Pacific
Rim: Tofino/Ucluelet
Jay
and Konrad Rupp (right) from Germany |
Vancouver
Island's Pacific Rim region has a long history of fishing,
along with a bright future that holds much optimism and thorough
diversity in the growing recreational industry.
For the small coastal communities of Tofino,
Ucluelet and Bamfield,
fishing has always been a major attraction, with fish and
seafood stocks creating the backbone for their growth many
years ago.
These rich aquatic resources can change, as many things do
over time. Fortunately, the waters of Clayoquot and Barkley
Sounds still host a strong marine ecosystem, with most local
salmon stocks, halibut, bottom fish, steelhead and Sea-Run
Cutthroat numbers staying very stable.
The changes of time have shown some very positive effects
on these communities, as the facilities and recreational opportunities
continue to advance with both diversity and professionalism,
attracting and successfully catering to a worldwide clientele.
Although
the recreational opportunities are seemingly endless, there
are very focused individuals that are lured by Vancouver Island's
REEL Pacific Rim TREASURES. They come from far and wide in
search of the SILVER bright Chinook Salmon, the DIAMOND shaped
Pacific Halibut, the YELLOW-GOLD bellies of the Sea-Run Cutthroat
and the absolute PRICELESS exhilaration of releasing a native
steelhead, all in some of nature's most pristine surroundings.
These
exciting fisheries are available all along our beautiful western
coastline, from the more rugged and remote northern areas
of Quatsino, Kyoquot
and Nootka Sounds,
to the more accessible but equally pristine and abundant,
Clayoquot and Barkley Sound areas to the south.
Early
season fishing on the west coast of Vancouver Island starts
off with great opportunities for aggressive feeder Chinook
Salmon in the 6-15 lb range. This early fishery starts soon
after the New Year, with the size and strength of these juvenile
fish increasing through the spring.
Most of the early saltwater fishing is limited to the inshore
islands and inlets while the offshore fishing opportunities
increase as the weather starts to stabilize in March.
The offshore areas from Tofino, Raphael and Portland point,
as well as Ucluelet's main offshore areas, South Bank and
La Perouse or 'Big Bank' start to consistently produce larger
salmon and halibut by early April. The preferred methods are
trolling for salmon with spoons, hoochies or bait and still
fishing spreader bars with bait for halibut.
By mid-June the first runs of Coho Salmon start to show up,
both offshore and in the more shallow protected waters of
Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. These feisty 4-8 lb fish are
a welcome sight for the light tackle enthusiasts, especially
for the growing ranks of saltwater fly-fishermen. Along with
the ever-acrobatic coho, numerous Sea-Run Cutthroat help create
the bounty of the early season fly-fisherman, with numerous
species of cod and a variety of salmon to mix up the catch
later in the season. This booming new fly fishery has labelled
the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area as British Columbia's premier
sport fishing destination.
Jay's
guest Robert Rubin from Washington DC with his first
Chinook |
July through
August sees salmon fishing increase along the near-shore areas
of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. The maturing Chinook Salmon
at this time of the year reach weights of over 30 lbs, with
many over 40 lbs, and some trophy-class fish breaking the
50 lb mark. Abundant numbers of coho feed hard in these same
areas, often providing non-stop action.
As the
season progresses into early fall, fishing for local maturing
Chinook Salmon tapers off after the second week of September.
During this same period, strong runs of maturing Coho Salmon
in the 8-14 lb range return through Clayoquot and Barkley
Sounds en route to their home streams to spawn. This is a
fantastic time of the year for fly fishing, light tackle and
bucktailing.
By late
October, the tail end of the saltwater season sees strong
returns of Chum Salmon mixed in with the late coho runs.
There is little fishing pressure at this time of the year,
but opportunities to catch these powerful fish are excellent.
For the freshwater enthusiasts, there are fantastic trout
fishing opportunities year-round. Sea-Run Cutthroat can be
found in any of the many river estuaries or nearby beaches
at any time of the year, with the downstream migration of
salmon fry in the spring creating a feeding frenzy that makes
them especially susceptible to anglers.
Any well presented minnow type fly, small spinner or spoon
should entice one of these hungry 'yellow-bellies'.
There are numerous mountain lakes that hold great populations
of cutthroat and Rainbow Trout, providing some fantastic action
to those that venture into these pristine spots. Some of these
lakes have vehicle access, with most requiring a short flight
in a float plane. Small boats, float tubes or pontoon boats
are perfect craft to help you fish the majority of lakes in
our area. May through October provides the best fishing conditions
and cooperative weather.
The west Coast of Vancouver Island is undoubtedly one of the
best places on earth to fish for steelhead. These elusive
Sea-Run Rainbow Trout have an addictive quality that mystifies
many and consumes even more in an ongoing quest of the almighty
'chromer'. With world famous rivers like the Gold
River and the Stamp
River, and the lesser known but no less productive remote
river systems in the area, steelhead fishermen are situated
in Angler's Eden.
During the winter months of December through March, the Gold
provides chances to catch and release average sized ironheads,
while the Stamp gives anglers the option to keep one of the
hatchery supplemented steelhead. In March, April and early
May, the smaller remote rivers scattered along the coast have
an unbeatable combination of true native steelhead in some
of nature's most pristine surroundings. There are a number
of these west-draining systems that hold Summer Steelhead
between May and November, with these fish more likely than
their winter cousins to take a well presented fly.
Come and see for yourself what many others have already experienced
- just why the West Coast of Vancouver Island continues to
prosper with sport fishing and tourism.
For any further information on our areas and its limitless
options, or for fishing and booking inquiries, don't hesitate
to call toll free @ 1-888-5FISHBC or e-mail jay@steelheadsalmonhalibut.com.
Visit us at www.vancouverislandfishing.com.
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