. Suggested colours are Trap Shack and Bon Chovy. Anchovies and Tiny Strip were also good producers of fish with teaser heads in UV Purple.
The Sidney Anglers’ Association held their annual Roundup Derby on Sunday. All the chinooks caught were caught near Pender Island. The derby winner was Leo Chrzanowski with a 12.8 lb spring. Next there were 3 anglers with chinooks all of the equal weight, 12.6 lbs. These anglers were Bud Wood, Gerry Fisher and Chris Marcus. These anglers were awarded 2nd, 3rd and 4th place in order off when they caught the fish. They finished in the order listed.
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 over most of last week, especially in the evenings. Springs are spread throughout the area so fish were coming in from all areas. Most anglers fishing for springs are using bait, with anchovies being the most popular choice. Fishing shallow and close to shore has been the key to catching the larger fish. The pink salmon fishing was best in the 400+ foot depths, and the pinks have been as large as 12 lbs. Good choices for teaser head colors are red, chartreuse and Bloody Nose. For flashers, the Delta Guide Series Outfitters, Gold Fever Hot Spot and Betsey have been working well. Hootchies in White, Glow/Green and Purple Haze have been caught some fish. Use small pink hootchies or spoons if targeting the pink salmon. Spoons have also been catching salmon. Coho Killers and Skinny G’s have been good in No Bananas and Outfitters colors.
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 SLOWING DOWN off the waterfront this past week. The most productive areas were from Esquimalt to Holland Point and Finlayson Point to Clover Point. Most of the salmon caught were chinooks running from 10 to 20 lbs in size. There were some bigger ones caught though. Frank Gibbons landed a 25 lb 9 oz spring on Wednesday off the waterfront. He got the fish on anchovy trolled at 65 feet. On Sunday Gerry Vervoort landed a 22 lb 13 oz chinook off of Clover Point, also on anchovy. Some pink salmon are being caught as well and they have been from 4 to 9 lbs in size. Spoons have been very successful in getting hook ups with 4” AP Tackleworks Moonglow Herring spoons, Irish Cream Skinny G’s and Green/Glow Coyote spoons good choices.
Happy halibut anglers!
The Esquimalt Anglers’ Association held their Annual Salmon Derby on Sunday. Approximately ninety boats fished the derby and 12 Chinook (10 wild, 2 hatcheries), 3 pinks, 1 hatchery coho and 1 Atlantic salmon were weighed in. First place went to Ryan McGinn for a 17.81 lb chinook. Second place went to Richard Thierbach for a 17.54 lb chinook and Third place went to Daniel Nadeau with a 15.43 lb chinook.
Halibut fishing was EXCELLENT this past week. One guide reported “many multiple fish days with lots of big fish. One over 170lbs released and lots over 50lbs. Salmon heads seem to be the trick”. The halibut have been very deep with depths of over 300 feet the most productive. Many anglers that were fishing for halibut are using extra large herring, salmon heads 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
Lakes and Rivers
Fishing was FAIR in most lakes for trout and GOOD for bass. No changes from previous reports.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com
Oregon
Lake Michigan
no report this week
Report submitted by Jim Hirt at Blue Max Chaters (414-828-1094)
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