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Gourmet Fishing – Sea to Plate™
Anthony Warren, 28' Albin "MadMoney" in Ilwaco, CCA Member & PSA Sno-King Member

Westport (Marine 2):

May 21, 2013

This week’s adventure took me North to Lapush where I joined up with my friends Charlie and Elaine from Gig Harbor on board the "Center Cut". We tend to forget at times how vast the ocean is until we head out and start encountering the waves and swells and are quickly reminded of the power that exists. This particular morning the Ocean was really cooperating and the ride out 20 plus miles was very enjoyable. A lot of radio chatter over the VHF as the excitement of the day builds with every mile.  I am always amazed at all the life our waters hold. We are SO lucky to live here.

It seemed like it took no time for the “Center Cut” to get us to our destination and once we reached the fishing grounds it did not take long before all the anticipation became reality. I think it took about 30 seconds after the first Jig hit the bottom when JJ yelled "I'm on" and off to the races we went. Reeling up from 500 plus feet can test even the strongest Backs and Arms but a good dose of adrenalin sure does help! It only seemed like a few minutes when the first fish hit the deck.  A nice Halibut for JJ.

The fish were not real picky on this day. Metal Jigs, Plastic swim tails, and Bait all were working. It was just a matter of staying on the fish. The 10/0 Hooks look tiny in the mouths of these "Big Old" bottom fish but they more than did the job. It seemed like someone had a fish on all the time and we only took a break to rest the body and give someone else a turn on the rod. 

This 48 pounder beast was landed by Kevin. It kept him pinned to the gunnels for a while until Kevin won the battle. This fish came on a Big Herring. 

Anthony holds up a really nice Ling Cod that fell victim to a Metal Jig. 

It is important to realize that these fish are incredibly strong and do not come to the surface willing. We use 100lb leaders with nylon cord just above that to give extra holding power and sometimes that is still not enough. If you want to try this make sure you have all the right gear. Stop by and see the Guys at OE or Sportco and they can set you up.

This past weekend  closes the door on another deep water Halibut season. They are very short, only 4 or 5 days but man are they intense. There may be another day on the North coast but we will have to wait and hear from WDFW.

Next week we will start prepping for the Westport Salmon opener which happens on June 8th. I will give you a shopping list to ensure you have the right gear to give you and edge.

Enjoy your week, Be Safe on the Water, and we will see you in Westport

Submitted by Kevin Lanier, Fishin' Luhrs, VP PSA State Board and PSA SnoKing

Bottom fishing in Marine Area's 2 & 7 continues to be outstanding. Our
Anacortes location on charter boat Reel Ultra is mostly a Lingcod show but
we have caught a few nice halibut for the little effort we've invested. The
best technique is to mooch herring or live bait along snaggy, fast moving
drifts in 90' or less FOW. Best depth is 40-85 FOW. 

Westport charter boat Reel Tight has been taking advantage of higher catch
limits and rockfish retention and loading up with around 80 fish per trip.
That would be 60-70 rockfish and 10-15 lingcod. On these trips we are using
dropper style set-ups with two shrimp flies for the rockfish (we get a few
lings this way too) and herring for the lingcod.

We are a new school, interactive, young, patient and energetic crew and
nothing beats doing these trips in our fast 6 man charter boats. 

Westport Halibut Limits

Westport Rockfish

La Push (Marine Area 3 & Forks):

May 21, 2013

No report this week

Neah Bay (Marine Area 4):

May 21, 2013

Sekiu (Marine Area 5):

May 21, 2013

No report this week

No report this week

Halibut fishing was pretty good this past weekend. Ling continues to produce, and Spot Prawns were plentiful.

Chuck Payne and Jeff Leach got a Chicken Hali, and some keeper Cod. We anchored up for the Halibut, and drifted for the Lings. Good stuff!

Our buddy boat landed a bigger flattie.  It maxed out his Katch Kooler, as you can see by the whale of a tail.

This Halibut rig is an 11" Flasher with built in rotating blades, and a 6" lighted hootchie. Slow troll the banks off a downrigger, bouncing bottom with the 'rigger balls. This is a good way to find the fish, if they aren't coming to you.

Kari Nemeth got this beauty Ling while waiting for the Prawn pots to load up. That's a great combo dinner there.

Terry Nemeth put a nice one in the boat as well.

Karen and Lance Rhinehart have the makings of a meal that would put any five star restaurant to shame. Fresh Halibut and Spot Prawns.

The weather turned nice on Sunday afternoon, and so did the fishing. These folks got an easy limit fishing with San Juan Sportsman Charters out of Friday Harbor.

Submitted by Kevin Klein, Fidalgo-SanJuan Islands Chapter PSA , CCA Northsound

Didn't get a chance to make it out for the halibut this week but did go after
some ling!

I took this San Juan Island couple out because they wanted to learn how to fish and the wife out fished everyone on the boat! She caught her and her husbands limit and brought in some greenlings too! I had her using a jig head with a purple and blue sparkled single tail worm. That was a great color this week for us.

Submitted by Justin Davis, Legacy Charters, San Juan Island, WA - (360)
378-3744

Bottom fishing in Marine Area's 2 & 7 continues to be outstanding. Our
Anacortes location on charter boat Reel Ultra is mostly a Lingcod show but
we have caught a few nice halibut for the little effort we've invested. The
best technique is to mooch herring or live bait along snaggy, fast moving
drifts in 90' or less FOW. Best depth is 40-85 FOW. 

Westport charter boat Reel Tight has been taking advantage of higher catch
limits and rockfish retention and loading up with around 80 fish per trip.
That would be 60-70 rockfish and 10-15 lingcod. On these trips we are using dropper style set-ups with two shrimp flies for the rockfish (we get a few lings this way too) and herring for the lingcod.

We are a new school, interactive, young, patient and energetic crew and
nothing beats doing these trips in our fast 6 man charter boats. 

Anacortes Halibut & Lings

Bush School Students with Anacortes Lings

Submitted by Mark Coleman, Guide/Owner, All Rivers & Saltwater Charters, www.AllWashingtonFishing.com , www.washingtontunacharters.com or call us (425 736-8920)

Marine Area 8.1:

May 21, 2013

Open for Lingcod

No report this week
    

For more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters,
800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email gary@allstarfishing.com

Marine Area 8.2:

May 21, 2013

Open for Lingcod

No report this week

800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email gary@allstarfishing.com

Marine Area 9:

May 21, 2013

"WAY OVER A HUNDRED !",   I rang out and my heart pounded on the FISHTALE 2 as the hook was set on the Pacific Pancake below and the fight was on.  I struggled to get the head shaking and tail flapping monster up 20 feet from the bottom, and he would muscle his way back to the silty bottom 220 feet below.  "How was the hookset ?, how were my knots ?", I thought to myself as I slowly eased the beast to to the boat.  Kathy was on the harpoon with the ButtBall ready for deployment.  It would be her first "poon" and I had all the confidence that she could do it.  Easy.......  , don't pull the head out of the water.......get ready too loosen drag..........then "GOT 'EM !, Kathy yelled as the harpoon shot was perfect and the ball took off to the salty depths.   It wasn't long and I slowly was able to reel back in the tasty beast as Kathy opened the stern door.  With two gaffs, we hauled the flatty aboard and hog tied it with Hi-5's flyin'.   At close to my height of 5' 10", the VHF was chattering , "Atta Boys" from fellow PSA club members  fishing nearby.    It was a great morning tide and the patience paid off for Kathy and I as we were lucky to be off the water by 10 am as she followed up the first one with a fiesty 55 pounder only thirty minutes later.
 
The Halibut reports were a bit spotty over the weekend from Dallas to Partridge.  Good reports were coming in from the Port Angeles area and Hein bank.  It was black label/white hootchie "hotdogs" that really stepped up the bite on the FISHTALE 2.  We will be out there again this weekend as our neighbors and friends have a liking for BBQ'd fresh halibut !

   
A morning surprise on the Fishtale 2!

 
8" White Hootchies make the perfect "Herring Hotdog" 

Submitted by Nelson "Spud" Goodsell,  FISHTALE 2, PSA Sno-King Chapter, IGFA Lifetime Member

Open For Lingcod

No report this week

For more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters; (800)214-1595 or (425)252-4188    gary@allstarfishing.com; www.allstarfishing.com

Seattle area (Marine Area 10):

May 21, 2013

Open for Lingcod

No report this week

For more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters; (800)214-1595 or (425)252-4188 gary@allstarfishing.com; www.allstarfishing.com

 Marine Area 11:

May 21, 2013

Wednesday, the 22nd we get another day of shrimping and this will be the last opportunity. Overall there has been a 30% increase in participation and with the increased quota for sportsmen we got an extra day.  With salmon fishing closed in Area 11, I have heard of success to those fishing in area 13 around Fox Island.

Lingcod fishermen have had success by first jigging live, large herring in Gig Harbor and then keeping them alive in a bucket by changing water or a live well. Then at tide change fishing them above the Narrows Bridge during slack tide. We will have this fishery open until mid June.

The fishing closure listing in the new regulation on the Puyallup still have the river closed from the mouth of the White River and down.  "To be decided"

For more information, call Tom Pollack, Sportco in Fife, 253-922-2222

Hood Canal (Marine Area 12):

May 21, 2013

Shrimping continues to be good in Area 12

Most all boats that are properly outfitted with pot puller, leaded line and good bait limit in a few pot pulls.  The best spots seem to be from Dabob Bay to the south end of Hood Canal.

As usual, those using floating yellow rope experience tangles and lost pots.

This was my first real chance to try the new Scotty Line Hauler.  It was very fast (pulled pots about 100’/minute) and very easy to use.  I outfitted mine with the “optional” riser which made it easy to pull the pot over the side. 

The Salmon U “Nelson Boys” Mike & Michael with their limit of Hood Canal Spot Prawns.

Imagine our surprise when we ran across Anthony “Tuna” Warren (Salmon U Instructor) & his neighbor on Dabob Bay.  Dabob Bay is a long ways from Ilwaco! 
They had just gotten their limit of Spot Prawns and were heading to Port Angeles to pick up some Halibut. 

Submitted by Tom Nelson, Salmon University

(Pictured above) Not bad for the first pull. But we had to work to get two
limits for this weekend's shrimping. We were more shallow this time - in the
200' to 250' range. 

Bret Steck, Dewatto

Submitted by Bret Steck, Dewatto 

Marine Area 13:

May 21, 2013

Lake Chelan:

May 21, 2013

No report this week

For more info call Anton & Sandra Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service; darrellanddads.com; antonj@aol.com or call (509)687-0709 or toll free at (866)360-1523

Laketrout fishing has picked up over this reporting period. Today we boated 14 laketrout and 1 Kokanee. The Abyss above the Yacht Club produced well for us. The Ace Hi-Fly for the laketrout and the Mini Ace Hi-fly for the Koks has been the best producers for me. We kept our baits next to the bottom at all times for the Laketrout. 

Ryan and buddy with all their Laketrout

Anita and her friend with all their Laketrout

Lake Chelan Adventures, Joe Heinlen - 509-393-9665  www.lakechelanadventures.com

Improved perch fishing has been reported all over Potholes Reservoir.  This past week many fishers have limited on perch up to 12 inches at the MarDon Marina.  Othello Resident, Levi Rodello, reported a 13 inch jumbo perch from the MarDon Dock, this was the largest Perch we had heard of all week.
Sand dune bass fishers, while having good bass action, are commenting on clouds of bluegill and crappie throughout the dune area. 
Serious walleye anglers are catching good numbers of walleye, many of which are miniature under the 12 inch legal minimum.  Walleye fishermen trolling, using spinners and night-crawlers behind bottom cruisers are reporting a number of perch under 6 inches being caught.  At this time 80% of the walleye caught are small males.  Many Lind Coulee and Crab Creek fishermen trolling are reporting walleye limits.

Surprisingly, trout fishers trolling at the mouth of Frenchman’s Wasteway are beginning to have good trout action near the surface with spinners and night-crawlers.  This week trout action has been occurring with Needlefish and Rapala Shad Rap’s. 

After the amazing March and April bank fishing for rainbows we can only expect some quality trolling as the May weather warms the lake. 
Crappie action continues to be challenging.  On May 15th one of the many secret holes in the seep lakes produced 10 crappie over 12 inches…….this report was anonymous so you can draw your own conclusions.

Chris Eichler of Yakima with a JUMBO Perch caught off the MarDon Dock.

Submitted by Mike Meseberg, Mardon Resort 8198 Hwy 262 SE, Othello, WA 99344  www.mardonresort.com  800-416-2736

LAKE STEVENS                               May 21, 2013

The 4th Annual Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby was held on Saturday May 18.  I attended the Derby staffing a demonstration booth for Pro-Troll, TICA and Brad’s Killer Gear, who are some of the Derby sponsors.

In the 10 days before the Derby, the kokanee fishing had really been improving thanks to the warmer weather.  That improving trend continued on Saturday! Fishing started before daybreak and was very good in the early hours.  By 10:00 am, some anglers were already coming in with very big fish and bag limits.  They all wanted to be first in line when the weigh station opened!  The weather was overcast most of the day with a steady breeze blowing.  That kept the bite going all day and many anglers fished right up until 2:00 pm, the weigh-in cut-off time.  They were all looking for that one big Derby winning fish! 

Overcast skies and light wind chop allow some anglers to fish right up to weigh-in deadline!

The Awards Ceremony was held at the weigh-in location at 3:00 pm.
Approximately 220 adults fished and 65 children fished in the derby and most attended the Ceremony. 

Parker Jeanes earned 1st Place in the Kids Division with a Kokanee weighing 1.40 lbs Kokanee.  Additionally, all of the children who fished in the Derby received a prize, whether they caught a fish or not!  I believe that this practice will encourage many of them to continue to become adult anglers. 

Successful anglers eagerly await the Awards Ceremony to begin.

Bronson Rowe won the Adult Division with 1.68 lbs. Kokanee, which was a quarter of pound bigger than last year’s winner.

Bruce McCall earned the prize for the Biggest Kokanee Limit with a combined weight of
12.54 pounds.

The award for the Largest Trout went to Kevin Edwards with a 5.38 lbs. This monster was over four pounds bigger than last year’s wining trout!  This winning trout was likely one of the over 300 very large trout that were planted in Lake Stevens last Wednesday.

It is expected that excellent kokanee and trout fishing will continue in Lake Stevens for the next several weeks.

Finally, everyone who participated in this community-based event had a great time.  All proceeds raised from the Derby are used to help fund the worthy projects of the Lake Stevens Lions Club and the Snohomish County Sportsman's Club.

Submitted by Mark Gavin, member several PSA Chapters

Ucluelet, BC:

May 21, 2013

No report this week

For more info, call Sam Vandervalk, 877-777-4344 Salmon Eye Fishing Charters www.salmoneye.net

Fishing this past week has been good for Salmon, Halibut and other bottom fish.  You always hear me talk about the weather and how it relates to the fishing.  For the most part we always have good fishing, if the weather man lets us fish where we want instead of where we have to.

Betty and Carolyn with bottom fish from near Cape Beale May 18th

Salmon fishing is good on the off shore banks with the Salmon moving from the 7 mile banks out towards the 14 mile bank. Next week they may be a little farther out. There are lots of whales, porpoise, and birds in the areas that hold the Salmon so watch for these signs.

Inside Salmon fishing has been good. It varies from day to day as to what spot will produce the best but most of the inside areas are holding nice Chinook. Swale Rock, Mearse Bluff, Austin Island, Kirby Point and Bamfield are all fishing well at times.

Betty and Carolyn with an early morning double header at Austin Island Monday.

Our mornings catch from near Austin Island. Chinook from 11 to 22 pounds and an 18 pound Yellow Eye for Carolyn.

For more info call Ken Bodaly at Rocky Point Charters, Bamfield, B.C. 250-728-3678 or the boat cell phone 250-735-4224 www.rockypointcharters.ca email rockypointcharters@shaw.ca

Doug Lindores - Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (250) 723-2435; (250)724-2502; cell (250)731-7389 or 1-888-214-7206; www.catchsalmon-ca.com; dlindy@shaw.ca

No report this week

Happy anglers lined up to use the cleaning tables today at Pedder Bay after enjoying a near perfect combination of tide and weather for our always productive spring halibut fishery.

Most boats reported quick limits of flatties averaging in the low 20's, but with a fair number in the 30 - 45 lb class and a few specimens nudging up close to the 126 cm maximum size limit and breaking 60 lbs.

With the currents and wind expected to stay cooperative, and temperatures forecast to hit the magic 20C mark on Saturday and Sunday the weekend should produce some pretty spectacular fishing and happy fishermen.
Productive depths are 200 to 325 ft and favored baits are reported to be Octopus and Mackerel on a spreader bar. The lack of dogfish in most areas was considered a bonus by many anglers, although some spots seemed to have their fair share.

This weekend should be the perfect opportunity for those who are new to halibut fishing to have a go at drifting rather than anchoring. Just remember to point your stern in the opposite direction to your drift, and use reverse to keep your lines as close to vertical as possible. Check your lines frequently to ensure you are close to, but not right on bottom and get ready for that big strike!
When drifitng for halibut, please remember to be respectful of anchored boats. Never drift across or down on to their anchor lines(up to 650 feet in front of the boat) and try to avoid starting your drift near their stern.

Feeder Chinook, including a good number of sizeable hatchery fish, are available in all the ususal spots like Whirl Bay, Pedder Bay and Constance Bank. Keep an eye out for seals on Constance, and consider spoons and small squirts a good choice of terminal gear.

The summer like weather has also got campers out in full force enjoying the near perfect conditions by hiking the Goose and admiring the spring flowers, catching a trout in Matheson Lake or just enjoying a fresh roasted hot dog and a favorite beverage around the campfire.

 
The fish are biting, the sun is shining and spring is definitely in the air. What are you waiting for? Come on down and join in the fun.
See you soon..

Your Friendly Pedder Bay Crew

Vancouver Island Overview

Salmon fishing was FAIR for springs (Chinooks) in most areas. There are more over the slot size wild springs being caught now and they have to be released.

Halibut fishing was GOOD on the nice tides this past weekend.

IN SEASON FISHERY RESTRICTIONS

Effective until 23:59 hours June 15, 2013 in Subareas 19-1 to 19-4 and Subarea 20-5 (those waters near Victoria between Cadboro Pt to Sheringham Pt.), the daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day which may be wild or hatchery marked between 45 cm and 67 cm or hatchery marked greater than 67 cm in length.

 Effective until 23:59 hours June 14, 2013 in Subareas 18-1 to 18-6, 18-9, 18-11, and 19-5, effective immediately until 23:59 hours June 14, 2013 the daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day of which only one (1) chinook may be greater than 67 cm. 

Effective April 1, 2013 until further notice: The maximum length for halibut is 126 cm. The daily limit for halibut is one (1). The possession limit for halibut is two (2), only one of which may be greater than 83cm in length. There will be an annual limit of six (6) halibut per license.  All halibut retained by the license holder shall be immediately recorded in ink on the Tidal Waters Sport Fishing license.  The area from which each halibut is caught and its length shall immediately be recorded on license.

Sooke, BC:

May 21, 2013

Salmon - Salmon fishing was FAIR in the area. Hatchery marked springs, weighing up to 16 lbs, were caught this past weekend, and there were more much larger unmarked springs that had to be released. The best action seems to be from Secretary Island westward to Otter Point in about 120 to 220 feet of water with the baits down from 50 ft to 90ft. Tthat said, it wouldn’t hurt to try some of the shallower areas if you’re not getting them in the deeper water. Anchovies are catching the most springs and Green glow, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads are popular when fishing bait for springs.

Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend out past Muir Creek towards near Point No Point and Jordan River. Lots of halibut up to 50 lbs were caught. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

Becher Bay                                          

Fishing was FAIR for springs. The best fishing was outside the bay, near Beechey Head. Anglers are hitting the fish at 50 to 90 feet on the downrigger. Most of the fish are less than 15 lbs, but larger wild salmon up to 20 lbs have been caught and released. We‘ve been told that about 70% of the springs caught are fin clipped. Many anglers are finding bait out producing artificial lures now, with anchovies being most popular choice of bait. The best teaser heads for anchovies were Green Glow, Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. Quite a few halibut were also seen coming into the marina.

Pedder Bay –-

Salmon fishing was NOT TOO BAD this past week, but most anglers were not out fishing for salmon. The best areas were near William Head and the Can Buoy at the mouth of the bay. Church Rock also produced a few fish too. Most hatchery marked springs caught went from 6 to 15 lbs in size. The fish were higher up in the water column, around 50 to 70 feet. Anchovies were the most productive bait with Green Glow, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads effective. Squirts will work too with UV colors like the Jellyfish, Purple Haze and Electric Chair the best patterns. The best flashers have been the Purple Glow and Purple Haze. 4” Coyote type spoons have been effective at times, with Green/Silver and Green/White Glow good patterns.

Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD in the Race Rocks area. Lots of halibut were caught but they were all on the small size. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

Victoria/Sydney, BC:

May 21, 2013

Salmon  - Salmon fishing was FAIR this past week along the waterfront. Constance Bank was the best location to fish; with hatchery marked salmon in the 6 to 16 lb size range numerous there. Most anglers fishing the bank are using artificial lures and trolling with the currents rather than against them. Good lures are Electric Chair, Purple Haze and Glo Below squirts. Closer in, there has been some action, but not as much as on the bank. Anchovies seem to be working better close in, and the best depths to fish have been from 60 to 90 feet. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and the Glo Below. Coho Killer spoons have been effective also with the UV Purple Haze patterns very popular. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Green/Silver Hot Spots.

Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the week at Constance Bank. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

Oak Bay

Salmon - Salmon fishing has SLOWER on the Oak Bay Flats. Anglers are catching fin clipped springs up to 18 lbs, but some large wild fish up to 20 lbs have been released there too. The best bet for springs is trolling near the bottom in 70 to 130 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts were the Electric Chair, Pickle Green, J-79 and Jellyfish. With spoons, 3½” or 4” Gypsy, Titans, and Coyotes in Cop Car or Silver/Green colors and the Gold Star Coho Killer. Glow in the dark flashers would be the best choice for springs now.

Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend. Mackerel, Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

Sidney

Salmon fishing was FAIR in the Sidney area. The salmon were scattered all over the area and not concentrated at any specific location. The Sidney Anglers held their annual Spring Derby on the weekend. Murray Kosick took first place with a 17.9 lb spring caught near Coal Island. Second place went to Mike Stutzel with a 15.5 lb spring caught near Mandarte Island. Third place went to Bob Haney with a 12.6 lb spring caught near James Island. Many anglers have been fishing for springs using anchovies in Bloody Nose, Purple Haze and UV Green teaser heads. Squirts have been out producing hootchies recently and the hot patterns for springs now are Purple Haze, Glow Below and Electric Chair. Coho Killer spoons have also been working well, especially in double glow and 50/50 colors.

NOTABLE CATCHES –

Murray Kosick won the Sidney Anglers’ Spring Derby with a 17.9 lb spring caught near Coal Island. Second place went to Mike Stutzel with a 15.5 lb spring caught near Mandarte Island. Third place went to Bob Haney with a 12.6 lb spring caught near James Island.

Pictured above, Daryl Quenet with his  28 lb 4 oz Ling cod.

FISH TIP OF THE WEEK

Its transition time again for Chinook anglers. While there are still deep running winter fish around, returning migratory springs are also starting to show up.  These fish are found much higher in the water column, and anglers who want to catch them should keep at least one line off of the bottom and at middle water depths.

Submitted by Tom Vaida Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com

BRITISH COLUMBIA – FRESH WATER REPORTS

OVERVIEW – Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. Bass fishing is PICKING UP. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th. Anglers are further reminded of the following:" The use of single barbless hooks is mandatory in all streams in Region 1;" All foul hooked (i.e.: hooked other than in the mouth) must be returned to the river immediately.  ALL wild trout must be released on all streams in region 1 as well.

Cowichan River

The trout fishing is GOOD in the fly only section at the top end of the river. There are rainbows and cutthroat trout, as well as resident brown trout that are active right now. Bead head nymphs are the top producer there. Patterns rec enlty include the Golden Stonefly, Pheasant Tail nymphs, Prince Nymphs, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears and Elk Hair caddis.

Trout – Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. The Vancouver Island Fish hatchery just their busiest week of catchable releases so far this spring!  They released over 10,000 catchable rainbow trout into 15 different lakes on Southern Vancouver Island this past week. On April 30th, 741 trout were released into Elk Lake. There were 500 trout released into Kemp, Matheson, Glen, Durrance and Thetis Lakes.  On May 1st, Langford Lake received 1.757 trout and on May 2nd, Lookout lake received 250 trout. All told, 59,247 trout have been released into lakes on Vancouver Island this year.

Warm weather has brought increased activity by both insects and fish. Trout can now be found scattered at all depths and they have been feeding heavily on chironomids and mayflies. Bank anglers are catching trout on both Powerbait, Gulp! Eggs, or worms while fishing from shore. Chartreuse and Orange have been good colours recently for Powerbait. Fly anglers are using Chironomids, Pumpkinheads, Wooly Buggers, Leeches or Micro Leech patterns and fishing deep. Trollers have been doing OK with a variety of lures but we’ve heard tat the Orange Hot Shot has been good. The Rhys Davis Baitrix Trout lures and UV Mini Strip Teasers work well for larger fish too. Other good trolling lures are the Apex Trout Killers with the police car one of the best and the black with silver glitter spots taking second place. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Frog, Yellow with Red Spots or Blue/Silver. Smaller Rapalas in Rainbow Trout or Brown Trout patterns also work well. Lastly, Willow Leaf Lake trolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. The biggest trout have come from Langford Lake with Elk Lake being your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”. By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.

BASS - Bass fishing is PICKING UP as we get close to spawning time. Crank baits have been effective when fished around 12 feet down with a slow retrieve. Look for the fish suspended by drop offs close to shore. Some bass though have started to move into shallower water prior to spawning.  Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake on Salt Spring Island is also a great lake for bass fishing. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.

2013 DERBIES and EVENTS

May 4th: The Sidney Salmon Derby. Rod Tickets are only $100.00 each! Banquet Tickets are $22.00 (including HST). Scales close at 4:00pm.- Banquet Dinner at Tulista Park starts after 4:00pm. Prizes to be won! 1st Place; $5,000 2nd Place; $3,000 3rd Place; $2,000: Plus Draw Prizes and 50/50 Tickets! All proceeds go to Salmon Enhancement Tickets available at Island Outfitters

Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com

No report this week

Queen Charlotte Islands

May 21, 2013

OREGON

 Oregon Coast

May 21, 2013

No report this week

ALASKA

Ketchikan

No report this week

Submitted by Kyle Worman, Worman Sportfishing, Ketchikan, Alaska | KyleWorman@yahoo.com | (907) 254-8945   www.wormansportfishing.com

No report this week

Flathead Lake, Montana

Spring fishing on Flathead Lake

Where

The spring runoff has a major effect this time of year. The runoff adds cold muddy water to the lake, more oxygenated water as well as small fish. I usually will run up to the edge of the stained water and start trying to find fish. Don’t be hesitant to fish right in the muddy water as those fish don’t seem to leave they just get confused. I usually will fish the edge of the stain into the clearer water heading south. The wind will push the muddy water around the lake, so look around and find some water that you are comfortable fishing. Watch out for floating debris.

What to use

I will fish the downrigger rods near the bottom no matter where or how deep it is. Watch your fish finder and locate the fish. This time of year they will move around in different depths. Also try putting out a couple long lines with a diving Rapala or spoon right behind the boat 200 ft. This time of year there are some fish very near the surface, I call these my bonus lines.

Fishing deep you can try the usual dodger/flasher, hoochie combinations, Brads Super Baits; also some spoons can work very well in the stained water, as well a Rapala.

Caution

Be very alert for floating debris! Sometimes you only see a twig sticking out of the water that is attached to a large tree just below the surface. Also this time of year pay attention to the weather as it can turn ugly real quick. If there is any lightning in the area get off the water and let it pass.

No Bad Days!

Bob Orsua, Mo Fisch Charters, www.mofisch.com

 Great Lakes

May 21, 2013

Coho Fever Epidemic in Milwaukee! 

How
Coho are coming on all size spoons. Reapers and Vulcans have been working for us. The small silver Vulcan has been hot on the lead cores. Six inch flashers or dodgers with green or blue Howies peanut flies must be part of your presentation for Coho. A hot presentation for us was a size O orange dodger with a 21.5 inch lead to a medium size blue fly. Coho are in the top 35 feet and Chinooks are 30 to 45 down. Steady action on Slide Divers set to #3 no ring and 35 feet of line out. Run 2,3,4,and 5 color Cortland lead core and downriggers 12 to 48 feet down. Speed has been very critical with the 46 degree water. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed at the ball. For spoons use the regular size Silver Vulcan. The big Chinook are hitting on Reaper Magnum Glow spoons. The boat speed of 1.9 to 2.2 has been best. Tie your flies 14.5 inches on 6 inch dodgers, 24 inches for 6 inch flashers. All orange dodgers and flashers. I hope this helps.

Where
Fish are sucked up to the break wall and all the way out north of Milwaukee to 100 feet. It can be a zoo in close with all the traffic and it may be better to head out the north gap Milwaukee 70 degrees and fish northeast out to 70 to 100 feet of water.

Have a great fishing season. Let's go fishing! 

Submitted by Capt. Jim Hirt (Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI) 414-828-1094 www.bluemaxcharters.com