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Salmon University is always looking
for reliable sources for fishing reports. If you, or someone you know,
would be interested in providing on-going fishing reports in a given area,
please click here.
This is where you can find out the current
fishing conditions in different areas around the Northwest.
IMPORTANT ALWAYS check the most
current regulations before you go out.
For the most recent updates to Washington regulations, click here.
For the most recent updates to British Columbia regulations, click here.
To find out how to fish a particular area,
click on the area name.
WASHINGTON
- SALT WATER REPORTS
Click
for the latest Sport Fishing Creel Reports
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Ilwaco (Marine 1):
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May 06, 2008
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SPORT HALIBUT SEASON OPENS
Marine
Area 1 (Ilwaco): Open 12:01 a.m. Thursday May 1, 2008, 7-days per
week until 70% of the quota is reached, or until July 20, 2007 whichever
comes first. The fishery will reopen on August 1, 2008 and continue
three days a week, Friday through Sunday, until the remaining quota
is reached, or Sept. 30, 2007 whichever comes first. It is unlawful
to fish for, retain, or possess any bottomfish, except Pacific cod
and sablefish with halibut on board
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Westport
(Marine 2):
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May 06, 2008
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SPORT HALIBUT
SEASON OPENS
Marine
Area 2 (Westport/Ocean Shores): Open 12:01 a.m. Thursday May 1,
2008, and then continue 2-days per week, Sundays and Tuesdays until
the quota is reached or Sept. 30 whichever occurs first. The
northern nearshore area will be open on Fridays and Saturdays in
addition to the days that the offshore area is open, until the quota
is reached.
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La Push (Marine Area 3 & Forks):
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May 06, 2008
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SPORT HALIBUT
SEASON OPENS
Marine
Areas 3 and 4 (Neah Bay/La Push): Open at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May
13, 2008, 3-days per week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until
the quota is reached. If sufficient quota remains, the fishery
will reopen on June 17 (Tuesday) and June 19 (Thursday) in area
4B and shoreward of a line approximating 30 fathoms from the Bonilla-Tatoosh
line south to the Queets River.
Bottomfish - We are now fishing bottomfish, so far the fishing
has been red hot for lings. Sea bass fishing was slow last week,
it took a while to get the limit. This week the swell dropped and
the bass schooled up thick on a couple nearshore pinnacles we found,
I could not keep up with the fish coming on board.
Halibut
- Season opens May 13th, from what I heard there might actually
be a small drop in effort. Seems with the record fuel prices there
are a few people that can't afford to bring there boats out. Gas
is now $3.86 a gallon in the marina. We will be in Neah Bay in June
for Canadian halibut as well as July 20th to August 10th as we do
not expect a long salmon season.
Salmon
- A king only season opens June 1st this year on the whole WA coast,
one fish limit. The regular two fish limit season opens July 1st
in La Push. We are estimating three weeks of season(15 days). Very
small quota this year. Releasing very small silvers would help,
also remember that there is a mortality rate charged to all fish
you tell the checker you turned loose.
Albacore
Tuna - We have never run many tuna trips earlier then late August
before but this year we will be starting August 10th. We missed
some awesome tuna bites Last August while we were salmon fishing.
For
more info call Jim Richeson, Top Notch Ocean Charters/Quillayute
River Guide Service/Jims Cabin Rentals; Toll Free (888)501-5887
or (360)374-2660; jricheson@centurytel.net;
www.forks-web.com/jim
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Neah Bay (Marine Area 4):
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May 06, 2008
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SPORT HALIBUT
SEASON OPENS
Marine
Areas 3 and 4 (Neah Bay/La Push): Open at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May
13, 2008, 3-days per week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until
the quota is reached. If sufficient quota remains, the fishery
will reopen on June 17 (Tuesday) and June 19 (Thursday) in area
4B and shoreward of a line approximating 30 fathoms from the Bonilla-Tatoosh
line south to the Queets River.
No
report this week
Submitted
by Capt. Tom Young, Tommycod
Charters
Email: tommycodcharters@aol.com
1-800-283-8900
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Sekiu (Marine Area 5):
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May 06, 2008
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No
report this week
April
11 - 30, 2008: Closed.
For
more info call Olson's Resort (360) 963-2311 or on the web www.olsonsresort.com
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Marine Area 6:
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May 06, 2008
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No report
this week
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Marine Area 7:
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May 06, 2008
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No
report this week
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Marine
Area 8.1:
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May 06, 2008
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Open
till April 30 for salmon
Lingcod
opened May 1
For
more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters,
800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email
gary@allstarfishing.com
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Marine
Area 8.2:
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May 06, 2008
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Open
till April 30 for salmon
Lingcod
opened May 1
Try
the artificial reef off the south side of Gedney Island. We managed
to get 4 keeper lings off this reef on opening day
For
more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters,
800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email
gary@allstarfishing.com
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Marine Area 9:
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May 06, 2008
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Closed
for salmon
Halibut remains open
Lingcod
opened May 1
Lingcod
fishing opened with fair success as we got lings on all trips so
far. Most of the boats are sticking with live bait or jigs. The
live bait has been the best for us.
For
more info, call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters, 800-214-1595
or 425-252-4188 Email
gary@allstarfishing.com ; www.allstarfishing.com
All-Star
Fishing Charters - Delivering Quality fishing on Puget Sound

We
headed up to Port Townsend again this weekend in search of Halibut.
Saturday, the wind was a blowin' and we were forced to return to
the docks for the day hoping for a better Sunday. We awoke at first
light, elated with the sight of flat calm water. My good friend
Anthony followed us out on his boat "Mad Money" as he made the earl;y
morning run out from the festivities on Lake Union. We decided to
fish closer in near Admiralty Inlet in 200 feet of water. It didn't
take long for the glow stuffed Kajiki squid to entice a 63 pounder
for breakfast. My buddy Doug Vodder worked it slowly to the harpoon.
At the same time only 50 feet from us, Anthony hooked up a nice
35 pounder. By 9:30 am we were heading back to Everett for some
picture taking outside Anthony's HomePort Restuarant. Nothing like
exciting a hungry crowd with fresh fish! My friend Anthony was back
on the log boom on the lake by noon showing off his morning prize.
What a fantastic year it has been for halibut fishing so close to
home.

Pictured
above, Anthony with his 35 Pound Halibut

Pictured
above, Doug Vodder with a 63 pound Hali
Report submitted by Nelson Goodsell, PSA SNO-KING, FISHTALE 2
No
report this week
Submitted
by Michael Jamboretz, Jambo's Sportfishing (425) 788-5955; (206)
595-9526 www.jambossportfishing.com
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Seattle area (Marine Area 10):
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May 06, 2008
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Ling
cod fishing is now in its second week. Yesterday I talked to Slim,
one of the fish checkers and he thought the catch was down from
last year. While he has seen some lings almost over the legal size,
he has heard of many undersized fish released. No one location has
been better then the rest. I would recommend to examine the tide
book and fish at the time of the tide change.
Shrimping
went off with good success for most folks, with lots of limits reported.
I managed to get 7 limits in area 11 and plan to be in 10 Wednesday.
With the big tides, use lots of weight in the pots and multiple
buoys so your rope is not pulled under. No word as of now whether
there will be additional days of shrimping.
For
more info, call Tom Pollack, Auburn Sports & Marine 253-833-1440
Closed
for Salmon
For
more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters; (800)214-1595
or (425)252-4188 gary@allstarfishing.com;
www.allstarfishing.com
No
report this week
Matt McCulloch , www.tyeecharters.net
, (206)799-2530
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Marine
Area 11:
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May 06, 2008
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No
report this week
Submitted
by Captain Bill Devers, www.pugetsoundsalmoncharters.com;
e-mail salmoncharters@comcast.net
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Hood
Canal (Marine Area 12):
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May 06, 2008
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Shrimp
in Area 12 were plentiful and seemed to be larger then last year.
Despite a big tide swing, most shrimpers that had their pots properly
weighted easily took their limit. The next open day on Wednesday,
May 7th, it will be more difficult as there is a -3.7 tide. This
is coming off a 10.2 high tide, so this is a 13.9 ft. tide change.
This makes shrimping very difficult, so have at least 14 pounds
of weight in your shrimp pot. Expect most of your shrimp to be taken
in Area 12 between 11am and 1pm, as the tide will be slowing then.
Remember
shrimp are diurnal (sensitive to light), so the brighter the day,
the deeper they are and vice versa. If the weather report is right,
(cloudy and overcast) look for your best depths from 150' to 250'.
Submitted
by Tom Nelson, Salmon University
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Marine Area 13:
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May 06, 2008
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No
report this week
Submitted
by Captain Bill Devers, www.pugetsoundsalmoncharters.com;
e-mail salmoncharters@comcast.net
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Tuna
Report - Washington Coast:
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May 06, 2008
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No
report this week
Submitted
by Ward Norden
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FRESH-WATER
REPORTS - WASHINGTON
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Lake Washington:
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May 06, 2008
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We took Thursday off from the lake to do some personal "fun"
fishing in Area 10 for lingcod. We took SU staffer Terry Weist's
advice on riggings, locations and live bait fishing. We had
a wonderful time, but could not connect on any lings, although
the live bait fishing for sand dabs made up for it! These
little fish are really fun to catch.
Overall
consensus seems that the lingcod fishery is off to a slower
than normal start for many areas. On Sunday I fished the Lake
WA with Chris Knight. I could not have asked for better company
or weather. We had clear skies and zero wind. It actually
felt like early summer. The water temps started out at 50
degrees in the morning and by afternoon we had 53 degrees
surface temp. We ended up hooking several cutts (some long
distance releases) and a small blackmouth (yes there are resident
kings in Lk WA....but not legal to keep). All fish were caught
on herring trolled 100ft behind the Scotty release clips and
depths ranging from 25ft down to 50ft.
While
I certainly wouldn't characterize it as 'red hot', fishing
for cutts has markedly improved over the past 2 weeks. More
bait is starting to show as are the squawfish chasing them
in the shallows. Bass continues to be slow with the spawn
delayed perhaps by two weeks. Perch should be right behind
them.
Brian
Lull
Special Moments Guide Service
www.specialmomentsguideservice.com
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Lake Chelan:
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May 06, 2008
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What's
hot is trolling for Lake Chelan kokanee and Rufus Woods triploids.
Roses Lake continues to produce ten to fifteen inch rainbows. Lake
Chelan's lake trout fishing has been inconsistent during this reporting
period. Also on Lake Chelan, the season is open for landlocked Chinook.
For kokanee on Lake Chelan, fish Mack's Lures Kokanee Pro Wedding
Rings behind a Hot wings. Bait each hook on the Kokanee Pro with
a kernel or two of Pautzke's Fire Corn. Troll those at about 1.5
miles per hour from 12 to 35 feet deep over near Lakeside and Minneapolis
Beach. Use a snubber and / or a very limber rod to minimize the
loss of hooked fish. Some of these kokanee are a very chunky 14
inches. If the bite is hot, fish a Mack's Lures Imperial Spoon 2'
behind a smile blade. That will let these little guys show off their
acrobatic nature.
On
Rufus fish #1/0 black wooly bugger flies behind an action disk by
wiggle fin to consistently produce those triploided rainbows. Vary
your speed and zig zag often to produce these mostly 2 to 5 pound
fish.
On
Roses Lake, fish rainbow power bait on a 30" leader with a slip
sinker from a snugly anchored boat at either end of the lake.
On
Chelan, troll F-7 luminous chartreuse flatfish for lakers in the
trench at 1.6 mph. To target the Chinook I'd suggest Rushin Salmon
Wobblers by Critter Gitter and whole herring behind a dodger. Remember
the limit is one per day with a minimum size of 15 inches. Also,
we have caught some Chinook on those F-7 flatfish.
The
kids tip of the week is remember the shorter attention span of children.
The rule of thumb is usually about one minute of focus per year
of age. Have an alternative plan to occupy the small children when
the fishing action is less than what you hoped for. Snacks, games
and other activities help to make the overall experience positive.
Also, it is time to break out the sunscreen. Don't let them fry
in the first few sunny days of spring.
The
safety tip of the week is to watch out for the slime on the launch
ramp at Roses Lake. It is amazingly slick. It's never funny when
you take the fall.
Pictured
above on 5-2-08, Arny Forner of Manson and friend Edgar Schroeder
of Renton with their nice half day bag of Mackinaw and Kokanee.
Pictured
above on 5-4-08, Ray Kakinski of Snoqualimie with a 5lb 4 oz Rufus
Rainbow. He fished with his son Andy.
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
Moses
Lake and the Potholes are setting right at 49 degrees with some
warmer spots in shallow water areas. The Walleye bite is still on
hold as are some of the Bass areas. If you're looking for some good
Trout Areas try Warden lake, as there are some nice carry overs
or you could move to the Quincy area as it seems to be warming a
little faster with water temps running 53 to 56 degrees. I'm looking
at about 2 more weeks till the good bite starts. We still need warmer
water.
Special
Moments Guide Service, Eastside - Curtis L Welch
call 509-764-2441 home or 425-830-4713 Cell
Westside - Brian Lull - 206-331-8719.
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Chinook Pass (Naches, WA)):
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May 06, 2008
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No report this week
Submitted
by Doug Williams, Whistlin' Jack Lodge @ Cliffdell/Chinook
Pass, 20800 State Route 410, Naches, WA 98937 (509) 658-2433
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River Reports:
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May 06, 2008
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Springers,
Springers, Springers! That's all I can think about. Springers
on the mind Springers in the boat.... Springers, Springers,
Springers! Although it's been pretty dang tough in the waters
above Bonneville dam on the Columbia River things may have
turned the corner. Counts are up and have been holding steady
for the last few days. We have been fishing Drano Lake and
working for a fish here and there. Some nice fish to be
had and look for this place to take off any day with both
the amount of fish in the lake and angling pressure. Bring
the arsenal with you you may need it. Herring seems to be
taking a few fish as well as the standard Wordens M2SP Flatfish
and prawns spinners. Bring your pateince and be prepared
for lots of people looking to catch some of the finest eating
salmon on the the planet. Looks like thing are shaping up
for a nice late run so I will be adding three of four more
days to my Drano Lake schedule and have openings for anyone
who's looking to connect with a Springer or two.



Mention
Salmon or Steelhead University and receive 15 percent off
a trip for two.
For
more info contact Phil Stephens, Mystical
Legends Guide Service
Call (206) 940-0052 or E-mail
I
fished with Pat Abel Friday May 2nd on the Willamette in
downtown Portland Oregon in the Kings for the Kids Derby.
The KoneZone was responsible for 3 out of 4 Salmon that
we landed with four rods fishing. We fished 2 man teams
and took 1st and 2nd place. The fish God's were watching
over us and the KoneZone Flasher's didn't hurt either. I
wanted you to know.

Submitted
by Mike Hyneman / KoneZone
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BRITISH
COLUMBIA – SALT WATER REPORTS
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Ucluelet, BC:
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May 06, 2008
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No
report this week
For
more info, call Sam Vandervalk, 877-777-4344 Salmon Eye Fishing
Charters www.salmoneye.net
May
is now here and the first few months of fishing in Barkley Sound
and Ucluelet have shown some promise. May is often termed as the
true start to saltwater fishing in this area. Barkley Sound is located
in a vast area just south of Ucluelet and north of Bamfield. Barkley
Sound is situated in protected waters which cover 800 square kilometers
and hundreds of islands. Most months of the year one can often easily
fish these waters. Charter guide fishermen and sport anglers will
often cruise into the protected and pristine waters of the Sound
when a southeasterly is blowing on the open ocean.
May,
June, and July are the months that many migrating salmon are making
their way down the Vancouver Island coastline and enter into Barkley
Sound to feed on the rich bait fish. Usually many of the local salmon
fishing charter guides and sport fishermen will be fishing on the
outer edge of the Sound known as the surf-line. Some of the years'
best fishing can occur at Meares, Cree, Austin Island, and Edward
King during this time. We are expecting some excellent Chinook and
Coho fishing during the next several months. Predictions of mid-summer
and late summer returns to the various spawning grounds down the
coast are very favorable. Of course in August the return of the
Robertson Creek Hatchery salmon and the Nitnat Hatchery salmon come
into Barkley Sound also.
PORT
ALBERNI INLET AND BARKLEY SOUND
There
currently is not any fishing in the Port Alberni Inlet. Predictions
for a lower than normal return of Sockeye Salmon (150,000) to the
Somass River system means that a sport fishery in the Inlet will
not begin until August. Returns of Chinook and Coho in August and
September to the Robertson Creek Hatchery and the various tributary
streams in the area are forecast to allow for some extremely good
fishing. The Labor Day Weekend Salmon Fishing Derby should have
excellent fishing opportunities for all anglers. The Port Alberni
Inlet should have a very good return of five year old returning
Chinook which means some very large salmon will be swimming the
waters of the Inlet during the Derby. The Port Alberni salmon Derby
dates are August 30th through September 1st.
Barkley
Sound salmon fishing has been on the slow side over the past few
days. Meares and Mayne Bay have produced some nice Ten to fifteen
pound feeder Chinook. Watermelon and Cop Car Coyote spoons in the
four inch variety have been working as have various colored hootchies
in whites and blue-green. Forty-two to forty-four inch leader has
been working behind either a green or red hotspot flasher. Many
guests have been enjoying the prawn and crab catches on each day
of our Barkley Sound trips. We are expecting the Barkley Sound Salmon
fishing to really pickup in May as the migratory fish begin to make
their way down the coast to their spawning grounds to the south.
UCLUELET (West Coast)
Like
Barkley Sound the fishing in the waters close to Ucluelet has been
on and off. We have already picked up our first few halibut of the
year. Beginning May 1st we will begin fishing the big bank with
salmon-halibut combo fishing. The largest recorded fish to date
is thirty pounds which was picked up by some very excited guests
who were fishing with guide Kevin. Guide Mike has been fishing fairly
close to the Ucluelet Harbor and has had some great days near the
light house, Sail Rock, and Beg Island. Just a few miles out Mike
has been doing well on halibut up to 25 pounds. The salmon which
are weighing up to fifteen pounds have been best in 100 feet of
water and have been hitting brass spoons with five feet of leader
either with a flasher or without. The watermelon and copcar coyote
spoon have also been reasonably good.

Pictured
above, the Thompson family from Alberta, who experienced a great
Seafood Safari Day. The halibut, rockfish and salmon were caught
a few miles out from Ucluelet. The prawns and Crab were picked up
in Barkley Sound close to Mayne Bay. Their guide was Mike Marriott.
Included
in our spring fishing packages is the Seafood Safari. We have had
tremendous success with prawn and crab fishing. The rock fish and
ling cod fishing has also really picked up. The days in May will
become wonderfully warmer and longer and the Seafood safari is a
great opportunity to fish in Barkley Sound for shellfish and the
open Pacific for halibut and salmon.
We
are looking for some good sized halibut in May. Last year we had
a few halibut over 100 pounds which guide Mike picked up at the
area close to Sail Rock with guests. May and June should also produce
some good sized Chinook migrating down the coast.
SOMASS-STAMP
RIVER SYSTEM
We
have now finished the Winter Steelhead fishery in the Stamp. The
last few weeks saw some very good fishing in both the upper and
lower river. We are now organizing for the fall Coho-Chinook and
summer Steelhead fishery. This is a great fishing opportunity for
those keen anglers who prefer guided or non guided freshwater fishing
aboard drift and jet-boats. For those keen fly-fishing enthusiasts,
this again is a remarkable fishing adventure.

Pictured above, guide Rollie with guest Alex who was fishing with
dad Glen (who is not in picture). This was Alexs' first ever winter
steelhead. Alex is from Saskatchewan. The steelhead was picked up
on the Stamp River close to Port Alberni B.C.
For
more info, call Doug Lindores at Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing
(250)724-2502 Cell (250) 731 7389 www.catchsalmon.ca
or or www.catchsalmon-ca.com;
dlindy@shaw.ca
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Quatsino Sound/Winter Harbour:
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May 06, 2008
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No
report this week
For
more info call Greg Vance, The Outpost at Winter Harbour, Guided
Charters and Accommodations
www.winterharbour.ca
winterharbour@telus.net
250-969-4333
Vancouver
Island Overview
Fishing
remained SPOTTY overall for winter springs. Halibut fishing was
GOOD and anglers have been getting fish up to 87 lbs!
www.fishingvictoria.com
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Sooke, BC:
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May 06, 2008
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Salmon
- Salmon fishing was SPOTTY for winter springs, but very few
anglers were out fishing. Most boats caught a spring or two, with
some of the fish falling within the slot size for retention. The
best depths have been from 115 to 150 feet. There are larger fish
west of Sheringham Point for those anglers willing to travel a long
distance. The best plastic baits to try are the Tiger Prawn, Glo
Below or White hootchies or squirts. The best flashers have been
the Silver/Green and the Jellyfish. With spoons try Army Truck,
Mongoose or a Green/Glow color combinations with 4", Gypsies, Titans
and Coyotes. Anchovies are still catching fish and for teaser heads
try Rhys Davis Anchovy Specials or JDF Teasers in Army Truck or
Purple Haze.
Halibut -Halibut fishing was GOOD near Jordon River with
a half dozen fish in the 40 to 50 lb range weighed in this past
week. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits
and are usually fished off spreader bars. However, if the dogfish
become a nuisance, you can use Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or the Glow
in the Dark bullet Jigs.
Becher
Bay
Salmon
fishing was SLOW this past week, but hardly anybody was out all
week. The Bedford Islands was the best spot with several springs
in the 4 to 7 lb size caught there recently. The fish have been
close to the bottom in around 115 of water. There are a few bigger
fish, the one's that have to be released Beechy Head. Anchovy and
herring are the popular baits these days for winter springs. Purple
Haze gear (flashers, teaser heads, squirts and hootchies) has been
producing well recently and would be a good bet. If you fish spoons,
try Mongoose or Green/Glow color patterns. In plastic baits, Purple
Haze and White hootchies have been effective. The Cricket squirt
has also been good. The most productive flasher was the Purple Haze.
Pedder
Bay
Salmon
- Salmon fishing was SPOTTY this past weekend. We've only heard
of a few springs being caught in the bay, the largest weighing 9
lbs. But again, very few people went out. Anglers trolling bait
should use small to medium anchovy or herring in Purple Haze or
Glow teaser heads. The best flashers have been the Purple Haze and
the Jellyfish. If you prefer to fish artificial bait, give Mongoose,
Green/Glow or Army Truck 4" or 5" Coyote, Gypsies or Titan spoons
a try. For plastic baits, Cricket, Purple Haze or White hootchies
and squirts are good for springs.
HALIBUT -Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend. Halibut
weighed in this week were 87, 65, 53, 51, 44, 26 and 24 lbs in size.
Laurie Spears weighed in an 87 and a 53 lb halibut this past week.
Dan Hamill brought in a 65 pound halibut off Border Bank was using
a Pink Lucky Jig. Fish have been caught in the Race Rocks area and
near William Head as well. Large herring and/or Octopus are the
most popular baits and are usually fished off spreader bars. However,
if the dogfish become a nuisance, you can use Mudraker or Lucky
Jigs or the Glow in the Dark bullet Jigs.
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Victoria/Sydney,
BC:
|
May 06, 2008
|
Victoria Waterfront
Salmon
- Salmon fishing was SPOTTY this past week. Anglers reported that
the springs were scattered from Albert Head to Trial Island, and
not really concentrated anywhere. There have been a few hatchery
springs up to 12 lbs caught, besides the smaller slot limit size.
In all areas the springs have been close to the bottom. Anchovies
or herring strip have been the most productive baits. Good flashers
have been the Red/Glow and the Purple/Glow Hot Spots and Oki's.
Plastic baits such as Cricket, Tiger Prawn or Purple Haze squirts
fished behind White Glow or Purple Haze flashers have been catching
fish too, especially if the fish are deep. Spoons have been very
effective at times and the Cop Car, Green/Glow and Mongoose patterns
have been the best.
HALIBUT - Constance Bank and Albert Head were GOOD for halibut
this past week. We've heard of lots of hali's up to 50 lbs coming
from the bank at slack tide. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus
are the most popular baits and are usually fished off spreader bars.
However, if the dogfish become a nuisance, you can use Mudraker
or Lucky Jigs or the Glow in the Dark bullet Jigs.
Oak Bay
Salmon
-Fishing was SPOTTY this past week. The best depths to fish have
been from 100 to 115 feet and you should fish close to bottom around
the ledges and reefs. If you use bait, try small anchovies in Glow
teaser heads. Also effective are squirts in Tiger Prawn J-79, Cricket
or Purple Haze colors. Smaller Spoons such as 3.5" or 4" Watermelon
and Cop Car Coyote spoons are always a favorite in Oak Bay at this
time of year.
HALIBUT
-Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week. Quite a few halibut up
to 55 lbs were taken there in the past week. Extra Large herring
and/or Octopus are the most popular baits and are usually fished
off spreader bars. However, if the dogfish become a nuisance, you
can use Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or the Glow in the Dark bullet Jigs.
Sidney
Fishing
was NOT BAD near Sidney. There were 82 salmon weighed in during
the Port of Sidney Marina Derby this past Friday and Saturday. Eighty
six boats fished in the derby and fish were caught near Wain Rock,
Coal Island, Moses Point, Fairfax Point and near Hambley Point.
It was quite slow in the Sidney Channel and down near the Powder
Wharf. First place went to Rob Nau for a 30.5 lb spring caught near
Arbutus Rock on cut plug herring. Rob won $18,000 in prize money
and side bets. Second place and $2,500 went to Bruno Bauer for a
21 lb spring. Third place went and $1,000 to Mark Schinman for a
20.2 lb spring.
Port
Renfrew
Updates
for this area, as well as current statistics, can be found at http://www.portrenfrewmarina.com/.
NOTABLE
CATCHES
Laurie Spears weighed in an 87 and
a 53 lb halibut this past week. Dan Hamill brought in a 65 pound
halibut off Border Bank was using a Pink Lucky Jig. First place
went to Rob Nau for a 30.5 lb spring caught near Arbutus Rock on
cut plug herring. Rob won $18,000 in prize money and side bets.
Second place and $2,500 went to Bruno Bauer for a 21 lb spring.
Third place went and $1,000 to Mark Schinman for a 20.2 lb spring.
TIP
OF THE WEEK
Double up for halibut! When you
bait up a herring for halibut, add a small piece of octopus to the
trailing hook. That way, if a halibut steals your herring, you can
leave the bait down and get the fish when it comes back for the
octopus a few minutes later.
Submitted
by Tom Vaida Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC
(250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com;
www.fishingvictoria.com
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BRITISH
COLUMBIA – FRESH WATER REPORTS
OVERVIEW
-Trout
fishing is GOOD and bass fishing is PICKING UP, on the local lakes.
Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern
island lakes through June 15th.
Cowichan
River -Water levels are around 0.55 meters near Lake Cowichan
and there have been lots of insect hatches on the river. Anglers
have beeen catching both brown and rainbow trout when fishing the
river. Bead head nymphs, salmon fry and egg patterns are the best
wet flies to use now. However, there have been some real big hatches
on the river and dry flies are also catching some fish. The best
dries have been Goddard caddis and various Mayfly patterns. Mid
day is also the best time to fish the river.
Local
Lakes
Trout
fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the south island. The water temperature
is warming, there's increased insect activity and the fish are more
active. Anglers fishing Powerbait from shore have consistently been
catching some nice rainbows. Pink Powerbait Eggs with Shrimp scent
has been the hot bait recently. Elk Lake has been slow for 2 to
3 lb rainbows, but Langford and Prospect have been good. Some fly
anglers are reporting good success with chironomids. Other fly anglers
are fishing with the old standbys: Micro-Leeches, Wooly Buggers,
Careys and Doc Spratleys, but mayfly and caddis nymph patterns such
as Pheasant Tails, Halfbacks and Gold Ribbed Hare's Ears are also
good to try. Gear fishermen have been doing well trolling Luhr Jensen
Needlefish spoons in a variety of colours or Tomic Wee-Tads in frog
or rainbow patterns. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective
in sizes 7 and smaller in Frog, Yellow with Red Spots or Blue/Silver.
Smaller Rapalas in Rainbow Trout or Brown Trout also work well,
as long as they get down deep enough. Also, Willow Leaf Lake trolls
with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some
fish. By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must
be released at Cowichan Lake.
Bass
Fishing
Bass
fishing has been PICKING UP as the water temperature is slowly warming.
The bass are starting to move into a little shallower water prior
to spawning. By dragging a tube, soft plastic or grub you can find
some more active, feeding fish in 12'-15' of water. Look for transition
spots like humps or drop-offs that border good spawning areas. This
is your chance to catch some of your biggest fish! Shawnigan Lake,
Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes have been the best spots
for bass. St, Mary's Lake on Saltspring Island would be another
good spot to try.
Please
remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island
lakes through June 15th.
Submitted
by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria,
BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com;
www.fishingvictoria.com
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Fraser
River System
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May 06, 2008
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No
report this week
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Skeena Region, BC Canada
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May 06, 2008
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See Steelhead
University
Tracey
John Hittel
Kitimat
BC Canada
250
632-9880
250
639-4277
thittel@uniserve.com
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OREGON
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North
Oregon Coast
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May 06, 2008
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No
report this week
ALASKA
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Southeast
Alaska (Wrangell)
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May 06, 2008
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Alaska in a Weekend
Ever
wonder what to do on the weekend? Sure it's easy to mow the lawn
or go wash the car or even tackle that "honey do" list. But, have
you ever thought of fishing in Alaska for the weekend? It's not
impossible and even easier than you think if you plan your weekend
to Wrangell, Alaska. Just a few hours from Sea-tac airport and you
can be fishing for some of the most sought after sport fish in Alaska.
Wrangell is an island conveniently located between Ketchikan and
Juneau in the famous pristine waters of the Inside Passage. These
calm protected waters offer world class fishing only minutes from
town. No crowds, no seasickness, good bag limits and incredible
scenery make Wrangell very desirable to anglers looking for something
different in experience and attitude, but don't limit yourself to
just a weekend. Once you have fished Wrangell and experienced the
feeling of this small fishing community, you'll want to stay as
long as you can.
In
May and June you'll find yourself targeting King Salmon that are
returning to the mighty Stikine River to spawn in a freshwater tributary
up river or you might get into some Kings heading back to Anita
Bay roughly 8 miles from town. Whether you land a wild Stikine River
King or net an Anita Bay hatchery King, you soon realize that the
two King runs make for some awesome fishing action. One big attraction
to Wrangell during our King Salmon season is the annual Wrangell
King Salmon Derby which usually begins around the second Saturday
of May and runs to the second Sunday of June. This is a great time
to be in Wrangell and experience the local "competitive spirit"
that hovers over the town until that last King is weighed in and
the prizes are handed out. Wrangell has a great derby which pays
out well over 50 places however; the $6,500.00 first place prize
is always the derby favorite. You should come up and give it a try,
not a bad way to pay for your fishing adventure now is it?
Now
if Silvers and Halibut are on your top ten list, then you'll want
to plan on visiting Wrangell in late July thru August and into early
September. The later you wait in the summer the better especially,
for Silvers because they are packing on lot of body weight and increasing
in numbers. It is not uncommon to land Silvers in the 16 to 20 pound
range. The biggest Silver landed on my boat so far was 32" and just
under 20 pounds. What an awesome fish! Double and triple headers
are not uncommon when you are on these fish.
If
you are in the mood for some Halibut and don't want to reel them
up from Davey Jones' locker, then try Wrangell on for size. Most
of my Halibut caught last year were in less than 100 feet of water.
No joke. While you can fish for Halibut here early in the season,
you may want to wait until later in the summer for these flat fish
and be sure to ask for small tides. I always try to book my clients
on the smaller tides of the month for Halibut, that way you aren't
fighting a big moving tide that wants to sweep your bait off the
bottom and away from that barn door.
As
you can see, Wrangell has a lot to offer an angler not just in terms
of quantity and quality of the fish you can catch here, but also
the overall experience of fishing. You won't find any crowds here
on the water or in the streets, no large cruise ships in front of
town, no long boat rides to the fishing grounds and seasickness
is not an issue. If you find yourself on the "Timber Wolf" you'll
be amongst friends in a low key no stress environment. Whether you
are a novice or experienced angler, a family with children or just
out to relax, it doesn't matter, because I promote a good time while
you fish and not a high stress "can't make a mistake" environment
that you will hate for days to come. That's not fishing, that's
work!
If
you are truly interested in a fishing trip to Wrangell Alaska then
let me help build a custom itinerary or package for you or your
group. It can be a very simple fishing trip or an all inclusive
adventure package that includes all the luxuries you'd expect to
find from a first rate, professional guide service.
New
for 2008 is the custom built all aluminum "Timber Wolf" by Svendsen
Marine Works in Wrangell. At a healthy 35' and beamy 11', this boat
is outfitted with the latest Furuno fish finding equipment, Scotty
electric downriggers and unmatched fishing tackle at your fingertips.
With a large walk in heated cabin, onboard head, microwave, refrigerator,
bench seating for 6, twin forward bunks and most importantly, a
coffee maker on board! Powered by twin Mercury 250 hp Verado outboards,
your ride to the fishing grounds will be over before you know it.
Pictured above, Guide John Yeager with an August - 18 pound Silver
caught with an Ace Hi Fly.
Pictured
above, Timber Wolf client John Wolvin with his Wrangell King Salmon.
Pictured
above, one happy lady with her Wrangell Halibut.
Submitted
by John Yeager, Timber Wolf Charters, 1-888-993-2750, www.timberwolfcharters.com
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GREAT LAKES
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Great
Lakes
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May 06, 2008
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Lake
Michigan Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We had our best action working 30 to 50 feet of water outside the
break wall between the main gap to the north gap and off St. Mary's
Hospital. We also fished the temp breaks in front of the harbor
gaps and marked fish at all depths with good success. Church Mini
planer boards and Vulcan regular size OL Sherbet spoons with a 3/8-ounce
bead chain sinker running 8 feet ahead of the lure produced very
well for Brown Trout. Downriggers with magnum spoons worked great
for us running 60 feet behind the balls 8-28 feet down. The Reaper
Magnum Peacock and Magnum Fish n Chip were the big guns for Lake
Trout. Our best boat speed was 2.2 mph. We ran Slide Divers they
took their share of fish with 30 to 50 feet of line out set to number
two. We did pick up five Chinooks on magnum spoons on Saturday but
none on Sunday or Monday. A class of four inch Alewives is now showing
up in the stomachs of the fish. With the Alewives coming in we should
see increased action on the Chinook soon. We had our first Coho
of the season on Monday.
Submitted
by Capt. Jim Hirt (Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI) 414-828-1094
www.bluemaxcharters.com
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