Tofino / Ucluelet Fishing Report: April 2006
Waiting for fishing weather
April 18th, 2006
For the Tofino B.C. area, the middle of April often provides more days of Sun than those of Rain, and especially not often mixed with snow.
The past two weeks have teased us with a few nice days of opportunity to fish the offshore waters from Tofino/Clayoquot Sound, but for the
most part, conditions have been far from summerlike.
The offshore days were productive for Chinook salmon in the 10-18lb range, with one over 20 lbs. Halibut fishing was only fair, with a few
fish in the 20-30 lb class, and a couple long line releases that felt a fair bit heavier.
With weather patterns that have been keeping us limited to inlet waters, most of our charter trips have headed Northwest to the Sydney inlet
area near Hot Springs Cove. Traditionally, this has been a good early season area for us, and fortunately this year has followed suit.
Chinook Salmon have been averaging in the low to mid teens, with an average of three to five fish per trip, and as many again have been slipping
the barbless hooks.
Very fortunately, this protected water fishery also provides the area's best opportunity for inshore Halibut fishing in the Tofino area.
Most trips to Sydney inlet have yielded at least one "bonus" Halibut, along with the catches of Salmon. Some days, the Halibut
numbers exceed the Salmon numbers while trolling near the bottom with hoochies and Herring or Anchovies.
Last weekend's less than perfect weather saw two of our vessels guided by Derek and Blake, return from the Sydney inlet area just in front
of an aggresive Gale force Southeast weather front. The guests were all smiles to see the wind and rain start whipping as soon as they were
tied to the dock, and the cleaning table full of Salmon and Halibut.
With a better looking forecast on the horizon, we are looking forward to getting out offshore and playing with a few of the Chinook Salmon
and Halibut that have been "safe" due to the conditions.
The recent rains and higher elevation snow packs have only added to local river flows that are seeing the main runs of spring Steelhead on
our small local river systems. The colder than normal conditions have slowed the Salmon fry migration downstream, so the Cutthroat trout
are hungry and waiting.
For anyone interested in the great guided sportfishing opportunities that the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound
area has to offer, don't hesitate to send us an e-mail from this site, or call us toll free at 1-888-534-7422
I'll have numerous updated photos from the last few charters once I get Blakes digital card from his camera to download.
We're looking forward to a great season ahead, so come on out and join us.
Jay and the Clayoquot Ventures Guide Team
Tofino B.C. Vancouver Island Spring Chinook and Halibut
April 30th 2006
Tofino, B.C. Vancouver Island Spring Chinook and Halibut
After an ongoing series of relentless foul weather systems that continually battered the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Tofino and Ucluelet
areas are now seeing some fantastic spring-like conditions. Last weekend was a prime example of what we have been waiting for on the B.C.
coast, with no winds, no rain, very little offshore swell, and the best Chinook Salmon and Halibut fishing so far for the 2006 season.
The offshore waters from Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. were as nice as it gets for a three to four day stretch. The rugged snow capped mountains
on Vancouver Island’s west coast created an amazing backdrop for fishing and photos during this great stretch of springtime conditions
in late April.
The fishing technique used by most anglers who were fortunate to experience these great offshore conditions, was trolling a variety of artificial
or natural baits near the ocean floor, just a short distance from our local lighthouse, Lennard Island.
Anglers were able to compound their success by trolling deep with Salmon gear, producing a great mix of Chinook salmon, Halibut and various
Bottom fish. Most of the days showed and even catch of Chinook salmon and Halibut, using a method that is usually specific to Salmon fishing
around Vancouver Island.
Some vessels that ventured out a little further to the 10 mile bank didn’t fair any better for the extra travel and fuel, and enjoyed
good action upon returning back to the 5 mile bank near the “Three Humps”.
Some of the larger Chinook salmon for the weekend’s efforts were in the 20 – 25 lb class, and numerous Halibut tested the Salmon
fishing tackle at over 40 lbs.
With a mix of Orca Whales passing through, flotillas of colourful Portuguese “Man-o-War” Jellyfish covering the tidal slicks,
and the snow covered mountains enhancing the scenery even more, the conditions and catches combined for many happy anglers.
Many anglers that fish the waters around the Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. areas are excited when they consider that this past weekend is only
an example of what is to come for the remainder of the season, as the size and numbers of Chinook Salmon will only increase as Spring progresses.
Halibut fishing opportunities near Tofino will also provide increased successes over the next 4 months, coinciding with the smaller tide
cycles of each month.
For locals with their own vessels, or guests to the area who are interested to experience the great Saltwater fishing opportunities available
in Tofino B.C., Clayoquot Ventures can outfit all. For Tackle, Charters and updated information, stop in at Jay’s Fly and Tackle in
Tofino, or hook up with all these great options online at www.tofinofishing.com Call Toll Free 1-888-5FISHBC
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Clayoquot Ventures