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Lingcod: Beauty and Beast
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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):

May14, 2013

 

No report this week


Gourmet Fishing – Sea to Plate™
Anthony Warren, 28' Albin "MadMoney" in Ilwaco, CCA Member & PSA Sno-King Member

 

Westport (Marine 2):

May14, 2013

 

 

Halibut and LingCod fishing stayed on fire Tuesday. Here is how our weekend went.........................
We arrived on the fishing grounds after a 2 hour run out, set up our gear, and started down. 580 feet later we hit the bottom. We worked hard and caught and released 2 Yellow Eye rock fish and 1 Canary, and yes we successfully used the descender device. It works great. After 4 or 5 drifts we are about ready to relocate to a spot to the north when I heard a call from a nearby boat reporting that they had a few onboard. We moved over about 200 yards west and started another drift.  3 Halibut later we pulled up and reset with a lot more excitement on board. On the very next drift we got our last 2 Hali’s for the day and since it was getting late and we had given a “be back” time NLT 5pm. So we ran in but, after a brief stop at our well placed Crab pots we took home 14 nice keepers. All in all a really good day.


The forecast was not good for Tuesday. It looked lumpy but doable. So with great expectation we headed out. The forecast that morning was much better than planned, so it made for a really nice ride right up to the point of BAM!!!  a submerged Crab buoy. We stopped and started working it took about 15 mins and some serious strength we got it loose. We performed a few checks and it appeared we got it all off so we powered back up and headed off.
We chose to hit the area 5 miles north of our spot on Sunday and dropped our gear. It was not 5 mins after hitting the bottom - BAM!  We hooked up. Did I mention we were in 650 feet of water this day. To the surface comes a nice sized Ling Cod - YAY!  Randy drops back down and Bam! another ling, then I get one.  So 3 Lings in one drift and we reset. Since we are obviously in Ling Territory I change over to a Metal Jig and drop to the bottom. Not 5 seconds later FISH on!! another Ling. It took us 20 mins to catch our last 5 Lings. I am a believer in Metal Jigs now. Not wanting to chance getting anymore lings we moved back to where we got our Halibut Sunday.

At the Halibut hole Ken had the Hot Rod with back to back Hali’s.  We also hooked 2 Arrow Tooth Flounder, Ugly critters.

I hooked another Ling and released it. I think it was our 3rd drift when I hooked my Halibut and about half way up Randy’s rod tip buried in the water so Yes…..Doubles!!!. We got both fish to the boat and we have now achieved the Limit for the day.

High Fives all around for a great day on the water! The Lings came on Herring and Metal Jigs. The Halibut fell victim to Large whole Herring. Two pound lead weights to help us get down. You have to have the right rigs to fish this fishery. You must keep your bait or jig right on or near the bottom to be successful. There is no doubt when a fish hits either.

Westport may or may not get any additional deep water fishing days this year. We will just have to wait on info from the WDFW.

Salmon Fishing is just around the corner on June 8th so I will start in the next week or so helping you Prep for Salmon Fishing in MA-2. Good Luck, Be Safe and we will see you in Westport.


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


Fishing out of Westport for Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish
Fishing out of Anacortes for Halibut, and Lingcod



Submitted by Mark Coleman, Guide/Owner, All Rivers & Saltwater Charters, www.AllWashingtonFishing.com , www.washingtontunacharters.com or call us (425 736-8920)

 

La Push (Marine Area 3 & Forks):

May14, 2013

 

No report this week

 

 

Neah Bay (Marine Area 4):

May14, 2013

No report this week

 

Sekiu (Marine Area 5):

May14, 2013

No report this week

 

Marine Area 6:

May14, 2013

No report this week

 

Marine Area 7:

May14, 2013

With Halibut closed in Area 7 until May 16th, Ling is the thing, and Prawns rock on!


Cory Warnock, Daughter Mallory and Grandpa Keith got into some nice cod. I want  a pair of boots like Mallory has. I wonder if they make a size 11?

The Truscott's, Nic, Carla, and Keith, enjoyed one of our beautiful days lately, and put some fish in the boat. Fresh Ling is My favorite. Just about anyway you cook it, it's tasty.

The last thing a Kelp Greenling sees! With those flared fins, and fearsome fangs, the Lingcod is a nasty and aggresive predator. Here, Jason Dannemiller shows off a large specimen.

Gettin' Jiggy with it! Nothing fancy, just pitchin' plastics. Cast up shallow and bounce these lures downhill like Bill Dance after Largemouth.   Hopefully without the YouTube slapstick routine.

Submitted by Kevin Klein, Fidalgo-SanJuan Islands Chapter PSA , CCA Northsound


 

Can't wait for the 16th so we can fish for those Halibut again!!!  Not a bad week of fishing for Legacy Charters and Friends.  Lots of good eating prawns, some beautiful Lingcod and even a nice looking Cabazon!  All very good eating!

Here is a sweet picture of my buddy Karl aka "The Ling King" from Lonesome Cove Resort, coming in with another fantastic Lingcod.

Not a bad pull of Spotted Prawns, we limited out that day.  Seem to get the bigger shrimps the deeper we went.


My little ladies enjoying some shrimp.

My friend Colin and I doing a little end of the day fishing from shore. Keep a pole in the car or truck and if you happen to drive by a rocky shoreline on the way home from work, throw a few casts with a buzz bomb, you never know what you will catch in less than 10ft of water!  I always look for bait on the shore too, like some mussels to throw on the hook for bait.

Submitted by Justin Davis, Legacy Charters, San Juan Island, WA - (360)
378-3744

 

Marine Area 8.1:

May14, 2013

 

Open for Lingcod

Deception Pass is the best location for Lingcod and this weekend the tides will be more favorable to work the area.    
    

 

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:

May14, 2013

Open for Lingcod

The early blush from the opening of the Lingcod has come and gone in this area and now you have to work for what you get.  Although there are still some Lingcod to be caught around Hat Island, a fish or two is best expectations.

 

800-214-1595 or 425-252-4188 Email gary@allstarfishing.com

Marine Area 9:

May14, 2013

 

"Halibut, here we come again !"  With the Halibut closure last weekend , we gave the FISHTALE 2 a rest, a bath, and a polish.  Now we are ready to get out there again, searching for the giant flappin' pancake of Puget Sound.  We plan to start West out at Hein and move our way to hit Dungy Spit and Dallas Bank later in the day.   Nice tides are in order, so we will be hitting the deeper holes below 200 feet.
 
The reports of the lovely ling cod fishery have been quite good so don't forget to end the day in the rocky shallower areas for a chance to present your BBQ a tasty present.
 
See you on the water !

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


 

No report this week

 

Andy Shanks - Guide/Owner, Island Guide Services, www.islandguideservices.com
206-280-7159


Open For Lingcod

Lingcod remains good along the ledges and drop offs around Possession Bar, Double Bluff and Foulweather Bluff.

Live bait is by far the top producer.

Again the tides this weekend are more favorable to good fishing in some of the deeper holes.

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

 

 

Seattle area (Marine Area 10):

May14, 2013

Open for Lingcod

Elliott Bay Marina rock wall and some South Blake Island lingcod have met their match and gone to the dinner table.

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:

May14, 2013

 

Those shrimping in area 11 had good success. There is a quota for 2500 pounds of shrimp with a little over 1500 pounds harvested. The best unofficial date will be May 22 which is a Wednesday. Make your plans to be ready to go.

Big tides this week minimized the lingcod success.  A good number of flatfish that serve as bait were caught.


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

Hood Canal (Marine Area 12):

May14, 2013

Shrimping continues to be good in Area 12

Most all boats that are properly outfitted with pot puller, leaded line and good bait limit in a few pot pulls.  The best spots seem to be from Dabob Bay to the south end of Hood Canal.

As usual, those using floating yellow rope experience tangles and lost pots.

Submitted by Tom Nelson, Salmon University



 

No report this week

 

Submitted by Bret Steck, Dewatto 

 

Marine Area 13:

May14, 2013

No report this week

 


FRESH-WATER REPORTS - WASHINGTON


 

Lake Washington:

May14, 2013

 

 

Lake Chelan:

May14, 2013

What continues hot is trolling near the Yacht Club on Lake Chelan for numbers of Lake Trout.  Early morning Kokanee and the odd Chinook are a bonus. 

On Chelan, Lake Trout bit trolled presentations above the Yacht Club that were pulled at about 1.5mph very close to the bottom in water that was 280 to 340 feet deep. Worden Lures T4 Flatfish in Purple Glow and Mack’s Cha Cha Squidders as well as Silver Horde’s Kingfisher Lite spoons in Glow Splatterback colors continued to rack up the Mack’s during this reporting period.  The bite between 6 AM and 9 AM is nothing short of phenomenal.  The rest of the day isn’t half bad either. 

The Kokanee bite has really tailed off, but some are being caught in the trench, along the face of Mill Bay, up at the Yacht Club and over by the Monument.  The best bite is at first light.  Jeff was able to get a customer into a Chinook while trying for Kokanee, so you never know what will bite.  Mack’s Lures Mini Cha Cha Squidders baited with Pautzke’s Fire Corn is the ticket there. 

Your fishing tip of the week is to try a couple of things to improve your hook up to bite ratio.  First, if you are getting short strikes, try adding a stinger hook to catch those fish.  Sometimes they’ll catch on the stinger then swing into the big hook to really stick themselves securely.  Second, try replacing trebles with single hooks whenever possible to avoid dredging bottom debris.  It can improve your bite rate, by lessening your foul up rate…therefore keeping lures that are working in the strike zone.   

The kid’s tip of the week is to keep instructions simple, concise and clear when giving instructions.  I usually try to keep it to two simple things.  It’s amazing how confused things get when you add the third piece to a set of instructions.  You know, now that I think about it, that holds as true for adults as it is for kids.  Reel down then lift the rod tip is the limit.  If you say:  Reel down, lift the rod tip and pull line off the reel when I net the fish most people lose the first piece… 

The safety tip of the week is to keep a short look out for floating debris.  The recent hot weather has really started the lake level up in a hurry.  There are already some boat busters out there.  Keeping all your passengers on the lookout can only help.  

Pictured above on 5/11/13, Dave Tripp with Father in Law, Dick Thaden and son Josh Tripp of Arlington and Marysville, WA with their days catch of Lake Chelan Mackinaw.  

Pictured above on 5/11/13, David Plugrath of Leavenworth, Mark Pflugath of Wenatchee, Nik Pflugrath of Seattle and Chad Smith of Wenatchee with their catch of Lake Chelan Mackinaw and an elusive Landlocked Chinook.

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

Lake Chelan: May14, 2013

 

No report this week



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

Potholes Resevoir

May14, 2013

The water on Potholes Reservoir has come alive.  Our surface water temperatures have begun to eclipse the 70 degree mark.  Shore fishers have been commenting on seeing vast numbers of both small mouth bass and largemouth bass cruising the shoreline to locate their spawning areas to prepare for their annual spring detail.  The water under the MarDon Fishing Dock is visibly filled with several age classes of Yellow Perch, it looks like an aquarium. 

Serious bass anglers competing in the The Bass Federation Northwest Qualifier are weighing in largemouth and small mouth bass over 6 lbs.  The comment that makes me so happy is how many bass federation fishers never having fished Potholes Reservoir are not only catching the largest smallmouth bass but they are also witnessing vast schools of crappie, bluegill, and perch throughout the 18,000 square acre sand dune area.  Our warm water fishing on Potholes Reservoir is showing increased populations. 
The 2013 Rod Meseberg Spring Walleye Classic was 9 teams less than the 2012 tournament. Total earnings paid out for the tourney of 58 boats was $16,200.00.  295 fish were caught for an average weight of 2.34 lbs.  Contestants weighed 36 more walleye at the scales compared to the 2012 tournament.  These fish weighed an average of 12 ounces more than last year’s average fish weight.   Each year Spokane Resident, Don Ghramm is the first team to register.  Don and his fishing partner Brett McKern won the 2013 Spring Walleye Classic with a total 2 day weight of 30.74 lbs.  Congratulations to Don and Brett!

Moses Lake Resident’s, Bill and Wayne Conley, earned 4th place with a total weight of 27.88 lbs. 

Travis Hobbs from Wenatchee shows JUMBO Perch caught off the MarDon Dock.

 

Submitted by Mike Meseberg, Mardon Resort 8198 Hwy 262 SE, Othello, WA 99344  www.mardonresort.com  800-416-2736


 

 

River Reports

May14, 2013

See Steelhead University

Spring Chinook fishing is about in it's peak in many areas of the state and it has been less than stellar most days. I have been fishing Drano Lake where the returns have been even less than predicted and the catching a little on the tough side. There are some nice fish to catch and if your willing to put the effort out there are a few fish around. With the lack of numbers a person has to have everything in good order to succeed, good bait is key to success, whether it be your herring or prawns. Red labeled is the best bet when herring is your bait of choice on Drano lake. Prawns spinners are always a good choice especially when the water warms above 48 degrees, it is now 52 plus most days. Plugs of choice are Mag Lips made by Yakima Bait Co. with the top colors being a  gold double trouble, Thumper, Hammer Time or Mad Clown.  Trolling these behind the boat with 50 to 80 feet of line out will get it done. Don't forget to wrap them with a small fillet of sardine. Bobber fishing has started in the cove and as always good sandshrimp is top bait.

Wind River area has been tough as well. Trolling green label herring, Mag Lip Plugs and Wiggle Warts do well here. Most areas you'll fish here are very shallow so fish the plugs with only 30 to 5 foot of line out. If your plugs are digging in to bottom shorting the amount of line out on teh plugs, fishing them close to the boat still gets you bit here.

I have now shifted from Drano Lake to the Cowlitz for the remainder of this Springer season. The Cowlitz is a back bouncing or diver and bait game for these chinook and you must cover lots of water to find them, this is where being on the river everyday pays off. Back trolling plugs  also works well with the Mag Lip 3.5 being the best bet here, a person can search large areas of holding water with a few rods in the water with these plugs. Look for Summer Steelhead to start being caught in greater numbers as the first week in June is usually when we see are first real good numbers of them in most rivers on the west side....Can't wait for these fish as it usually means lots of chances at big fish during a normal day while wearing short sleeved shirts and sunglasses. 

Here's a few nice chinook from both Drano lake and the Cowlitz river.

Mystical Legends Guide Service
Phil Stephens
206.940.0052
www.riverfishin.com

 


 

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA – SALT WATER REPORTS


 

CITY OF VANCOUVER - SALMON REPORT

May14, 2013

No report this week


For more info, call Jeff or Jason at Bon Chovy Fishing Charters (604)763.5460 www.bonchovy.com email: info@bonchovy.com


 

Ucluelet, BC:

May14, 2013

No report this week

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

Bamfield

May14, 2013

Salmon fishing has been good for the past week. If you are in the right spot at the right time!

Thursday and Friday found us out on the 5 - 7 Mile banks. There was lots of fish and lots of action. The Chinook are not large with most in the 5 - 10 pound range but a few in the teens. Our best being 17 pounds. These fish are feeding primarily on Krill. We took our fish with a variety of hootchies and spoons, fished mainly  from 57 - 127 ft. There is also a good showing of Coho on the banks and they will open June 1st. We also got a few Chinook right off the bottom when targeting Halibut and Lingcod.

Triple header for Jimmy, Connor, and Murray. It doesn't get much better than this.

Rob and Connor with a catch from the 7 Mile Bank last Friday.
Fishing on the inside of Barkley Sound has been a bit of a hit and miss game. The Salmon fishing has once again been good when you find them. Today, (Monday ) we fished Kirby Point in the morning mainly to hide out from the winds and were rewarded with 4 nice Chinook from 9 - 11 pounds. These fish were feeding on needle fish and were caught from 121 - 157 ft deep.

Doug, Len, & Roman with Monday mornings Kirby Point fish.

We still have spots left for May, June and early July, that I would love to fill. Contact me for details.

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

Alberni Inlet and Barclay Sound

May14, 2013

 

 

 

No report this week

 

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


 

 

Sooke, BC:

May14, 2013

 

No report this week

 


Pedder Bay, BC:

May14, 2013

Happy anglers lined up to use the cleaning tables today at Pedder Bay after enjoying a near perfect combination of tide and weather for our always productive spring halibut fishery.



Most boats reported quick limits of flatties averaging in the low 20's, but with a fair number in the 30 - 45 lb class and a few specimens nudging up close to the 126 cm maximum size limit and breaking 60 lbs.


With the currents and wind expected to stay cooperative, and temperatures forecast to hit the magic 20C mark on Saturday and Sunday the weekend should produce some pretty spectacular fishing and happy fishermen.
Productive depths are 200 to 325 ft and favored baits are reported to be Octopus and Mackerel on a spreader bar. The lack of dogfish in most areas was considered a bonus by many anglers, although some spots seemed to have their fair share.


This weekend should be the perfect opportunity for those who are new to halibut fishing to have a go at drifting rather than anchoring. Just remember to point your stern in the opposite direction to your drift, and use reverse to keep your lines as close to vertical as possible. Check your lines frequently to ensure you are close to, but not right on bottom and get ready for that big strike!
When drifitng for halibut, please remember to be respectful of anchored boats. Never drift across or down on to their anchor lines(up to 650 feet in front of the boat) and try to avoid starting your drift near their stern.


Feeder Chinook, including a good number of sizeable hatchery fish, are available in all the ususal spots like Whirl Bay, Pedder Bay and Constance Bank. Keep an eye out for seals on Constance, and consider spoons and small squirts a good choice of terminal gear.


The summer like weather has also got campers out in full force enjoying the near perfect conditions by hiking the Goose and admiring the spring flowers, catching a trout in Matheson Lake or just enjoying a fresh roasted hot dog and a favorite beverage around the campfire.

 
The fish are biting, the sun is shining and spring is definitely in the air. What are you waiting for? Come on down and join in the fun.
See you soon..


Your Friendly Pedder Bay Crew

 

 


Vancouver Island Overview

Salmon fishing was FAIR for winter springs (feeder Chinooks) in most areas. There are more over the slot size wild springs being caught now and they have to be released. Halibut fishing was GOOD in spite of some big tides this past weekend.

Effective 00:01 hours March 1, 2013 until 23:59 hours June 15, 2013 in Subareas 19-1 to 19-4 and Subarea 20-5(those waters near Victoria between Cadboro Pt to Sheringham Pt.), the daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day which may be wild or hatchery marked between 45 cm and 67 cm or hatchery marked greater than 67 cm in length.

Effective April 1, 2013 until further notice: The maximum length for halibut is 126 cm. The daily limit for halibut is one (1). The possession limit for halibut is two (2), only one of which may be greater than 83cm in length. There will be an annual limit of six (6) halibut per license.  All halibut retained by the license holder shall be immediately recorded in ink on the Tidal Waters Sport Fishing license.  The area from which each halibut is caught and its length shall immediately be recorded on license.

Sooke, BC:

May14, 2013

Salmon - Few anglers were out and salmon fishing was SLOW in the area. Some winter springs weighing up to 10 lbs were caught and there were a few wild springs that had to be released as well. The best action seems to be in front of the harbour and the Bluffs in about 120 to 220 feet of water with the baits down from 120 ft to 150 ft. However, not all the salmon are in deep water. Otter Point has also been good at times too. Anchovies are catching the most springs and Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads are the most popular when fishing bait for winter springs. Since the winters are very active feeders, just about any gear will catch them. One very good combination recently has been the Purple Haze squirt behind a Purple Glow flasher.

Halibut – – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the weekend out past Muir Creek and near Point No Point and Jordan River. Lots of halibut were caught but all wee small in size. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

Becher Bay                                          

Fishing was SPOTTY for winter springs, with really no improvement from last week. The best fishing was near Aldridge Point and at 80 feet on the downrigger. In the bay, springs were holding close to the bottom, from just outside the marina by the Flag Pole then out to Aldridge Point and over by the Bedford Islands. Most of the fish are less than 10 lbs, but a few larger wild salmon up to 20 lbs have been caught and released. We also heard of a 15 lb hatchery spring caught near the Bedfords. Many anglers are finding bait out producing artificial lures, with anchovies being most popular choice of bait. The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. Like usual, the fish are close to the bottom, and glow in the dark flashers are a good choice. The 4” Coyote type spoons have been effective, with Green/Silver and solid White Glow the best patterns.  A few halibut were also seen coming into the marina.

Pedder Bay –-

Salmon - Salmon fishing was QUIET this past week, but very few anglers were out fishing for salmon. The best areas were near William Head and the Can Buoy at the mouth of the bay. Whirl Bay also produced a few fish. Most winter springs caught went from 5 to 10 lbs in size. The fish were near the bottom at 120 to 140 feet. Anchovies were the most productive bait with Bloody Nose and Purple Haze teaser heads the most popular now. Squirts are productive bait too with UV colors like the Jellyfish, Purple Haze and Electric Chair the best patterns. The best flashers have been the Purple Glow and Purple Haze. 4” Coyote type spoons have been effective this past week, with Green/Silver and solid White Glow the best patterns.

Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD in the Race Rocks area. Lots of halibut range were caught but they were all on the small size. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

 

Victoria/Sydney, BC:

May14, 2013

Salmon  - Salmon fishing was FAIR this past week along the waterfront. Constance Bank was the best location to fish, with hatchery marked salmon in the 6 to 16 lb size range there. Most anglers fishing the bank are using artificial lures and trolling with the currents rather than against them. Good lures are Electric Chair, Purple Haze and Glo Below squirts. Closer in, there has been some action, but not as much as on the bank. Good choices in plastic baits are the Electric Chair, Purple Haze and the Glo Below. Coho Killer spoons have been effective also with the UV Purple Haze patterns very popular. Good flashers have been the Green/Glow and Green/Silver Hot Spots. Thomas Brandwood caught a 12 lb lingcod off the Victoria Breakwater on a Buzz Bomb.

Halibut – – Halibut fishing was GOOD over the week at Constance Bank even with the big tides. Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.


Oak Bay

Salmon - Salmon fishing has FAIR on the Oak Bay Flats. Anglers are catching fin clipped springs, but some large wild fish up to 20 lbs are also in the area, and if caught, have to be released. The best bet for springs is trolling near the bottom in 110 to 130 feet of water with squirts, Baitrix tiny strip, small anchovy or Coho Killer spoons. Good squirts were the Electric Chair, Pickle Green, J-79 and Jellyfish. 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.

Halibut – Halibut fishing was FAIR over the weekend. Mackerel, Extra Large herring, salmon bellies and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off a spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

 

Sidney

Salmon fishing was FAIR in the Sidney area. Some big fish were caught this past week. It had been best near Coal Island and Moresby Island.  It was slower near the Powder Wharf, the Sidney channel and near the Red Can. 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 Purple Haze, Glow Below and Electric Chair. Coho Killer spoons have also been working well, especially in double glow and 50/50 colors.

NOTABLE CATCHES 

Pictured above, Brian Butler caught a 19.2 lb hatchery spring while on one of our charter boats.

Pictured above, Thomas Brandwood caught a 12 lb lingcod off the Victoria Breakwater on a Buzz Bomb.

FISH TIP OF THE WEEK

Set your drag – properly! The best way to set your drag is with an accurate measuring scale, the same type that you use to weigh a fish. Your drag should be set to slip at approximately 30% of your line’s breaking strength when pulled directly off of the reel.

 

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 on most lakes in the South Island area. Bass fishing is also PICKING UP. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th. Anglers are further reminded of the following:" The use of single barbless hooks is mandatory in all streams in Region 1;" All foul hooked (i.e.: hooked other than in the mouth) must be returned to the river immediately.  ALL wild trout must be released on all streams in region 1 as well.

 

Cowichan River

 

The water level has been dropping and and now it’s about 0.8 meters near the lake and 0.6 meters near Duncan. The trout fishing is picking up in the fly only section at the top end of the river. There are rainbows that have dropped down from the lake as well as resident brown trout that are active right now. Bead head nymphs are the top producer there. However, a fry imitation will work too. Other good flies are Prince Nymphs, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears and Wooly Buggers.

 

Local Lakes Trout fishing is GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area. The Vancouver Island Fish hatchery just their busiest week of catchable releases so far this spring!  They released over 10,000 catchable rainbow trout into 15 different lakes on Southern Vancouver Island this past week. On April 30th, 741 trout were released into Elk Lake. There were 500 trout released into Kemp, Matheson, Glen, Durrance and Thetis Lakes.  On May 1st, Langford Lake received 1.757 trout and on May 2nd, Lookout lake received 250 trout. All told, 59,247 trout have been released into lakes on Vancouver Island this year.

Warm weather has brought increased activity by both insects and fish. Trout can now be found scattered at all depths and they have been feeding heavily on chironomids and mayflies. Bank anglers are catching trout on both Powerbait, Gulp! Eggs, or worms while fishing from shore. Fly anglers are using Chironomids, Pumpkinheads, Wooly Buggers, Leeches or Micro Leech patterns and fishing deep. Trollers have been doing OK with a variety of lures but we’ve heard tat the Orange Hot Shot has been good. 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 - Bass fishing is PICKING UP, but the fish are still in pre spawn locations, not in the shallows. Crank baits have been effective when fished around 12 feet down with a slow retrieve. Look for the fish suspended by drop offs close to shore. Some bass though have started to move into shallower water prior to spawning.  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. Please remember that bass are closed for retention on all southern island lakes through June 15th.

Notable Catches –


2013 DERBIES and EVENTS


May 4th: 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

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


Vancouver Island - North

 

Nootka Sound

May14, 2013

 

 

 

No report this week

 

Winter Harbour, BC

May14, 2013

 

No report this week

Submitted by Greg Vance, The Outpost at Winter harbour 250-969-4333; winterharbour@telus.net; www.winterharbour.ca

Queen Charlotte Islands

May14, 2013

 


2013 Salmon University Langara Trip

 

 

OREGON


 

 Oregon Coast

May14, 2013

No report this week

 

Submitted by Andy Martin, Wild Rivers Fishing; wildriversfishing@yahoo.com

 

 


ALASKA

Ketchikan

No report this week

 

Submitted by Kyle Worman, Worman Sportfishing, Ketchikan, Alaska | KyleWorman@yahoo.com | (907) 254-8945   www.wormansportfishing.com

 

Wrangell

May14, 2013

No report this week

 


John A. Yeager Alaska Charters & Adventures, 1-888-993-2750 www.wrangellalaskafishing.com www.alaskaupclose.com

 

Petersburg, Alaska

May14, 2013

 

No report this week

 

Montana

May14, 2013

 

Flathead Lake, Montana

No report this week

 

Bob Orsua, Mo Fisch Charters, www.mofisch.com

 

 


 

GREAT LAKES

 Great Lakes

May14, 2013

 


No report this week


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


 

 

 

 

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