Tofino / Ucluelet Fishing Report:
2008 preliminary Fishing Outlook
Feb 06, 2008
2008 Tofino – Ucluelet B.C. Sport fishing Outlook
Welcome Back!! This outlook is preliminary, and will be updated with current information as it becomes available.
Following a season that dubbed Vancouver Island’s Tofino and Ucluelet areas likely the most consistent sport fisheries on the B.C.
coast, 2008 fishing opportunities might have a hard act to follow.
For fishing near Tofino and Ucluelet B.C., the 2007 season was not unlike being at an action packed NHL playoff game with a line-up of
star players that you anticipate seeing all winter, and the “game” unfolds to be as exhilarating as you anticipated. The experience
finds you not only satisfied with the time you have committed, but feeds your passion and heightens your interest for the next time you
are in the front row seat.
A combination of factors have been building up against the 2008 season’s line-up of Salmon stocks, with fair to poor early stages
of marine survival likely creating the biggest challenge. Predation, along with unpredictable water currents and temperatures that effect “normal” food
sources during the early stages of local Salmonid life cycle have not been overly favourable. Due to these various challenges effecting
various salmon stocks coast wide, we can anticipate a more conservative approach by DFO for some areas of the coast, in an attempt to protect
stocks of concern.
The Pacific Halibut Commission is recommending a reduction in the total allowable catch for the B.C. coast spread
between all sectors, and are in discussion with DFO on how to achieve this goal. At the time of writing, the main proposal from the Sport
Fishing Institute of B.C. to DFO in attempts to meet the temporary reduction; Reduce the possession limit from 3 Halibut to 2 Halibut per
person, continuing with 2 Halibut per day, and no changes to size limits. Keep in mind that this potential temporary reduction is not based
on conservation concerns, but is due to the allocation process of Halibut catch within different sectors on the B.C. coast. For more info
on this process, you might consider reading the following backgrounder report; www.gulftrollers.com/Misc/Commercial_vs_Recreational_Allocation.pdf
Through the Sport Fish Advisory process with DFO, recreational angling opportunities will be protected and provided following necessary conservation,
likely being announced by mid spring in 2008.
Though returning numbers have fluctuated recently, run timing for most local Salmon stocks has been quite consistent the last couple years,
so this part of your planning should not be in question. Early spring offshore action for Chinook salmon and Halibut is normally a standby,
with late spring and early summer seeing more inshore action for Chinook and Coho. The peak months of July, August and early September
should again provide the best fishing inshore and offshore for Chinook and Coho, with Halibut and Bottom fish being a great option.
The 2008 season will likely see some of the most reliable fishing opportunities supported by enhanced Salmon stocks such as Robertson Creek
Chinook and Coho, as opposed to smaller wild stock systems of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. Fortunately the work done over the years by hatcheries
has helped provide a variety of fishing opportunities, in both approach and terminal areas. This is proof once again that Salmon Enhancement
cutbacks are not only a very poor decision, but detrimental to years of past enhancement work that requires continual “maintenance” to
be successful.
Anglers needing moorage while fishing the Tofino area might want to check out the 4th street harbour upgrades, with a new office building
complete with two new washrooms, showers and laundry. Plans for expanded parking for vehicles and boat trailers are also in the works
for 2008. Make sure to check with local regulations, as well as in-season variation orders for the area you plan to fish. This can be
done by visiting the local DFO office, tackle shops or postings at launches and docks.
Remember, if you have a chance to volunteer personal time, or contribute financially to local Salmon Enhancement programs, pleased do your
part. Community based enhancement programs and related support are a big part of the future, so get involved where you can to help keep
the “game on” for future angling opportunities.
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Clayoquot Ventures