Tofino / Ucluelet Fishing Report:
January 2005
Tofino Fishing outline that we have recently provided for the Tofino Chamber of Commerce Web site
December 24th
Tofino Fishing Description for TCC Web Site
Saltwater Fishing
For the small coastal community of Tofino, fishing has always been a major attraction, with
fish and seafood stocks creating the backbone for its growth many years ago. These rich aquatic resources continue to attract Sport Fishermen
from far and wide, providing world class angling opportunities for mighty Chinook salmon, acrobatic Coho Salmon, powerful Halibut and a
variety of fascinating bottom fish species.
The world famous inshore waters of Clayoquot Sound create an unbeatable combination of scenery and habitat for anglers to focus on abundant
stocks of Chinook and Coho Salmon that are aggressively feeding among the reefs, sandbars and kelp beds. This has become the stage for saltwater
Fly fisherman and light tackle enthusiasts to enjoy some of the best opportunities on the British Columbia coast.
Local guides are equipped and eager to host visiting anglers for a memorable experience on the waters of Clayoquot Sound.
Freshwater Fishing
As a great option, the remote and pristine mountain lakes and coastal rivers of the Clayoquot Sound area provides anglers with a variety
of unique, world class Freshwater fishing opportunities.
Runs of Winter, Spring and Summer Steelhead can be caught on flies or light tackle throughout the year, complimented by a variety of Rainbow
and Cutthroat Trout in the same clean clear watersheds that meander through the coastal mountain valleys.
Breathtaking scenery and great fishing is common for those that choose to experience a day on a Fly-in mountain lake for Rainbow or Cutthroat
Trout.
An experienced local outfitter can ensure a great day for your group with detailed preparation, planning and top quality equipment, making
a remote freshwater experience the highlight of your Tofino vacation.
Fishing information provided by;
Jay’s Clayoquot Ventures www.tofinofishing.com
2006 updates to tofinofishing.com
January 8th, 2006
Thanks for checking in on our updates page for Vancouver Island's charter fishing and accommodation packages resource for Tofino and Ucluelet
B.C. Vancouver Island. Clayoquot Ventures is Tofino's premier fishing company specializing in charter fishing excursions for Chinook Salmon,
Coho Salmon Halibut and Bottom fish, as well as Saltwater Fly fishing and Freshwater fishing excursions for Steelhead, Trout and falltime
Salmon.
Jay's Fly and Tackle in Tofino will be expanding on some current product lines as well as a few new brands that are leaders in the progressive
sport of Fly fishing.
Moderate changes and updates to this site are currently being worked on , and we hope to have a refreshed outline for our 2006 Tofino sport
fishing and charter fishing options for the coming season on the waters of Tofino and Clayoquot Sound, and the areas offshore from Ucluelet
B.C. Vancouver Island.
(Tofino fishing charters and excursions for Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Halibut,Steelhead, Trout, Fly fishing, accommodations and Tofino's
complete Fly and Tackle resource for all angling needs for anglers in Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. Vancouver Island)
Tofino fishing and weather
January 12th, 2006
Thanks for visiting our updates page at tofinofishing.com, Tofino and Ucluelet's resource
for Fishing Charters, Excursions, Fishing Packages and Fishing Reports.
We have been waiting for the weather to dry up a little, and to have at least 6 hours between weather fronts so we can spend some time on
the inlet waters in the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area.
The weather has really not been any worse in Tofino than most other areas on the South Coast of Vancouver Island, and even B.C. for that
matter. It makes it a little harder to take when I know how good the winter fishing for Salmon in the Tofino is at this time of the year.
There are good numbers of feeding Chinook Salmon in the area, and once we locate a moderate concentration of baitfish, the Chinook Salmon
are quite predictable, especially near the tide changes.
Since January is the only month of the year that Halibut Fishing is closed. Getting out to the offshore waters is not as important as later
in the spring, when the offshore banks from Tofino and Ucluelet become the prime feeding grounds for local and transient stocks of Chinook
Salmon, as well as Halibut and various Bottom fish that feed heavily on these prolific bait stocks.
We are looking forward to helping you with any questions that you may have regarding fishing in the Tofino and Ucluelet areas, and helping
you arrange any specific charter dates for the coming season.
January 19th, 2006
Tofino, B.C. Fishing Outlook 2006
The early season months are always welcomed on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, when there are often numerous reminders of the wet coastal
winter loosening its grasp, promoting more spring-like conditions and activities.
Many people will be preparing their boats and gear for the season ahead, while there are some keen local anglers that have done these preparations
during the quieter winter months, and have been out on the water enjoying some great early season fishing opportunities. Currently, fishing
for Chinook salmon in the Tofino area waters has been quite limited to breaks in the weather. The protected waters of Sydney inlet near Hot
Springs Cove is a great early season consideration. The close proximity to the open ocean helps influence bait-fish, and the following Salmon
and Halibut to arrive, but not always depart with tidal flows. This is just one area in the Tofino-Clayoquot Sound area that provides good
inshore fishing for Chinook salmon and Halibut from January through late May. Trolling 90-110 feet deep with anchovies or medium Herring
is the gear of choice for both species.
As an outlook for the 2006 fishing season in the Tofino-Clayoquot Sound area, anglers can expect good early season action for Chinook salmon
and Halibut among the baitfish rich banks offshore from Tofino. This same bank system extends along our outer coastline, well past Ucluelet.
It has been very common over the past few years for anglers from Tofino and Ucluelet to congregate in the same locations on this prolific
bank system. Fishing at Tofino's Portland or Raphael pts, in 140-160 ft. of water, your efforts are often rewarded. Chinook Salmon in the
14-25 lb. range are most often enticed by Anchovies, Herring, Hoochies or large spoons and plugs. Halibut are consistently found along these
same banks, attracted by the vast schools of Needlefish and Sardines that have helped slow the Chinook salmon from their migration. Halibut
fishing success is often attributed to reading tides and charts, and fresh bait such as Octopus, Sardines, Salmon belly or the artificial
Berkley power Grub.
As the 2006 season progresses to early summer, the Tofino area will once again see a strong return of Chinook and Coho Salmon to both inshore,
and open offshore waters. This time of the season always provides reliable Bottom fishing, as well as inshore Fly fishing opportunities that
continue through late September. Clayoquot Sound has been the main stage for the growing sport of catching ocean salmon on the fly, and is
a great option for all. Whether you are a beginner, or an ardent angler, this exciting fishery allows ample space and enjoyment in one of
the most pristine locals for a popular fishery.
The last stretch of the summer season will provide the best opportunities for Chinook in the “Tyee” class, with the 2006 outlook
for hatchery origin Springs forecast to be abundant. The islands and reefs that scatter along the outer coastline are the traveling and feeding
corridors for these maturing Salmon. Consider trying the Tofino area Hot Spots like Wilf Rock, Blundan Island or Tree Island. During the
past few years, the offshore areas have consistently produced the “Slabs” as well.
Anchovies or Medium Herring 6-7 ft. behind a flasher will often be the gear of choice. Many anglers have also been relying on 7 inch Tomic
plugs, and spoons like Oki’s Titan, or Gibb’s Gator in glow patterns.
The late season months of September thru November deserves consideration, as there are great opportunities for the largest Coho Salmon of
the season. Anglers visiting the area to experience this great fishery do not require a large boat or to travel great distances. You should
consider that this time of the year still provides great offshore action for Halibut and Bottom fish, as well as a strong outlook for Chum
Salmon, usually starting in October.
For local information, charters and appropriate gear, stop by and see us at Tofino’s main fishing resource, Jay’s Fly and Tackle.
Clayoquot Ventures ltd.
Great Day for Fishing the Tofino Area
January 20, 2006
After a very long stretch of foul winter weather on Vancouver Island, today is finally one of those stellar days that helps attract more
than 1 million visitors per year to the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area on Vancouver Island's west coast.
I don't doubt that with the amount of rain over the past month, many locals were contemplating which was more important, building and Ark,
or starting a new draw for tourism in the Tofino area, with Kayak races down Main Street.
There is no doubt that today provides the best opportunity in some time, to fish the Saltwater for Winter Chinook Salmon in the inlet waters
of the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area. The colder temp. has also helped drop the river levels to a suitable flow for local anglers to focus
on the small to medium sized rivers in the area for Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout.
I've attached a few photos below that show how beautiful our local beaches can be in the winter, and as well, a couple photos of Tofino's
inlet views and Vancouver Island's coastal mountain range that I took from my living room window this morning.
Please note that our 2006 fishing and Accommodation rates will be posted on this site within days, and they will be virtually unchanged from
the rates in 2005 that are currently on this site and in our literature.
I always welcome e-mail inquiries regarding questions on fishing and accommodations on the Tofino area, on Vancouver Island's west coast.
If you are considering the Tofino area for a charter fishing package or even a single day of fishing while visiting the Tofino area, now
is a good time to start your planning.
See our various pages on this site that will help you with;
Salmon and Halibut fishing in the Tofino area
Saltwater Flyfishing in the Tofino area
Steelhead and Trout Fishing on Vancouver Island
Mail Order sales for our complete Fly and Tackle selection
Fishing and Accommodation packages in Tofino
Accommodations at our private guest house facilities
Links to various businesses in the Tofino-Ucluelet area, including many other accommodation facilities that we recommend.
Thanks for visiting tofinofishing.com - Tofino's main resource for sportfishing charters , Fishing and Accommodation packages, and all gear
necessary for your Tofino fishing vacation.
Winter Chinook Salmon in Tofino and Ucluelet area
January 27th,2006
As the month of February nears, great saltwater fishing opportunities on the waters around Tofino and Ucluelet become more available. The
inlet waters of Clayoquot Sound and Barclay sound on Vancouver Island's west coast play host to increasing numbers of baitfish, especially
local Herring stocks that start to accummulate in the shallow areas in preparation for their annual spawning ritual.
When fishing for winter chinook salmon in the Tofino/Ucluelet inlet waters, locating bait fish is important, as these feeding salmon will
not be far from their food source. We often fish in the 90-115 ft. depths, with spoons, plugs or baits like Anchovies and Medium Herring.
Trolling speed is important, and I find that a little faster than normal Chinook Salmon fishing speed is best.
The size of the winter Chinook Salmon that we fish for in the Tofino inlet areas ranges between 5-20lbs. These early season "feeder" salmon
are full of fight for their size, and I consider them the finest table fare of all the Pacific Salmon species.
When the weather permits, this time of the year offers excellent fishing for Chinook Salmon in the offshore areas from Tofino and Ucluelet,
on Vancouver Islands west coast. Again, the Salmon focus on concentrations of bait fish, especially when the tides slow down or turn "slack" as
this is the most probable bite time of any day. The offshore fishing areas from Tofino and Ucluelet also provide some great early season
fishing for Halibut that are focused on the same bait fish stocks. We often troll very near the bottom during this time of the year, catching
both Chinook Salmon and Halibut at any time, especially when trolling bait. January is the only month of the year that Halibut retention
is closed in the Tofino and Ucluelet waters, as well as the rest of Vancouver Island and coastal B.C. waters. The retention limits for Chinook
Salmon in the Tofino and Ucluelet area is 2 per day and 4 in possesion. Halibut is based at 2 per day and 3 in possesion for you multi day
fishing excursion.
Our covered and heated cabin cruiser style charter boats are perfectly suited to safely and comfortably fish these great Vancouver Island
waters during the early season, and discounted rates are now in effect. We are glad to offer a fishing and accommodation package during this
time of the year, or refer you to a local Tofino resort that will take care of your accommodation needs while in Tofino.
Give us a call for Tofino fishing updates and reports on how our early season Salmon and Halibut fishing is going, or to discuss our great
Tofino charter fishing opportunities for later this spring or summer.
Check back soon for further updates to this page regarding the great Salmon, Halibut, Steelhead and Trout fishing that we offer in the pristine
waters of Tofino/Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island's beautiful west coast .
Tofino sportfishing charters for Salmon, Halibut Steelhead and Trout.
Accommodation packages for Tofino, B.C. Vancouver Island Canada
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Tofino, Vancouver Island,
British Columbia Canada
Sport Fishing Charters and Accommodations
Full service Fly & Tackle outfitter for Tofino and Ucluelet.
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