Vancouver Island Fishing: May 2000Vancouver Islands Pacific Rim region has a long history of fishing, along with a bright future that holds much optimism through diversity in the growing recreational industry. There are exciting sport fisheries available all along our western coastline, from the more rugged and remote northern areas of Quatsino,Kyuquot and Nootka Sounds, to the more accessible but equally pristine and abundant, Clayoquot and Barclay Sound areas to the south. For the small coastal communities of Tofino and Ucluelet, fishing has always been a major attraction, with fish and seafood stocks creating the backbone for their growth many years ago. These rich aquatic resources continue to attract sport fishermen from all over the world, with this season showing as much popularity as ever. Angling on the west coast of Vancouver Island this year holds a lot of promise for great opportunities. With new diverse fisheries developing, such as the rapid growth of Saltwater fly fishing in the area, some very unique freshwater fishing options and the increase of bottom fishing along our near shore banks, these only compliment the existing terminal fisheries that have attracted many over the years. With all angling options combined, along with the continued advancement of accommodations, culinary services and other recreational opportunities, Clayoquot and Barkley Sound continue to shine as two of British Columbia’s premier destinations. Early season saltwater fishing is generally limited to the protected inshore waters of the sound, while the conditions for the more productive offshore waters are quite unstable. As the winds and rain of winter give way to more spring-like conditions, saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities begin to unfold. The small to medium sized river systems in the area hold stable runs of native steelhead averaging 6-12 lbs. This season has seen a good return as usual with very little fishing pressure on these remote river systems. Peaking in late March through April, these spring-run Steelhead will readily take flies, spoons and terminal gear. The same river estuaries that see passing Steelhead in the spring and returning salmon in the fall, host year-round populations of Sea-Run Cutthroat. Cruising the beaches in search of small shrimp and various bait fish, these small but feisty game fish provide great action for fly fishermen and light tackle anglers. The downstream migration of fry in the spring and the return of spawning salmon in the fall, are times when these anadromous trout are especially susceptible. Expect excellent action for Chinook Salmon and Halibut among the bait fish rich banks offshore from Tofino and Ucluelet. 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, will continue to produce Chinook Salmon over 30 lbs., and Halibut averaging 20-60 lbs. Anticipated to be significantly better than last season, this combination fishery continues to provide great action through late July. The early season is also the start of some unique and diverse fisheries that the area has to offer. Numerous remote fly-in lakes along the coastline host healthy populations of Cutthroat Trout as well as a few lakes producing trophy sized Rainbows. These pristine lakes provide good fishing conditions through late October. The fairly new and rapidly expanding sport of fly fishing the saltwater, has labelled the Tofino/Clayoquot sound area, British Columbia’s premier destination. This exciting, low impact fishery is expected to experience continued growth in conjunction with the fantastic increase of Coho Salmon along the coast. Mid. June is the start of this near shore fishery, with the action intensifying July through mid. October. The inshore Salmon fishery for the season’s largest maturing Chinook begins in mid. July and peaks later in August. This season may see some special restriction areas to protect certain stocks of concern. The areas outside the protected surf line will offer great opportunities to catch and retain your Chinook at this time. For retention of Coho salmon, the regulations should be similar to last season, with the fishing action expected to be as good or better. It is hard to imagine more intense Coho fishing than we experienced last year! As the season progresses into early fall, the usually stable weather patterns don’t often limit boating activities, in turn, promoting great conditions for bottom-fishing the offshore waters for Halibut, Lingcod, Red Snapper and other species of rockfish. Among the inshore waters of Clayoquot and Barclay sounds, this is the prime time to fish for returning local stocks of salmon en route to their natal streams. This coming fall should see good fishing for Chinook, along with unparalleled Coho salmon action. This is a prime time of the year for light tackle fishermen, as well as those with smaller boats to enjoy great fishing action, not far from the harbor. Come out and see for yourself why the Tofino/Ucluelet B.C area continues to prosper with sport fishing and tourism. For further information on our area and what we have to offer, as well as fishing or charter inquiries, call me at 1-888-5-FISHBC. Web Address: TofinoFishing.com 
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