Fishing Report for Week Ending February 26, 2012

SALTWATER

OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was FAIR for winter springs, primarily due to windy weather. If you can find some bait and stay near it, you’ll do better than most. Seals are still a problem for anglers fishing off ofVictoria. The seals do not appear to be a problem either west or north ofVictoria.

 

HALIBUT WILL OPEN ON MARCH 1, 2012

 

New Salmon Fishery Notice:

 Effective March 1 until 23:59 hours Friday June 15, 2012, additional

recreational fishery restrictions on Chinook salmon will be in effect in

Subareas 19-1 to 19-4 and Subarea 20-5 (those waters near Victoria between

Cadboro Pt to Sheringham Pt.). During this time period and in this area the

daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day which may be wild or hatchery

marked between the size limit of 45 cm and 67 cm or hatchery marked only

chinook over 67 cm in length.

Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!

Sooke – Salmon fishing was FAIR for winter springs up to 14 lbs this past week. Most of the salmon are smaller fish though. The fish are deep and close to the bottom, from 120 to 160 feet on the downrigger, in 100 to 180 feet of water. Much of the action is coming from the harbor entrance and SecretaryIsland along the Bluffs to the trailer Park. The largest salmon that we know of caught this past week was a 14 lb white spring taken near Possession Point. The fish are showing a preference for bait, but some are still hitting other lures. 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 FAIR for winter springs. The hot spot was in the channel between the flagpole andLambIsland, right inside the bay, not far from Cheanuh Marina. Anglers fishing further away atWhirlBay and theBedfordIslands did not do nearly as well, especially in the size of fish landed. It’s also been fair from Beechey Head to Iron Mine Bay for fish up to 12lbs.  Fishing close to the bottom is the key to success in all areas. The springs have shone a preference for bait over artificial lures this past week. Anchovies are the most productive bait now. 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 SLOWER, with strong winds limiting the number of boats going out fishing. There were some fish coming fromWhirlBay but a few anglers were getting skunked there too. No large salmon were seen at the marina, all 5 to 6 lb fish. The springs have shone a preference for bait over artificial lures this past week. Anchovies are the most productive bait now. The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. 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 Waterfront – Salmon fishing was FAIR out at Constance Bank and along the waterfront this past weekend. However, strong winds prevented most anglers from fishing most of this past week. At the bank anglers were catching fish up to 12 lbs and releasing smaller 3 to 5 lb, but legal, springs, that is if the seals did not get them first. The bank was best for those anglers bottom bouncing in 120’ to 150’ of water. Closer in, anglers were getting fish up to 11 lbs while fishing nearVictoriaHarbor and Clover Point. The springs have shone a preference for bait over artificial lures this past week. Anchovies are the most productive bait now and 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. The herring fishing off of theCraigflowerBridge was pretty good this past week.

Oak Bay – Salmon fishing was SLOW on the Flats for winter springs up to 7 lbs with the weather being a factor much of the week. 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 aroundSidney withCoalIsland the hot spot. Anglers have been landing some big springs up to 23 lbs there. There have also been some fish around Moresby andMandarteIslands. It’s been slower in the south end of the Sidney Channel. There had been lots of springs around the minimum size length this winter. 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 – Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com

 

FRESHWATER

 

OVERVIEW – Fishing is SLOW on the local lakes for both trout and bass in this cold, windy weather. Steelhead fishing is going strong in the rivers.
Cowichan River – The water level on theCowichanRiver has been steadily dropping except for a short spike upwards on Saturday. The level is close to 1.73 meters at the lake and just above 1.3 meters nearDuncan. Water clarity has been good and anglers are getting some nice steelhead. The Riverbottom and Bible Camp areas have been the most popular areas to fish and for drift boaters. That said, there are steelhead in the entire length of the river. For steelhead, good lures to fish are Spin ‘n Glo’s, Corkies, Gooey Bobs and the always reliable Pink Worm. We’ve also had lots of reports of anglers using large Golden Stone Fly nymphs below strike indicators or floats and being very successful. 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 theSouth Island area, especially since many of the lakes had ice this past week. That said, some “lunkers” have been caught this past week at Dougan and LangfordLakes. 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 tat the Orange Hot Shot has been good. Chris Jones sent us pictures of 22” and 18” rainbows from fullerLakethat 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 ElkLake 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 CowichanLake.

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 - Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com

 FISH TIP OF THE WEEK

 Bigger is not always better! The point is that you should mix up the size of your baits or lures to increase the odds of catching fish. Fish both large and small baits until you find a definite pattern of what the fish want at that time, that day.

Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2012

 Halibut

We are now waiting for the season to open and the first “barn doors” of to be weighed in at the store.

 Salmon

We are now waiting for the first big springs of the year to be weighed in at the store. Maybe you will be bringing in the biggest one this year!

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 31^st 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!

See our event pages for upcoming events!

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

April 14^th.  The 5^th 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 28^th: 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 12^th and 13^th: The 16^th 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.

 

Fishing Report for Week Ending February 19, 2012

SALTWATER

OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was SLOWER for winter springs in most areas, primarily due to windy weather. If you can find some bait and stay near it, you’ll do better than most. Seals are still a problem for anglers fishing off ofVictoria. The seals do not appear to be a problem either west or north ofVictoria.

HALIBUT WILL OPEN ON MARCH 1, 2012

Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!

Sooke – Salmon fishing was FAIR for winter springs up to 10 lbs this past week. Most of the salmon are still smaller fish though. 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 along the Bluffs to the trailer Park, off the harbor entrance and SecretaryIsland. 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 PRETTY GOOD for winter springs. Actually, this was the spot for big winter springs this past week. Tom Baxter got a 23 lb fish on the weekend and a 21 1/2 lb fish was caught earlier in the week. Quite a few in the mid teens were also noted. The hot spot was in the channel byFraserIsland inside the bay. Anglers fishing further away fromWhirlBay and theBedfordIslands did not do nearly as well, both in size and quantity. It’s also been good from Beechey Head toIronMineBay for fish up to 14 lbs..  Fishing close to the bottom is the key to success in all areas. The springs have shone a preference for bait over artificial lures this past week. Anchovies are the most productive bait now. 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 SLOWER, especially inPedderBay and on the William Head side of the bay and inParryBay. There were some fish coming fromWhirlBay but many anglers were getting skunked there too. No large salmon were seen at the marina, mostly 3 to 8 lb fish.  The springs have shone a preference for bait over artificial lures this past week. Anchovies are the most productive bait now. The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. 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 Waterfront – Salmon fishing was SLOWER out at Constance Bank and SPOTTY along the waterfront this past weekend. At the bank anglers were catching fish up to 12 lbs and releasing smaller 3 to 5 lb, but legal, springs, that is if the seals did not get them first. The bank was best for those anglers bottom bouncing in 120’ to 150’ of water. Closer in, anglers were getting fish up to 11 lbs while fishing between Albert Head and Clover Point. Wayne Zaccarelli picked up an 11 lb hatchery (29″) and 10 lb wild (28″) chinooks off theVictoria harbor mouth in only 15 minutes of fishing! One fish had big herring in stomach and the other about a dozen small shrimp about an inch long. Over half boats fishing along the waterfront were skunked, but weather was a factor on many days. The springs have shone a preference for bait over artificial lures this past week. Anchovies are the most productive bait now and 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. The herring fishing off of theCraigflowerBridge was pretty good this past week.

Oak Bay – Salmon fishing was SLOW on the Flats for winter springs up to 10 lbs with the weather being a factor much of the week. 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 aroundSidney withCoalIsland the hot spot. Anglers have been landing 8 to 12 lb springs there. There have also been some fish around Moresby andMandarteIslands. It’s been slower in the south end of the Sidney Channel. There had been lots of springs around the minimum size length this winter. 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 – Wayne Zaccarelli picked up an 11 lb hatchery (29″) and 10 lb wild (28″) chinooks off harbour mouth in only 15 minutes of fishing!

Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com

FRESHWATER

OVERVIEW – Fishing is SLOW on the local lakes for both trout and bass in this cold, windy weather. Steelhead fishing is going strong in the rivers.

Cowichan River – The water level on theCowichanRiver has been steadily dropping except for a short spike upwards on Saturday. The level is close to 1.5 meters at the lake and just below 1.4 meters nearDuncan. Water clarity has been good and anglers are getting some nice steelhead. The Riverbottom and Bible Camp areas have been the most popular areas to fish and for drift boaters. That said, there are steelhead in the entire length of the river. 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 theSouth Island area, especially since many of the lakes had ice this past week. That said, some “lunkers” have been caought this past week at Dougan andLangfordLakes. Bob Sieben caught a 3.7 pound rainbow trout on the afternoon of January 29th, 2012 atDouganLake with power bait off the bottom. Bob went to collect the rod and check the line and as he twitched the line the big fish struck.

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 tat the Orange Hot Shot has been good. Chris Jones sent us pictures of 22” and 18” rainbows from fullerLakethat 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,WillowLeafLaketrolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. The biggest trout continue to be caught atElkLakewithLangfordLakebeing your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”.  By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released inCowichanLake.

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.  LangfordLake,ShawniganLake,ProspectLake and Elk andBeaverLakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake onSaltSpringIsland is also a great lake for bass fishing.

Notable Catches - Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com

FISH TIP OF THE WEEK

Herring are staging for their annual spawning run into Victoria Harbour and up through the Gorge. Try and locate the schools of big herring and then fish large baits, plugs or hootchies near them if you want to catch the big winter springs.

Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2011

 Halibut

 We are now waiting for the season to open and the first “barn doors” of to be weighed in at the store.

 Salmon

We are now waiting for the first big springs of the year to be weighed in at the store. Maybe you will be bringing in the biggest one this year!

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 31^st 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!

 See our event pages for upcoming events!

February 24^th to 26^th: The 20^th Annual Boat, Fishing and Outdoor Sale will be held at the Pearkes Recreation Centre at the Tillicum Mall. This is the Island’s largest boating, fishing and outdoor show and sale. There will be lots of displays, manufacturer representatives and boats on view. Visit www.VictoriaBoatShow.com for more details.

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

April 14^th.  The 5^th 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 28^th: 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 12^th and 13^th: The 16^th 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.

Cowichan River SPECIAL
Steelhead Fishing March 3rd / March 11th

Enjoy a one night stay in the Outfitters River front cabin; Breakfast, lunch and 1 day’s guided Steelhead fishing trip in a 17ft drift boat
$295. /person based on 2 people.

Historically the best week for wild winter run Cowichan Steelhead!

Come Join us for the 18th annual
Victoria Boat & Fishing Show!
February 24th-26th.

Fishing Report for Week Ending February 12, 2012

SALTWATER

OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was PICKING UP for winter springs in most areas. If you can find some bait and stay near it, you’ll do better than most. Seals are still a problem for anglers fishing off ofVictoria. The seals do not appear to be a problem either west or north ofVictoria.

 

HALIBUT WILL OPEN ON MARCH 1, 2012

 

Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!

Sooke – Salmon fishing was GOOD for winter springs up to 10 lbs this past week. Most of the salmon are still smaller fish though. 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 along the Bluffs to the trailer Park, off the harbor entrance and SecretaryIsland. 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 PICKING UP for winter springs. Anglers were reporting salmon up to 14 lbs fromWhirlBay and theBedfordIslands. Inside the bay, the action has been fairly consistent for springs from 7 to 10 lbs. It’s also been good from Beechey Head toIronMineBay for fish up to 14 lbs..  Fishing close to the bottom is the key to success in all areas. The springs have shone a preference for bait over artificial lures this past week. Anchovies are the most productive bait now. 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 EXCELLENT, especially inWhirlBay.  Every boat reported catching salmon and many had limits. If a boat did not bring any springs to the dock, it was because they were releasing the ones they were catching. The springs went up to 14 lbs in size. Some anglers fished in the bay near the yellow Can Buoy or the Deep Hole and were doing fairly well on springs up to 11 lbs. The fishing was slow on the William Head side of the bay and inParryBay. The springs have shone a preference for bait over artificial lures this past week. Anchovies are the most productive bait now. The best teaser heads for anchovies were the Purple Haze and the Bloody Nose. 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 Waterfront – Salmon fishing was VERY GOOD out at Constance Bank and SPOTTY along the waterfront this past weekend. At the bank anglers were catching fish up to 12 lbs and releasing smaller 3 to 5 lb, but legal, springs, that is if the seals did not get them first. The bank was best for those anglers bottom bouncing in 120’ to 150’ of water. The seals were a big problem for some anglers on the bank. Closre in, anglers were getting fish up to 18 lbs while fishing between Albert Head and Clover Point. However, there was not nearly as much action along the waterfront as there was offshore. Over half boats fishing along the waterfront were skunked. The springs have shone a preference for bait over artificial lures this past week. Anchovies are the most productive bait now and  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.

Wayne Zaccarelli had great success off of the waterfront on Saturday. Waynehad three fish on in 20 minutes of fishing. He started with a double header almost as soon as he had his lines in the water. After about a minute, it took off like a train and was taking line like a wild thing. It surfaced and he figured a seal had it. Wayneput the rod in the rod holder and grabbed the other rod which had tripped at about the same time. When he reeled that line inn the fish was gone. He then went back to other rod and the fish was still there. Waynemanaged to get it up to boat and it was no seal – only an 18 pound chinook. Waynereset his lines and 5 minutes later one rod tripped again. This time it was an 8 lb hatchery chinook. Waynewas finished at 9:30 AM and had his limit. The big one was 32 inches, wild, male and with red meat. The smaller one was 25-3/4 inches, hatchery, male and with red meat. He caught both on glow white anchovy special and glow white O’Ki flasher. He lost his other fish was on UV jellyfish anchovy special and UV jellyfish flasher.

Oak Bay – Salmon fishing was PICKING UP 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 – We have nothing new to report here. Salmon fishing has been SPOTTY aroundSidney. We’ve only heard of one 8 lb spring from Moresby and none from the south end of the Sidney Channel. There had been 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 – Wayne Zaccarelli caught two springs weighing 18 & 8 lbs off theVictoria waterfront.

Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com

FRESHWATER

 

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 theCowichanRiver since last Wednesday and is over 1.5 meters at the lake and nearDuncan. Water clarity has been good and anglers are getting some nice steelhead. The Riverbottom and Bible Camp areas have been the best area to fish and drift boaters. Some of the bank anglers had been 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 theSouth Island area, especially since many of the lakes had ice this past week. That said, some “lunkers” have been caought this past week at Dougan andLangfordLakes. Bob Sieben caught a 3.7 pound rainbow trout on the afternoon of January 29th, 2012 atDouganLake with power bait off the bottom. Bob went to collect the rod and check the line and as he twitched the line the big fish struck.

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 tat the Orange Hot Shot has been good. Chris Jones sent us pictures of 22” and 18” rainbows from fullerLakethat 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,WillowLeafLaketrolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. The biggest trout continue to be caught atElkLakewithLangfordLakebeing your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”.  By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released inCowichanLake.

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,ShawniganLake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake onSaltSpringIsland is also a great lake for bass fishing.

Notable Catches - Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com

FISH TIP OF THE WEEK

Steelheading is really tough on your hooks. Constant bouncing off of rocks quickly dulls your hook’s point, making it harder to set the hook when you get one of those rare strikes. You should check your hook for sharpness after every few casts and use a good file or hone to maintain a sharp point.

Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2011

Halibut

We are now waiting for the season to open and the first “barn doors” of to be weighed in at the store.

 Salmon

 We are now waiting for the first big springs of the year to be weighed in at the store. Maybe you will be bringing in the biggest one this year!

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 31^st 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!

See our event pages for upcoming events!

February 18^th: the Pacific Salmon Foundation Fundraising Dinner and Auction with live and silent auctions as well as raffles will be held at the University of Victoria, Commons Block, at 38700 Finnerty Road in Victoria. Limited seating is available. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at Island Outfitters. Visit www.psf.ca for more details.

February 24^th to 26^th: The 20^th Annual Boat, Fishing and Outdoor Sale will be held at the Pearkes Recreation Centre at the Tillicum Mall. This is the Island’s largest boating, fishing and outdoor show and sale. There will be lots of displays, manufacturer representatives and boats on view. Visit www.VictoriaBoatShow.com for more details.

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

April 14^th.  The 5^th 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 28^th: 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 12^th and 13^th: The 16^th 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.

 

OVERVIEW – Salmon fishing was SPOTTY for winter springs in most areas. If you can find some bait and stay near it, you’ll do better than most. Seals are still a problem for anglers fishing off ofVictoria. The seals do not appear to be a problem either west or north ofVictoria.

 

HALIBUT WILL OPEN ON MARCH 1, 2012

 

Visit our facebook page to see reports, news and videos by our guides and staff from their most recent trips!

 

Sooke – Salmon fishing was GOOD for winter springs up to 12 lbs this past week. Most of the salmon are still 7 to 10 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 along the Bluffs to the trailer Park, off the harbor entrance and SecretaryIsland. 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 NOT TOO BAD for winter springs. Anglers were reporting salmon up to 13 lbs fromWhirlBay and theBedfordIslands. Inside the bay, the action has been fairly 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 SPOTTY.WhirlBay was much slower and few anglers caught limits there. Some anglers fished in the bay near the yellow Can Buoy or the Deep Hole and were doing fairly well on springs up to 11 lbs. The fishing was slow on the William Head side of the bay and inParryBay. The fish, when you find them, 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 Waterfront – Salmon fishing was SPOTTY out at Constance Bank and along the waterfront. Some boats were catching fish up to 10 lb and releasing smaller 3 to 5 lb, but legal, springs. The east side of the bank was best 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 10 lbs while fishing near Clover Point. However, there was not nearly as much action along the waterfront as there was offshore. 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 SPOTTY 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 SPOTTY aroundSidney. We’ve only heard of one 8 lb spring from Moresby and none from the south end of the Sidney Channel. There had been 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 – Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com

 

FRESHWATER

 

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 theCowichanRiver since last Wednesday and is at 2 meters at the lake and 1.4 meters nearDuncan. Water clarity has been improving and anglers are getting some nice steelhead. The Riverbottom and Bible Camp areas have been the best area to fish and drift boaters. Some of the bank anglers had been 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 theSouth Island area, especially since many of the lakes had ice this past week. That said, some “lunkers” have been caought this past week at Dougan andLangfordLakes. Bob Sieben caught a 3.7 pound rainbow trout on the afternoon of January 29th, 2012 atDouganLake with power bait off the bottom. Bob went to collect the rod and check the line and as he twitched the line the big fish struck.

 

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 tat the Orange Hot Shot has been good. Chris Jones sent us pictures of 22” and 18” rainbows from fullerLakethat 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,WillowLeafLaketrolls with a worm-tipped GIBBS Wedding Band will almost always catch some fish. The biggest trout continue to be caught atElkLakewithLangfordLakebeing your next best bet to hook into a real “lunker”.  By the way, all wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released inCowichanLake.

 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.  LangfordLake, ShawniganLake, Prospect Lake and Elk andBeaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake onSaltSpringIsland is also a great lake for bass fishing.

 Notable Catches – Bob Sieben caught a 3.7 pound rainbow trout on the afternoon of January 29th, 2012 at Dougan Lake with power bait off the bottom. Bob went to collect the rod and check the line and as he twitched the line the big fish struck. Please send photos and descriptions of your notable catch to our email info@fishingvictoria.com

  

FISH TIP OF THE WEEK

 Many fly anglers put away their gear for the winter without properly storing expensive fly lines. Rather than leaving your line tightly wound onto the reel, it’s best to remove the line and store it in larger loops off of the reel. And a good application of line cleaner certainly wouldn’t hurt your line’s performance.

 

Island Outfitters Leader Board – 2011

Congratulations to our 2011 winners!

Halibut

 

1)    231.4 lbs – Terry Zarelli – Race Rocks area – Octopus- March 25^th

2)    194.4 lbs – Al Crow – Sooke – Salmon Head – May 14^th

3)    127.5 lbs – Reg Day – Sidney– June 26^th

4)    124.6 lbs – Todd Steen – Sidney– May 27^th

5) 101.9 lbs – Reg Day – Sidney – June 27^th

 

Salmon

 

     1) 47.1 lbs – Ian Robinson – Port Renfrew – Anchovy – July 29^th  

     2) 40.0 lbs – Dave Stubbs – Constance Bank – Hootchy – August 20^th

     3) 36.4 lbs – Brandon Salter – Waterfront – Anchovy – August 7^th

     4) 33.0 lbs – Bill Campbell – Trap Shack – Anchovy – July 5^tth

     5) 32.8 lbs – Joe Zammit – Trap shack – Anchovy – July 16^th

 

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 31^st 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!

See our event pages for upcoming events!

February 24^th to 26^th: The 20^th Annual Boat, Fishing and Outdoor Sale will be held at the Pearkes Recreation Centre at the Tillicum Mall. This is the Island’s largest boating, fishing and outdoor show and sale. There will be lots of displays, manufacturer representatives and boats on view. Visit www.VictoriaBoatShow.com for more details.

February 25^th: the Pacific Salmon Foundation Fundraising Dinner and Auction with live and silent auctions as well as raffles will be held at the University of Victoria, Commons Block, at 38700 Finnerty Road in Victoria. Limited seating is available. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at Island Outfitters. Visit www.psf.ca for more details.

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

April 14^th.  The 5^th 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 28^th: 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 12^th and 13^th: The 16^th 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.