Fishing Reports – August 28th, 2024
Washington
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)
No report this week.
The halibut quota for MA1 this year is 18,112 lbs. of which about 11,100 lbs. remains as of June 1st. Halibut reopened on August 22nd.
Marine Area 2 (Westport)
No report this week.
The halibut quota for MA2 this year is 67,074 lbs. of which about 47,720 lbs. remains as of June 1st. Halibut reopened on August 22nd.
Marine Area 3 (La Push)
Salmon – turns out fishing was too good and the salmon season is over as of August 20th, the quota has been reached.
Halibut – season just opened Friday August 16th – not red hot, but good fishing and larger fish then we had in spring time.
Lingcod – rockpile has been producing limits for folks, but not as fast as last year at the same time
Black rockfish – easy limits most days
The halibut combined quota this year for MA3 and MA4 is 132,366 lbs. of which about 110,405 lbs. remained, as of June 1st.
Report submitted by Jim Richeson, Top Notch Ocean Charters, 360-374-2660 topnotchoceancharters@gmail.com www.topnotchoceancharters.com
Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)
Salmon fishing has been good – lots of coho, some to mid-teen size. Halibut fishing has been productive, with most fish under 30lbs. The weather was not good this past week, but looks great for this week. The nearshore rockfish and lingcod trips have been seeing limits being brought in on each trip.
The halibut combined quota this year for MA3 and MA4 is 132,366 lbs. of which about 110,405 lbs. remained, as of June 1st. The halibut season reopened on August 16th.
Salmon fishing is open here seven days a week until September 15th, or until the quota is met.
Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point)
The coho fishing has been good, with fish up to about 8lbs. The weather was not great this past week, but is forecast to be good this week.
Clipped-fin coho fishing continues, and halibut fishing reopened on August 16th.
The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs. of which about 54,685 lbs. remained, as of June 1st. The halibut season reopened on August 16th.
Rockfish fishing is limited to black or blue/deacon rockfish, daily limit three fish west of Slip Point and one fish east of Slip Point.
Salmon fishing (fin-clipped coho) is open here seven days a week until September 26th, or until the quota is met.
Marine Area 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca)
MA6 is rocking big silvers, and the halibut fishing has been good also.
The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs. of which about 54,685 lbs. remained, as of June 1st. The halibut season is open until September 30th, or until the quota is reached.
Salmon fishing (fin-clipped coho) is open here seven days a week until September 26th, or until the quota is met.
Report submitted by Swain’s General Store – Port Angeles, 360-452-2357 www.swainsinc.com
Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands)
No report this week.
MA7 is open for non-spot shrimp (dock, coonstripe, sidestripe and pink shrimp only) through Oct. 15, with a maximum depth restriction of 200 feet. Details here.
The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs. of which about 54,685 lbs. remained, as of June 1st. The halibut season is open until September 30th, or until the quota is reached.
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opened here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
Marine Area 8.1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, Skagit Bay)
No report this week.
The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs. of which about 54,685 lbs. remained, as of June 1st. The halibut season is open until September 30th, or until the quota is reached.
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opened here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
Marine Area 8.2 (Port Susan, Port Gardner)
No report this week.
The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs. of which about 54,685 lbs. remained, as of June 1st. The halibut season reopened on August 16th until September 30th, or until the quota is reached.
Lingcod fishing (hook and line) opened here on May 1st, with a slot limit between 26″ and 36″, daily limit 1 fish. Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet)
We’ve seen some nice coho being caught, and they are getting bigger by the week.
The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs. of which about 54,685 lbs. remained, as of June 1st. The halibut season is open until September 30th, or until the quota is reached.
Marine Area 10 (Seattle / Bremerton)
It’s coho time in MA and the fishing has been good, with coho up to about 12lbs. and getting bigger every week.
The halibut combined quota this year for MA5 through MA10 is 81,729 lbs. of which about 54,685 lbs. remained, as of June 1st. The halibut season is open until September 30th, or until the quota is reached.
Marine Area 11 (Tacoma / Vashon Island)
No report this week.
MA11 is open for non-spot shrimp (dock, coonstripe, sidestripe and pink shrimp only) through Oct. 15 with a maximum depth restriction of 150 feet. During the non-spot season 1/2-inch mesh pots are allowed, depth restrictions are in place, and all spot shrimp are required to be released immediately. Details here.
Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal)
No report this week.
MA12 is open for salmon fishing, daily limit 4, release chinook and chum.
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)
No report this week.
MA13 is open for non-spot shrimp (dock, coonstripe, sidestripe and pink shrimp only) through Oct. 15 with a max depth restriction of 200 feet. During the non-spot season 1/2-inch mesh pots are allowed, depth restrictions are in place, and all spot shrimp are required to be released immediately. Details here.
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.
Rockfish fishing is closed year-round.
British Columbia
A reminder for British Columbia anglers: Anglers are advised to check http://bcsportfishguide.ca for further fishing closures, regulations, and information for specific areas.
Ucluelet
No report this week.
Report & pics submitted by Sam Vandervalk, Salmon Eye Charters, Ucluelet, BC, 877-777-4344, fishing@salmoneye.net www.salmoneye.net
Bamfield, Barkley Sound, & Port Alberni
The 2024 Port Alberni Salmon festival and Derby will once again take place from August 31st to September 2nd.
The Port Alberni Salmon Festival Society is hosting the event with the Festival and Derby Headquarters located at Tyee Landing on Harbor Road. This year the largest salmon will win someone $15,000. There are three daily prizes for biggest fish each day at: 1)largest daily Salmon-$5,000.00. 2)Second largest Salmon-$2,000. 3)Third largest Salmon-$1,000.
The Salmon Festival Society has put together a number of events including Salmon dinners and Live Entertainment which is led by new up and coming artist Cameron Whitcomb. The weekend will be fun as well as some great fishing in the Alberni Inlet and out into the scenic and pristine waters of Barkley Sound.
Jeff from West Vancouver B.C. fished with Doug of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing and landed this twenty pound Chinook using anchovy in a purple haze teaser head at Austin Island in Barkley Sound
The Fishing in Barkley Sound has been consistent. There has been some fantastic Chinook and Coho fishing especially along the surf line locations. However as the fish are moving daily to migrate and spawn in their natal streams and rivers closer in areas such as Swale Rock, Pill Point, Assets, Diplock and Swiss Buoy, and Ecoole have been very good on various days. The fish are definitely hanging around and gorging on these rich resources of food, if there is bait fish in certain areas. The fish are feeding on the vast amounts of immature herring and needle fish. The best fishing on the surf line has still been at Cree and Austin Islands, Sail Rock and over to Mara Rock as well as Kirby, Edward King, and Sanford. The Chinook are in shallower water anywhere from thirty to sixty feet. Although some anglers are having better success later in the day in deeper water at Sail, Cree, and Mara. Coho have been on the surface to forty feet. Anchovy in purple haze, army truck, chartreuse, and glow teaser heads are working very well. The skinny G blue and green nickel herring aid and No Bananas spoons have been successful as well as the AORL 12 and pistachio hoochies. With a very high number of Chinook to return to West Coast Vancouver Island the sport Salmon fishing should continue strong over the next few weeks.
This group of fishermen from Ladner B.C. fished with Doug and John of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport fishing and landed Coho and Chinook out on the surf line of Barkley Sound during the week of August 19th.
The Alberni Inlet has been inconsistent over the past ten days. Very Heavy rains for almost a week have driven many Chinook and Coho in the Stamp River. Normally the fish will remain in the inlet waiting for early September rainfall. However the very heavy rains have changed the historical pattern to this date. With warmer days in the forecast it is hoped that the Salmon moving from Barkley Sound to the Inlet will slow their migration. The best fishing to date has been out at Bells Bay and the Franklin Wall. Various anchovy teaser heads have been working the best for those anglers staying in the Inlet waters. Large Octopus Hoochies in the red and pink colors are working as well for those fisher persons having some success.
Maurice from Cleveland Ohio landed this beautiful chinook fishing with Doug of Slivers Charters Salmon sport fishing at Meares Bluff
Coho and Chinook landed on this beautiful day at Mara Rock and the Alley fishing with Doug of Slivers Charters
The fishing should continue in the area into the first half of September. The returns are expected to be very high with many of the migrating Chinook and Coho not arriving yet. The Salmon Festival and Derby during Labour Day should be a fantastic fun filled event.
Tight Lines
Report & pics submitted by Doug Lindores, Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (888) 214-7206 dlindy@shaw.cawww.catchsalmon-ca.com
South Vancouver Island overview:
The best salmon fishing of the year is happening now in Juan de Fuca Strait through to Oak Bay. More coho have started migrating through the area and larger ones are now being caught. Many of the coho are in the 5-7 lb size with some approaching 12 lbs. Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week with the best fishing out west towards Jordan River and Sombrio Point. Lingcod and rockfish fishing was GOOD. Crabbing was HIT or MISS in most areas.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Sooke
Chinook fishing has been EXCELLENT near Otter Point, the Bluffs, and Possession Point. Most boats return with at least one spring, if not a boat limit. Anglers are reporting catching and releasing oversize as well as slot size fish. Since most anglers are targeting springs, not as many coho are being caught. That said, a lot more coho have shown up and anglers are catching nice ones. Most have been from 5-12 lbs, but many are unclipped. Anglers are saying that spoons and bait are working well. Anchovies have been the most popular bait and good choices for teaser head colors are Chartreuse, Purple Haze, and Bloody Nose. Spoons such as Skinny G’s, Krippled “KC”, Coho Killers, Coyote, and AP Tackleworks spoons have been working for springs. Popular flashers have been the Gold Fever Hot Spot, The Oki Bon Chovy, Madi and Super Betsey.
Halibut fishing was FAIR this past week, with the best fishing off Jordan River and points further west. Crabbing has been SPOTTY in the Sooke basin.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Port Renfrew
Salmon fishing has been GOOD both on the bank and near the shore.
Becher Bay
Chinook fishing has been EXCELLENT most days. Chinook were caught throughout the area. The most popular spots were the Trap Shack and Beechy Head. Over size springs into the twenties have been caught and released as well., Coho were coming into the marina 9n greater areas but most anglers are targeting chinooks. Anchovies are very effective for springs and popular choices for teaser head colors are Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. Popular flashers have been Hot Spots and Oki’s in Herring Aid, Moon Jelly and Gold colors. Spoons such as Krippled “KC”, Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, and AP Tackleworks have been working very well. Hoochies have been good in glow colour patterns. Crabbing has been FAIR 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
Chinook fishing was EXCELLENT this past week. Anglers were getting springs in the bay and outside from Church Rock to the Bedfords. Anchovies in the 12 pack were good natural bait and popular choices for teaser head colors are Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. Popular flashers have been the Guide Series Oki ‘s and Gold Fever Hot Spots. Some fin clipped coho were brought back to the marina even though anglers switched to targeting chinooks. Spoons such as Krippled “KC”, Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, and AP Tackleworks have been working well.
Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week. Constance Bank and the 27 Fathom bank were the best spot in previous weeks. Octopus and Herring have been successful baits when used with a glow hootchy. Bottom fishing for lingcod and rockfish was EXCELLENT. Crabbing has been HIT OR MISS.
The Alpine Jaun de Fuca Fishing Tournament will be held Sept 8th at Pedder Bay Marina. Pre-derby Skippers meeting on Saturday Sept 7th at the Langford Legion. This is a one day all cash derby.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Victoria
Chinook salmon fishing remained EXCELLENT this past week. Most boats came back with at least one spring, and many with boat limits. That said, there were definite bite times, so you did very well when the bite was on or found it slow at other times. Coho have increased in numbers and marked hatchery fish up to 8 lbs were caught. Albert Head, Esquimalt, the Breakwater and Clover Point have held good numbers of springs. Small spoons such as the 3” AP anchovy Lemon Lime, Krippled “KC”, Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, have been working very well. Anchovies in all sizes were very effective for springs and popular choices for teaser head colors are UV Chartreuse, Bloody Nose and Green. Popular flashers have been the Moon Jelly, Madi and Gold Fever Hot Spots.
Halibut fishing was SLOW at Constance Bank and in the Mud Hole. Lingcod and rockfish fishing was GOOD. Crabbing has been HIT OR MISS.
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 GOOD in Oak Bay. The Flats has been consistently holding springs with some of them nice, mature fish and others being feeder springs. and the Gap have produced springs in the teens for anglers. Effective spoons have been the 4” Needlefish AP Tackleworks, Herring Aid and No Bananas Skinny Gs, and Glow Herring Aid Wee Gs. and Coho Killers.
Halibut fishing was FAIR south of Discovery Island. Lingcod fishing has been GOOD. Lots of rockfish are also being caught. Crabbing has been GOOD.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Sidney & Vancouver
Salmon fishing was FAIR this past week. Anglers did catch some nice springs, but you had to search for the fish. There were coho off of Fairfax Point, but we’ve only heard of unmarked fish being caught. Lingcod fishing has been GOOD near Wain Rock. Prawning has been FAIR for limits when traps are left out overnight and picked up the next day. Crabbing has been HIT OR MISS. Lingcod and rockfish angling has been GOOD.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Lakes and Rivers
Trout is FAIR and bass fishing is GOOD.
Cowichan River
The river closes for angling from July 15th to August 31ST.
Trout
Trout fishing has been FAIR to GOOD at most local lakes. The best fishing has been in the Elk, Langford, Prospect and Langford Lakes where the most trout are 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.
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
Bass
Fishing was GOOD in all lakes. Most methods for bass are working right now but at different times of the day. During mornings, before it gets hot and, in the evenings, when it cools, the bass can be found in the shallows feeding. Top water frogs, poppers and ploppers have been productive at these times in the day, as well as soft plastics and minnow pattern crankbaits In the hot parts of the day, the fish have been going a bit deeper, holding in 10 to 20 feet, depending on the depth of the lake. During this time, dropshots, Ned rigs, jigs, deep running crank baits, swim baits, and jerk baits have been working well.
Dave Pedersen from the Western Fishing League writes that the results from the Small Craft Series event #5 are in
Well, it was a brutal day out there on Prospect Lake with just the top 3 anglers filling their 3 fish limits. The weather, for the most part, was decent with a bit of wind constant throughout the day. But it was dry and there were some sunny periods.
Most competitors reported a ton of undersized fish being caught, but the big ones stayed in hiding. Lucky for us it’s more than just catching fish. Meeting up, sharing stories, before, during and after competition, is worth the trip in itself.
Here are the top 3
In 1st place, this might take you by surprise…………… Dean Rudolph with a 3 fish limit of 52.5″. Way to go bud, nice bag on hard a day. Dean, on top of the pot, wins a $100 gift card to Harbour Chandler that was generously donated by Jonathan and Tristan Harwood of Mr. Sparkle Exterior Cleaning.
In 2nd place was Mr. Sparkle himself, Tristan Harwood with a 3 fish limit totalling 44.25″. Tristan figured out his fish weren’t up shallow and found his bag offshore. Nice work out there!
In 3rd place was the SA. Smasher, Wes Du Plessis with a 3 fish limit of 42.25″. Tough day, but you made it work. Way to go buddy.
Big fish of the day was a tie at 18.25″ and goes to Jake and Dean.
We will be doing the Championships a little bit different from last year. We are just working out the details, and will let you know after our next committee meeting.
Fishing Tip of the week:
When you see birds working a ball up, don’t troll through the ball up and the birds. Feeding salmon are mostly outside of the ball up looking for the crippled bait fish that are falling away with the tide or swimming away from the ball up. You should fish to the side and below the bait and not disturb the birds that are on the top.
Be alert and courteous to the boats around you! When boats are fishing close together and one boat hooks into a big spring, well that fish is going to make a big run (usually straight back). You should always move away from the boat that is fighting a fish or get your gear up and away from the fish. You will appreciate it when you’ve hooked a big slab and other boats keep out of your way.
The boat launches and all the local hotspots are going to be insanely busy for the next month. It’s critical that everybody is courteous and safe out there. Do not park in a trailer spot if you do not have a trailer! Make sure your friends/guests know this as well. Whoever has the right rod to shore has right of way, try and observe this as much as possible. Everybody likes to get in tight to the rocks but be sure to give boats space if they are hooked up. It’s tempting to run right behind them when you see them hook up, but this will cause nothing but problems. Also, with August comes the fog, go slow In the early mornings, Especially if you do not have a radar on your boat.
Have fun, be safe and most of all good luck! I’m looking forward to seeing everybody have a successful season.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
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