The peak Season continues
September 1st, 2008
September Fishing in Tofino B.C. – The peak season continues…
Historically, mid August through mid September is the time when the Tofino area coastline plays host to some of British
Columbia’s strongest and diverse stocks of Salmon, most specifically the prized sport fishing species, Chinook and Coho. This season’s fishing
action has again been very consistent for the Tofino area, and likely stronger than most areas of the B.C. coast that have experienced a
change in Salmon travel and feeding habits.
With delayed timing for many runs that typically travel past Tofino during the peak month of August, sport fishing opportunities for the
month of September are anticipated to be very strong.
Various areas and gear types will be receiving the most focus by experienced Tofino area anglers, with the following recommendations for
those considering a trip on your own boat or with a local charter company;
Chinook salmon fishing offshore from Tofino’s coastline will likely provide the season’s strongest opportunity for larger 4-5 year old
Chinook. With an anticipated return of abundant late summer Chinook Salmon to the lower Fraser and Columbia Rivers, the chance of catching
your first Tyee, or even one over 40 lbs will not get any better for fishing the Tofino area. This same area will also provide great action
for the season’s largest Coho salmon, with many of the acrobatic fighters in the 15 to 20 lb. range. All “wild” Coho Salmon must be released
in offshore areas, unlike the adipose fin clipped Coho that can be retained offshore. Many anglers troll 40 – 80 feet deep with large spoons
or plugs to catch both Chinook and Coho.
Inshore Coho fishing is favoured by many during this time of the year, with the retention limit now raised to 4 Coho per person per day,
with only 2 of the 4 being non-adipose fin clipped. With bait-fish stocks extremely strong, and many Coho salmon feeding hard inside Clayoquot
Sound, many anglers with smaller vessels appreciate this prime opportunity. Fly anglers are focused on casting and Buck-tailing areas like
Tibbs Island down to Catface and Coombs bank for hard hitting and hard fighting Coho salmon on 7-9 weight Fly rods.
Halibut and Bottom-fish action is also a great late season fishing option for the Tofino area. Species such as Ling Cod, Yellow-Eye and
Cabezon all live within a short distance offshore, and are a great compliment to the great Halibut fishing that has continued through the
spring and summer. Artificial jigs with a little fresh bait for scent will often reward your efforts for these varied species.
On the freshwater side of angling interests, September is when things really start to light up for Salmon in the various streams of the
region, along with the Trout that are often close by to pick up stray eggs from the spawning salmon. Most rivers provide good opportunities
for catch and release fishing for Salmon and Trout, using single barbless hooks, while respecting the bait ban that is common for most
streams on Vancouver Island.
With the combination of great fishing opportunities, normally fantastic weather conditions, and more room to move about in town and on
the water, why wouldn’t you consider fishing the Tofino area this September?
For more info, check on-line at www.tofinofishing.com or call 250-725-2700
September 1st Tofino fishing update
September 1st
Tofino area Fishing is still very consistent offshore for medium size Chinook and lots of big Coho, with a good number of fin clipped Coho
mixed in for retention.
Not too many large Chinook so far offshore, but we anticipate the mixed runs of large white Chinook (Harrison) and large red Chinook (late
Columbia) to show offshore as usual through the first few weeks of September.
Most local guides are running medium spoons behind a flasher, as well as a 155 octopus hoochie. Still a few dodfish around, so bait is
fished less than normal.
Inshore has seen a decent number of large Chinook Salmon released while fishing for Coho.
The numbers of Coho caught have increased over the last week, partially due to a couple weather days that kept most boats inshore. Coho
are in fair numbers, but average size is very good, with many fish over 15 lbs.
Not many anglers are using bait inshore either, as small to medium spoons and Needlefish Hoochies are working fine.
Outer areas of the sound (Tibbs, Kutcous,Burgess) are best, and inside the Coho retention zone.
Halibut and Ling Cod are out there, providing a consistent late season fishery as usual.
Saltwater Flyfishing and Bucktailing has been fair.
September 1st sees a regulations change to 4 Coho per person per day, with two of these fish still required to be fin clipped.
With the fishing still solid, and the weather stabalized, things look good for September.
Jay |
Clayoquot Ventures