Tofino, BC Fishing: June 2000

Fishing opportunities should be in full swing up and down the coast of British Columbia, with the Tofino and Ucluelet region on Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim coming in to one of the most diverse and productive months of the year.

Saltwater fishing is undoubtedly the most popular and accessible option for our area, with this month providing great action for Salmon, Halibut and other Bottom-fish species. The best Salmon fishing opportunities are trolling anchovies, spoons or hoochies deep in the offshore waters from Tofino and Ucluelet. Most are Chinook Salmon in the 15-25lb. range with the smaller 4-8lb. Coho Salmon showing later in the month.

Halibut fishing at this time provides some of the best action for the year. This type of bottom fishing has become more technical for sport fishermen in the past few years. With the use of GPS/Map units showing detailed underwater contours, Halibut anglers can more effectively fish these bottom contours where the halibut rest and feed. When searching for a likely area, look on your chart for spots with sand/gravel and fish the deep edge of the contour, either trolling, anchoring or controlling your drift so you stay as close to the edge as you are able.

A variety of tackle will work for the flatties, with the most important factor to success is having the sharpest hooks possible, as halibut can suck your bait in and spit it back out before you acknowledge a hit. A variety of gear will work, but Halibut definitely prefer fresh baits such as Herring, Octopus, Squid, Sardines and Salmon bellies.

Scented lures are a good second choice, but all should be fished as close to the bottom as possible. To fish a spreader bar and bait, I always tie my own leaders with 8/0 or 9/0 Gamakatsu octopus hooks and 150lb. test monofiliment. To land Halibut in a variety of sizes, always be prepared with a good gaff hook, club, some rope and a harpoon, making sure that larger Halibut are dead before bringing them on board your vessel.

This month usually brings the warmer weather that helps prime the conditions in the remote mountain lakes from Tofino B.C. The warmer water promotes aquatic activity with trout increasing their diet with more leeches, shrimp, caddis, chironomids, as well as dragon and damsel fly nymphs and emergers.

Sea-Run Cutthroat Trout are still very active in the estuaries as they hungrily await the downstream migration of Salmon fry. This may be the best opportunity of the year to catch these active trout with a well presented fry pattern or small spinner or spoon.

This is a great month to fish the Tofino area so give us a call at 1-888-5FISHBC or e-mail jay@steelheadsalmonhalibut.com and we’ll help you arrange the best options, or stop by our FLY & TACKLE shop as you drive in to Tofino B.C.

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