Fishing Report provided by Clayoquot Ventures Guide Service
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Sport Fishing Outlook 2011
For years, the Tofino BC area has been highlighted in publications and media circuits far and wide, with focus often stemming from news of an award winning Resort or eclectic cuisine. These stories rarely go beyond a paragraph or two, before the journalistic prose expands into the Tofino area as a whole and what makes it truly unique, so unique that people migrate here annually for Surf, Sand, Spas, Food and Fish.
The diversity of the Tofino area provides an enticement to visitors that is often unrivalled by communities of similar size, not only in British Columbia, but on a world-wide scale. Amenities and attractions, natural beauty and adventure, open Pacific and protected inlets to enjoy, explore and Fish.
With the 2009 and 2010 sport fishing seasons playing out to be the best in the last decade, local and visiting anglers are excited to hear that 2011 is forecasted to again provide very strong Chinook and Coho Salmon fishing opportunities. The strength of the recent and forecasted Columbia River Chinook and Coho returns have been a definite highlight for local fisheries, and provide an extremely strong component in supporting the west coast of Vancouver Island sport fishing opportunities for the future. So strong in fact, that the Chinook salmon from coastal Washington State and Columbia River Hatcheries make up well over 80% of Tofino’s early season Salmon fishery. What is even greater news for Tofino and Ucluelet area anglers is that prime components of these strong southern stocks are forecasted to be the largest on record since 1980. These are primarily larger 4 and 5 year old Chinook coming from nearly 100 Million hatchery augmented runs. Yes, that is a lot of zeros in 100,000,000 meaning a lot of young salmon entering the ocean with very good marine survival conditions during recent years. The Salmon Enhancement news and efforts south of the border just gets better. The 2009 release exceeded 100 million and an even higher budget has been allotted to supporting these runs, with the Snake River production alone exceeding the hatchery Chinook salmon outputs of Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s efforts in British Columbia. Some folks thank their neighbours for feeding the cat or bringing in the newspaper, but we can be extremely thankful that our neighbours south of the border believe in supporting Salmon runs.
For the 2011 season, these exceptionally strong spring runs of Chinook salmon should appear along Tofino and Ucluelet’s outer coastline by early April, with the “wave” of southern migrating Chinook continuing through July and early August. These transient salmon find the habitat and abundant food source along Tofino and Ucluelet’s offshore banks a prime setting for the juvenile stage of their life cycle, as well as the final adult stage, when they feed hard in preparation for the final journey to natal streams. This scenario is one that anglers anticipate each season, and fortunately it happens in our local waters as much or more than most areas of the B.C. coast.
The waters that average 145-160 feet deep, approximately 4-8 miles offshore near Portland Point, Three Humps and the Heisen Bank will be the go-to area for the Tofino area anglers. Trolling near the bottom with Anchovies or Needlefish hoochies as well as thin Needlefish style spoons are preferred methods to ensure success. The larger 4-5 year old Columbia River Chinook often travel closer to the shoreline in relatively shallow waters during this same time, providing an option for smaller vessels to pursue these magnificent fish within a safe proximity to Clayoquot Sound. A little further south towards Ucluelet and offshore on La Perouse Bank, some tolling depths are deeper in the gully areas, but a similar gear approach is often used. As the abundant schools of Sardines reappear in the area as a staple food source for the maturing Salmon, the preferred gear size increases with larger spoons and plugs becoming as popular as ever for this fishery.
The strength of the area’s inshore Coho fishery has rebounded to rival past years that helped label Clayoquot Sound and to a slightly lesser degree, Barclay Sound as B.C.’s premier Saltwater Fly fishing destination. Schools of hungry Coho Salmon arrive in late May and early June, and thrive among the myriad of Islands, Reefs and Kelp Forests, foraging on abundant schools of Needlefish as well as Euphasids. Likely due in part to the beneficial conditions of the base stage of marine survival, these aggressive Coho have been reaching amazing size proportions by mid to late summer, and returning through the fall well past the end of October. Recent reports indicate that one of the area’s main transient Coho runs originating from Puget sound is expected to return at nearly a 10% survival rate, which is triple the average of B.C.’s Coho stocks in recent years. The same favourable ocean conditions will provide for stronger B.C. returns as well, with one respected Fisheries Scientist predicting the best Coho numbers in the past 10 years!! This area and fishery has been favoured by many smaller vessel anglers, and has become extremely popular again, most notably for those that enjoy catching hard fighting Coho Salmon on a Fly Rod in the shallow, protected waters of the sound.
Recreational Halibut Fishing along Tofino’s outer coastline should also remain consistently strong, due to Canada’s overall biomass of Halibut increasing over recent years. The average size and weight has also increased as forecasted, with anglers along Vancouver Island’s west coast experiencing great success in 2010. Catch limits and a seasonal opening date is not set at the time of writing, but the International Pacific Halibut Commission has increased the “exploitable” portion of the biomass allocated to Area 2BCanada, which is then managed and allocated within Canada by DFO. Announcements are anticipated soon regarding seasonal planning and regulations. The Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. areas’ early season months of April May June and July will be the best bet for Halibut fishing within 6 -10 miles of the coastline, with average sizes likely in the 20-40 lb range. Late season regulation changes may be in effect, so make sure you consult with people in the know prior to trip planning, or check the DFO website for current regulations.
As in any fishing season, regardless of your location there can be highs and lows. For 2011 we are fortunately looking forward to once again experiencing why Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim area has been considered B.C.’s most reliable Sport Fishing destination by many who have fished our beautiful area.
June 2010
For those that have been on the west coast over the past few weeks, the strength and consistent patterns of “tuff” weather have dictated a variety of outdoor activities. Fishing for Salmon and Halibut has been excellent throughout the early season, so it has not been a question of “whether to go”, but “whether the weather” will allow you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. Looking at the upcoming forecast, sunshine and great fishing conditions are here once again for the Tofino area. For many years, the pattern for sport fishing on the west coast of Vancouver Island has the month of June scheduled to fire on all cylinders, providing great angling opportunities for most of the Tofino area’s predominant saltwater species. Freshwater anglers are also somewhat hesitant to put away the waders and lighter tackle just yet, as local streams and lakes can be alive with hungry Trout, as well as a small number of Steelhead that enter various small local river systems through June and July. Every calendar year, June is the month of transition from spring to summer. For B.C.’s fishing calendar, June is when plans are made and memories unfold, while fishing opportunities all over the province turn from great to excellent, and even “world class”. There is obviously good reason why the month of June also plays host to B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend all over the province. With the bulk of Tofino’s recreational fishing focused on Saltwater action, and consistent numbers of transient Chinook and Coho salmon passing through local waters from April thru July, there is reason to question if the peak season has shifted to June and July, as opposed to the highlighted August fishery of past years. Though Coho salmon numbers have been impressive since mid May, many understand that the inshore Coho fishing only gets better as we approach August. The abundant and aggressive Silver Salmon feed hard in and around Clayoquot Sound, prior to migrating southward to various large watersheds. The peak Coho Fly fishing and light tackle action begins through mid June, and stays consistently strong through mid September. The outside waters offer Chinook salmon fishing that will be reliable and steady for the season’s largest Salmon species, but the sheer numbers of transient Salmon and Halibut in the earlier part of the season have definitely encouraged anglers to consider the season’s best opportunities are now earlier than later. Along with the popular Salmon fishery, various species of Bottom fish help create a colourful mix to the experience. Offshore Salmon numbers during this time are unrivalled for the remainder of the season, aside from the waves of Coho that feed for extended periods within the prime habitat of Clayoquot, offering B.C.’s premier saltwater Fly fishing experience. There is no doubt that the West Coast of Vancouver Island offers B.C.’s most consistent early season fishery and Tofino is right in the middle of all the action. Regardless of age or experience, big boat, small boat or no boat at all, Tofino’s varied fishing options should be highlighted on your calendar this June. For more information, guided fishing charters and updated reports, hook up with us at www.tofinofishing.com or visit our new Tofino location on the left just past RPM. Inquire about our 15th Anniversary special rates for great charter options and availability throughout June!! Jay and the Clayoquot Ventures Fishing Team Ph.1.888.534.7422 or local (250)725.2700
2010 Outlook
Following the last few seasons of extremely consistent sport fishing along Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim region, and considering the 2009 season unfolded to likely be thestrongest in the last decade, many would not have thought that the best is yet to come.
Recent indicators for the 2010 fishing season on Vancouver Island’s west coast arepointing towards yet another banner year for Chinook and Coho Salmon numbers that travel and feed along the nutrient rich waters of Vancouver Island’s outer coastline. Without question, the strength and consistency of this area’s excellent fishing opportunities are due to the combined multitudes of Salmon stocks destined to various rivers and tributaries outside of the area, many of which are hatchery augmented runs. The runs that support such consistent fisheries for local and visiting anglers are primarily Chinook and Coho Salmon destined for the Fraser River, the Columbia River and enhanced stocks from Washington state, as well as Robertson Creek near Port Alberni. These transient salmon find the habitat and abundant food source along Tofino and Ucluelet’s offshore banks a prime setting for the juvenile stage of their life cycle, as well as the final adult stage, when they feed hard in preparation for the final journey to natal streams. This scenario is one that anglers anticipate each season, and fortunately it happens in our local waters as much ormore than most areas of the B.C. coast.
For the 2010 season, the spring runs of Chinook salmon should appear along Tofino’s outercoastline earlier than recent years, with mid April through early May to see the first “wave” of Page 2 southern migrating spring Chinook salmon. The waters that average 145-160 feet deep,approximately 4-8 miles offshore near Portland Pt., Three Humps and the Heisen Bank will bethe go-to area for the Tofino area anglers. Trolling near the bottom with Anchovies or Needlefish hoochies as well as thin Needlefish style spoons are preferred methods to ensure success. A little further south towards Ucluelet and offshore on La Perouse Bank, some tolling depths aredeeper in the gully areas, but a similar gear approach is often used. As the abundant schools of Sardines reappear in the area as a staple food source for the maturing Salmon, the preferredgear size increases with larger spoons and plugs becoming as popular as ever for this fishery. With a very similar timing and area outlined for early season Salmon success has also been extremely popular for Halibut fishing along the Island’s Pacific Rim. Over recent years, fishing has been very consistent for Halibut of various sizes, but catch opportunities may decrease with changes to fisheries regulations in 2010. Please consult local postings for updated information regarding Halibut fishing that opens as usual on February 1 st.
As a highlight, the peak of the salmon season may very well be earlier this year as well, with June looking to be excellent for a mix of Chinook and Coho, but all indications are leadingtowards July as the peak month for 2010. July has always been considered part of the peak summer season for Tofino and Ucluelet Fishing, but for 2010, the bulk of the Columbia River Chinook and Coho salmon present during that time should provide unrivalled fishing opportunities for the year.
In years past, the salmon fishery was focused closer to the coastline, and often by late summer, the majority of anglers would fish for the largest Chinook and Coho of the season within the protected inshore waters of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. The late season terminal area fishery in these areas has become much more conservative over the past 10 years, with the majority of the recreational fleet now fishing the offshore waters. While protecting the fragile local Chinook stocks inside Clayoquot Sound, the strength of the area’s inshore Coho fishery has rebounded to rival past years that helped label Clayoquot Sound as B.C.’s premier Saltwater Fly fishing destination. Schools of hungry Coho Salmon arrive in late May and early June, and thrive among the myriad of Islands, Reefs and Kelp Forests, foraging on abundantschools of Needlefish. Likely due in part to the beneficial conditions of the base stage of marine survival, these aggressive Coho have been reaching amazing size proportions by mid to late summer, and returning through the fall well past the end of October. This area and fishery hasbeen favoured by many smaller vessel anglers, and has become extremely popular again, mostnotably for those that enjoy catching hard fighting Coho Salmon on a Fly Rod in the shallow, protected waters of the sound.
As in any fishing season, regardless of your location there can be highs and lows, but for 2010 we are looking forward to once again experience why Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim area has been considered one of B.C.’s most reliable Sport Fishing destinations by many.
