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Fishing
Reports - Pacific Rim: Tofino/Ucluelet
March 2000
Around the Tofino area, both the weather and fishing conditions
are showing strong indications that we have almost escaped the
grasp of West Coast winter, evolving into more promising and
productive springtime conditions.
Jay
and clients with a Pacific Halibut |
There are
numerous reminders in the area of this changing season. Along
with the return of the migrating Gray
Whales from their wintering grounds down south, come the
masses of tourists that enjoy watching these spectacular ocean
mammals.
Many people are preparing their boats and gear for the season
ahead, tuning engines, servicing reels, replacing fly lines
and checking downrigger cable. We always stress the importance
of safety gear on the springtime check list, lifejackets, flares,
air horn etc.
Some fishermen have done their preparations long ago, enabling
them to enjoy some good early season action. The Salmon fishing
in the area has been good, with numerous small fish in the inside
inlets. Larger Chinook have been caught along the outer coastline
and in the offshore areas of Portland and Rafael Points.
If the weather is too nasty to venture offshore, try trolling
the waters around Wilf Rock or Blunden Island, using Anchovies,
Plugs or Spoons. Early season Halibut can be found offshore
and occasionally in Sydney Inlet, using Herring for bait. Both
the Salmon and Halibut are actively feeding on the returning
schools of Herring
at this time, so watch for this baitfish to increase success.
For the avid freshwater fishermen that explore the more remote
rivers of the Sound, Native Steelhead have been caught and released
with more regularity lately, compared to the past month, which
produced very low and cold water conditions. The peak of this
unique Steelhead fishery is yet to come, with early to mid-
April generally being the best for run timing and water conditions.
These small to medium sized 'wild' Steelhead are willing to
take your properly presented drift gear, spoons or wet flies
like the black or orange General Practitioner, large marabou
or rabbit flies in bright colours, along with large weighted
versions of the Puntledge Worm. Remember to play and release
these native 'gems' as quickly and carefully as possible.
A unique fishery enjoyed by few is targeting the Sea-run Cutthroat
trout cruising local beaches in search of small minnows and
shrimp. Catching these ocean trout on light fly or spinning
rods is worth the effort, especially for those that know one
of the numerous local spots that can provide non-stop action
for these feisty 'yellow-bellies'.
If you think that fishing on the west Coast of Vancouver Island
is only for the warmer months of summer, you are missing out
on some great fishing without the crowds.
Any further questions on fishing or charters in our pristine
area, you can contact me at 1-888-5-FISHBC or e-mail jay@steelheadsalmonhalibut.com.
Check out our website at www.steelheadsalmonhalibut.com
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