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Fishing
Reports - Pacific Rim: Tofino/Clayoquot
Sound Area
May
2001
With
over 350,000 Columbia River Chinook, numerous Fraser River Chinook,
and other mixed stocks passing Tofino's doorstep, the month
of May kicks off one of the best early season Salmon fisheries
in many years.
Its hard to believe that this kind of fantastic Chinook Salmon
fishing is anticipated to continue through late July, only to
then face the return of Coho Salmon in numbers that rival historic
levels. Watch for these blunt nosed brutes to range in size
from 18-35 lbs, with good opportunity to hook fish of 40 lbs.
and over.
Concentrate fishing efforts in the offshore waters from Tofino's
Portland or Raphael Points, with your gear from the bottom up
to 110 feet. Anchovies rigged in clear, chartreuse or Army Truck
teasers, 6-8 feet behind your favourite Hot Spot or Oki flasher
is undoubtedly a must have piece of gear. These aggressive fish
are notorious for slamming large spoons and plugs, so be prepared
with a few of the proven producers for more of a light tackle
experience.
After an excellent start to the Halibut season, May is often
when this fishery really heats up. Anticipate your efforts to
be rewarded with Halibut ranging from 20-60 lbs, with numerous
large flatties already being hooked over the past month.
The same offshore areas that produce such fantastic Salmon fishing
are also home to the Halibut, which are attracted by the abundant
baitfish resources. Fishing with Lead Minnow and Pipe style
Jigs on the bottom is quite effective, but the method of choice
would be to fish baits like Herring, Pilchards, Octopus or Salmon
Bellies on a Gibbs spreader bar. The use of scents on your jigs,
or hoochy skirts, is something worth trying.
Abundant numbers of juvenile Coho Salmon have started the local
saltwater fly fishery early this year, with the sizes of these
feisty salmon increasing rapidly over the next few months. Small
flies in orange or pink are the best bet. If this type of fishing
interests you, this is the year to get in on it. Some late spring
Steelhead have been providing good action for us with flies
and light spinning gear. Black G.P.s, large Stoneflies and purple
Leeches have been popular on the Steelhead hit list. Bolo spinners
are a great spring-time spinner for both Steelhead and Cutthroat.
Trout Fishing in the Tofino-Clayoquot Sound area is in prime
time, with opportunities all around. The local beaches are teeming
with aggressive Sea-runs willing to take any thing that resembles
a Salmon fry. Local lakes are active for both Rainbows and Cutthroat,
with nymphs, leeches and small minnow patterns a focus. With
some of the best sport fishing opportunities in many years,
come and see for yourself why Tofino has become on of the most
focal destinations in British Columbia.
For further
questions or information, see us online at www.vancouverislandfishing.com,
call toll free 1-888-534-7422,
or e-mail jay@steelheadsalmonhalibut.com.
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