Fishing Reports - Pacific Rim: Tofino/Clayoquot Sound Area

July 2001

The month of July provides fantastic and diverse fishing opportunities in the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area.

The offshore waters that have been bountiful through the past few months continue to provide great action for most species of Salmon, Halibut and various Bottom-fish. The scattered islands and reefs that form the outer coastline of Clayoquot Sound, now become major feeding habitat for mixed stocks of Chinook and Coho Salmon. The combination of aggressively feeding Salmon along the coastline, with relative protection and close proximity to the harbour, offers Saltwater anglers great opportunities for some of the best Salmon action on the coast.

The numbers of Coho Salmon in the area is astonishing, with the average size of these aggressive feeders very admirable, increasing substantially as the season progresses. These increases create great options for all gear types, with Fly anglers and other light tackle fishermen possibly benefiting the most.

Due to the relatively shallow waters of the sound, along with an abundance of baitfish triggering aggressive feeding habits, Coho Salmon will often strike gear that is trolled fast and flies that are retrieved quickly, and often erratically. Gear fishermen can rely on trolling small spoons like 3 inch Coyotes, Needlefish or Plankton Hoochies behind a mini flasher. Jig fishermen can expect success with a variety of Buzz Bombs, small Reef Raiders and Gibbs Minnows.

Fly casters love this time of the year, as most everything in the saltwater box can potentially entice a violent strike from feeding Coho. Flies with a proven track record include Orange/White or Chartreuse/White Clousers, sparsely tied Needlefish streamers in different shades of green, various Deceivers, and Bucktails in shades of Green, Orange, Blue and Purple. Remember that a little bit of Krystal Flash or Glow Flashabou really livens up your fly patterns, often making a big difference.

Anglers targeting Chinook Salmon in these same near-shore areas should rely on Anchovies, medium Herring and Needlefish Hoochies. Watch for baitfish on your sonar as well as surface activity and bird action. This month provides unrestricted options for fishing your favorite area, and then August 1st will again be the start of the boundary zones of the "conservation corridor". Inside and outside the corridor still provides excellent fishing opportunities. Please respect these necessary regulations, as this years' Chinook stocks need everyone's help.

For more information about the fantastic and diverse fishing opportunities that the Tofino area has to offer, check us out online at www.vancouverislandfishing.com, call toll free 1-888-534-7422, e-mail jay@steelheadsalmonhalibut.com, or stop by our full service Fly & Tackle as you come in to town for your next unforgettable fishing adventure.

Written by Jason Mohl Jay's Clayoquot Ventures Tofino British Columbia