Fishing Reports – October 23, 2024
Washington
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco)
No report this week.
Marine Area 2 (Westport)
No report this week.
Marine Area 3 (La Push)
No report this week.
Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)
No report this week.
Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point)
MA 5 is closed until halibut next spring. West end rivers were low last week and fishing was tough. If the predicted rains come as predicted, fishing should improve.
Report submitted by Dave Croonquist, Puget Sound Anglers – North Olympic Peninsula Chapter
Marine Area 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca)
MA 6 is closed until halibut next spring. West end rivers were low last week and fishing was tough. If the predicted rains come as predicted, fishing should improve.
Report submitted by Dave Croonquist, Puget Sound Anglers – North Olympic Peninsula Chapter
Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands)
No report this week.
Marine Area 8.1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, Skagit Bay)
No report this week.
Marine Area 8.2 (Port Susan, Port Gardner)
No report this week.
Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet)
No report this week.
Marine Area 10 (Seattle / Bremerton)
No report this week.
Marine Area 11 (Tacoma / Vashon Island)
No report this week.
Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal)
No report this week.
Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound)
No report this week.
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.
Bamfield, Barkley Sound, & Port Alberni
Report 2024 SPORT FISHING REVIEW
Fall 2024
Todd landed this beautiful Chinook in Barkley Sound fishing with guide Doug Lindores of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing. The 2024 sport fishing was fabulous and we are looking forward to 2025
The 2024 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 2024 in many local rivers where the last of the Chinook, Coho and Chum salmon have migrated to their natal streams, creeks, and rivers.
Fishing had guest Linda out to Barkley Sound. Linda experienced one of her best fishing days
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 2024 were historically high. The In-Season forecast of one hundred and 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 Three hundred and seventy-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.
Hallaway’s with Chef Steve of Barkley Sound Lodge fishing with Guide Doug Lindores of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing had a fantastic fishing trip out of the lodge in Barkley Sound
Now we are into late October and most sport fisher persons only have fond memories of the fabulous 2023 sport fishing season and look forward to the 2025 salt water angling year. Anglers are hoping the 2025 Sockeye Sport fishery in the Alberni Inlet is as good as 2024. Chinook returns to West Coast Vancouver Island in 2025 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 2025 on British Columbia’s West Coast should be very exciting with plenty of opportunity for everyone.
Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing provides wonderful lodge trips out in Barkley Sound. The trips are usually three or four days. The trips be shorter and longer. The lodge is wonderful and is a great spot to retreat and refresh for everyone….. The meals provided are Fantastic. The friendships gained are even better. Come with Doug and Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing to beautiful Barkley Sound Lodge for some great fishing opportunities in the summer of 2025.
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 had great success in 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.
Coming out to Barkley Sound to fish out of the lodge is not only about the fishing but also experiencing the breath taking scenery and spending quality time with family and friends. Terry in the middle with sons Troy and Rob had a wonderful time sport fishing in August of 2024 with Slivers Charters Salmon Sport fishing Guide John.
Barkley Sound & Alberni Inlet
The 2024 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.
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.
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 2025. 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.
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
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 2025. 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 2025 summer from early June through early September.
For More Information, contact:
Report & pics submitted by Doug Lindores, Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (888) 214-7206 dlindy@shaw.cawww.catchsalmon-ca.com
South Vancouver Island overview:
Coho fishing has been FAIR. Most of the coho are in the 5-10 lb size with some larger ones also being caught. The majority of coho are unclipped fish. Race Rocks to the Sooke Bluffs is the best spot to find coho. Chinook fishing has PICKED UP in most areas. The winter springs are now more common, and some as large as 12 lbs have been caught. Some chum salmon are also being caught. Crabbing was GOOD in most areas. There will be no updated fishing report for the next couple of weeks.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Sooke
Coho salmon fishing has been FAIR, but you had to search for the schools. The coho have been either close to the entrance of the basin or out in the deep water. Ebb tides produced the most action this past week. The majority are unclipped fish and are in the 5-10 lb size. A few bigger ones were caught. The majority of coho are unclipped fish. Chinook fishing has PICKED UP throughout the area. However, many boats are not catching any salmon at all. Some chum salmon are also showing up in the catches. 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, AP Tackleworks spoons and Coyotes have been working well. Popular flashers have been the Gold Fever Hot Spot, The Oki Bon Chovy, Madi and Super Betsey.
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
Coho fishing has been FAIR but you had to work to find them. Anglers are catching mostly unclipped coho. The majority of the coho are in the 5-10 lb size with some even larger. Spoons and hoochies have been the best lures for coho. Chinook fishing was PICKING UP this past week. The most popular spots were the Trap Shack and Anglers were getting some springs at the mouth of the bay and some outside in Whirl Bay. The springs have been winter springs in the 50-55 cm length. 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
Salmon fishing was PICKING UP according to Pedder Bay marina. Most of the salmon being caught are winter springs. Anglers were getting some springs at the mouth of the bay and some outside in Whirl Bay. The springs have been winter springs in the 50-55 cm length. Coho fishing has been best in 500–600-foot depths and at 75-120 feet on the downrigger. Race Rocks to Beechey Head has been the area most anglers are fishing for coho. 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. Spoons such as Krippled “KC”, Skinny G’s, Wee G’s, and AP Tackleworks have been working well.
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
Victoria
Salmon fishing is PICKING UP for winter springs. Constance Bank was the hot spot this past week, while it was quite slow along the waterfront. Most boats that fished the waterfront came back empty this past week. 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. 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 FAIR in Oak Bay. There are winter springs in Oak Bay and some coho. The Flats have produced some fish. Most anglers are fishing from 60 feet down to the bottom for the springs and higher up for the coho. Spoons were the most popular lure, but others were doing well on anchovies. Effective spoons have been the 4” Needlefish AP Tackleworks, Herring Aid and No Bananas Skinny Gs and Wee Gs. and Krippled ‘KC’ Needlefish spoons. 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 wasSPOTTY this past week. Anglers did catch some winter springs and coho, but you had to search for the fish. There were fish caught near Hamley Point and Moresby Island. Prawning has been FAIR for limits when traps are left out overnight and picked up the next day. Crabbing 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 fishing is GOOD with recent and ongoing stocking of fall catchable rainbow trout in local lakes. Bass fishing has SLOWED DOWN as the fish have moved into the fall feeding pattern. Salmon have stared moving into the rivers, so be sure to check the regulations before going out to fish for them.
Cowichan River
Salmon are migrating into the river, and it looks like another year of good returns. Trout fishing with egg patterns should be good where open.
Trout
Trout fishing has been GOOD at most local lakes as recent stocking of catchable rainbow trout has put lots of fish into 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.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC continues stocking of catchable triploid rainbow trout into Vancouver Island lakes. On October 9th, Spectacle Lake received 500 trout and Colwood Lake 250 trout averaging 215.449g in size. On October 4th, Elk Lake received 2,000 trout, Thetis Lake 1,000 trout and Glen Lake 500 trout averaging 216.391g in size. On October 3rd, Durrance Lake received 2,000 tout and Ida Anne Lake 200 trout averaging 222.512 g in size. On October 2nd, Kemp Lake received,1,000 trout, Matheson Lake 500 trout and Poirier Lake 250 trout averaging 212.946g in size. On October 1st, Prospect Lake and Langford Lake each received 2,000 trout and Lookout Lake 250 trout averaging 225.862 in size. On September 26th, Langford Lake received 1,016 trout averaging 700 grams in size (over 1 .5 lbs each !). On September 25th, Prospect Lake received 1,000 trout averaging 700 grams in size (over 1 .5 lbs each !).
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
Dave Petersen of the Western fishing League writes that bass fishing has been HIT or MISS on most lakes. Lots of small fish up shallow, but it looks like the bigger fish have gone deeper in this cooler weather. We have been seeing fish caught in the 20′ range with Ned rigs and dropshots. The fall feed is starting now. Bass will come up to feed on baitfish at certain times throughout the day. Crankbaits, jerk baits, and swimbaits will work well at these times. Shawnigan Lake and Quennell Lake have been producing nice size fish and decent numbers.
Fishing Tip of the week:
Know your salmon! Wild chum and coho salmon look very similar to most anglers, but there are different regulations for these species. And at this time of year, you are apt to catch both in local waters. Before you keep some to eat, make sure of what you’ve caught and refer to the fish identification pages of your tidal water Sport Fishing Guide if you have any questions.
Once the mature chinook and coho have made it up the rivers to spawn, it is time to switch your tactics to catch the winter or feeder springs. Try shortening your leaders to 3’ to 4’ and switching to Coho Killers, Wee G’s, Skinny G’s and AP Tackleworks spoons in 3” to 4” sizes and ultraviolet squirts such as purple haze and electric chair behind glow and UV flashers. Also, troll faster and fish deeper!
Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969, info@fishingvictoria.com www.fishingvictoria.com
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