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No report this week

Anthony Warren, 28' Albin "MadMoney" in Ilwaco, CCA Member & PSA Sno-King Member

Westport (Marine 2):

Jan 31, 2012

The Boat Show and Sportsman Show are upon us. As you visit these shows Now is the time to stock up for 2012 Ocean Season. Every Boat planning to fish the Ocean needs to be well stocked and below are my must have suggestions:

Submitted by Kevin Lanier, Fishin' Luhrs, VP PSA State Board and PSA SnoKing

La Push (Marine Area 3 & Forks):

Jan 31, 2012

No report this week

No report this week

Jim Richeson  1-888-501-5887  www.topnotchoceancharters.com   toll free 1-888-501-5887

Neah Bay (Marine Area 4):

Jan 31, 2012

Sekiu (Marine Area 5):

Jan 31, 2012

No report this week

For more info call Kyle Wagoner at Kyle's Outdoor Adventure GuideService @ 425-577-8484 Email me @ kylew@kcwservices.com, www.kcwservices.com

No report this week

Fishing has been somewhat spotty in the San Juan's this past week. Some reports of nice fish, some reports of no fish. On Saturday we got into a hot bite for the first two hours around the top of the flood, and were able to put some salmon in the boat. A lot is happening this week on the derby scene, with the Frank Wilson Memorial Blackmouth Derby starting Feb. 1st., the Roche on Feb. 3rd. and 4th, and tickets to the Anacortes Salmon Derby going on sale Feb. 1st. as well. It will be interesting to see what's out there under competitive conditions.

Chuck and Greg with a keeper Blackmouth. These fish are good clean fun, and great eating

Hugh Allen is all smiles in the middle of some fast and furious action

Chuck Payne ready to net my fish, while I attempt the classic "lift slowly and step back" maneuver

Chuck runs San Juan Sportsman Charters out of Friday Harbor, but took a break this day to fish with us on Greg's new boat. Chuck's guiding winter Blackmouth all season and has open spots (www.sanjuansportsman.com).

Kevin with a standard size salmon. We released a couple that were quite a bit bigger than this one

Good friends, good fishing, awesome scenery and wildlife are all part of Blackmouth fishing in the San Juans.

Submitted by Kevin Klein Friday Harbor, PSA San Juan Islands, CCA Northsound

Marine Area 8.1:

Jan 31, 2012

Open for All Salmon

No report this week

For more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters,
800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email gary@allstarfishing.com

Marine Area 8.2:

Jan 31, 2012

Winter Kings (Blackmouth) open now.

No report this week

For more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters,
800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email gary@allstarfishing.com

Want to hit the afternoon slack ?", I asked my buddy Anthony on a blustery and chilly Saturday morning. It had been over a week since we last ventured out, and the Fishtale does not like to be confined at the docks.

It wasn't long after lunch and we were on our way to Possession for another chance at chasing blackmouth in the salt. As the weather report from the State Ferry came in at 22 knots winds from the South off Edmonds, we made a quick decision and took a 45 degree turn to starboard to hit Gedney Island instead of taking the run to Possession.

The decision proved correct for two reasons.......the winds only got worse at Possession..........we picked up some nice fish nearby at the Southeast corner of the island.

I was trying the Midnight Special Piscator flasher at 130 feet.........dragging the 15 pound weight along the bottom with hopes of stirring up some candle fish to mimic the coho killer tied 26 inches behind. As I walked into the cabin to retrieve a frosty, my rod goes off and Anthony quickly pounces on it. "FISH ON and it's peeling line !" The MIDNIGHT is "Special" and we put a heafty streamlined rocket into the fishbox.

Midnight Flasher

As the winds picked up, our fish greed diminished, so we headed to the docks with two kings and a couple hours fishing under our belt. The Fishtale 2 was happy again........and so were we.

Not too many reports coming in due to the weather. Make sure to stay on top of the winds and be safe !

See you on the water,

Submitted by Nelson "Spud" Goodsell, FISHTALE 2, PSA Sno-King Chapter

Marine Area 9:

Jan 31, 2012

Opens for Salmon January 16th

No report this week

For more info, call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters, 800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email gary@allstarfishing.com ; www.allstarfishing.com

All-Star Fishing Charters - Delivering Quality fishing on Puget Sound

Seattle area (Marine Area 10):

Jan 31, 2012

Open for Salmon until January 31st

No report this week

For more info call Gary Krein at All-Star Fishing Charters; (800)214-1595 or (425)252-4188 gary@allstarfishing.com; www.allstarfishing.com

No report this week

Matt McCulloch , www.tyeecharters.net , (206) 799-2530

 Marine Area 11:

Jan 31, 2012

Area 11 opened February 1st after a month closure. There has been an unusual high number of small herring in 11 this winter so blackmouth have been well fed. Weather will probably control participation. With the small bait, match the hatch in using small spoons like the coho killer or 3.5" spoons,  small jigs, needlefish hoochies or small herring.  As the season ended there had been reports of a good number of blackmouth that were just under sized that should be legal size plus.

For more information, call Tom Pollack, Sportco in Fife, 253-922-2222

Marine Area 11 – Dock Fishing                                     December 13, 2011

No report this week

Hood Canal (Marine Area 12):

Jan 31, 2012

No report this week

Submitted by Tom Nelson, Salmon University

Marine Area 13:

Jan 31, 2012

No report this week

Lake Chelan:

Jan 31, 2012

What continues hot is bait fishing for Triploid Rainbow Trout on Rufus Woods Reservoir near the lower net pens. Also hot, is trolling the Narrows on Lake Chelan for big Lakers. Roses Lake is pumping out planter rainbows and jumbo perch for ice fishermen.

Fishing with Fire Bait near the lower pens on Rufus has been very good. Mallow Balls O’ Fire was the flavor de jour on our last trip up there. We continue to be able to get fish to bite jigs for some catch and release action.

On Chelan, fish the deep water on either side of the Narrows near the Yacht Club. Our “go to” lure here is a T4 purple glow flatfish. Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Fly and Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in glow colors baited with a strip of Northern Pikeminnow also works great in this area. Fish out to the 380’s bench before turning around. Most fish have been biting from 260 to 340 feet deep. Numbers of Lakers can be caught in the trench. Ace Hi flies and Worden Lures U20 flatfish are a great bet there.

Roses Lake has been getting fished hard by anglers for both trout and perch. The perch numbers really seemed to have climbed. Anglers are mostly dangling dough baits through the ice for planter rainbow trout. Worms and jigs will catch your first perch. Then a perch eye on the jig hook is a premium bait to use.

Your fishing tip and kids tip of the week is to attend those Sportsman’s Shows to get new tools for your fishing toolbox or to learn more. The latest and greatest gadgets will be there as well as a variety of instructional seminars. Your younger kids will shake off cabin fever by catching a trout out of the ubiquitous kids fishing pond as well as looking at all the attention getting exhibits. The Yakima Show will have a live bear exhibit! We just finished at the Tri Cities show. As I write this we’re preparing to travel to the Western Washington Sportsman’s show in Puyallup, followed by the National Boat Show in Spokane. We’ll also attend the Yakima Sportsman’s show in the middle of February. Come see us at our booth.

Your safety tip of the week is to remember that four inches of clear ice is the minimum for safe ice fishing. Be very observant before venturing out on the ice. Carry spikes on a tether to haul yourself out if worse comes to worse.

 
Pictured above on 1/15/12, The Burdette clan of Deer Park, WA with their catch of Rufus Triploids.

Pictured above on 1/15/12 , Laura Burdette again with her first Rufus Triploid!

For more info call Anton & Sandra Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service; darrellanddads.com; antonj@aol.com or call (509)687-0709 or toll free at (866)360-1523

January 29th, 2012

Today we banged the Laketrout in the Lower Basin at the Foot of the Trench.....We ended our 4 hour boat with 15 laketrout and 1 real big Laketrout tipping the Scale at 18lbs. 14 oz!  Ace Hi-Fly by Silverhorde was the ticket again!   We kept our Baits next to the bottom at all times.

Sergio Cervantes with a Big Laketrout

Kelly Bowen, Andy Sharpe and Sergio Cervantes with the results from a 4 hour fishing adventure

Today I had the pleasure of hosting legendary Lewis Leonard out fishing Laketrout again.  We hammered the Laketrout right off the start with the Ace Hi-Fly by Silverhorde at the foot of the Trench.  We kept our baits next to the bottom at all times in depths from 160 to 245ft.  We started late (10:00 am) but we still managed to get into fish.  Thanks again Lewis for your help with the Technical Difficulties.

Lewis Leonard while fighting a nice Laketrout

Me (Joe Heinlin) with 2 nice laketrout

Lake Chelan Adventures, Joe Heinlen - 509-393-9665 www.lakechelanadventures.com

Chris Herrera and Brent Tyson from Timber Tiger Taxidermy caught these nice walleye on the Mar Don Fishing Dock.

Submitted by Mike Meseberg, MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir 509.346.2651 www.mardonresort.com  &  Nick Barr  www.nickbarrfishing.com

Ucluelet, BC:

Jan 31, 2012

The prime time to fish here is all summer - well not quite, but since we fish three areas there is usually somewhere to catch salmon and halibut. Most recommended times are:

• December to May for the feeder Chinooks and some halibut starting to show in Ucluelet around mid May
• May - July for Halibut in Ucluelet and large numbers of Chinook(King) salmon.(they run all summer) .
• July 15 - September 10 in Ucluelet for large Kings
• July, August and September for Coho in Ucluelet

No report this week

For more info, call Sam Vandervalk, 877-777-4344 Salmon Eye Fishing Charters www.salmoneye.net

On Vacation – No reports for 3 weeks!

For more info call Ken Bodaly at Rocky Point Charters, Bamfield, B.C. 250-728-3678 or the boat cell phone 250-735-4224 www.rockypointcharters.ca email rockypointcharters@shaw.ca

PORT ALBERNI INLET, BARKLEY SOUND, UCLUELET(WEST COAST) STAMP RIVER

This is the time of year when many good weather fishermen are thinking of the summer ahead and the possibilities of some great fishing in warmer weather conditions. The spring and summer saltwater fishing in 2011 was phenomenal and very much a memorable year. We are expecting the same if not better results this summer. However we are currently in the dead of winter and the weather is below freezing on the west coast of Vancouver Island British Columbia as arctic air has invaded the coast. Of course many realize that there is opportunity to fish twelve months of the year in this area of scenic Vancouver Island. Many anglers are currently enjoying the clear sunny but chilled weather on the Stamp River where they are fishing in a fresh water body for Winter Steelhead. The fishing has been relatively consistent over the last three months for Fall and Winter Steelhead. Just two weeks ago the area had the biggest rains of the fall and winter and the water levels came up extremely high which slowed the fishing but with little precipitation since, the fishing is once again improving with new Steelhead entering the system daily. Of course Barkley Sound, which is predominately, protected water and the open waters outside the Ucluelet Harbor have opportunity during the winter for hearty anglers to fish for Winter Chinook. These Chinook could also be referred to as residential fish average eight to twelve pounds and can often get up and over twenty pounds, feed on the hearty and abundant rich resources of bait fish that are found close to the surf line and the many small islands and large island chains of the Sound and also the many large sandy banks outside the Ucluelet Harbor. The pristine water of Barkley Sound and the inshore and offshore water off of Ucluelet are perhaps a couple of the only areas along British Columbia’s majestic coastline where one could fish twelve months of the year and have opportunity to land a twenty plus pound salmon.
Port Alberni Inlet

Barkley Sound

Most anglers think that the Port Alberni Inlet only has salmon fishing from mid June through mid September. This is true as the Sockeye, Chinook and Coho do return in big numbers to the Somass-Stamp River System right into November. But one must remember that the Port Alberni Inlet stretches from the Port Alberni Harbor beyond Nahmint and Bilton Point which is quite a stretch of water. Few people realize that feeder Chinook do swim up into the Franklin-Nahmint area and feed on the big bait balls that school up during the winter in this area. During the winter high pressure systems that we are now experiencing move into the region and the feeder Chinook can really turn on and feed in frenzies. The few people that do fish the area on an on going basis during the winter do have some success in 100 to 140 feet of water using anchovy or coyote spoons. Hootchies also can be very productive but leader length can be a little longer than what is used in the summer. Hootchie leaders of 44 to 46 inches seem to be more productive in the Inlet and also in Barkley Sound behind hotspot green glow flashers and also purple haze and chartreuse flashers during the winter. Barkley Sound has had some bright spots over the last month. The Bamfield Harbor has had some nice fishing with the feeder Chinook averaging eight to ten pounds. The stretch of water from the harbor mouth down to Poetts Nook has also had some good fishing when the bait has been in the area.
Anchovy in a Chartreuse Rhys Davis Teaser Head has been working very well around Swale Rock and Vernon Bay. The fish around Swale have been in 140 feet of water. The Pill Point, Ecoole and Rainy Bay areas have also had a few winter feeders in very deep water. We expect the winter Chinook fishing to really pickup in February and March.
The late spring and summer fishing in 2012 in both the Port Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound looks unbelievably promising. In 2011 well over 1.4 million sockeye swam through the Alberni Inlet waters to the Somass River. The Chinook and Coho returns were also remarkably high. The La Nina weather pattern is continuing to influence the weather patterns over the Pacific North-West and the northern waters of the Pacific Ocean. This pattern has definitely played a major role on ocean conditions which over the last few years has produced higher salmon returns to many of the large watersheds in the Pacific north-west on both sides of the Canadian and U.S. border. The La Nina pattern has produced a much lower salmon mortality rate as the salmon food resources have been increasingly better and ocean conditions for salmon survival pretty well perfect for all five salmon species to survive in Northern Pacific waters before returning to their streams, creeks and rivers.

Sockeye fishing in the Port Alberni Inlet for the past three summers has been very good. The summer of 2012 should have some fantastic Sockeye fishing. Sockeye fishing usually begins by the 15th of June and continues into early August.

Richard and Esther of Chilliwack B.C. had some great fishing for Chinook in August of 2011. We are expecting the Port Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound to have good fishing in 2012. This Chinook was landed using an O-15 big Pink hootchie and 42 inches of leader

Ucluelet

Ucluelet is one of those west coast British Columbia locations that anglers have opportunity to land a twenty pound salmon twelve months of the year. Of course weather plays a huge role on getting out onto the water but there are days during the winter months that are fishable close to the Ucluelet Harbor. Of course the summer months create different weather patterns and much of the fishing occurs on the rich bait resource sandy banks which begin at three miles to twenty-six miles and further offshore from the Ucluelet Harbor. Those hearty winter anglers fishing close to Ucluelet have been treating themselves to not only some of those hearty fat feeder Chinook but also to some wonderful crab and prawn resources found close to the Harbor basin. Anglers must beware of closure to sport crab and prawn fishing and continuously check the DFO regulations for sport shell seafood and when closures occur.
January has already produced some spectacular winter days out on the west coast of Vancouver Island, B.C. This past week has had some much colder air temperatures but the afternoons have warmed up. The month of December was very similar with some great winter weather. The good weather patterns have also permitted opportunity for local anglers and the odd guide boat to get out on the water. Mara Rock, Beg Island, Great Bear, Sail Rock, and The Alley have all been fishable on some of these great weather days. These areas are all relatively close to the Ucluelet Harbor and those fisher persons going out onto the water can easily get back to the Harbor if the weather happens to quickly change. The feeder Chinook like any other area on the west coast will basically be found wherever the bait are. There have been some good sized bait balls in the said locations but in much deeper water than what one would find perhaps during the summer. Coyote spoons in the three and a half inch have been working. Green-glo, cop car, and any chartreuse color seem to be working well behind a hotspot flasher. The feeder Chinook are feisty and seem to bite a little better when the high pressure systems move in and also in the mid-day. The winter Chinook that have been landed are averaging nine and ten pounds but there are some bigger fish out there. As we get into February, March and April the fishing will get better. By April we will also see the beginning of the migratory flow to southern watersheds begin. These early Chinook are often fourteen to twenty pound and are extremely feisty. There will always be some fairly decent winter fishing on the west coast. Always take precaution just like the summer regarding weather conditions. The summers however have been phenomenal and the summer of 2012 should be no different out of Ucluelet.

Somass-Stamp River

The fishing for Steelhead since the early fall on the Stamp River can easily be termed as being very consistent. The Upper River has been very good most of the year and in the last few weeks the lower portions of the river have improved for winter Steelhead. The river over the past week has come down which has made it a little easier for those on foot. For those walking the Falls Pool, Slide Pool, and Store Pool are all accessible on both sides of the river. These areas have been very busy on most weekends but during the week quite quiet. The Sproat River has also been good for those on foot. There seems to be a lot more fish in the Sproat this year than in the past. Those fishing with guides in boats have continued to be successful. This is not to say that there are not a few days that are mediocre in terms of the fishing. If the fishermen are patient usually there is opportunity during the day to find biting fish. The last few days the fishing in the morning has been soso but with warmer afternoons the Steelhead fishing seems to improve. On average daily hookups over the past week have been eight. There have been days with up to twelve and fifteen hookups and also some days with less. Those fishing either in boats or on foot below “the bucket” are being successful using roe and roe bags. If using artificial four inch rubber worms in pink or white have been good as have rocket red spin-n-glos. The Steelhead in the Lower River have been averaging seven to nine pounds. There have been some very fresh fish. In fact some of the fish landed as of late have still had sea lice whch oftens means they just came into the system. Most of these fish have come in off a high tide. Those fishing above “the bucket” can only fish with artificials. Jigs have been good as have small gooey bobs, rubber worms and spin-n-glos. We are expecting some great fishing throughout the winter. The winter Steelhead fishing can often continue right into April. The salmon fishing which begins in September or each year is very popular. Those individuals wishing to fish the river in the fall should organize very soon.

This chrome winter Steelhead was landed by Kelvin in the Lower Stamp using a rubber worm. The Stamp River is located very close to Port Alberni B.C.

This family of three spent a great day on the Stamp River. Young Scotty was on one of his first fishing trips with mom Carly and Dad Tim. The day was fantastic with plenty of action.

For more information and/or reservations, call Doug Lindores at Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (250) 723-2435; (250)724-2502; cell (250)731-7389 or 1-877-214-7206      www.catchsalmon.ca or www.catchsalmon-ca.com; dlindy@shaw.ca

No report this week

No report this week

Submitted by John Bridal, Sooke Fishing Adventures
www.fishingsooke.ca, 1-250-642-2587

No report this week

Richard Taggart, Manager, Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina 250-478-1771

Oak Bay Marine Group Reel Reports

Vancouver Island Overview

Bad weather continues to limit the fishing effort. Salmon fishing was BETTER for winter springs in many areas. Whirl Bay and Constance Bank had the largest numbers of fish. Seals are still a problem for anglers fishing off of Victoria. The seals do not appear to be a problem either west or north of Victoria.

Sooke, BC:

Jan 31, 2012

Salmon –Salmon fishing was FAIR for winter springs up to 12 lbs early in the week. Most of the salmon are still 6 to 8 lb fish. The fish are deep, from 120 to 160 feet on the downrigger, in 100 to 180 feet of water. Much of the action is coming from off the harbor and Secretary Island and along the Bluffs to the trailer Park. The fish are not very selective and being caught on all types of gear. Anchovies have been working best in Bloody Nose and Army Truck teaser heads. Hootchies and squirts are good in Purple Haze, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. The best flasher has been the Silver Betsey and Silver Fever Hot Spot. Cop Car or Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also been good for springs.

Becher Bay –The fishing was GOOD for winter springs. Anglers were reporting lots of salmon up to 14 lbs for Whirl Bay and the Bedford Islands. Inside the bay, the action has been consistent for springs up to 12 lbs. Fishing close to the bottom is the key to success in both areas. The majority of anglers fishing for springs have switched from using bait to artificial lures as the fish are not very selective and are being caught on all types of gear. Anchovies are still catching a lot of fish though. The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. The best flashers have been the Green/Silver Hot Spots and Oki’s. Hootchies and squirts were good in White/Silver, Glo Below and Mint Tulip. Cop Car, Glow/Green or Green/Silver spoons have also been good for springs.

Pedder Bay –Salmon fishing was GOOD but not too many anglers were out due to the weather. Whirl Bay was hot and many anglers caught limits there. Some anglers fished in the bay near the yellow Can Buoy or the Deep Hole. Anglers have doing fairly well there on springs up to 15 lbs. There still is good fishing on the William Head side of the bay and in Parry Bay too. The fish are not very selective and are being caught on all types of lures. Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads have been the most popular ones when using bait and the best flashers have been the Silver Betsey and Purple Haze. Hootchies and squirts were good in Glo Below, Mint Tulip and Purple Haze. Coho Killer spoons in Green/White and Green/Silver Coyote spoons have also worked very well for the springs.

Victoria/Sydney, BC:

Jan 31, 2012

Salmon fishing was GOOD out at Constance Bank. Almost all the boat s came back from there had some fish up to 10 lbs, or reported releasing smaller 3 to 5 lb, but legal, springs. The east side of the bank was hot for those anglers bottom bouncing in 120’ to 150’ of water. The seals are still a problem for some anglers on the bank. Close in, anglers were getting fish up to 14½ lbs while fishing near Clover Point. However, there was not nearly as much action along the waterfront as there was offshore. The “coffe club” at Esquimalt Anglers had a derby along the waterfront and the winning fish weighed 9.9 lbs. There were only 7 salmon weighed in by 26 boats fishing. The derby area did not include Constance Bank. The fish are not very selective and are being caught on all types of lures. Anchovies have been working best in Bloody Nose teaser heads. Coho Killers, Green/Glow and Army Truck spoons are working well for winter springs. Hootchies and squirts are good in Electric Chair, Cloverleaf and Glo Below. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Green/Silver Hot Spots.

Oak Bay – Salmon fishing was GOOD on the Flats for winter springs up to 10 lbs. Anglers are catching the fish while trolling in the Gap and on the Flats. The best bet is trolling right on bottom in 100 to 150 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts are the Cloverleaf, J-79 and Electric Chair. With spoons, 3½” or 4” Gypsy, Titans, and Coyotes in Cop Car or Silver/Green colors and the Gold Star Coho Killer. Glow in the dark flashers would be the best choice for springs now.

Sidney –Salmon fishing has been FAIR around Sidney. Not too many anglers have been out and we’ve only heard of one 8 lb spring from Moresby and one just legal spring from the south end of the Sidney Channel. There are lots of fish around the minimum size length but a few bigger ones too. Many anglers have been fishing for springs using anchovies in Bloody Nose, Purple Haze and UV Green teaser heads. Squirts have been out producing hootchies recently and the hot patterns for springs now are the J-79, Glow Below and Electric Chair. Mongoose Coyote spoons have also been working well. Homemade Tiny Strip is also working very well.

Notable Catches - David Turenne pulled a 15 lb spring from the Deep Hole in Pedder Bay on Sunday.

Tip of the Week

Having a hard time getting braided line to hold in the release clip when trolling for salmon? Here’s a good trick. Wrap a few turns of line around a toothpick and use the release clip to hold the toothpick in place. Works like a charm.

Submitted by Tom Vaida Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com

Port Renfrew

No report this week

Submitted by Tom Vaida Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com

BRITISH COLUMBIA – FRESH WATER REPORTS

OVERVIEW

Fishing is SLOW on the local lakes for both trout and bass in this cold, winter weather. In fact many lakes had ice over them. Steelhead fishing is going strong in the rivers.

Cowichan River

The water level on the Cowichan River is near 1.5 meters and rising with good clarity to the water. Last week was pretty good to steelheaders as fresh run fish entered the system. The Riverbottom and Bible Camp areas have been the best area to fish and drift boaters are reporting multiple hookups. Some of the bank anglers are also catching fish. For steelhead, good lures to fish are Spin ‘n Glo’s, Corkies, Gooey Bobs and the always reliable Pink Worm. Although many anglers are successful catching winter runs on flies, most anglers chose to use floats and gear.

Local Lakes  

Trout fishing is SLOW on most lakes in the South Island area, especially since many of the lakes had ice this past weeek. As the water temperature drops the fish are not as active causing the action to slow down.

Many anglers are catching trout on both Powerbait, Gulp! Eggs, or worms. Fly anglers are mostly using Wooly Buggers or leech patterns. Trollers have been doing OK with a variety of lures but we’ve heard that the Orange Hot Shot has been good. Chris Jones sent us pictures of 22” and 18” rainbows from fuller Lake that he caught on the Orange Hot Shot. The Rhys Davis Baitrix Trout lures and UV Mini Strip Teasers work well for larger fish too. Other good trolling lures are the Apex Trout Killers with the police car one of the best and the black with silver glitter spots taking second place. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 5 to 7 in Frog, Yellow with Red Spots or Blue/Silver. Smaller Rapalas in Rainbow Trout or Brown Trout patterns also work well. Lastly, Willow Leaf Lake trolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. The biggest trout continue to be caught at Elk Lake with Langford Lake being your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”. By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake.

Bass Fishing

Bass fishing is SLOW. Slower presentations such as soft plastics work as the water cools. As winter approaches, look for the fish to move into deeper water and suspend. They might become less active and take a little more “coaxing” to bite. Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake on Salt Spring Island is also a great lake for bass fishing.

Notable Catches

2012 DERBIES and EVENTS

Island Outfitters starts and ends the year with the free for fun and prizes Salmon and Halibut Leader Board. Simply weigh your catch in at Island Outfitters and the top five fish in each category on December 31st wins a special prize. Everybody who enters a fish gets a prize! Maybe it will be you bringing in the big one! Please let us know as early as possible about your up coming events in 2012!

April 6th and 7th: Island Outfitters 18th Anniversary Sale: Our storewide annual sale with LOTS of great deals and bargains.

April 14th. The 5th Annual Elk Lake Take a Kid Fishing Derby. Tickets are Adults - $25, Children under 16 - $10. All ticket holders are entered into the draw for a new boat and motor package. First place prizes of $1,000 for the largest tout and the largest bass. This derby has live release weigh boats and weigh-station located strategically on the lake. For more info contact us at 350-475-4969.

April 28th: The Sidney Salmon Derby. Rod Tickets are only $100.00 each! Banquet Tickets are $22.00 (including HST). Scales close at 4:00pm.- Banquet Dinner at Tulista Park starts after 4:00pm. Prizes to be won! 1st Place; $5,000 2nd Place; $3,000 3rd Place; $2,000: Plus Draw Prizes and 50/50 Tickets! All proceeds go to Salmon Enhancement Tickets available at Island Outfitters

May 12th and 13th: The 16th Annual Just for the Halibut Derby. First prize is $7,500 cash, 2nd prize is $2,500, and 3rd prize is $1,000 cash. A hidden weight “Bonus” prize is sponsored by SG Power. Tickets are available at Island Outfitters, Pedder Bay Marina or Cheanuh Marina. Call 250-475-4969 for more information.

Submitted by Tom Vaida, Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC (250) 475-4969 info@fishingvictoria.com; www.fishingvictoria.com

Port Hardy, Port McNeil, Winter Harbor

Port McNeill

No report this week


  
Port Hardy

No report this week

No report this week

Submitted by Ken McLean, Port McNeil

Queen Charlotte Islands

Jan 31, 2012

Salmon University/Oak Bay Trip

Read about this fantastic trip here

OREGON

 Oregon Coast

Jan 31, 2012

See Steelhead University

Submitted by Andy Martin, www.wildriversfishing.com or www.alaskasportfish.net.
wildriversfishing@yahoo.com

ALASKA

King Salmon

Well, if you can find a decent day in between winter gales and below zero temps, you will probably find a nice winter king close by.  A few dedicated sport anglers have been doing quite well on winter kings over the past few weeks.  Two guys landed 17 king salmon over a three day period using herring and that’s not including the multiple strikes they had and missed hookups.  The majority of the kings were in the mid to high 20’s with a few nicer kings in the mid 30’s.  Very nice fish for this time of year.  Depths vary on these fish ranging from 25 to 60 feet. 

ADF&G has released its pre-season forecast for Stikine River King Salmon and it looks real good at an expected return of 41,000 fish to the Wrangell area.  This will most likely mean liberalized limits again for non-resident anglers, who fish the Wrangell area however, until it’s officially in writing please consider this only speculative.  They should release the “official” daily bag and annual limits for the 2012 season by April.  The return is marginally larger than the 2011 return, so I am hopeful that non-resident anglers will be afforded another fish or two.

Halibut

Coming off a miserable 2011 bag limit for non-resident anglers, the proposed U45O68 proposal will be a nice change for both the guiding industry in SE Alaska as well as visiting anglers to this region.  If passed by the IPHC (International Pacific Halibut Commission) this month, the new regulation will go into effect this year for the 2012 charter season.  Non-resident anglers would be able to keep 1 halibut 45” and under OR 1 halibut over 68”.  Dressed weight for a 45” halibut is roughly 32 pounds and 123 for halibut in that 68” range.  This is gives anglers plenty of opportunity to keep some great “eater” size fish or go after that trophy “barn door” halibut.  We should know the decision by IPHC by early February at the latest.  I will keep you posted. 

Rigging

Many of you may already use this trolling rig, but I find it very effective early in my King salmon season.  For explanation and visual purposes, I rigged this using a larger herring than usual.  I prefer to use smaller red pack “fire cracker” herring or green pack herring that are a little larger, mostly in that 4”-5” range.  This is a fairly simple rig to use and I find that to really benefit from this you should have several of these rigged and stored in a container with salt. This is very handy when you are on a bite and want to stay in the fish without wasting time with unnecessary rigging. 

The first step I do is cut out the tail.  What you want to accomplish here is to remove the actual lower spine and tail fin section of the herring without cutting off the fillet.  Once the tail has been removed, you are left with two “flaps” of skin and meat. 

Then take a herring needle and insert it between the flaps and run it all the way out the mouth of the herring. 

Attach the leader with hook tied onto the end of it and pull the leader through the body of the herring until the shank of the hook is all the way inside the body of the herring.  You want to ensure that the bend of the hook is seated nicely between the flaps of the herring and that the tip of the hook is in line with the belly of the herring.  Lastly, you will use a nose clip to hold the mouth shut.

This rig can be used with a single hook or treble hook set up.  IF you opt for the treble hook, make sure that you have 2 of the hook tips under the herring’s belly with the third tip inside the body.  Leader length varies, but I usually run 28” to 32” inches behind a Hot Spot flasher.  I normally want to run the smaller herring earlier because it “matches the hatch” for the size herring we typically see arriving first then, I like to go bigger as the season progresses.

This is just another method that I find useful to have in my tackle box.  As a guide I feel you can never have too many rigs to fall back on.

Seattle Boat Show

I will be manning the Wrangell Alaska booth at the Seattle Boat Show over the opening weekend of the show.  I always enjoy talking about Wrangell and fishing opportunities to those of you that stop by.  Please feel free to stop by and talk fishing anytime.  I will be there Friday thru Sunday.  Hope to see you there!!

Have a great week!

John Yeager, Alaska Charters & Adventures  1-888-993-2750

Rocky Point Resort  

No report this week

Submitted by: John Snyder (skipper of the “Susan C”) for Rocky Point Resort 1-907-772-4405
www.rockypointresortak.com; walt_rockyptresort@yahoo.com

 Great Lakes

Jan 31, 2012

Closed for the season

Submitted by Capt. Jim Hirt (Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI) 414-828-1094 www.bluemaxcharters.com