Fishing Reports – September 4, 2024
Washington
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)
Salmon fishing opened for one more day here today (Sept. 4th) , but we haven’t gotten any reports in yet.
Folks are finding tuna, but out about 45 miles.
Halibut fishing has also been good, but the grade is small, mostly 25lbs. and under.
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)
Lots of tuna are being found 30 to 40 miles out, including some yellowtail mixed in.
Halibut are being caught, averaging up to about 30 lbs, but with the occasional bigger one here and there.
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)
Halibut – fishing for halibut and lingcod has been awesome, not a lot of boats out there so it might be open for a while yet till quota is caught.
Tuna – I have not fished for tuna but lots of boats have, and it’s been very good lately.
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.comwww.topnotchoceancharters.com
Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)
Salmon fishing closed here on September 3rd. It had been good fishing previous to that – lots of coho, some to mid-teen size.
Halibut fishing has been productive, with most fish under 30lbs.
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.
Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point)
The coho fishing has been good, with fish up to about 10lbs.
Clipped-fin coho (limit 2) 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.
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)
The coho are showing up in bigger numbers in MA 6. The size seems to be a little larger this year than in previous years. Limits are being caught by a lot of boats. Small spoons, like the Herring Aide, and hootchies (white UV is working for me) fished between 30′ and 60′ are accounting for most of the fish to my boat and my friends boats. I tried running a spoon of my downrigger about 25′ back of the boat and set the DR so the cannonball was parallel to the prop wash of the kicker motor. Picked up a 9 lb coho Monday afternoon. It hammered the spoon and was a fun catch without a flasher. Chinook are still being encountered out in the coho depths. I had one in the high ‘teens Monday. Other friends are also finding them. Depending on where you’re fishing, the are large numbers of unclipped coho being encountered. My boat is averaging about three or four unclipped for each clipped coho. Had a friend fishing Sekiu who said they went through 70+ unclipped to get 8 clipped. Fun fishing, but frustrating knowing that there is hooking mortality that could be avoided.
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 Dave Croonquist, Puget Sound Anglers – North Olympic Peninsula Chapter
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 coho salmon daily retention limit has been dropped to one fish, as of September 3rd.
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)
Coho fishing has been hot(!) and they are getting bigger by the week. All the usual spots have been producing.
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 took place during the Labour Day Weekend. Organizers felt the Derby and all the various festivities created a positive buzz of success for the city. The largest fish of the Derby was landed close to Bamfield along the Bamfield Wall on Saturday by Surrey, B.C. resident, formerly from Port Alberni, Sean Falkenberg. The happy group fishing with Sean for the three days and for the past sixteen years at this event landed a 28.8 pound Chinook using anchovy. The winning prize for the largest derby salmon and the largest fish of the day was $15,000. Sean and his fishing partners stated that “they would share the winnings”. The top fish landed on Sunday was 26.10 pounds by Andrew McVie at Kirby in Barkley Sound. Dwight Dockendorf of Port Alberni had the largest Chinook on Monday landed at San Mateo Bay and came in at 21.1 pounds. Both fisher persons won $5000.00 for the largest fish of the day. Second and third place daily prizes gave the winners $2000 and $1000. Craig Martin of Nanaimo had a second place fish on Sunday and a third place fish on Saturday. There were also a good number of hidden weight prizes that ranged from $250 to $50.
These two happy Vancouver guests salmon sport fished with John of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing and had a few excellent salmon fishing days in the Barkley Sound area.
The fishing in much of Barkley Sound has been termed slow for this time of year. The big rainfall during the full week of August 19th played havoc on the fishing as many Chinook and Coho migrated to their natal streams, creeks and rivers. The Alberni Inlet did improve dramatically especially during the Labour Day Weekend Derby. Many of the fish landed in the Inlet were from forty to fifty feet using white hoochies (AORL 12) and glow hoochies . Anchovies in purple haze and Chartreuse teaser heads were working as well. The large abundant return forecast to West Coast Vancouver Island has not yet materialized. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is still predicting a surplus of Chinook Salmon to return. Up to August 28th the Escapement of Chinook Salmon through the counters and into the Stamp was 3,900 pieces. Sockeye total returns into Great Central and Sproat Lake are 347,000 (very good escapement) with Great Central Lake receiving the abundant return of 275,000 and Sproat Lake 72,000. Coho returns up to August 28th into the Stamp and Sproat were at 4,770 combined.
Some fantastic sport fishing was experienced by this Kelowna father and son during late August fishing with Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing in late August in Barkley Sound
The Sport Fishing out in Barkley Sound hopefully will pick up over the next few weeks. With dry weather for a period of time many areas close to Bamfield have historically had great Coho and Chinook fishing. The Bamfield Wall from Nanat Island to the Bamfield Harbour Mouth and up to Brady’s Beach and Wittlestone are usually very good. Anchovy, a variety of spoons especially the skinny G’s and hoochies in green and white are normally excellent lure choices for the first half of September. Areas around Ucluelet from Little Beach, and Black Rock to Wya Point and Florencia are normally very good for the first two or three weeks of September.
Fathers and sons from Chilliwack B.C. fished with Slivers Charters and had a great trip for three days out in Barkley Sound in late August.
Fathers and sons from Chilliwack B.C. fished with Slivers Charters and had a great trip for three days out in Barkley Sound in late August.
We are hoping the large surplus of Chinook salmon find their way to West Coast Vancouver Island. If this seasonal forecast holds true the sport fishing should be absolutely phenomenal in September.
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 salmon fishing SLOWED DOWN just before the end of the month. There are still lots of coho with most in the 5-7 lb size and some approaching 12 lbs. Almost all the coho are unclipped fish. Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week due to the big tides. Lingcod and rockfish fishing was GOOD. Crabbing was PICKING UP 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 SLOWER throughout the area this past weekend. Many boats are not catching any at all. Coho salmon are now providing most of the action. Most of the coho have been from 5-12 lbs, but the majority were 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 SLOW this past week, with the best fishing off Jordan River and points further west. Crabbing has been IMPROVING 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
No report this week.
Becher Bay
Chinook fishing SLOWED DOWN this past week. The most popular spots were the Trap Shack and Beechy Head. Coho fishing has been GOOD but anglers are catching mostly unclipped coho. Anchovies were 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 SLOWER this past week. Anglers were getting springs in the bay and some outside in Whirl Bay. 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 were still 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 GOOD. 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 SLOWED DOWN this past week. Many boats came back with at least one spring, and many boats came back empty. The best bite times were early in the morning or late in the day. Coho have increased in numbers and marked hatchery fish up to 8 lbs were caught. That said, the vast majority of coho were unclipped. Albert Head, Esquimalt, the Breakwater and Clover Point had held good numbers of springs. Small spoons such as the 3” AP anchovy Lemon Lime, Krippled “KC”, Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, had been working very well. Anchovies in all sizes were very effective for springs and popular choices for teaser head colors are, Bloody Nose and UV 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 SLOWER. 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 SPOTTY in Oak Bay. There is a mix of mature and feeder springs in Oak Bay but few coho. The Flats and the Gap have produced some springs in the teens for anglers. Most anglers are fishing spoons from 70 feet down to the bottom. Effective spoons have been the 4” Needlefish AP Tackleworks, Herring Aid and No Bananas Skinny Gs and Wee Gs. and Krippled ‘KC’ Needlefish spoons.
Halibut fishing was SLOW 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 fish caught near Hamley and Moresby 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 was closed for angling from July 15th to August 31ST and we have not had any new fishing reports.
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. The fishing has been slow in the middle of the day but mornings and evenings have been good. 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. Shawnigan Lake has been good around the docks with spinnerbaits and wacky worms working well. Fast retrieves have been best in shallow s while slow retrieves have been best in deeper water.
Fishing Tip of the week:
At this time of the year, you need to pay particular attention to fishery openings and closures. It almost seems as if some areas are only open for salmon on a day-to-day basis. What is closed one day may be open the next, and vice versa. So, the day before you go fishing, phone federal fisheries, or visit their web site to find out what opportunities are available and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
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