Tofino / Ucluelet Fishing Report:
February 19th
Tofino Salmon fishing season starts
February 19th, 2006
Tofino B.C. Salmon Fishing Season Begins
Imagine Salmon fishing on Vancouver Island’s west coast. For many of us, the most prominent images that come to mind are blue skies,
calm waters, and big bright, hard fighting Chinook Salmon. Most people would associate these thoughts with the summer months of July and
August, the peak of the fishing season for coastal British Columbia.
Not often these same fishy thoughts are associated with the month of February, especially during the winter on Vancouver Island’s normally
wild west coast. When you consider that many people currently visiting the area are hoping to witness the violence of the season’s
last winter storms, while staying warm and cozy in local resort rooms, cabins or beach homes, they were not expecting the great weather we
experienced this past weekend in Tofino, B.C.
Though it is not very common timing, I believe that this past weekend could be considered the real start of the Salmon fishing season in
the Tofino area. Calm seas and clear skies that would rival most days in the summer, along with Chinook salmon fishing that would make any
angler smile, Feb 18th was one such a day!
After a short trip past the resorts and beaches of Tofino’s protected waterways, we cruised to the southern tip of Vargas Island, and
set our trolling gear at depths of 32-48 ft. deep. Locally known as the Moser 500, this small, but productive area for salmon fishing near
Tofino, provided all we could imagine. Sunshine, calm water, clear skies, stunning views of the majestic snow capped coastal mountains, and
Salmon, big bright Chinook salmon. After fishing the area for an hour and a half, we were more than satisfied with landing 2 Chinook Salmon
approx. 20 lbs. each, and losing one other. Sharing this early season experience with my 7 year old son was fantastic, considering that he
helped choose and tie the productive gear for the days outing.
After the fish were cared for, the boat was all scrubbed down, and the gear was rinsed and put away, we took
some time to check out the digital images captured on this great early season fishing trip. We were sure glad to capture these memories
of the start of Tofino salmon season, as I’m sure there will be numerous years to come, where the winds and rain of mid February will only allow for dreaming about great
days like this.
Now open for the 2006 season, the Clayoquot Ventures Guide Team is excited to host private groups for half or full day trips on the waters
of Tofino/Clayoquot Sound. Just around the corner is the great option of combining the pursuit of Chinook salmon and Halibut on the same
outing. Steelhead season is also in full swing for Vancouver Island’s west draining rivers. Check out all these great options at www.tofinofishing.com
or call us toll free at 1-888-5FISHBC.
Clayoquot Ventures