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Fishing Reports - Pacific
Rim: Tofino/Clayoquot Sound Area
March April 2002
When you hear the term “Springtime” around Tofino, one
has to consider in which context it is being used. For
many people who are fortunate to live in the Island’s
most beautiful west coast community, Springtime often
represents the awaited change of seasons and weather conditions.
Many locals start gearing up for another busy season of
tourists, who arrive early to witness some of natures
fascinating creatures. Grey whales, sea lions and black
bears, the unique flora and fauna, as well as the majestic
coastal mountain landscape are definitely all-wondrous
things.
A creature that fascinates me the most undoubtedly has
to be the “Spring Steelhead”. Beautiful but shy, sleek
and powerful, tactics involve hunting as much as they
do fishing. This anadromous coastal creature gets the
recognition and respect that it deserves from ardent anglers
who ply their favourite waters. Flies ranging from the
shrimp type General Practitioner, bright Marabous, large
Leeches to single eggs and fry patterns, all need precise
presentation and timing. Lures like the Gibbs Ironhead
and Koho spoons, or drifted marabou jigs and wool eggs
are all recommended arsenal.
Timing is crucial for success. These fast moving silver
bullets can come and go while you sleep, with most activity
during the spring freshets of snow melt and warming temperatures.
Another favourite early season quarry is the “Spring Salmon”.
These hard fighting Chinook provide great sport as well
as very fine table fare. As they are almost continuously
feeding, search the offshore banks for schools of Herring,
Needlefish or Sardines to locate larger schools of these
feisty “blackmouth”.
Fished on or near the bottom, gear of choice would be
Anchovies or medium Herring trolled in a glow teaser head,
as well as pearl white or glow green Hoochies and spoons
behind a purple glow or red flasher. Leader lengths vary
from 5-7 ft for natural baits, 38-42 inches for hoochies,
and between 4-5 feet for the right spoon action. Don’t
forget to try a 4-6 inch Tomic plug # 602, 500, 232. Be
prepared for some great Halibut action at this time of
the year as well, either on your trolled Salmon gear or
by fishing still baits on the bottom. This fishery only
gets better as the season progresses.
For some great early season action with diversity that
will attract all interests, consider the Tofino area,
Vancouver Island’s Pristine Aquatic Playground.
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.
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