Vancouver Island Fishing Charters

Current Tofino & Ucluelet B.C. Fishing Reports

Salmon and Halibut Fishing on Vancouver Island

Guided Fishing Charters for Salmon, Halibut and Bottom fish near Tofino...

Vancouver Island Saltwater Fly Fishing

Fly fishing for Coho Salmon and Trout on Canada’s B.C. coast...

Steelhead Fishing Charters on Vancouver Island

Steelhead and Trout Fly fishing and gear fishing on Vancouver Island...

Family Fishing Charters in Tofino

Clayoquot Sound family or small group interpretive charter...

Vancouver Island's Fly and Tackle Supply Shop

Tofino B.C.’s Fly and Tackle Shop selling Sage, Patagonia and G.Loomis...

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Tofino’s Peak Fishing Season Continues

While Tofino B.C. experiences a beautiful stretch of late season weather, the Sportfishing opportunities remain as at peak season levels. Tofino’s Salmon fishery in 2010 has been nothing short of exceptional, specifically for Chinook Salmon traveling along Tofino’s outer coastline, destined for various watersheds in the Pacific Northwest.

Many days are seeing charter boats encounter over 40 Chinook Salmon of various sizes, with most of these ocean bright Salmon being released unharmed to continue the journey to natal streams. For anglers searching for a catch to sustain the fall and winter food supply, legal limits have been very common.

Halibut numbers and average size have also been stronger than previous years, with many fish caught near the coastline in less than 150 feet of water. Various bottom fish species help augment the variety and action while searching for the Pacific’s largest Flounder.

Coho salmon action on the inshore waters has been hot and cold, with fair to good numbers of these feisty and acrobatic “Silvers” starting to show up stronger over the last week, hitting flies, trolled “Bucktail” flies, and small spoon trolled in the protected waters near Catface and Burgess Island.

As the weather continues to treat us with prime summer conditions, the Sportfishing opportunities are forecast is to follow suit and provide fantastic fishing through September, reminding us just why Tofino B.C. is considered one of the most consistent Sportfishing destinations in British Columbia.

For detailed Charter and Fishing information for the month of September, call Clayoquot Ventures Toll Free at 1-888-534-7422 or e-mail jay@tofinofishing.com
 



Peak Fishing Dates now open for Tofino B.C. Fishing

With exceptionally strong Saltwater Fishing for Chinook Salmon and Halibut in the Tofino area, and the peak month of August upon us, now is the time to consider that last minute Fishing trip that you have been dreaming about. Chinook numbers and sizes have been outstanding, along with a larger average size for Halibut than we have seen in years.

Prime Fishing dates through mid to late August are normally booked 8-12 months in advance, so due to some date shuffles with groups coming earlier than later, we now have some great options to host new or repeat guests in these spaces. Most dates are for private day Charters and not for our outlined Fishing packages, but accommodations can be sourced for you with local Tofino properties.

Peak Season Dates now available to consider are;
Thursday August 19th and Friday August 20th,
Monday August 23rd and Tuesday August 24th
Sunday August 29th and Monday August 30th

Early September will also provide a great fishery for Chinook Salmon Coho Salmon and Halibut, as well as the season’s best opportunities for various Bottom fish, and there are some great dates to consider as well. The season’s largest Coho salmon are feeding hard within Clayoquot Sound during September, providing world class action for light tackle as well as Saltwater Fly fishing.

We look forward to hearing from you by calling toll free 1-888-534-7422 or e-mail jay@tofinofishing.com 

 


August Fishing in Tofino – The peak of the Season

Tofino Fishing guide Conor MacKenzie with a Tyee Chinook

In the past 15 years as a full time Sportfishing outfitter in Tofino B.C., on Vancouver Island’s rugged, beautiful and bountiful west coast, there are always those days that pique your interest and passion to another level. Without these types of events that include special fish, guests, weather or combinations of each, even “professional” anglers can find the routine a little lacklustre. Fortunately for Tofino anglers, this is not very common, and August is anything from lacklustre.
We are fortunate in the Tofino area to have such a diverse blend of prime marine habitat, varied transient fish stocks and strong numbers of local or visiting anglers ready for their first or even fiftieth fishing experience that ideally will far “outweigh” the end catch. Tofino’s geographic location provides a perfect landscape for these blending factors to enhance the overall experience, and how it can play out in the favour of all who venture beyond the end of the road. Within Clayoquot Sound or offshore from Tofino’s coastline, a diversity of fishing is available, and August has long been considered as one of the very premier months of the Sportfishing season on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Chinook Salmon action is consistent offshore from Tofino, with the season’s largest Salmon that can reach sizes up to 50 lbs., migrating to various rivers down the coast. Coho Salmon create a steady mix of action in this same area, with many of these acrobatic silvers hitting on or near the surface. Halibut fishing has continued to stay very good through the spring and early summer, with average sizes increased over recent years with many fish in the 35-60 lb class. Trolling medium sized Herring in mid water will often produce great results for Chinook, while Halibut and Bottom fish can be caught using artificial power baits or natural baits fished along the sandy gravel flats not far from the lighthouse.
The inside waters of Clayoquot Sound now offer the season’s finest action for Coho Salmon on Flies or light tackle, with strong numbers of hungry and aggressive Coho cruising through local Kelp forests and among Tofino’ s coastal islands. Cast flies or trolled Buck-tail patterns in greens, blues and purples are go to colors, with small spoons or hoochies in chartreuse will often get it going. Tofino’s inshore fishery has unfolded as one of B.C.’s premier protected light tackle fishing options for all types of experience levels and vessel sizes, including recent growth in Kayak fishing. Saltwater Fly fishing has enjoyed increased growth for years on Vancouver Island, with Tofino area options as prime as ever.
An important regulation change for the 2010 season starting August 1st, the inside waters of area 24 will be non-retention for all Chinook Salmon regardless of size. Regulations continue to allow 2 Chinook Salmon over 45 cm. in offshore waters in area 1-24. In the event of catching a Chinook Salmon while fishing inshore during August and September, anglers are reminded to leave the Chinook Salmon in the water, and remove the hook quickly and carefully to support survival rates for these precious wild Clayoquot Salmon. Coho Salmon can still be retained in this area, with the daily limit of 2 per person increasing to 4 per person starting September 1st.
Updated fishing and regulations information is always available at Tofino’s Fly and Tackle store on Campbell Street or by logging on to www.tofinofishing.com

 




Tofino Fishing Action July is in Fire....




Over the past couple months, many people ask “how is the fishing?” A common response that I have used is “Far better than the weather!!” I have definitely changed my response over the last couple weeks, especially with the scenario we have going on right now.
Tofino B.C. Sport fishing action is normally very consistent for Salmon and Halibut, actually far more consistent than the mixed weather patterns synonymous to the West coast of Vancouver Island. The past week has differed from the norm, in a good way, actually a hot way. The recent heat wave being experienced in many areas of Western Canada hasn’t skipped our popular Fishing and Tourism destination on the outer edge of the Island as it often does. In fact, as our guide team comes in day after day lately to tell me that “Fishing is on Fire”, it holds more meaning than the Chinook and Coho Salmon are thick and hungry, or the Halibut are chomping a short distance offshore. Sunscreen by the pint and lots of cold liquids have helped our many, many happy guests cope with the blazing heat and powerful fish that have “seared” in happy memories of their great Tofino fishing experience.
Inshore Coho action has been “Hot”, with light gear or flies, fishing within 20 minutes from Tofino in protected waters averaging 20-45 ft deep. A great experience for all anglers regardless of experience.
Offshore Chinook Salmon and Halibut action has been “Scorching Hot” with many Chinook 12-35 lbs. Being caught trolling approximately 35 minutes from the Tofino Harbour in 110-145 ft of water. Many Tyee Chinook Salmon over 30 lbs. have already been released as part of our Catch and Release Derby. Halibut fishing has been “flat out awesome” with a huge biomass of these popular bottom dwellers that have been consistently caught in the 20-75lb. Range while fishing the same areas as the Salmon.
The forecast ahead is for much more of the same; Hot fishing and Weather so if you really need your fishing fix, or just want a really cool first experience, let one of Clayoquot Ventures experienced guides host you for a half or full day of great action over the next couple months of peak season Fishing action at B.C.’s premier marine destination, Tofino B.C.
 




Tofino B.C. Salmon Fishing Action - Consistent is an Understatement part 2
June 18th, 2010


Well, the unreal action continues....We’ve been waiting for days like these. Its not just the calm ocean conditions, perfect temperature or world class Salmon Fishing, but the current combination of all these factors that help Tofino stand out on the map of B.C.’s finest Sport Fishing destinations.
Strong numbers of Coho Salmon are showing up in the protected waters of Clayoquot Sound, fat, healthy and hungry. Though smaller that the tackle testing sizes of late summer, these feisty and acrobatic silver salmon make great sport for light tackle or fly-fishing within minutes from Tofino’s inner harbour. Chinook Salmon are also lurking among the young inshore kelp forests and can create memorable fights on the same light gear in this relatively shallow water.
The offshore action has been beyond consistent for Chinook Salmon of varied sizes, many of which are hatchery marked fish heading south of the border. This morning, the seas were near flat, and every boat within our view was busy with Salmon, whether in battle, catch or release, there was action everywhere. One Clayoquot Ventures vessel fished Halibut near the coastline for a few hours, finding some great action with the “flat ones”, while the other boats trolled Salmon a few miles further out. After switching over to Salmon trolling, the guys onboard enjoyed 3 double headers within 20 minutes, and called it a day. What a memorable morning of Fishing near Tofino. Great Action, Many Fish, Calm and Warm, a classic Tofino Fishing experience.
   
 


In our 15th season, Clayoquot Ventures Guide Service feels fortunate to have these ideal conditions to host fishing guests from various parts of the world, an experience that many anglers only dream of. Located in our new Store front on Tofino’s main street into town, Clayoquot Ventures hosts private and shared charters for half or full days, and are eager to get new guests on the water with charter space available over the next 2 weeks.
Call us Toll Free at 1-888-534-7422
 




Consistent Fishing is an understatement
June 10th, 2010
 

With weather patterns all over Western Canada raising eyebrows and changing plans for springtime travel and leasure activities, West Coast Vancouver Island has not been much different. Fortunatley the Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. Fishing for Chinook salmon, Coho Salmon and Halibut has been so good for early June, that it helps us look beyond the unsettled weather,,,,well almost,,,
With most of our fleet going pretty steady over the last week, we have been able to host many happy groups with very consistent, to excellent fishing.
Chinook numbers have been phenominal. A local commercial fishermen mentioned that in one day of the short opening last week, he caught more "pieces" of Chinook in one day than he has in over 10 years of limited opening times and dates.
Our boats have been experiencing similar fishing quality for the southern migrating Chinook, but obviously not in the "hundreds" per day, but double digit days have been very common though.
Halibut fishing has been similar, with numbers plentiful and travels minimal to our offshore areas. Many Halibut have been caught in the range of 140-160 deep and averaging 20 - 45 lbs.Bouncing bottom baits have not been necessary every day, as many Halibut have been caught while trolling for Salmon, often enought to reach a limit of Flat fish prior to switching over gear types..
Coho Salmon are here as well, and gaining in size and numbers by the week. Inshore areas of Tofino and Clayoquot Sound have already provided us with some great action for Saltwater Fly fishing, which is looking to be another awesome season ahead.
Prime space and dates still available, and we would be glad to help with details on these great options.
Call Toll Free 1-888-534-7422 for immediate help.




Tofino B.C. June 2nd 2010 Sport fishing report


For many years, the pattern for sport fishing on the west coast of Vancouver Island has the month of June scheduled to fire on all cylinders, providing great angling opportunities for most of the Tofino area’s predominant saltwater species. Freshwater anglers are also somewhat hesitant to put away the waders and lighter tackle just yet, as local streams and lakes can be alive with hungry Trout, as well as a small number of Steelhead that enter various small local river systems through June and July. Every calendar year, June is the month of transition from spring to summer. For B.C.’s fishing calendar, June is when plans are made and memories unfold, while fishing opportunities all over the province turn from great, to excellent, and even “world class”. There is obviously good reason why the month of June also plays host to B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend all over the province.
With the bulk of Tofino’s recreational fishing focused on Saltwater action, and consistent numbers of transient Chinook and Coho salmon passing through local waters from April thru July, there is reason to question if the peak season has shifted to June and July, as opposed to the highlighted August fishery of past years. Though Coho salmon numbers have been impressive since mid May, many understand that the inshore Coho fishing only gets better as we approach August. The abundant and aggressive Silver Salmon feed hard in and around Clayoquot Sound, prior to migrating southward to various large watersheds. The peak Coho Fly fishing and light tackle action begins through mid June, and stays consistently strong through mid September. The outside waters offer Chinook salmon fishing that will be reliable and steady for the season’s largest Salmon species, but the sheer numbers of transient Salmon and Halibut in the earlier part of the season have definitely encouraged anglers to consider the season’s best opportunities are now earlier than later. Along with the popular Salmon fishery, various species of Bottom fish help create a colourful mix to the experience. Offshore Salmon numbers during this time are unrivalled for the remainder of the season, aside from the waves of Coho that feed for extended periods within the prime habitat of Clayoquot, offering B.C.’s premier saltwater Fly fishing experience.
There is no doubt that the West Coast of Vancouver Island offers B.C.’s most consistent early season fishery and Tofino is right in the middle of all the action. Regardless of age or experience, big boat, small boat or no boat at all, Tofino’s varied fishing options should be highlighted on your calendar this June. For more direct information and updated reports, call us toll free at 1-888-534-7422 or when arriving in Tofino, visit our new location on the left just past RPM marine shop as you drive in to town. Look for the 6 ft Cedar Salmon....






Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. Fishing update May 24th, 2010

The delay in recent reports has nothing to do with a lack of great fishing in the Tofino and Ucluelet areas. We have been going steady on the water with 2 of our vessels, and some great Salmon and Halibut fishing in between weather systems. We have been going extra hard on the finishing stages of our new Tofino location, which is now ready for the 2010 season. We will outline some of the new changes in the next few days, with images and feedback from our grand "re-opening" on May 20th. Great Food, Wine, Beer and community networking to help us celebrate....more to come after the fishing update.

A quick update from the west side of Vancouver Island fishing areas of Tofino and Ucluelet;
Fishing has been very good for most of the early season from Ukee and Tofino, especially for Halibut and various Bottom dwellers.
Herring and Salmon bellies have been easy to fish for Halibut this time of the year without the small Sharks around, but the white power grubs are also a standby when natural baits can't be fished for whatever reason.
Regulations are still at 1 Halibut per person per day, as well as 3 Ling Cod and 3 various Rockfish.

We did have a new batch of Chinook cruise through approx 4 days ago that were tackle busters, likely on a mission to reach the Columbia River hard and fast...
It has not often been necessary to travel any more than 6 miles offshore right now for Salmon or the Flat ones (Halibut), with nothing too big yet that we have actually seen. Our boats have had 4 hook up/battles this week on large Halibut that have all ended up as LDR's (Long Distance Releases). This is the time of year that we often see the larger Hali's, so the hour long battle stories can be fact more than fiction.....Many of our larger Halibut ladies are released anyhow, but it sure is great to have a close look at those large brown beauties that look like the top of a picnic table...
Salmon have been considered quality lately if they are in the mid to high twenties right now, but in a month or so, this will become a common "Cookie Cutter" size, as the bar is raised later in the season. They make up for the lack of overall size in pure strength and the season's best table fare.
 
Commercial Salmon trolling for our area closed recently, but just prior, the reports from the north island were very good for another strong wave of 20+ Chinook heading south, and Coho are already feeding in Clayoquot. Our Fly boat "Power Play" launches this week for some fun with 6wt Fly Rods. on the Juvenile Coho Salmon that are getting thicker by the week, and now averaging 3-5 lbs.

Trout fishing in the lakes and streams has lit up as well, with some bright spring Steelhead still arriving to do their amazing "Spawn and Split" routine that keeps this unique genetic strain alive, prior to the waters dropping too much in the rivers by early summer.

The next month and one half will provide exceptional fishing for Chinook Salmon and Halibut with some special rates for day charters and packages. We do have some space left, and no shortage of interest to provide you with a very memorable fishing experience based out of Tofino B.C.

Call directly to 1-888-534-7422 for more information and help with planning your next favourite fishing vacation.



Tofino B.C. Fishing update May 4th, 2010

Though the weather on the west coast of Vancouver Island has been mixed with hints of winter hanging on, and signs of spring frequent enough to keep anglers enthused, the Saltwater fishing was strong and consistent throughout the month of April. Chinook Salmon and Halibut have been the primary focus, with great action for both species. Numerous days were considered “inshore” fishing only, dictated by weather and ocean conditions, but that has not hindered fishing opportunities for great early season Salmon fishing throughout Clayoquot Sound. The predicted near record Chinook Salmon numbers for southern migrating stocks that feed and travel past Tofino’s coastline seem to be holding true, with these huge spring and summer runs of Chinook supporting Tofino’s long and strong Sportfishing season.

Coho Salmon are already present within Clayoquot Sound much earlier than normal, which also supports the banner outlook for these popular sport fish and the varied angling techniques they provide. Tofino area Fly and gear anglers welcome the big numbers and great fishing heading their way. With Clayoquot Sound’s prime habitat and abundant forage fish, a Coho Salmon being released now at 4 lbs can easily reach 12-15lbs by the fall season. Coho salmon often travel under the radar of anglers who think of Tyee sized Chinook and powerful Halibut, but pound for pound, Coho are every bit as aggressive and explosive with the hit and the battle.

The Tofino area is considered B.C.’s best saltwater family fishing destination for many reasons. Varied accommodation and recreation options, along with protected water fishing action in the breathtaking scenery of Clayoquot Sound, just short distance from the Tofino Harbour provides a prime setting for all ages.

With a great looking forecast ahead for weather and , and fishing opportunities for Salmon and Halibut that will rival any area’s peak season, the months of May and June are a great option to fish the Tofino area. The combination of lighter traffic than peak tourism season, reduced rates and great Fishing should all be considered for your west coast fishing experience from Tofino B.C.

Further information is available by visiting www.tofinofishing.com or phone our full service Fly & Tackle Shop/booking office at Toll Free 1-888-534-7422 or Direct at 250-725-2700




Spring Time in Tofino B.C.
 

Well there is no doubt that Spring is upon us here on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The trees and flowers are budding all around as the hours of sun shine overtake the rainfall and weather patterns consistent with winter on the coast.
The true indicators that we watch more than any, are the patterns of Tofino’s local marine life, most specifically the early season Chinook Salmon and Halibut the become more abundant in numbers and feeding hard along our local coastline.
While Megan and I visited an excellent Sportsman Show in Edmonton this week, speaking to hundreds and possibly thousands of interested anglers, our excitement for the season has heightened even more while explaining how strong the fisheries will be again this year in Tofino. While having a great time discussing fishing with past and future guests of Clayoquot Ventures during the Edmonton exposition, we received a call from Tofino that was “luring” us back as soon as possible.
Our guide Blake sent a message that the oceans had flattened out smoother than smooth, and the sun was shining bright and warm. Obviously the most important part of the message was the fishing. The “Overtime” left the dock and returned no more than three hours later with three nice Halibut and 3 very high quality early season Chinook Salmon for a quick trip out.
I know we will be thinking of this kind of action as we drive back through the Rockies towards the coast, and looking forward to the great springtime fishery that is now in high gear.
Great availability through the next few months with some very appealing 15th Anniversary Special Rates!
We look forward to hearing from you and helping arrange a very memorable fishing experience in Tofino B.C. this spring.


 




Tofino 2010 – B.C. Salmon Fever
 

 

With many B.C. residents still buzzing from the Olympic hype that enthralled our country, our province and especially the city of Vancouver, there seems to be a more powerful sense of patriotism and pride for our home turf. In Tofino’s case, there happens to be more water and surf, but the pride and fever is still very obvious. The highly played, dynamic tourism advertising that has aired on many television networks, showcasing British Columbia’s diverse regions, activities and breathtaking sights, seemed to be missing a key element that many of us treasure dearly. If you guessed Salmon, and how they are synonymous with the spirit of a coastal B.C. lifestyle, you get it.

Salmon could easily be considered a life-blood of the West coast for many indigenous and settling communities from years past. With a current 1.3 Billion dollar recreational fishing industry in the province, the life-blood still exists, and the passion for the sport of Salmon fishing has grown immensely over the years for resident and not resident anglers.
Stronger Chinook and Coho Salmon returns of late have not been awarded the same press coverage as some larger stocks in recent decline, but the positives to ecology, economy, food, social and sport have been highlight worthy. The Tofino area fishery over the past two seasons has been nothing short of world class, with offshore Chinook and Halibut action, as well as inshore Coho Salmon opportunities consistent and strong. As the 2010 season escalates into prime time, we are fortunate to have as good or better forecast than the recent memorable seasons. The increased forecast for spring run Chinook Salmon of nearly 500 Thousand destined to the Columbia river will throw a positive twist into traditional run timing for Tofino area fisheries, with March looking strong and April May and June expected to be the peak. June will provide a transition point for these same strong mixed stocks, as the summer run heading to the same large southern watershed is expected to be nearly 700 Thousand, peaking in late July along Tofino’s offshore banks. When you combine the 1.2 Million Chinook with the strong numbers of Coho and Chinook anticipated again to the many salmon bearing watersheds along the Pacific Northwest, the 2010 post Olympic fever will continue, but Tofino anglers will be in search of Silver, not Gold.
Weather conditions continue to improve, with many signs of spring are noticeable along Vancouver Island’s west coast. Herring have returned to the Clayoquot Sound inlets to spawn, with the eco-chain of common predators that follow; Chinook Salmon and Halibut have followed the Herring in from the offshore waters, along with Sea Lions that feed on both Herring and Salmon. The top predator in Tofino’s local marine food chain has also showed up to the party this week, with a healthy pod of transient and opportunistic Orca Whales lured by a smorgasbord of their favoured protein. With the over abundance of Sea Lions along the Pacific Northwest, becoming a meal for “Killer” Whales, this spectacle of nature is welcomed by many. This writer has full confidence that these natural events will not have any negative impact on the great eco-tourism options related to Marine Mammal viewing in regards to the number of Sea Lions along West Coast Vancouver Island. Chinook Salmon and Halibut fishing has been getting more consistent by the week, with offshore opportuntities best for both species, as well as the protected inlet waters providing good numbers of Chinook Salmon in the 12-20 lb range.

We welcome any inquiries for some great spring time fishing based out of Tofino, along with a number of prime dates still available for the peak season months from June thru September.
 




 




Tofino B.C. - Pacific Rim Vancouver Island
Sport fishing Outlook 2010

Following the last few seasons of extremely consistent sport fishing along Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim region, and considering the 2009 season unfolded to likely be the strongest in the last decade, many would not have thought that the best is yet to come.
Recent indicators* for the 2010 fishing season on Vancouver Island’s west coast are pointing towards yet another banner year for Chinook and Coho Salmon numbers that travel and feed along the nutrient rich waters of Vancouver Island’s outer coastline. Without question, the strength and consistency of this area’s excellent fishing opportunities are due to the combined multitudes of Salmon stocks destined to various rivers and tributaries outside of the area, many of which are hatchery augmented runs. The runs that support such consistent fisheries for local and visiting anglers are primarily Chinook and Coho Salmon destined for the Fraser River, the Columbia River and enhanced stocks from Washington state, as well as Robertson Creek near Port Alberni. These transient salmon find the habitat and abundant food source along Tofino and Ucluelet’s offshore banks a prime setting for the juvenile stage of their life cycle, as well as the final adult stage, when they feed hard in preparation for the final journey to natal streams. This scenario is one that anglers anticipate each season, and fortunately it happens in our local waters as much or more than most areas of the B.C. coast.
For the 2010 season, the spring runs of Chinook salmon should appear along Tofino’s outer coastline earlier than recent years, with mid April through early May to see the first “wave” of southern migrating spring Chinook salmon. The waters that average 145-160 feet deep, approximately 4-8 miles offshore near Portland Pt., Three Humps and the Heisen Bank will be the go-to area for the Tofino area anglers. Trolling near the bottom with Anchovies or Needlefish hoochies as well as thin Needlefish style spoons are preferred methods to ensure success. A little further south towards Ucluelet and offshore on La Perouse Bank, some tolling depths are deeper in the gully areas, but a similar gear approach is often used. As the abundant schools of Sardines reappear in the area as a staple food source for the maturing Salmon, the preferred gear size increases with larger spoons and plugs becoming as popular as ever for this fishery. With a very similar timing and area outlined for early season Salmon success has also been extremely popular for Halibut fishing along the Island’s Pacific Rim. Over recent years, fishing has been very consistent for Halibut of various sizes, but catch opportunities may decrease with changes to fisheries regulations in 2010. Please consult local postings for updated information regarding Halibut fishing.
As a highlight, the peak of the salmon season may very well be earlier this year as well, with June looking to be excellent for a mix of Chinook and Coho, but all indications are leading towards July as the peak month for 2010. July has always been considered part of the peak summer season for Tofino and Ucluelet Fishing, but for 2010, the bulk of the Columbia River Chinook and Coho salmon present during that time should provide unrivalled fishing opportunities for the year.
In years past, the salmon fishery was focused closer to the coastline, and often by late summer, the majority of anglers would fish for the largest Chinook and Coho of the season within the protected inshore waters of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. The late season terminal area fishery in these areas has become much more conservative over the past 10 years, with the majority of the recreational fleet now fishing the offshore waters. While protecting the fragile local Chinook stocks inside Clayoquot Sound, the strength of the area’s inshore Coho fishery has rebounded to rival past years that helped label Clayoquot Sound as B.C.’s premier Saltwater Fly fishing destination. Schools of hungry Coho Salmon arrive in late May and early June, and thrive among the myriad of Islands, Reefs and Kelp Forests, foraging on abundant schools of Needlefish. Likely due in part to the beneficial conditions of the base stage of marine survival, these aggressive Coho have been reaching amazing size proportions by mid to late summer, and returning through the fall well past the end of October. This area and fishery has been favoured by many smaller vessel anglers, and has become extremely popular again, most notably for those that enjoy catching hard fighting Coho Salmon on a Fly Rod in the shallow, protected waters of the sound.
As in any fishing season, regardless of your location there can be highs and lows, but for 2010 we are looking forward to once again experience why Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim area has been considered one of B.C.’s most reliable Sport Fishing destinations by many.

* Many of the most accurate predictions of fisheries researchers are based on the preceding year’s return of Juvenile male Salmon, also known as “Jacks”, which returned in strength to many rivers, but primarily to the Columbia River in 2009, arriving in numbers that smashed records back to the early 1960’s.
 

We welcome your inquiries to arrange a very memorable fishing trip in 2010. Whether it is a single vessel - half day charter, or a multi vessel multi day package, we are excited to help you with planning for one of the best sport fishing seasons in over a decade.
Call us toll free at 1-888-534-7422 or e-mail from the links on this site.

Jay and the Clayoquot Ventures Team
 


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