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[ Current Fishing reports ]

Salmon University is always looking for reliable sources for fishing reports. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in providing on-going fishing reports in a given area, please click here.

This is where you can find out the current fishing conditions in different areas around the Northwest.

IMPORTANT – ALWAYS check the most current regulations before you go out.
For the most recent updates to Washington regulations, click here.
For the most recent updates to British Columbia regulations, click here.

To find out how to fish a particular area, click on the area name.


WASHINGTON - SALT WATER REPORTS


  Click for the latest Ocean Creel Reports

Click for the latest Sport Fishing Creel Reports


Ilwaco (Marine 1):

May 13, 2008

SPORT HALIBUT SEASON OPENS

Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco): Open 12:01 a.m. Thursday May 1, 2008, 7-days per week until 70% of the quota is reached, or until July 20, 2007 whichever comes first. The fishery will reopen on August 1, 2008 and continue three days a week, Friday through Sunday, until the remaining quota is reached, or Sept. 30, 2007 whichever comes first. It is unlawful to fish for, retain, or possess any bottomfish, except Pacific cod and sablefish with halibut on board

 

Westport (Marine 2):

May 13, 2008

 

SPORT HALIBUT SEASON OPENS

Marine Area 2 (Westport/Ocean Shores): Open 12:01 a.m. Thursday May 1, 2008, and then continue 2-days per week, Sundays and Tuesdays until the quota is reached or Sept. 30 whichever occurs first. The northern nearshore area will be open on Fridays and Saturdays in addition to the days that the offshore area is open, until the quota is reached.

 

La Push (Marine Area 3 & Forks):

May 13, 2008

 

SPORT HALIBUT SEASON OPENS

Marine Areas 3 and 4 (Neah Bay/La Push): Open at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 3-days per week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until the quota is reached. If sufficient quota remains, the fishery will reopen on June 17 (Tuesday) and June 19 (Thursday) in area 4B and shoreward of a line approximating 30 fathoms from the Bonilla-Tatoosh line south to the Queets River.


No report this week

For more info call Jim Richeson, Top Notch Ocean Charters/Quillayute River Guide Service/Jims Cabin Rentals; Toll Free (888)501-5887 or (360)374-2660; jricheson@centurytel.net; www.forks-web.com/jim

 

Neah Bay (Marine Area 4):

May 13, 2008

SPORT HALIBUT SEASON OPENS

Marine Areas 3 and 4 (Neah Bay/La Push): Open at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 3-days per week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until the quota is reached. If sufficient quota remains, the fishery will reopen on June 17 (Tuesday) and June 19 (Thursday) in area 4B and shoreward of a line approximating 30 fathoms from the Bonilla-Tatoosh line south to the Queets River.


No report this week

Submitted by Capt. Tom Young, Tommycod Charters
Email: tommycodcharters@aol.com
1-800-283-8900

Sekiu (Marine Area 5):

May 13, 2008

Lingcod and rockfish opened May 1, 2008

Halibut opens May 22 and remains open through July 21, five days a week (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The annual Sekiu Halibut Derby will be on June 14 and 15, 2008.

Chinook will be open July 1 through August 9, with no quota. That means we WILL be open for Chinook through August 9. This will be a hatchery fishery, meaning all retained Chinook MUST have a clipped fin.

Coho will also open July 1 through September 30, but you WILL be able to keep wild (unclipped) coho from September 16 through September 30. All retained Coho before September 15 MUST have a clipped fin. For more info call Olson's Resort (360)963-2311 or (800)283-8900

For more info call Olson's Resort (360) 963-2311 or on the web www.olsonsresort.com

Marine Area 6:

May 13, 2008

 

No report this week

 

Marine Area 7:

May 13, 2008

No report this week

 

Marine Area 8.1:

May 13, 2008

 

Open till April 30 for salmon

Lingcod opened May 1

Some lings reported under the Deception Pass Bridge

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:

May 13, 2008

 

Open till April 30 for salmon

Lingcod opened May 1

Artificial reef South Hat is about the only place for lingcod

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

 

Marine Area 9:

May 13, 2008

 

Closed for salmon

 

Halibut remains open

 

Lingcod opened May 1


Still lings on Possession Bar, but the success has slowed from the opening week. Live bait has continued to produce the best, but some of the jigs are also working.

 

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


 

No report this week

Submitted by Michael Jamboretz, Jambo's Sportfishing (425) 788-5955; (206) 595-9526 www.jambossportfishing.com

 

Seattle area (Marine Area 10):

May 13, 2008

The 2 day season for shrimp in area 10 is over with the first day reported to be very good. Wednesday, with the big tides it was much slower. Wednesday I did a filming session on shrimping with Glen and his crew from Hawg Quest. We did good while shrimping on the east side of Bainbridge Island. Once done with our shrimping we tried ling cod fishing on the Alki Reef with no success with the run in of a -4 ft tide and 25 mph winds. With the tides mellowing out this week we should find better ling cod fishing in area 10.

For more info, call Tom Pollack, Auburn Sports & Marine 253-833-1440


Closed for Salmon

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:

May 13, 2008

 

No report this week

Submitted by Captain Bill Devers, www.pugetsoundsalmoncharters.com; e-mail salmoncharters@comcast.net

 

Hood Canal (Marine Area 12):

May 13, 2008

I went shrimping near Dabob Bay last Wednesday, but wasn't able to get out on Saturday. From what I heard, folks were still getting their limits on Saturday. There is another opener tomorrow Wednesday, and then "a wait and see" by WDFW to see when there is another opener. Most likely it will be next Wednesday.

Remember shrimp are diurnal (sensitive to light), so the brighter the day, the deeper they are and vice versa. If the weather report is right, (cloudy and overcast) look for your best depths from 150' to 250'.

Pictured above, a nice pull of Hood Canal Spot Prawns.

Submitted by Tom Nelson, Salmon University

Marine Area 13:

May 13, 2008

 

Slow........BUT you can catch salmon if you put in your time. Fox Island area and Devils Head are your best shot for salmon. Ling cod are being caught under the bridge. Some lings are being caught in the Pt. Defiance area, around Vashon Island and the Browns Pt. area.

Submitted by Captain Bill Devers, www.pugetsoundsalmoncharters.com; e-mail salmoncharters@comcast.net

 

Tuna Report - Washington Coast:

May 13, 2008

No report this week

Submitted by Ward Norden

 


FRESH-WATER REPORTS - WASHINGTON


 

Lake Washington:

May 13, 2008

No report this week

Brian Lull
Special Moments Guide Service
www.specialmomentsguideservice.com

 

Lake Chelan:

May 13, 2008

 

What continues to be hot is trolling for Lake Chelan Kokanee. Lake Chelan's lake trout fishing has really picked up towards the end of this reporting period. Also on Lake Chelan, landlocked Chinook Salmon have been showing up in the catch pretty consistently. Roses Lake continues to produce ten to fifteen inch rainbows. Rufus Woods continues to pump out triploid rainbows at a nice clip.

For Kokanee on Lake Chelan, fish Mack's Lures Kokanee Pro Wedding Rings behind a Hot wings. Bait each hook on the Kokanee Pro with a kernel or two of Pautzke's Fire Corn. Troll those at about 1.5 miles per hour from 15 to 35 feet deep over near Lakeside and Minneapolis Beach.

On Chelan, troll F-7 luminous chartreuse flatfish or pull whole herring rigged to spin for lakers and Chinook in the trench at 1.6 mph. Remember the limit is one per day with a minimum size of 15 inches.

On Rufus fish #1/0 black wooly bugger flies behind an action disk by wiggle fin to consistently produce those triploided rainbows.

The kids tip of the week is to use the end of school to ask your kids or grandkids friends along. Sometimes two kids are easier to manage than one since they entertain each other. Also, unless us oldsters take the opportunities to introduce more kids to outdoor pursuits, those pursuits may not be available for our grandkids. Also, kudo's to the Lake Chelan Sportsman's Association and especially Al Brooks for putting on the kid's fishing party at the Chelan Golf Course. About 100 kids got the chance to catch some fish. Also, thanks to the Wells Dam and Chelan Falls Hatcheries for providing the fish for this community event.

The safety tip of the week is to stop and think through those boating situations that are choices between two bad options. Always choose possible equipment or boat damage over possible injuries to people. I had sudden and persistent wind threaten to damage my boat on a dock recently. I was tempted to try to get it off the dock rather than wait it out. Thanks to my wife's intervention I resisted that temptation. Specifically, keep people out of the pinch between moving boats and docks.

Pictured above on 5-10-08, Gary and Austin (13) Mathews of Moxee, WA with their mixed bag catch of Lake Chelan Mackinaw, Kokanee and a Chinook. This was Austin's 13th birthday gift from his dad.

Also Pictured on 5-12-08, Duane Fink of Moses Lake with a 9 pound, 1 ounce Lake Chelan landlocked Chinook salmon.

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

Moses Lake

May 13, 2008

Moses Lake and Potholes are still slow on the Walleye. Trout is doing ok and the bass are starting to pick up fairly well. We still need warmer weather to really get things moving along…hopefully by the weekend.

Special Moments Guide Service, Eastside - Curtis L Welch
call 509-764-2441 home or 425-830-4713 Cell
Westside - Brian Lull - 206-331-8719.

Chinook Pass (Naches, WA)):

May 13, 2008

 

No report this week

Submitted by Doug Williams, Whistlin' Jack Lodge @ Cliffdell/Chinook Pass, 20800 State Route 410, Naches, WA 98937 (509) 658-2433

 

 

River Reports:

May 13, 2008

Springers, Springers, Springers! That's all I can think about. Springers on the mind Springers in the boat.... Springers, Springers, Springers! Although it's been pretty dang tough in the waters above Bonneville dam on the Columbia River things may have turned the corner. Counts are up and have been holding steady for the last few days. We have been fishing Drano Lake and working for a fish here and there. Some nice fish to be had and look for this place to take off any day with both the amount of fish in the lake and angling pressure. Bring the arsenal with you you may need it. Herring seems to be taking a few fish as well as the standard Wordens M2SP Flatfish and prawns spinners. Bring your pateince and be prepared for lots of people looking to catch some of the finest eating salmon on the the planet. Looks like thing are shaping up for a nice late run so I will be adding three of four more days to my Drano Lake schedule and have openings for anyone who's looking to connect with a Springer or two.

Mention Salmon or Steelhead University and receive 15 percent off a trip for two.

For more info contact Phil Stephens, Mystical Legends Guide Service

Call (206) 940-0052 or E-mail


 

 

Submitted by Mike Hyneman / KoneZone

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA – SALT WATER REPORTS


Ucluelet, BC:

May 13, 2008

No report this week

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

 

Alberni Inlet and Barclay Sound

May 13, 2008

 

The Salmon and Halibut Fishing on the West Coast of Vancouver Island out of Ucluelet B.C. and the Barkley Sound area has picked up dramatically since the beginning of May. Many of the springs early fish were local feeder Chinook weighing on average ten to fifteen pounds. With the migratory push of salmon moving down Vancouver Islands coastline and the halibut now making their migratory move from deep water to the shallows the sport fishing opportunities have really increased. Fishing pressure to date has been low as most of the boats observed in the waters of Barkley Sound and off of Ucluelet have been predominately fishing charter operators. As we close in on the long weekends of both Canada and the U.S. we should see some heavier activity as many anglers prepare for what looks like a pretty good year for the sport fisherman.

 

 

PORT ALBERNI INLET AND BARKLEY SOUND

 

The DFO has announced a pre-season expectation of only 150,000 sockeye to return to the Somass River. This low number will prohibit any sockeye sport fishery in June and July. This means the Alberni Inlet will remain very quiet for sport fishing until August. Chinook and Coho returns back to Robertson Creek look extremely promising, as do returns to the various tributary streams, creeks and rivers. If this in truth occurs all sectors of the salmon fishing industry will receive plenty of opportunity to fish. August and September should see some extremely good fishing for the avid sport fisherman and salmon sport fishing guides in the Alberni Inlet. Expected are some good sized Chinook as returns of five year olds are predicted to be high.

 

The 2008 Port Alberni Salmon Derby which takes place during the Labor Day Weekend has an excellent chance of this being the year that one of the largest Chinook in Derby history is weighed in. The Derby is an excellent event for the whole family. When one has had enough fishing for the day there are many fun filled events on the derby grounds. Derby headquarters is Clutesi Haven Marina located on River Road in Port Alberni.

 

The fishing in Barkley Sound has picked up over the last few days. Meares, Kirby Point and Edward King have reported some Chinook up to twenty pounds. Local guides have been using anchovy in glow Rhys Davis Teaser heads, brass spoons, and various clear and white hootchies. At Meares some of the Chinook have been in 80 to 110 feet of water. With the migratory fish now into their fifth or sixth week we are expecting some good sized Chinook and Coho to make their way into the Sound to feed on the rich bait balls found in some of the more prominent fishing areas. Those not wanting to travel as far as the surfline, fish Swale Rock, Diplock, Pill Point or even Samatao Bay. Anchovy in various teaser heads are always a good bet to use as well as green and white hootchies. Green-glow coyote spoons and even the old stand-by cop- car are good bets. By the beginning of August Robertson Creek Hatchery Chinook will begin to make their way into the Sound and will linger and feed before making their way up to the Alberni Inlet and into the Somass River System.

 

The sport fishing for the months of June, July, August and September should be incredible in Barkley Sound. Accommodation and fishing packages are available.

 

 

 

UCLUELET (West Coast)

 

The areas out of Ucluelet have been very good over the past 10 days for both salmon and halibut. Local guide Mike has been fishing the Amphritite Bank and the Lighthouse Bank which basically means he is putting in time at South Bank and the South-West Corner. Mara Rock and Beg Island have been hotspots for salmon. Halibut have been best in about 180 feet of water in the South Bank area. Trolling and bouncing grubs or herring off the bottom for halibut and fishing for salmon in 60 feet of water or better have been producing some incredible results. Halibut up to 25 pounds and Chinook up to 30 pounds have been numerous. The Chinook have been hitting anchovy in a purple or clear or glow teaser head. Chrome and Chartreuse coyote spoons have also been attracting the salmon with a six-foot leader behind a red hotspot flasher.

 

 

Picture is of guide Mike battling a 60-pound halibut. Guest was tired and needed Mike to help. Fishing on South Bank close to Ucluelet B.C.

 

 

Pictured above, guide Shaun with a beautiful Chinook caught a few miles off of Ucluelet in the South Bank area. This Chinook was picked up on an anchovy.

 

If fishing is anything like last year one should plan to fish halibut in favorite hotspots first thing in the morning and then move to the beach later in the morning for Chinook and Coho. For some reason last year the salmon did not move out to distant waters in their usual migratory route until August. Remember that the summer becomes very busy on the West Coast. Plan your fishing journey and destination now so your trip will always be memorable.

 

 

 

SOMASS-STAMP RIVER SYSTEM

 

The steelhead fishing is now over. We will now begin gearing up for the fall and expecting some incredible fly-fishing and other methods of fishing aboard jet and drift boats. Our fishing and accommodation packages for the Stamp River are now available. Avid river fishermen do not want to miss out on some great fall angling. Late summer steelhead fishing usually picks up from mid October through November.

 

For more info, call Doug Lindores at Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing (250)724-2502 Cell (250) 731 7389 www.catchsalmon.ca or or www.catchsalmon-ca.com; dlindy@shaw.ca

 

Quatsino Sound/Winter Harbour:

May 13, 2008

 

No report this week

For more info call Greg Vance, The Outpost at Winter Harbour, Guided Charters and Accommodations  www.winterharbour.ca  winterharbour@telus.net   250-969-4333

 


Vancouver Island Overview

Halibut fishing was EXCELLENT and anglers have been getting fish up to 173.4 lbs! The 12th Annual Just for the Halibut Derby was held this past weekend. Mike Olivotto won the derby with a 173.4 lb barndoor caught in Oak Bay No, the waypoint is not available. Mike Yakimovich was not far behind, finishing in second place with a 163.6 lb. Mike Campbell placed 3rd in the derby with a 157.3 lb barndoor from Sombrio. Fourth place went to Glen Wilson for a 141.7 lb fish, also from Sombrio. Mark Plasterer did well landing a 123.1 for 5th place and Richard Thierback caught a 120.6 for 6th place. Don VanDijk came in 7th with a 106.9 Fish. Eighty halibut were weighed in and 7wish weighed over 100 lbs. Fishing was VERY POOR for winter springs. Even some of the best guides were getting skunked.

www.fishingvictoria.com

 

Sooke, BC:

May 13, 2008

Salmon - Salmon fishing was POOR for winter springs, but very few anglers were out fishing. Only a couple of fish falling within the slot size for retention were reported. The best depths have been from 115 to 150 feet. Sooke Harbor to Otter Point seemed as good or poor as anywhere. The best plastic baits to try are the Tiger Prawn, Glo Below or White hootchies or squirts. The best flashers have been the Silver/Green and the Jellyfish. With spoons try Army Truck, Mongoose or a Green/Glow color combinations with 4", Gypsies, Titans and Coyotes. Anchovies are still catching fish and for teaser heads try Rhys Davis Anchovy Specials or JDF Teasers in Army Truck or Purple Haze.

Halibut -Halibut fishing was EXCELLENT near Sombrio Point during The 12th Annual Just for the Halibut Derby this past weekend. Mike Campbell placed 3rd in the derby with a 157.3 lb barndoor from Sombrio. Fourth place went to Glen Wilson for a 141.7 lb fish, also from Sombrio. Not too bad! Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits and are usually fished off spreader bars. However, if the dogfish become a nuisance, you can use Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or the Glow in the Dark bullet Jigs.

Becher Bay

Salmon fishing was POOR this past week; we've only heard of one wild 12 lb spring taken near Beechey Head. Most of the winter springs have moved on, so the next run should be returning wild fish. Anchovy and herring are the popular baits these days for the bigger returning springs. Purple Haze gear (flashers, teaser heads, squirts and hootchies) has been producing this winter and would be a good bet in May as well. If you fish spoons, try Mongoose or Green/Glow color patterns. In plastic baits, Purple Haze and White hootchies have been effective. The Cricket squirt has also been good. The most productive flasher was the Purple Haze.

 Pedder Bay

Salmon - Salmon fishing was VERY POOR this past week. Hardly anybody went out for salmon and we haven't heard of any being caught. Start looking for fish to show up near Church Rock and Whirl Bay soon. Anglers trolling bait should use small to medium anchovy or herring in Purple Haze or Glow teaser heads. The best flashers have been the Purple Haze and the Jellyfish. If you prefer to fish artificial bait, give Mongoose, Green/Glow or Army Truck 4" or 5" Coyote, Gypsies or Titan spoons a try. For plastic baits, Cricket, Purple Haze or White hootchies and squirts are good for springs.

HALIBUT -Halibut fishing was EXCELLENT this past weekend. Lots of halibut were weighed into the derby, but none of the big ones came from this area. Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits and are usually fished off spreader bars. However, if the dogfish become a nuisance, you can use Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or the Glow in the Dark bullet Jigs.

 

Victoria/Sydney, BC:

May 13, 2008

Victoria Waterfront

Salmon - Salmon fishing was VERY POOR this past week. Anglers reported that very few springs were scattered from Albert Head to Trial Island, and not really concentrated anywhere. Many of the guides we getting skunked fishing during the week. There had been a few hatchery springs up to 12 lbs caught, besides the smaller slot limit size. In all areas the springs have been close to the bottom. Anchovies or herring strip have been the most productive baits. Good flashers have been the Red/Glow and the Purple/Glow Hot Spots and Oki's. Plastic baits such as Cricket, Tiger Prawn or Purple Haze squirts fished behind White Glow or Purple Haze flashers have been catching fish too, especially if the fish are deep. Spoons have been very effective at times and the Cop Car, Green/Glow and Mongoose patterns have been the best.

HALIBUT - Constance Bank and Albert Head were EXCELLENT for halibut this past week. Lots of hali's up to 50 lbs were coming from the bank but not the big monsters. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus were the most popular baits and are usually fished off spreader bars. However, if the dogfish become a nuisance, you can use Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or the Glow in the Dark bullet Jigs.

 

 Oak Bay

Salmon -Fishing was POOR this past week. We've only heard of one 12 lb spring taken just north of Ten Mile Point. The best depths to fish have been from 100 to 140 feet and you should fish close to bottom around the ledges and reefs. If you use bait, try small anchovies in Glow teaser heads. Also effective are squirts in Tiger Prawn J-79, Cricket or Purple Haze colors. Smaller Spoons such as 3.5" or 4" Watermelon and Cop Car Coyote spoons are always a favorite in Oak Bay at this time of year.

HALIBUT -Halibut fishing was EXCELLENT this past week for both size and numbers during The 12th Annual Just for the Halibut Derby this past weekend. Mike Olivotto won the derby with a 173.4 lb barndoor caught in Oak Bay No, the waypoint is not available. Mike Yakimovich was not far behind, finishing in second place with a 163.6 lb. Mark Plasterer did well landing a 123.1 for 5th place and Richard Thierback caught a 120.6 for 6th place. Extra Large herring and/or Octopus are the most popular baits and are usually fished off spreader bars. However, if the dogfish become a nuisance, you can use Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or the Glow in the Dark bullet Jigs.

 

Sidney

Fishing was SLOWER near Sidney this past week. We've only heard of 2 springs taken, 14 lb fish from Moresby and a 12 lb spring from Coal Island

Port Renfrew

Updates for this area, as well as current statistics, can be found at http://www.portrenfrewmarina.com/.

 

NOTABLE CATCHES

The 12th Annual Just for the Halibut Derby was held this past weekend. Mike Olivotto won the derby with a 173.4 lb barndoor caught in Oak Bay No, the waypoint is not available. Mike also won a spot in the King Fisherman Derby. Mike Yakimovich was not far behind, finishing in second place with a 163.6 lb. Mike Campbell placed 3rd in the derby with a 157.3 lb barndoor from Sombrio. Fourth place went to Glen Wilson for a 141.7 lb fish, also from Sombrio. Mark Plasterer did well landing a 123.1 for 5th place and Richard Thierback caught a 120.6 for 6th place.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Sharpen your Hooks. The first tip that any experienced angler will give is to sharpen your hooks. This will always increase the number of bites that become hookups, which in turn become fish landed. It's an old saw but still true. Sharpen your hooks.

 

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 -Trout fishing is GOOD and bass fishing is PICKING UP, on the local lakes. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.

Cowichan River -Water levels are around 0.75 meters near Lake Cowichan and there have been lots of insect hatches on the river. Anglers have been catching both brown and rainbow trout when fishing the river. Bead head nymphs, salmon fry and egg patterns are the best wet flies to use now. However, there have been some real big hatches on the river and dry flies are also catching some fish. The best dries have been Goddard caddis and various Mayfly patterns.

Local Lakes

Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the south island. The water temperature is warming, there's increased insect activity and the fish are more active. Anglers fishing Powerbait from shore have consistently been catching some nice rainbows. Pink Powerbait Eggs with Shrimp scent has been the hot bait recently. Elk Lake has been slow for 2 to 3 lb rainbows, but Langford and Prospect have been good. Some fly anglers are reporting good success with chironomids. Other fly anglers are fishing with the old standbys: Micro-Leeches, Wooly Buggers, Careys and Doc Spratleys, but mayfly and caddis nymph patterns such as Pheasant Tails, Halfbacks and Gold Ribbed Hare's Ears are also good to try. Gear fishermen have been doing well trolling Luhr Jensen Needlefish spoons in a variety of colours or Tomic Wee-Tads in frog or rainbow patterns. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective in sizes 7 and smaller in Frog, Yellow with Red Spots or Blue/Silver. Smaller Rapalas in Rainbow Trout or Brown Trout also work well, as long as they get down deep enough. Also, Willow Leaf Lake trolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released at Cowichan Lake.

Bass Fishing

Bass fishing has been SLOWER THAN expected, as the water temperature is slowly warming but still a little cold. The bass are starting to move into a little shallower water prior to spawning, but not too many beds have seen showing. By dragging a tube, soft plastic or grub you can find some more active, feeding fish in 12'-15' of water. Look for transition spots like humps or drop-offs that border good spawning areas. This is your chance to catch some of your biggest fish! Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes have been the best spots for bass. St, Mary's Lake on Saltspring Island would be another good spot to try.

Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.

 

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

 

Fraser River System

May 13, 2008

 

No report this week

 

 

Skeena Region, BC Canada

May 13, 2008

 

See Steelhead University

Tracey John Hittel
Kitimat BC Canada
250 632-9880
250 639-4277

thittel@uniserve.com

 


OREGON


 

  North Oregon Coast

May 13, 2008

No report this week

 

 

 


ALASKA


 

 Southeast Alaska (Wrangell)

May 13, 2008

No report this week

Submitted by John Yeager, Timber Wolf Charters, 1-888-993-2750, www.timberwolfcharters.com


 


 

GREAT LAKES

 Great Lakes

May 13, 2008

Lake Michigan Milwaukee, Wisconsin


We had our best action working 70 to 90 feet of water between the north gap and off the Water Filtration Plant. We also fished the temp breaks in front of the harbor gaps and marked fish at all depths with some success on Brown Trout. The Brown Trout action has slowed considerably. Church Mini planer boards and Vulcan regular size Dolphin Green Silver spoons with a 1/2-ounce bead chain sinker running 8 feet ahead of the lure produced well for Rainbow Trout and Coho. Downriggers with magnum spoons worked great for us running 60 feet behind the balls 8-40 feet down. The Reaper Magnum Peacock and Magnum Fish n Chip worked for Chinooks. Our best boat speed was 2.0 mph. We ran Slide Divers they took their share of fish with 20 to 30 feet of line out set to number two. A class of four inch Alewives is now showing up in the stomachs of the fish. With the Alewives around we should see increased action on the Chinook soon. Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. With Blue Max Charters

 

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

 

 

 

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