Vancouver Island Fishing Outlook 2004
For many years, the same question has always been asked, “How strong will the returning Salmon stocks be this year?” Whether
it is due to the conservation regime that has been adhered to by the Salmon fishers of the B.C. Coast, or just a natural “cycle”
of better Ocean Survival conditions, the Pacific Salmon stocks are rebuilding more and more each year. I don’t doubt that the same
question will always be pondered, but the gist of the question may well have a much more positive approach than in past years.
With the positive turn in Salmon stocks coast wide, Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim region boasts some of the best opportunities in
the Province, with the coastal communities of Tofino and Ucluelet offering year-round sport fishing opportunities that continually attract
visitors from around the globe.
For the 2004 season, Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim region continues this trend, with a great outlook for both fish stocks and their
related angling opportunities. For the early season enthusiasts, expect excellent action for Chinook Salmon and Halibut among the baitfish
rich banks offshore from Tofino and Ucluelet. The mixed stocks of "transient" Chinook Salmon are the mainstay of the springtime
fishery.
This is probably the best time of the season to fish your favorite hoochy down deep, 39-42 inches behind a Gibbs or Oki flasher, or spoons
like the Gibbs Wonder #5, 48-60 inches behind your flasher. Fishing at Tofino's Portland or Raphael pts, in 140-160 ft. of water, as well
as Ucluelet's South bank and La Perouse bank in the 180 to 300 ft range, your efforts should be rewarded. Halibut are consistently found
along these same banks, attracted by the vast schools of Needlefish and Sardines that have slowed the Chinook Salmon from their migration.
As the season progresses to early summer, the Pacific Rim region sees the fantastic return of Chinook and Coho Salmon to both the protected
inshore, and open offshore waters. The increased Coho numbers of the past few seasons have helped accelerate the already increasing Saltwater
Fly fishery in the Tofino area. This time of the year provides anglers of all gear types to enjoy great rewards. Fly fishing, Buck tailing,
Trolling spoons and hoochies , Drift Jigging and Mooching all prove productive in the waters around Tofino and Ucluelet.
The last stretch of the summer season provides the best opportunies for Chinook in the “Tyee” class, with the 2004 outlook
for hatchery origin Springs showing great returns. The islands and reefs that scatter along the outer coastline are the traveling and feeding
corridors for these maturing Salmon en-route to their natal streams.
Try the Tofino area Hot Spots like Wilf Rock, Blundan Island or Tree Island. Ucluelet’s Wya Point, Little Beach and the “Grapefriut”
are all close to town, and produce the area’s most mature Chinook. As in the past few years, you might consider the offshore areas
to continue to produce the “Slabs” as well. Anchovies or Medium Herring 6-7 ft. behind a flasher will often be the gear of choice.
The late season months of September thru November should not be ruled out, as there are still some great local Chinook cruising through,
as well as the largest and most aggressive Coho Salmon of the season. Coho that can often tip the scales over 15 lbs, can be caught using
all gear types.
Late season anglers need not travel very far or fish very deep in their quest for the these hard fighting and acrobatic trophy class Coho.
The 2004 returns of Coho are anticipated to possibly allow even more retention opportunities than past years of 2 per person. This time
of the year still provides great offshore action for Halibut and Bottom fish, as well as Chum Salmon later in October.
For more detailed information on the timing and opportunities in our area, stop by or call us at the West Coast’s only Fly
& Tackle. For Moorage in the Tofino area, call the Tofino Harbour Authority at (250) 725-4441.
Clayoquot Ventures