Tofino / Ucluelet Fishing Report: February 2006
Tofino B.C. Fishing Charter Bookings and Accommodations for 2006
February 5, 2006
Wow!!
For the many people that visited Tofino B.C. this past week to experience a Vancouver Island winter storm, they got far more than they might have bargained
for.
Three days of intense weather lashed the British Columbia coastline, with Vancouver Island's outer coast getting
hit first, and possibly the hardest. The worst came on the evenings of February 2nd and 3rd. While driving home from Port Alberni on the
3rd, gusts of wind in the 50-70 knot range were busy causing all sorts of damage, and almost pushed my truck off the road as I passed Long
Beach.
Needless to say, the sport fishing opportunities in the Tofino, Ucluelet and Clayoquot Sound areas have been
very limited. Recreational Halibut fishing opened February 1st for the British Columbia coastline, and I'm quite confident that not many
Halibut have been caught due to the relentless weather. Quite surprisingly, the swell is not as large as one might think, and the extended
forecast looks very promising for some offshore fishing in the near future. For those that don't know the geographic and bathymetric of
the Tofino-Ucluelet coastline, the local underwater bank system that provides us with world class habitat for Salmon, Halibut and Bottom-fish,
literally starts as soon as anglers leave the coastal islands. Prolific stocks of baitfish such as Herring, Sardines and Needlefish provide
an aquatic buffet for these opportunistic species of sport fish in waters that average 140-160 feet deep. An average run to the offshore
waters from Tofino takes 30 minutes, and Ucluelet’s run time in not too much longer, unless Ucluelet fishermen decide to travel an
hour out to the La Perouse Bank.
Aside from being just passed the peak (we hope) of storm season in the Tofino BC region, we are also coming
into the height of inquiry and booking time for Fishing and Accommodations for Vancouver Islands most desirable aquatic destination. It
is not uncommon for many of Tofino’s quality accommodation facilities to book prime summer dates very quickly, as is the case for
sport fishing charters in the Tofino area as well.
We strongly recommend that for any people who are interested in the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area for a fishing
vacation this season, you should start the process very soon.
Whether you plan to book a single day charter, or your focus is on a Fishing and Accommodation package, you
should narrow down some dates and start the inquiry process, so you will have a good understanding of your options.
Though we do arrange and outfit literally hundreds of “walk in” charters during Tofino’s peak season, we would be more
comfortable to have your fishing excursion with Clayoquot Ventures pre arranged and planned, providing us all with the best opportunity to
prepare for your very memorable fishing vacation to the Tofino area.
For a list of accommodation providers in the Tofino BC area, as well as some others on Vancouver Island, please visit our links page on this
site.
Until next time,
Jay
Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. Vancouver Island fishing update for February
Feb.14th, 2006
Finally, the worst of winter has past. The howling winds and driving rain that usually keeps most locals thinking of warm clothes, rain gear
and the days being too short, have turned to more pleasant thoughts like feeder Chinook Salmon, hungry Halibut, estuary Cutthroat and bright
Spring Steelhead. Some of us are consumed with these finer thoughts all year-round, while others need the returning spring conditions to
awaken the fishing bug. Other Spring-time reminders in Tofino B.C. are very prevalent. The Grey Whales are just down the coastline, on their
annual migration from the Baja to Alaska. With numerous local whales returning to Clayoquot Sound each year, and the thousands of others
that pass our near-shore areas, tourists from all over the world arrive in Tofino to witness this stage of the Grey Whale’s journey.
Among the masses of whale enthusiasts, are those that aren’t satisfied with just seeing these large mammals up close, or smelling their
foul breath when they blow up wind. These focused individuals have been lured by Vancouver Island’s reel treasures. They come from
far and wide in search of the SILVER bright Chinook Salmon, the DIAMOND shaped Pacific Halibut, the YELLOW-GOLD bellies of the Sea-Run Cutthroat
Trout and the absolute PRICELESS exhilaration of releasing a native Steelhead, all in some of nature’s most pristine surroundings.
The waters of Tofino/Clayoquot Sound are enjoyed by more and more anglers each year, with many of these sportsmen fulfilled by returning
their new found treasures back to the dark hiding spots from where they came. Current conditions are favorable for most of our local fisheries
with opportunities increasing as spring progresses. Chinook salmon fishing is best in the offshore areas from Tofino and Ucluelet, with the
more protected inshore areas producing some smaller fish. Trolling spoons, glow green or white hoochies or bait near the bottom will produce
the best results. Watch for schools of Herring as the Salmon will be near this baitfish, feeding throughout the day. Halibut fishing in the
offshore waters is just starting to turn on. Watch the weather and tides before heading out, with whole Herring and a spreader bar the gear
of choice. Spring Steelhead are showing well in our local rivers, with spring rains and run-off encouraging more fish to travel upstream.
A variety of large fly patterns in bright colors as well as terminal tackle like spoons and drift gear will entice these true native fish
to strike. As the weather warms even more, the remote mountain lakes from Tofino B.C. will start producing great action for Cutthroat and
Rainbow Trout, while the estuary Cutthroat can be found all year. For any further information or help planning a fishing excursion to the
Tofino B.C. Clayoquot Sound area, call us toll free at 1-888-5FISHBC or e-mail jay@tofinofishing.com
Be sure to check out our fishing packages for Chinook and Coho Salmon, Halibut and Steelhead on our packages page. Keep updated with Tofino
fishing opportunities by visiting us often for fishing updates and reports.
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Clayoquot Ventures