Tofino / Ucluelet Fishing Report:
May, 2006
May 06, 2006
The month of May in the Tofino BC area provides some of the most diverse fishing opportunities of the year. Chinook salmon, Halibut, Steelhead and Trout
all provide prime opportunities for angling success, catering to both Freshwater and Saltwater enthusiasts. Anglers of all gear types have the option to
pursue their species of choice on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Abundant numbers of juvenile Coho Salmon have started the local saltwater fly fishery early this year, with the sizes of these feisty salmon increasing
rapidly over the next few months. Small shrimp flies in orange or pink are the best bet, along with sparse candlefish streamers and Clousers. During this
same time, Sea Run Cutthroat Trout become much more active along sloping rocky shores near river estuaries like the Cypre and Kootowis creek at Grice Bay.
Offshore fishing is now going full tilt, with great action for Chinook salmon in the 14-35 lb. range, and for Halibut in the 20-60 lb. average weight class.
Both of these popular species are often found in the same areas on the baitfish rich banks a short distance offshore from Tofino and Ucluelet. Methods
for success when fishing for Chinook and Halibut can very similar by trolling an Anchovy or Herring along the bottom depths that average between 140 and
165 ft. Halibut will readily take all of the favored salmon lures, such as various glow hoochies, 5-7 inch Tomic plugs, and a wide variety of spoons that
mimic the local baitfish species. The most common gear used by local anglers when specifically targeting Halibut, is by bottom bouncing a spreader bar
with bait along the underwater contours. Herring, Pilchards, Octopus and white Berkley power baits are the most effective baits, when fished with either
a sharp circle hook, or a tandem set-up with 8/0 or 9/0 octopus style hooks. Remember, when you think your hooks are sharp enough, give them one more last
touch with the file to ensure more hookups.
Many Steelhead anglers on the island have put away their waders for another season, while Vancouver Island’s small west draining river systems are
still seeing fresh fish through the month of May. This is a prime time to fly fish for these true native sea run Rainbows, with a great mix of aggressive
trout and often sunny conditions that are not really typical to winter Steelhead fishing on Vancouver Island. Medium to large Marabou and Rabbit strip
patterns fished with a swing or undulating strip retrieve promote most takes. Fry patterns are a standby for the trout, and even the odd bonus Steelhead!
Check in for regular updated reports at www.tofinofishing.com or call us directly for up to date info. 1-888-534-7422 or 250-725-2700
Tofino B.C. Halibut fishing heats up
May 12th
Halibut fishing in the Tofino area has been very consistent since mid March, with the last two weeks providing Halibut action and catches
that made for a lot of happy charter guests hosted by Clayoquot Ventures.
On average, the waters near Tofino and Ucluelet provide an average Halibut size of 20-60 pounds, caught in depths that vary between 130-200ft.
The same baitfish rich offshore banks that provide habitat for Tofino's world class Salmon fishery, is the same location for our great Halibut
fishing opportunities. Tofino area's most productive offshore fishing areas average between 4 and 10 miles out, while Ucluelet's main offshore
fishing areas average 8-18 miles from the shore.
Highlights of the week included Clayoquot Ventures guide Blake Klopfenstein returning after a 6 hour A.M. charter with very happy guests,
and 5 Halibut that averaged at 35 lbs each.
A few days later, Clayoquot Ventures guide Derek Fraser was up to his usual tricks, bringing home ecstatic charter guests, 6 Halibut and
a variety of Bottomfish. Below, you can read the testimonial from Dereks guest, who is a very experienced west coast angler.
Something to note, is that fishing for Chinook Salmon has been good as well, but the excellent Halibut fishing has captured the focus of
many Clayoquot Ventures charter fishing guests.
"Hi Jay , I Just wanted to thank you again for the excellent halibut trip we enjoyed with Derek Fraser on Tuesday. Derek did not disappoint - trying
his proven spots that hold the halibut and then tying my wife into a big slab that really tested her out! Derek was a true pro and the trip could not
have been better. Feel free to use any of the attached pics if you like. We'll be back!"
All the best,
Mark Teubert
Front Office Manager
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa |
Clayoquot Ventures