Vancouver Island Salmon Fishing
After an exceptionally productive summer fishing season for Chinook
and Coho Salmon, numerous Halibut and for Trout in both fresh and
saltwater, all indications point towards the action to continue.
The early fall season in the Tofino-Clayoquot Sound area provides
many diverse fishing opportunities with some of the most comfortable
weather conditions of the year.
With most of the transient runs of Salmon gone past, our locally
stable runs of Chinook, Coho and Chum help create some very consistent
fishing through late October. Along with the offshore area from
Raphael Piont, many of the best areas to target these returning
Salmon runs are in relatively protected inshore waters, such as
Kutcous pt., Chetarpe, Monk Rock and Coombs Bank (Catface).
Remember that Chinook salmon must be released in these inshore
areas, with an allowable retention of two hatchery Coho per person.
These protected areas help create the prime setting to target these
mature fish with light tackle, especially with a cast fly or Bucktail.With
the fantastic returns of Coho Salmon to the area, our local saltwater
fly fishery continues to attract more anglers interested in testing
the waters of this exciting growth sport.
Bright attractor patterns,Clouser Minnows and large Needlefish
imitations will often trigger some aggression from maturing Coho
that weigh up to the 14 lb. range. When casting for fall Coho, remember
to retrieve your fly all the way before lifting it out of the water
and casting again. Coho are followers and can hit at the last second.
Chinook salmon can be caught until late September on a variety
of spoons, hoochies or Anchovies. Fishing for Coho and Chum Salmon
remains good until early November, when the late fall weather systems
usually make saltwater fishing conditions very unstable.
Fishing on the remote river systems in the area is excellent at
this time of the year for Cutthroat trout and for Catch and release
Salmon fishing. This is the best time of the year to fish the remote
mountain lakes for Rainbow Trout to 8lbs. and Cutthroat Trout up
to the 4 lb. class. These guided excursions are very unique with
great fishing in pristine surroundings.
The offshore waters still provide some great fishing for Ling cod,
Red Snapper and Halibut. Raphael Point provides some of the areas
best bottom-fishing, with Portland Point still producing some great
Halibut.
If you have any questions regarding fishing opportunities for this
fall, remote Steelhead fishing February through May, or charter
bookings for the 2001 season, don’t hesitate to call us toll
free at 1-888-534-7422 or e-mail me jay@steelheadsalmonhalibut.com
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