Fishing Reports - South Vancouver Island, BC

Our Southern Vancouver Island river's are running low and clear, making angling easy. You can walk and wade many of our rivers as well as drift some of them. Our mild winter is also making angling enjoyable, as there have been very few days with iced guides.

Through January and February, we have been catching large wild Steelhead to 20 lbs, with our hatchery fish mixed in. Some 12 lb hatchery fish have been awesome, but most are in the 6 lb to 10 lb range.

With rains and high tides, new runs of Chrome Bright fish enter our river systems. With our low water, this is the best time to learn a river and mark spots that will hold fish when the water rises. I would bet on rain soon, so make sure you always bring good quality rain gear and hat. Fly or Spey fishing is very productive with this low clear water and manageable water flows. You can wade easily, but fish first, then wade in, as most Steelhead will still hold tight to shore.

Halibut fishing has been getting better and better when weather and tides co-operate. Some 55 lb to 75 lbs Fish & Chip monsters have weighed in right off Victoria. I've even heard of larger ones, and don't doubt it, as Halibut is getting into prime time. Lots of Winter Springs (Chinooks) are around and make a day out very enjoyable. These feisty salmon are excellent eating, and putting down a crab trap or two makes this a win-win day. Prawn traps are also getting filled this time of year, and what an awesome dinner treat!

Lake fishing is picking up as our sunny weather keeps temperatures stable and our fish active. Rainbows and Cutthroats are putting up some great battles, with little angling pressure on them. Our Bass are still in deeper haunts, but can be coaxed out for a fight. Shore anglers have learned that you don't need a boat for our fish-filled Victoria lakes. There are numerous lakes with new floating fishing docks that can be used by all ages, and some are wheelchair accessible. Elk Lake is well known, but the three new docks on Langford Lake are just being discovered. Sneak out and enjoy a nearby lake, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Cowichan River Report: A fishing closure commences on March 6th from the upper river 70.2 Trestle bridge down to Stoltze Creek (about 15 km.) This would leave the lower end of the river (15 km) open. A bait ban will also be in affect on the whole of the Cowichan River starting on March 6th, 2000.

If you need more information, have a question or need a guide service, we're on the Internet at www.ex-stream.com.

Written by Scott Blewett
EX-Stream Steelhead Guide Service
Victoria, British Columbia

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