Fishing Reports – March 27, 2024
Washington
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)
Bottomfishing opened here on Saturday, March 9th, with a daily bag limit of nine per angler – two of which may be lingcod, with no size limit.
We haven’t received any reports from Ilwaco yet, but with the better weather these past two weeks, it’s likely the report would be similar to Westport’s report below.
Halibut fishing will open here on May 2nd, on a Thursday, Sunday, Tuesday schedule. The halibut quota for MA1 this year is 18,112 lbs.
Marine Area 2 (Westport)
Westport lingcod and rockfish opened (March 9th) and the bite was as you’d expect from fish that haven’t seen a hook for 5 months. Limits were easily obtained.
Most of the lingcod came on live flounder but a few were had on light tackle, shrimp flies and grubs while pursuing black rockfish. The balance of rockfish were all caught on shrimp flies, grubs and Lancer jigs. Many more trips to come.
Halibut will open here on May 2nd, on a Thursday, Sunday, Tuesday schedule. The halibut quota for MA2 this year is 67,074 lbs.
Report & pics submitted by Mark Coleman, All Rivers & Saltwater Charters 425-736-8920 mark@allwashingtonfishing.com www.AllWashingtonFishing.com
Marine Area 3 (La Push)
Bottomfishing opened here on Saturday, March 9th, with a daily bag limit of nine per angler – two of which may be lingcod, with no size limit.
We haven’t received any reports from La Push yet, but with the better weather these past two weeks, it’s likely the report would be similar to Westport’s report above.
Halibut will open here on May 2nd on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday schedule for the first couple of weeks. The halibut combined quota this year for MA3 and MA4 is 132,366 lbs.
Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)
Bottomfishing has been good here the past two weeks, with some really nice grade fish being brought it. Fish are being caught both inside and outside, but more on the outside. It has been easy limits for the folks that make the effort.
Halibut will open here on May 2nd on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday schedule for the first couple of weeks. The halibut combined quota this year for MA3 and MA4 is 132,366 lbs.
Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point)
Salmon fishing opens here on April 1st. The daily limit is two fish including one Chinook (minimum 22″), release coho, chum and unclipped Chinook.
Halibut will open here on April 4th, through June 30th, seven days per week, one fish per day, six fish annual bag limit. The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs.
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opens here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish.
Rockfish fishing opens May 1st as well, and is limited to black or blue/deacon rockfish, daily limit three fish west of Slip Point and one fish east of Slip Point.
Be sure to check the regs or FishWashington app for depth / area closures and emergency rules.
Marine Area 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca)
Halibut will open here on April 4th, through June 30th, seven days per week, one fish per day, six fish annual bag limit. The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs.
See our articles about the Port Angeles boat ramp issues here:
Initial March 8th article
Follow-up March 26th article
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opens here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
Be sure to check the regs or FishWashington app for depth / area closures and emergency rules.
Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands)
Halibut will open here on April 4th, through June 30th, seven days per week, one fish per day, six fish annual bag limit. The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs.
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opens here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round. Be sure to check the regs or FishWashington app for depth / area closures and emergency rules.
Marine Area 8.1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, Skagit Bay)
Halibut will open here on April 4th, through June 30th, seven days per week, one fish per day, six fish annual bag limit. The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs.
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opens here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
Be sure to check the regs or FishWashington app for depth / area closures and emergency rules.
Marine Area 8.2 (Port Susan, Port Gardner)
Halibut will open here on April 4th, through June 30th, seven days per week, one fish per day, six fish annual bag limit. The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs.
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opens here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
Be sure to check the regs or FishWashington app for depth / area closures and emergency rules.
Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet)
Halibut will open here on April 4th, through June 30th, seven days per week, one fish per day, six fish annual bag limit. The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs.
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opens here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
Be sure to check the regs or FishWashington app for depth / area closures and emergency rules.
Marine Area 10 (Seattle / Bremerton)
Blackmouth fishing had been outstanding in MA-10, but the WDFW has now closed MA10 due to:
““Two weeks of good weather combined with good fishing in Marine Area 10 resulted in us reaching our fishery control limits early,” said Dr. Kirsten Simonsen, WDFW’s Puget Sound recreational salmon manager.
In Marine Area 10, the estimates of winter Chinook salmon caught to date indicate the fishery reached 145% of the total encounters (7,176 of 4,953), 100% of sublegal encounters (4,182 of 4,181) and 125% of unmarked encounters (1,189 of 953) agreed to in the List of Agreed Fisheries. Marine Area 10 was open four days per week – Wednesdays through Saturdays only – from March 1-23. Year-round piers will remain open to salmon fishing. The Agate Pass Area in Marine Area 10 remains open daily to catch-and-release fly fishing only through March 31.”
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opens here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
Halibut will open here on April 4th, through June 30th, seven days per week, one fish per day, six fish annual bag limit. The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs.
Report & pics submitted by Matt McCulloch, Tyee Charters, 206-799-2530, maligem@comcast.netwww.tyeecharters.net
Marine Area 11 (Tacoma / Vashon Island)
Salmon fishing has continued to improve, but with the closure of MA10, now MA11 is likely to see more fishing pressure. The fish seem to be deep, in 120′ of water or more, and right on the bottom. Bounce your lure / downrigger off the bottom to ensure you’re getting down there, especially in windy weather.
The daily limit is two fish including one Chinook (minimum 22″), release chum and unclipped Chinook. Be sure to check the regs or FishWashington app for depth / area closures and emergency rules.
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opens here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal)
MA12 is currently closed for salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and halibut. Salmon fishing should open July 10th.
Your options for now are limited to other flatfish (flounders, sole, sanddabs), or catch-and-release fishing for trout along the shorelines.
Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound)
Salmon fishing is open here year-round. The daily limit is two fish, Chinook (minimum 22″) other species no size limit; release chum, unclipped coho, and unclipped Chinook. Be sure to check the regs or FishWashington app for depth / area closures and emergency rules.
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opens here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
British Columbia
Reminder: Anglers are advised to check http://bcsportfishguide.ca for further fishing closures, regulations, and information for specific areas.
Ucluelet
Barkley Sound right next to Ucluelet had a historical return in 2023. In total, the Chinook (King) salmon return coming into Barkley Sound was estimated at over 200K.
A normal good year in Barkley Sound is in the range of 80-90K Chinook passing through the waters.
In comparison about 15 years ago the Kenai was getting 50K+ Chinook returning, which now is less than 15K.
There were some other southern BC rivers that drastically exceeded expectations in 2023 including the Harrison, Sushwap and Cowichan. The Cowichan is a wild salmon river, and had over 21K Chinook return up from its normal < 5K.
The Harrison River is a large system that had expected 75K Chinook to return and ended up with a whopping 150K+ in 2023.
Ucluelet is probably the biggest benefactor of a large Stamp River run, as many of those fish come past our shores. (the Stamp River flows into Alberni Inlet in Port Alberni, at the head of Barkley Sound – ed.)
We had many double hookups during mid to late August which is any fisherman’s dream.
If you do the math, for 2 weeks in August there were anywhere from 5-10K Chinook salmon hanging around the Ucluelet shoreline on a daily basis. That’s insane fishing!
I know that the Stamp/Somass started doing net pen releases a few years back and that could be paying huge dividends.
Seal predation of fry and smolts in the rivers has been a large problem, especially as seal populations exploded during the 1980’s. Net pen releases were a way of getting the small, newly-released salmon out into deeper water making it much harder for seals to gorge themselves on salmon smolts entering their new ocean life.
What is expected for 2024?
Halibut fishing was outstanding up till mid August within 10 miles of the harbour for 95% of our trips in 2023. We are optimistic that that will repeat.
Lingcod was great May – July in 2023.
We can’t predict 2024 yet, but it seems like the large numbers of smaller lingcod growing the past few years is working in our favor.
Since 2019 ocean conditions have been improving and that is possibly a factor in growing lingcod numbers.
For number of Chinook salmon expected for 2024, we expect a similar year for numbers to 2024.
The Columbia River numbers may tick down about 5% but should come in close to half a million. And with much bigger than expected returns to the Shushwap and Thompson rivers in 2023 and a promising outlook for 2024, this should mean good fishing throughout May, June and July.
Late July we normally start seeing some of the Stamp River fish come through and offshore we normally have many river runs of fish coming through.
Our August Barkley Sound numbers have been between 150-200K the past 5 years. As mentioned earlier, the average before that was 80-90K. The last 5 years have been increasing every year.
We are looking for very good numbers to again come past Ucluelet based on quite a few factors that all seem positive.
Submitted by Sam Vandervalk, Salmon Eye Charters, Ucluelet, BC, 877-777-4344, fishing@salmoneye.net www.salmoneye.net
Bamfield, Barkley Sound, & Port Alberni
The 2023 summer sport fishing season has come to an end for most saltwater sport fishing locations in mid and West Coast Vancouver Island locations as well as the many other saltwater angling areas around British Columbia. The weather during much of the fall in the Pacific Rim areas has been unbelievably dry. There has been ample rainfall to help the migration of the returning salmon to their spawning grounds. There have been many wonderful sunny warm afternoons in many parts of Vancouver Island’s west coast and Barkley Sound. Right up to the beginning of November keen anglers have been able to enjoy the last salmon fishing opportunities for 2023 in many local rivers where the last of the Chinook, Coho and Chum salmon have migrated to their natal streams, creeks, and rivers.
Todd landed this beautiful Chinook in Barkley Sound fishing with guide Doug Lindores of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing. The 2023 sport fishing was fabulous and we are looking forward to 2024.
Chinook and Coho salmon returning to the many streams, creeks, and rivers were fantastic. The return of Somass River Chinook and Coho salmon stock in 2023 were historically high. The In-Season forecast of one hundred and twenty-five thousand returning Somass River Chinook was quite accurate. The Chinook escapement was close to forty thousand. Coho escapement was over twenty thousand and Sockeye returns to Sproat and Great Central Lakes were close to Two hundred and forty-five thousand. Chinook and Coho salmon usually pass through the counters until early December.
Barkley Sound areas and those areas close to the Ucluelet Harbor had mediocre sport fishing from mid-September into October. Wya Point was likely one of the best spots as were areas offshore. The Big Bank was on fire for many days with plenty of hatchery Coho dominating the sport fishing in rather shallow water. In Barkley Sound the best fishing during the Fall months was the Bamfield Wall and Fleming Island.
Terry of Nanaimo B.C. fished with guide John of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing and his sons from Calgary, Alberta for three days and had an amazing fishing trip in The Barkley Sound area.
Now we are into late November and most sport fisher persons only have fond memories of the fabulous 2023 sport fishing season and look forward to the 2024 salt water angling year. Anglers are hoping the 2024 Sockeye Sport fishery in the Alberni Inlet is as good as 2023. Chinook returns to West Coast Vancouver Island in 2024 are hopefully like the last few years. Coho returns continue to improve to the Somass River system and numbers to the many streams located in the rest of West Coast Vancouver Island continue to get stronger. One very important positive is that Ocean conditions have been favorable over the past few years. The mortality rates have been lower. Food sources for salmon stocks in the North Pacific Ocean have been relatively good. The sport fishing season in 2024 on British Columbia’s West Coast should be very exciting with plenty of opportunity for everyone.
Stamp River Fall Fishing
For those fisher persons that know the Stamp River the sport fishing especially for Chinook during the fall has been very good. The river until the first heavy rain was extremely “LOW”. Sport Anglers and guides taking guests out on the river did however have great success through October. There has been ample rain to keep the river at a reasonable level for salmon migration. Those on the river will likely continue to fish for the late Chinook and Coho coming into the system but also are now targeting Fall Steelhead. The fall season is normally a fantastic time for fly fishing enthusiasts. Fly fishing usually occurs on the Stamp River from mid October to mid November. The best fly fishing to date for those on guided trips in jet boats or for those walking has been the Lower and Upper River. Entering the river close to the gun range or driving out to Service Road which is just off Hector Road and walking to Dolan’s Pit is another terrific fishing spot when the water levels are at a normal level. The key is finding an area where the water is not moving too quickly. The river has had over twenty thousand Coho migrate into the Somass River System. This migration often continues into December as Coho continue to trickle in. The late Chinook and Coho are in a natural spawn and drop their eggs in the river bed. With the fresh egg drop the Steelhead in the fall become very active as they search for loose eggs. Fly Fisher persons can use a variety of flies of choice. Anglers who are wishing to fish conventionally can use gooey bobs, or wool that is white, pink, or orange. Other popular areas to fish when water conditions are normal are Stamp Falls Park, Eagle Rock, Black Rock, Moneys Pool and the Slide Pool. The Stamp is still referred to as a very healthy river system and is fishable twelve months of the year.
Barkley Sound & Alberni Inlet
Jensen family from Kelowna B.C. fished with guide Doug of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport fishing and had a wonderful fishing day in Barkley Sound. Dad Todd and his two sons fished for a couple of days and stayed at Barkley Sound Lodge with Doug Lindores of Slivers Charters
The 2023 salt water sport fishing was remarkable in both Barkley Sound and the Alberni Inlet. The Sockeye returns to the Somass River were much higher than originally forecast. This made for a terrific sport fishery of four Sockeye salmon per person, per day. The Chinook fishing in the Inlet and Barkley Sound was phenomenal for fisher persons up to the end of the Labor Day Weekend.
One of the best sport fisheries and enjoyed by all in the Alberni Inlet is Sockeye fishing. It is a great family fishery and is fantastic for all ages. Sockeye Fishing when numbers are high in terms of returns can last from mid-June through until the beginning of August. Most years Chinook Fishing historically gets well underway by the tenth of August and continues through until Labor Day.
There were some beautiful fall days on the water in Barkley Sound, areas around Ucluelet, and for some as far away as the Big Bank and South Bank. There were many wonderful afternoons that were gorgeous with great warmth from the sun and water that was magically smooth. Coho salmon fishing was best in the Sound from Whittlestone to the Bamfield Harbor. The Islands close to the Ucluelet Harbor had some fantastic Fall fishing but the best area was from Little Beach up to Way Point. The sport season has dramatically ended. A few local and very keen anglers have taken opportunity to search for some of those late Coho and Chum Salmon in Barkley Sound.
We look forward to another Fantastic Sport Salmon season in 2024. In late May, June and July we will target the migratory salmon headed to the southerly watersheds to the south. In late July, August and September we will target returning West Coast Chinook and Coho.
We offer great day trips in the Inlet, Barkley Sound, and West Coast offshore fishing. “WE ALSO OFFER FANTASTIC” lodge accommodation where people take opportunity to experience extended trips in Barkley Sound, West Coast, and offshore for sport fishing. Take advantage early and organize one of these extended trips for the summer of 2024. These trips are often for three or four days and nights. You will not be disappointed. Join us in a comfortable and fun environment in the 2024 summer from early June through early September.
Report & pics submitted by Doug Lindores, Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (888) 214-7206 dlindy@shaw.ca; www.catchsalmon-ca.com
South Vancouver Island overview:
Halibut fishing was FAIR, just slower than last week. Octopus and salmon bellies were the best baits to use. Winter spring fishing was SPOTTY this past week. Most of the winter springs caught recently were from 4-8 lbs in size with occasional large ones caught. Crabbing was BETTER in many areas.
2024/2025 Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licences and Pacific Salmon Conservation Stamps will be available for purchase online in the National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS). You are encouraged to purchase your licence(s) in advance of a planned fishing trip. Note that the 2024/2025 licences only become valid from April 1, 2024.
New regulations for chinook fishing and retention starting April 1st are now available at
https://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm?pg=view_notice&DOC_ID=298760&ID=all
NOTABLE CATCHES: Ryan McHale landed a 20.5 lb hatchery marked spring near the mouth of Becher Bay.
Sooke
Salmon fishing was SLOW this past week, but a few anglers were fishing. Most of the winter springs were on the small side, but some larger ones to 10 lbs have been caught. The best fishing was just off Otter Point and the Sooke Bluffs. Small spoons such as Krippled “KC”, Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, and AP Tackleworks have been working well. Popular flashers have been the Betsey, the Bon Chovy, the Madi and Blue/Silver Hot Spots. Halibut fishing was FAIR with the best fishing off Muir Creek and Jordan River. Crabbing has been PRETTY GOOD in Sooke.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Becher Bay
Salmon fishing was SLOW this past week. Most of the winter springs were on the small side, but some larger ones have been caught. In fact, Ryan McHale landed a 20.5 lb hatchery marked spring near the mouth of Becher Bay. The best fishing was in Whirl Bay, off the Bedfords and off Beechey Head.. Small spoons such as Krippled “KC”, Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, and AP Tackleworks have been working well. Popular flashers have been the Betsey, the Bon Chovy, the Madi and Blue/Silver Hot Spots. Crabbing has been SPOTTY inside the bay.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Pedder Bay
Halibut fishing was FAIR. Anglers have been bringing back halibut up to 50 lbs to Pedder Bay Marina. Constance Bank, East Race, and Willliam Head have been some of the better spots. Octopus and Salmon bellies have been successful baits when used with a glow hootchy.
Salmon fishing has been FAIR out of Pedder Bay. Springs up to 13 lbs were caught with much of the action at 130-140 on the downrigger. Salmon fishing has been best in Pedder Bay, Whirl Bay, and Church Rock. Spoons such as Krippled “KC”, Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, and AP Tackleworks have been working well. Anchovies in the 12 pack or smaller sizes were good baits and popular choices for teaser head colors are Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. Popular flashers have been the Guide Series Oki ‘s and Glow Hot Spots. Crabbing has been GOOD in the bay.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Victoria
Salmon fishing was SPOTTY off Victoria. The best action was coming from the west side of the waterfront, from Witty’s Beach to Fisgard Light. Most of the springs were 5 to 7 lbs in size, but larger ones have been caught. Spoons such as Krippled “KC”, Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, small, from and AP Tackleworks have been working very well. Hoochies have been good in glow colour patterns. Anchovies are always effective for winter springs and popular choices for teaser head colors are Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. Popular flashers have been the Herring Aid, Madi and Blue/Silver Hot Spots. Halibut fishing was FAIR. Constance Bank, the Mud Hole and Albert Head all produced fish. Crabbing has been GOOD.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Oak Bay
Salmon fishing has been SPOTTY in Oak Bay. Springs had been caught with the Gap being the most productive area. The springs were small, mostly 3-7 lbs in size but some hatchery larger springs into the teens were caught. Most anglers have been trolling but jigging can very effective here. The best chinook fishing has been for fish holding close to the bottom. Effective spoons this past week were the 4” White Hoochy AP Needlefish, Bon Chovy Skinny Gs as well as Glow Herring Aid Wee Gs. and Coho Killers. Crabbing has been FAIR.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Sidney
Saanich Inlet Salmon Challenge 2024 winning team with 24.9 lb. Chinook
Chinook fishing was FAIR. Some keeper winter springs have been caught, as well as some smaller just unders. The salmon have been scattered and you must find the bait, but when you do, the action is good. We’ve heard of 16 & 14 lb springs caught near Wain Rock. Spots to try are Samsum Narrows, Wain Rock, Arbutus Point, Coal Island, Fairfax Point and Sidney Channel. AP Spoons have been the most popular lure, especially 4” Green Ghost, MVP and White Hoochy needlefish spoons. Crabbing has been HIT OR MISS.
The Sidney Anglers Association’s 2024 Salmon Enhancement Fundraiser will be on Saturday, March 30th and Sunday March 31st. The event will be hosted by Port Sidney Marina this year with the Friday evening BBQ and merchandise draws on Friday, March 29th, and the weigh-in and final prize presentation all held at the Event Tent at the end of wharf “A”. First prize – $6,000, Second prize – $2,000, Third prize – $1000 Hidden and a Weight Prize also. Boat tickets will be selling for $250 per boat with only 75 tickets available.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Vancouver
no report this week
Lakes and Rivers
Trout and bass fishing is PICKING UP with the warmer weather. Steelhead fishing is FAIR.
Cowichan River
Steelhead are being caught in the lower river and the Riverbottom area. The water level near Duncan rose to almost 1.4 Meters on Tuesday has been between 1.2 meters and 1.0 meters this past week near Duncan. Fishing conditions are excellent.
The Cowichan River from the CNR Trestle at mile 70.2 to Skutz Falls is closed to fishing until 23:59 hours April 30, 2024.
Trout
Trout fishing has been PICKING UP at most local lakes. There has been little activity near the surface and most action is coming from just off the bottom. The best fishing has been in the Elk, Langford, Prospect and Langford Lakes where the most trout have recently been stocked. Shore anglers use Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, and worms while fishing close to the bottom. Fly anglers are mostly fishing Woolly Buggers, Leeches and Chironomid patterns. Trollers are catching the most trout with worms fished on Gibbs Wedding Bands behind Gang Trolls.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has started the spring stocking of catchable triploid rainbow trout into Vancouver Island lakes. On March 19th, Thetis Lake received 1,000 trout, and Colwood Lake 500 trout averaging 250.567g in size.
To find out about fish stockings all over the Island and the province, as well as the different strains being released, click on the link http://www.gofishbc.com/Stocked-Fish.aspx
The Langford Lake Spring Fling Derby: Tickets will be by donation again and all donations will be going to our Local lodge “Vancouver Island Lodge” once again. Tickets will be available April 28th in store at these locations: Island Outfitters 1681A Island Hwy and the Langford Lake Boat launch 7-8 AM April 28th.
All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver and all children under 16 will require a parent/guardian signature to comply with our permit from the city. Fish weigh ins on shore will be at these locations from 8 AM-2:30 PM: Langford Lake Beach on Leigh Place, the fishing dock by the YMCA, the new dock on the trail by the water walkway and the fishing dock at Kitty Le Quesne trail. Fish weigh ins on the water will be done by two separate boats on each side of the lake, starting at 8AM-2:30PM. They will have a Canadian flag hanging off the back of their boat to be identified.
We will be limiting prizes to 1 prize per guest. This is a Kids derby so most of the prizes are for the kids, HOWEVER, we have a few for adults too. There will be random prize draws, a hidden weight prize, and of course the heaviest trout for youth and adults. Here are some of the categories to look forward too along with the random giveaways and few other prizes: Heaviest trout ages 19+, heaviest trout ages 13-18, heaviest trout ages 12 and under and a mystery draw for all kids under 16, and adult’s smallest trout.
There will also be a Fly-Casting seminar at the Langford Lake beach Park held by “Zak Davis” from Robinsons outdoor store from 12-2pm and he will also be tying flies for fly fishing with kids one on one throughout the day at the same location. Zak is a phenomenal teacher in both casting and tying so it should be a great time. There will be another fly tying station going throughout the day for kids to learn to tie flies at the other end of the lake. This will be located at the new family dock on the trail by the water walkway. This will be held by “Finley Dodge” a very avid fly fisherman and fly tyer.
The end ceremonies will be held at the “Langford Lake Beach Park” at the end of Leigh Place for 4:30pm the same day. Event parking will be of course around the lake and the “Event overflow Parking” for the city of Langford which is located at the top of “West Shore Parkway” on the right-hand side by the roundabout. We ask people to please not park in the YMCA parking lot. This should be a fun time just like last year!
Bass
Dave Peterson with his big bass
Fishing is STEADILY PICKING UP in all lakes. Dave Peterson caught and released a 7.04 largemouth bass, his personal best, this past week. The bass have started to move up to feed in shallower waters and closer to shore and are in pre-spawn mode now that the water temperature is over 10 C. Bass were caught this weekend in the shallows as well as deeper water. Swimbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits were getting strikes in the shallower water and jigs, Ned’s, dropshot and jerk baits are also working.
Freshwater Notable Catches
Dave Peterson caught and released a 7.04 largemouth bass, his personal best, this past week.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Oregon
no report this week
Willamette River
no report this week
Great Lakes
no report this week
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