May Fishing outlook for Tofino-Ucluelet
area B.C.
May 2nd, 2008
Tofino Area Report May 2008
Considering that the month of May is a favourite for many local guides in the Tofino/Clayoquot Area, visiting anglers can expect varied fishing opportunities
that are sure to satisfy.
Tofino’s offshore and inshore Saltwater areas, as well as the remote streams and lakes that skirt Clayoquot Sound, all provide great opportunity
for a variety of species.
After another solid early season for Chinook salmon and Halibut, the local offshore fishery only intensifies as the season progresses. For Chinook Salmon,
your efforts should often be focused on the offshore waters, trolling within 50 feet of the bottom. Fish a rigged anchovy or medium Herring in a teaser
head 6-8 feet behind your favorite flasher, and also watch for the large schools of Pilchards that are often present. This is when your 6-7 inch spoons
and plugs will often out-fish other gear types.
May is definitely “Halibut month” in Tofino area waters, and your efforts should be rewarded with Halibut ranging from 20-60 lbs on average.
Fishing with Lead Minnow and Pipe style Jigs on the bottom are quite effective, but the method of choice would be to fish baits like Herring, Pilchards,
Octopus or Salmon Bellies on a Gibbs spreader bar. Halibut anglers must take note of changes to Halibut regulations coast-wide prior to fishing this season.
Good numbers of juvenile Coho Salmon have helped start the local saltwater fly fishery this year, with the sizes of these feisty salmon increasing rapidly
over the next few months. Small flies in orange or pink are the best bet, such as Shrimp, small Clousers and epoxy Needlefish.
The early part of this month has historically produced some of my finest memories of spring Steelhead on the small remote rivers of Clayoquot Sound. After
waiting for the right water flow and temperature, chrome bright native Steelhead will enter these small systems and travel fast to their natal spawning
beds. With the right timing and technique, anglers may connect with one of natures finest sport fish.
Trout fishing in the Tofino-Clayoquot Sound area is now prime, with local beaches often boiling with aggressive Sea-runs willing to take any thing that
resembles a Salmon fry. Local lakes are active for both Rainbows and Cutthroat with Chironomids, nymphs, dragonfly nymphs and small minnow patterns a focus.
When heading out this season, either take a young person fishing or pick up some trash, as both will be a benefit to the future of Sport fishing in British
Columbia.
Check Back soon for updates fishing info for Chinook Salmon, Halibut and Steelhead fishing in our area.
|
Clayoquot Ventures