Peak Fishing Seasons for
Tofino / Clayoquot Sound
Chinook Salmon
Mid April thru late June is best fishing the offshore
waters from Tofino.15-25 lb. average size. Early July thru early September is
best for largest Chinook of the season, caught along the outer coastline of
Clayoquot Sound, with some Chinook Salmon up to 50 lbs.
Outlook for 2005 Excellent Fishing, especially for the large Chinook in August.
Coho Salmon
These great sport fish start to show by mid. June with
excellent action July thru October, offering Great fishing throughout Clayoquot
Sound. These feisty Salmon are the backbone of the increasing saltwater fly
fishery.
Outlook for 2005 Excellent fishing expected as these fish are building in numbers
with local river systems producing extremely well.
Halibut
The small to medium sized tides from mid. April thru
late July produce the best Halibut fishing of the year. Averaging 20-60 lbs.,
these powerful bottom dwellers are great sport as well as fantastic table fare.
Outlook for 2005; Early indications show this season will be very good for Halibut
in the Tofino area as the Biomass of Pacific Halibut is thought to be very strong.
Ling Cod/Bottom fish
These underutilized fish provide great action starting
April 15th thru late October. Various sizes, with Ling Cod reaching 40 lbs.
plus.
Outlook for 2005 Ling Cod numbers looking very good with a steady increase over
the last few years. Red Snapper and other Rockfish numbers are fair, but a conservative
approach is necessary.
Steelhead
The majority of Steelhead in Clayoquot Sound arrive
as spring-run fish thru March, April and May. Spring rains and snow melt greatly
effect the movement of these true native beauties. Some summer-run fish return
to local rivers late June thru November.
Outlook for 2005 Good for these small but stable “wild” runs of
Steelhead.
Trout
The larger lakes in the area see good action early in
the spring with the more remote mountain lakes turning on later in the spring,
due to higher elevation and colder water. Fishing is good May thru late October
on most lakes.
Outlook for 2005; Due to very low fishing pressure, trout anglers are often
rewarded well for their efforts, especially on the fly-in mountain lakes. After
a mild winter, trout fishing this year should be very good.
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