Vancouver Island Fishing Outlook 2006
Finally, the worst of winter has past. The howling winds and driving rain that usually keeps most locals thinking of warm clothes, rain
gear and the days being too short, have turned to more pleasant thoughts like feeder Chinook Salmon, hungry Halibut, estuary Cutthroat and
bright Spring Steelhead. Some of us are consumed with these finer thoughts all year-round, while others need the returning spring conditions
to awaken the fishing bug.
Other Spring-time reminders in Tofino B.C. are very prevalent. The Grey Whales are just down the coastline, on their annual migration from
the Baja to Alaska. With numerous local whales returning to Clayoquot Sound each year, and the thousands of others that pass our near-shore
areas, tourists from all over the world arrive in Tofino to witness this stage of the Grey Whale’s journey.
Among the masses of whale enthusiasts, are those that aren’t satisfied with just seeing these large mammals up close, or smelling
their foul breath when they blow up wind. These focused individuals have been lured by Vancouver Island’s reel treasures. They come
from far and wide in search of the SILVER bright Chinook Salmon, the DIAMOND shaped Pacific Halibut, the YELLOW-GOLD bellies of the Sea-Run
Cutthroat Trout and the absolute PRICELESS exhilaration of releasing a native Steelhead, all in some of nature’s most pristine surroundings.
The waters of Tofino/Clayoquot Sound are enjoyed by more and more anglers each year, with many of these sportsmen fulfilled by returning
their new found treasures back to the dark hiding spots from where they came. Current conditions are favorable for most of our local fisheries
with opportunities increasing as spring progresses.
Chinook salmon fishing is best in the offshore areas from Tofino and Ucluelet, with the more protected inshore areas producing some smaller
fish. Trolling spoons, glow green or white hoochies or bait near the bottom will produce the best results. Watch for schools of Herring
as the Salmon will be near this baitfish, feeding throughout the day.
Halibut fishing in the offshore waters is just starting to turn on. Watch the weather and tides before heading out, with whole Herring
and a spreader bar the gear of choice.
Spring Steelhead are showing well in our local rivers, with spring rains and run-off encouraging more fish to travel upstream. A variety
of large fly patterns in bright colors as well as terminal tackle like spoons and drift gear will entice these true native fish to strike.
As the weather warms even more, the remote mountain lakes from Tofino B.C. will start producing great action for Cutthroat and Rainbow
Trout, while the estuary Cutthroat can be found all year.
For any further information or help planning a fishing excursion to the Tofino B.C. Clayoquot Sound area, call us toll free at 1-888-5FISHBC
or e-mail jay@tofinofishing.com
Be sure to check out our fishing packages for Chinook and Coho Salmon, Halibut and Steelhead on our packages page. Keep updated with Tofino
fishing opportunities by visiting us often for fishing updates and reports.
Clayoquot Ventures