2009 The Best Fishing in years for Tofino
Over the past few years, Tofino area Sport Fisherman have been fortunate to experience very consistent fishing, while some areas of the B.C. coast have had some tough times. The first three to four months of the 2009 Tofino fishing season have not only followed this recent trend, it has been nothing short of phenomenal. It has been many years since the first wave of transient Chinook Salmon have showed up in such full force, with very strong numbers and so large on average!! Fortunately the fishing has stayed very consistent since mid May, and is likely to continue through until the fall, with some very large and healthy Chinook and Coho Salmon landed and released.
For the Tofino area to see many Tyee class (30 lbs and over) Chinook salmon is not uncommon, but this normally happens in the peak of mature salmon migration in August, not at the beginning of the migration in mid May, and continuing through July. So far we have seen the normally consistent Halibut action that is common for April, May and June, to only compliment the Chinook fishery a short distance offshore. Many Halibut were caught while trolling deep for Chinook, on simple salmon gear set ups with Flashers and Anchovies, Spoons, and Needlefish hoochies. There is no doubt that the size and strength of these earlier season Chrome, Prime and Tasty Chinook salmon will rival the fight of a mature late season fish regardless of size. There have been accounts of Chinook salmon hitting the gear and not stopping until they almost spool the reel or bust off while heading south. Some of these long distance releases may be the relation the few 40 lb. Chinook already caught in the Tofino area over the last couple months.
Coho Salmon action has also been fantastic, with the outer coastline and inner waters of the sound providing an excellent fishery that we have been missing for a few years. The inshore waters of Clayoquot Sound and the outer coastline have once again become a great option for non-stop action in semi-protected waters, with smaller boats and light tackle or Fly anglers loving the ample baitfish and kelp beds that are like a magnet for feeding Coho and Chinook. The offshore waters are alive with Coho salmon in the top 80 feet of water, with the Chinook salmon dominating the action from lower depths. Alike the Chinook, the average size of the Coho indicates a strong ocean survival regime, with ample food source to pack on may more pounds over the next couple months. Fisheries forecasts of strong returns have been quite accurate so far, so with approximate numbers of nearly 1.5 Million Chinook, 2 Million Coho, 20 Million Pink Salmon as well as Sockeye and Chum, this is the season to get out and enjoy some of B.C.’s finest Sport Fishing in Tofino.
Clayoquot Ventures is excited to host a summer long Catch and Release Derby for Chinook salmon and Halibut! Our guide team is excited to see Clayoquot Ventures host this event, and in fact, the idea stems from their studies and efforts. After supporting the release of many large fish over the years, the Catch and Release Derby is just another way to add to the excitement of the catch and the thrill of the release to support sustainable fishing and tourism for the future.
Father's Day and Summer Fishing Action
Happy Father's Day to all the Fishing Dads and Grandpas out there...June 21st provided a great combination to consider getting out on the water; The first day of summer, Fathers Day, great weather and phenominal fishing for most species in the Tofino B.C. area.
The past two weeks have been great for us on all fronts for fishing the west side of Vancouver Island. Chinook Salmon fishing has been in full force for June, with a mixed stock that is normal for this time of the year. An average size of 18-24 lbs, with some in the teens and many in the high 20's to low 30's, action has been great 4-6 miles offshore, fishing near or on the bottom with smaller gear choices in spoons, needlefish hoochies or small anchovies. An amazing amount of baitfish, mostly Needlefish has been a benefit in slowing the southern migration of many Salmon to feed in the Tofino area, but also has made them full and fat, making it necessary to wait it out a bit until they are ready to eat again. Fortunately for the fishing guests of Clayoquot Ventures, our guides seem to have a way of encouraging these salmon to feed even when over-stuffed with Needlefish.
Coho Salmon have also showed up thick and hungry, inshore near Tofino, as well as offshore on the bait-fish rich banks. Light tackle or Flies are great options for these strong runs of Coho salmon that will keep coming through until October.
With calm weather, great fishing and summer officially started, we look forward to hosting all the Dad's and Grandpas that want to get out and enjoy some great west coast fishing.
Chinook Action on Strong and Coho Salmon have arrived
The last two weeks of calm, hot high pressure weather was bound to run out sooner or later, and in my opinion,has had an effect on the Chinook action around Tofino. Over the last three weeks, the action has been running hot and steady for fat and feisty Springs, but three days ago the barometer dumped quickly, and sure enough, lock jaw set in for most Spring Salmon in our area.
We fished offshore between the Three humps and Portland pt. the morning after the clouds rolled in, and was not surprised to have almost no action on the Salmon. Dragged everything just to keep busy changing gear every 15 minutes or so,,, Bait on the screen often 90 feet thick and had to dodge the actively feeding Humpback Whales most of the morning. Looked like a classic set up for great action, but not the case that day.
Seems yesterday a few of them finally got hungry again as the action could be considered O.K. for early June, but nothing like the last three weeks.
Today the barometer lifted again enough for a serious chomp to take place in the same area offshore. Most Chinook today were right down along the carpet, with Anchovies topping the hit list. The action basically resumed like it has been over the last three weeks, after a two day low pressure hiatus.
Our vessel "Right Hook" came back this afternoon with some really nice sized Halibut on average, with most taking the white grubs. I didn't ask our guide Blake where he was bouncing for them though..
Coho have really showed up in the last fews days, with most in the 4-6 lb range. I am confident that with bait stocks so thick both inshore and offshore, we'll be seeing these sizes a lot bigger in no time, as is common for this time of the year.
We'll be launching our Fly boat this week and seaching the inside Tofino/Clayoquot area for hungry Coho. We've been spinning a number of new patterns lately, getting ready for the masses of Coho predicted to arrive. Seems it is all starting.
Back soon.
What a week of Chinook Salmon action!!!
Welcome back to our Tofino Fishing reports page.
Well, what a week we have had for this time of the year! Even though I have been fishing the waters off the west coast of the island for almost 30 years now, I don’t remember when the first wave of transient Chinook Salmon have showed up in full force, very good numbers and so large on average!!
For the Tofino area to see so many Tyee class (30 lbs and over) Chinook Salmon is not uncommon, but this normally happens in the peak of mature salmon migration in August, not at the beginning of the migration in mid May ...man are we in for it this year!! This week saw the normally consistent Halibut action that is common for May and June, to only compliment the Chinook fishery a short distance offshore. Many Halibut were caught while trolling deep for Chinook, on simple salmon gear set ups with Flashers and Anchovies, Spoons, and Needlefish hoochies. There is no doubt that the size and strength of these early season Chrome, Prime and Tasty Chinook salmon will rival the fight of a mature late season fish regardless of size. There have been accounts of Chinook Salmon hitting the gear and not stopping until they almost spool the reel or bust off while heading south. Some of these long distance releases may be the relation of the 40 lb. Chinook already caught in the Tofino area this week. That’s right, 40 lbs in May....Man are we in for it this season!!! Did I mention that the Coho Salmon are starting to show up as well, and looking very healthy as predicted?
Come and join us for what is forecasted to be a great fishery this season, with many PRIME DATES STILL AVAILABLE along with SPRING SPECIALS RUNNING FOR THE NEXT MONTH.
Back soon to share more good news,
Jay
May 15th Sport Fishing Update
Tofino/Clayoquot Sound B.C.
With recent weather patterns providing a day to day mix of all types, springtime conditions may be a little delayed, but not totally abnormal.
Also a little later than normal, the Tofino sport fishing conditions and opportunities for Chinook Salmon and Halibut were slowed a bit by the mixed weather conditions, as well as the anticipated wait for the first strong runs of transient Chinook Salmon heading south past the coastline of Clayoquot Sound. The springtime waiting game is over on many fronts, with timely indicators prevalent in many areas both on land and sea. During the same time that local Cherry trees blossom, and the Black bears roam the hillsides and beaches in search of their spring forage, there are also many ocean indicators that help notify anglers that the “Spring Season” is upon us. Local Fishermen know the Salmon are here or near when current indicators at sea are so obvious. Acres upon acres of Krill or Plankton a short distance offshore have created massive clouds of the nutrient rich base food source for most local aquatic species. Amazing numbers of Humpback whales, marine mammals and birds, as well as aggressively feeding Chinook salmon, Halibut and various other fish species are currently enjoying one of nature’s best spring-time offerings. On a very positive note, there have been reports from many areas of the coast that the plankton abundance is extremely strong, supporting many marine species.
Over the past week in the Tofino/ Clayoquot Sound area, Chinook salmon fishing has increased dramatically, with consistent action and catches for those to enjoy the best tasting salmon of the season. Most Chinook Salmon have been caught offshore from Tofino approximately 4-6 miles, while trolling near clouds of bait like the pre-mentioned Plankton, as well schools of commonly abundant Needlefish. On the tougher weather days, the salmon fishing inshore has been very good as well, with spots very near Tofino harbour, creating close and reliable option. The offshore areas for Salmon fishing have also been hot spots for Halibut fishing, with many Halibut being caught while trolling for Salmon. To catch Halibut this way is not uncommon, especially when trolling with baits like Anchovies or Herring near the bottom. Coho Salmon are also starting to show up, with these likely being the start of the Columbia River summer run of Coho that is anticipated to be extremely strong over the next three to Four months.
Paul and Allison from Calgary with a great catch from early May in Tofino
With nature serving up a mixed bag of weather as we approach summer, it is much easier to take with the great fishing we have been waiting for, and the great fishing forecast ahead for the 2009 season.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for further details and information for your next fishing adventure in the Tofino area.
Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. Pacific Rim Fishing Report
Early May 2009
Well, the month of May started off providing us with an absolutely stunning day on the west coast. Flat calm seas and bright skies were as nice as any mid-summer day, with May 1st being similar to the whole previous week of great weather. It was enjoyed while it lasted, but the current intense low pressure system is slamming us from the Pacific, with relentless winds and rain that are reminding us that we are not too far removed from the turn of the spring season. Ahh, life on the westcoast, with weather than can change in an instant during the early season.....but so can the fishing.
Last week we saw some very good fishing for Halibut near the coastline outside of Tofino, with most in the 25-45 lb. with several halibut caught along the 140 foot contour line which skirts the outer coast. The action for Halibut was good considering the tide cycle was quite strong, with these tide conditions possibly slowing the Salmon fishing a bit earlier in the week. Just prior to the current weather system, the action for Chinook Salmon picked up considerably, with a number of fish in the 12-24lb. Range feeding and traveling in 150 feet of water approximately 5 miles offshore. We anticipate the action for Chinook Salmon and Halibut to be very good in these same areas once the low pressure backs off by Thursday or Friday (May 7/8) with a good looking weekend forecast.
For Freshwater fishing, for the lakes and streams in the Tofino and Ucluelet areas, the rains are welcome as the river levels have been on the low side for some time of year. This is good news for Salmon fry that may have been debilitated by the lower conditions, as well as the late Spring/early summer Steelhead that are a little late to arrive. As May progresses, we will be happy to have this nasty blast of weather behind us, and great fishing ahead.
After reviewing and comparing past year's reports for the month of May, I found the following precursor for the 2001 report very interesting; “For the Tofino and Ucluelet areas, along Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim, the month of May starts off another very promising season for Sport fishing on B.C.’s west coast. With Chinook salmon stocks anticipated to reach a fifty-year high in the lower 48, our local early season fishery will undoubtedly benefit from these abundant stocks. It is hard to believe that this kind of fantastic Chinook salmon fishing is anticipated to continue through late August, only to compliment the returning stocks of Coho that help solidify the backbone of our World Class saltwater sport fishery.”
Ironically after 8 years, the overview for the May 2009 report for Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim doesn’t differ much from that of 2001. It is still true that the month of May undoubtedly provides some of the most diverse Saltwater and Freshwater fishing opportunities of the season for Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim. The area’s offshore and inshore areas, as well as the remote streams and lakes that skirt Clayoquot Sound, all provide great opportunity for a variety of species that include Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, Steelhead and Trout. There are a few very positive differences for this May, as well as some new issues to become aware of.
The upgraded Columbia River Salmon forecast is a strong point of interest for west coast anglers. While the Chinook salmon run is not anticipated to reach a fifty year high, over 500 Thousand returning Chinook will only compliment the big news of nearly 1.3 Million Coho Salmon destined for the same massive watershed and its tributaries. Approximately 60% of these southern destined Coho are considered “early” summer returning fish, which will very likely see them feeding hard along Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim beginning in late May, with the majority being present during June, July and August. Considered “late run”, the remaining 40 % of the Columbia Coho begin to overlap the early run during August, with strong numbers of these large, late returning fish gorging and travelling southward through late October.
The great news for Salmon does not stop with Chinook and Coho, as the 2009 season is also a high year for returning Pink Salmon that will only compliment the great opportunities for light tackle anglers, fly fishermen and small vessel anglers to access these abundant runs.
With most coastal fishing opportunities on the increase this year, B.C. Halibut anglers should take note of regulation changes to start the 2009 season. Due to a decreased Total Allowable Catch of B.C. Halibut for all sectors, and a government imposed maximum of 12% of the TAC, recreational Halibut limits have been changed to 1 per day with a possession limit of 2. The daily limit may increase to the requested 2 Halibut per day, based on in season monitoring by DFO and information supplied by the recreational sector.
The strong increase in returns of Columbia River Salmon and overall stability of most B.C. salmon stocks for the 2009 season could be considered as Mothers Nature’s version of a stimulus package, as high numbers of transient Salmon such as these, helped create the backbone for B.C. coastal Sport fisheries. Don’t believe all the doom and gloom being spread by many of the media outlets, get out experience the great fishing opportunities available along Vancouver Island. It may be just the release you have been looking for..
Check out this quick little clip on YouTube that shows how beautiful the weather was in Tofino last week. The Halibut Fishing was O.K. too, showing the smaller of the two caught while fishing a couple hours on the tide...
Stimulus Package on the Way...
With the commonly varied spring conditions of Sun, Cloud, Wind, Rain and even Snow in the last 12 days, spring-time on the West side of Vancouver Island can be considered predictably unpredictable.
As Mother Nature shakes off the remnants of winter and ushers in spring with a mix of conditions that only a true Westcoaster can get used to, both rain gear and sunglasses are close at hand.
For Salt and Freshwater anglers in Tofino and Ucluelet, these varied conditions, and the local fish species they pursue are all part of the mix for early season angling in our beautiful and wild Pacific Rim region.
Chinook salmon numbers and healthy sizes have provided us with a great taste of the season at hand, leaving us yearning for the great fishing forecasted for the months ahead. Recently we have been fishing a variety of inshore spots near Tofino, as well as the popular offshore tacks between Tofino and Ucluelet along the 150 ft contour. Baitfish stocks consist mostly of Needlefish and “Firecracker” Herring, so the gear of choice has been trolling 3-4 inch spoons or small anchovies behind a Glow/Purple flasher down deep. Bright, Scrappy and Tasty feeder Chinook up to the high 20 lb range have had our rods pumping, and guests smiling. Halibut have not exactly been plentiful yet in these same areas, but enough to provide a great mix for the day of fishing the offshore waters. Our best Halibut action has been 3-6 miles offshore with spreader bars and baits like the standby White Power Grub or Whole Herring. Fresh Octopus would be the ticket right now as well, for those that have access to this prime Halibut bait. The Tofino and Ucluelet areas often see the season’s largest average size of Halibut during the next two months, normally within 6 miles of the coastline. Later in the season, the Halibut fishing action migrates a little further out for consistent action on “Chicken” Halibut in the 12-25lb range.
Steelhead and Trout fishing on the local freshwater streams and lakes has been slower to turn on with the cool weather that has prevailed. Springtime indicators that have common timing to local freshwater species are also a little delayed. We are eager to see more Skunk Cabbage and Fiddlehead Ferns sprouting in the River valleys, as the Steelhead and Trout will soon follow. This timing is also juxtaposed with the downstream migration of young salmon fry heading out to sea to begin the largest and most challenging part of their life cycle. Presently, the cooler ocean temperature conditions are the most favourable aspect of a colder spring season, as this is optimal for the base food source of copepods, relating to better overall survival of these precious young Salmon.
Overall, it is a pretty simple compromise to add another layer of clothing during a cooler spring, while Mother Nature delivers her own version of Stimulus that will not only provide good fishing opportunities now, but for returning Salmon in future years.
Go Fishing.......Go Canucks!
In between the crazy spring weather patterns that are not all that uncommon for this time of the year (aside from the April Fools day snow!!) in Tofino, we have enjoyed some great trips out on the Saltwater.
Chinook Salmon have been the main focus, with fair numbers of these bright fish around, with astonishing sizes and seemingly endless battles. When able to sneek offshore between weather systems, which become far more reliable over the next while, we have enjoyed good fishing for both Chinook and Halibut in the same areas. Fortunatley these main early season spots are not too far from the protected shoreline. We have also enjoyed some very good Crab fishing this spring, which is always in totally protected water.
Local Rivers and streams should see the start of the spring Steelhead run over the next few weeks, especially as the weather warms and the snow runoff encourages these amazing native fish to return and spawn quickly, often entering and exiting their natal streams while silver bright. The 100% catch and release Steelhead and Trout fishing can be reliable until early summer.
Three days ago, our crew found a great mixture of bright Sunshine and even brighter early season Chinook, just prior to the wind and rain system that has now just let up. The short term forecast looks good as well as the fishing, so give us a call to arrange your private charter in the Tofino area.
As the Sports fishing columnist for Tofinotime magazine, we provided them with the short article below for their April issue. There are a lot of positive and exciting Salmon fishing opportunities ahead for the 2009 season, with Chinook, Coho and Pink salmon in the forefront. We'll be updating again shortly with details and a picture or two of recent Chinook salmon fishing near Tofino, where Clayoquot Ventures staff Blake and Megan found some beautiful big bright early season Chinook Salmon.
Coho and Pink Salmon - Mother Nature’s Stimulus Package
here is no disputing that Chinook Salmon, specifically TYEE Chinook over 30 lbs have been a focal point of many sports fishermen’s’ dreams. With Chinook being the largest and most powerful on average, nature’s “King” of all Salmon often holds the spotlight in comparison to its’ four Pacific cousins; Chum, Sockeye, Coho and Pink. Where the other four species may not dominate in size and brute strength, they do help make up for the Chinooks salmon’s shortcomings in sheer numbers for their run size returning to natal streams.
For the 2009 Sports Fishing season in the Tofino and Ucluelet areas, Coho and Pink are two sub-species of Salmon that will undoubtedly help not only local sports fishing and sustenance opportunities, but the river ecosystems of their origin. With much discussion about ocean survival conditions and habitat being key factors in salmon survival, combining the two factors can have a very positive effect. Though the Tofino region doesn’t experience local salmon returns in the millions, or even the hundreds of thousands to our small to medium sized rivers of Clayoquot, the strength in numbers of salmon returning to spawn is obviously vital for many that benefit, including the riparian ecosystems.
Less discussed, but equally important is the decaying salmon carcasses and subsequent fertilization of stream bed areas in the way of enriched nitrogen to the ecosystem. Research has indicated that trees and shrubs near spawning streams derive approximately 24% of their foliar nitrogen from spawning salmon. With the aid of this nutrient subsidy, growth rates are significantly increased in spawning streams. Riparian forests affect the quality of in-stream habitat through shading, sediment and nutrient filtration, this fertilization process serves not only to enhance riparian production, but may also improve spawning and rearing habitat for subsequent salmon generations and maintain the long-term productivity of rivers along the Pacific coast. It really is a simple equation, strong runs of salmon equals a healthier Rainforest ecosystem.
Local Coho Salmon numbers are anticipated to experience a fair increase again in 2009, following a pretty solid return last season with remarkably large fish on average. The biggest news comes from south of the border, where the Columbia River Coho salmon forecasted return has been upgraded to 1.3 Million, which rivals peak numbers from the early 90’s. The strength of Columbia River Coho run is a very strong component in supporting Tofino and Ucluelet area sport fishing opportunities, most specifically the inshore action for Fly and light tackle anglers. Very strong numbers of Coho grilse were present along the West Coast of Vancouver Island late last season, which is a great indicator for future stocks, as well as the state of the ocean off the west coast of the island.
The Tofino Area Rivers and streams historically hosted large runs of Pink salmon, but we do benefit from transient Fraser River Pink salmon that are forecasted to arrive approximately 2 million fish over the historic average, with likely numbers in around 14 million salmon. This season will be a prime opportunity to help expose someone new to recreational fishing in the saltwater, as well as benefit from Mother Nature’s version of stimulus to support angling opportunities and the health of rivers and their tributaries along the coast. Visit us at www.tofinofishing.com for updated fishing info and guided Tofino area fishing excursions.
We hope to hear from you in 2009 and get you out on the water.
B.C. Halibut Fishing Announcement for Recreational Fishing in 2009
Clayoquot Ventures - Tofino Fishing will be offering Halibut - Chinook Salmon combo Charters starting March 1st. Contact us for our early season rates and availability for great springtime action for Salmon and Halibut Fishing out of Tofino B.C.
Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Subject: FN0101-Halibut: Further to FN0037 & Amendment to FN0100 - Coastwide Opening and Limits
The department will implement a coastwide opening of the recreational halibut fishery:
Coastwide:
---------
Effective 00:01 hours March 1, 2009 fishing for halibut will be opened
coastwide. The daily limit at the start of the season is one (1) per day with a
possession limit of two (2).
The exception to this opening is: Areas 121, 23 and 123:
---------------------
Effective 00:01 hours March 1, 2009 to 23:59 hours December 31, 2009:
- No person shall fish for or retain halibut, rockfish and lingcod in Area 121
outside the 12 nautical mile limit seaward of a line that begins at 48 degrees
34.000 minutes North latitude and 125 degrees 17.386 minutes West longitude and
continues south easterly at a bearing of 116 degrees True to a point at 48
degrees 28.327 minutes North latitude and 125 degrees 01.687 minutes West
longitude.
- Electronic licence conditions will be continued as follows:
"no person who is not a Canadian resident may fish for or retain halibut under
this licence in management Areas 121, 23 and 123."
In an effort to open the recreational fishery while some key issues with
respect to the 2009 management plan remain unresolved, the initial halibut
retention limit will be one per day, two in total possession. The department
expects to complete its consultations with the recreational sector on the
halibut management plan for 2009 before the end of February, including
examining the feasibility of increasing the daily limits. The plan will include
measures for monitoring and evaluating the catch in-season. Any changes in the
management plan following these consultations will be announced in a subsequent
Fishery Notice.
Variation Order No. 2009-67
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Bill Shaw 604-666-3271 and Gary Logan 604-666-9033.
Background information regarding B.C. Recreational Halibut Fishing opportunities administered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada
The recreational fishing sector was forced into a joint agreement with the commercial sector that proposed the Federal Government would advance $35 million to buy out 8%
of the commercial Halibut TAC and transfer this to the recreational sector. The recreational sector would repay the Federal Government over the ensuing years through the imposition of a Halibut stamp on the recreational fishing licence. We then moved into the management of the 2008 fishery. In order to keep within our quota it was necessary for us to lease Halibut quota from the commercial sector. For various legal reasons the approximately $2 million dollars was and is being held in trust by the Pacific Halibut Management Association, (PHMA), the commercial sector. The SFAB gave out instructions throughout the season to release the money required to lease the needed
quota to keep our fishery within their allocation. The PHMA released an initial amount but adamantly refused to release any further money causing us to exceed our quota. DFO, who was supposed to be coordinating these transactions, took the unprecedented action of closing the recreational fishery. This closure was put in place in spite of the written commitment from the Minister that there would be no "in-season" closures of the recreational fishery. This action was also taken in spite of the fact that Canada left more Halibut in the water unharvested at the end of the 2008 season than the total overage of the recreational sector.
Simply put, there was no conservation concern, Canada did not harvest its' Total Allowable Catch for Halibut, DFO simply decided that those fish were the property of the commercial sector and shut us down.
So we have ourselves entering into an agreement with the commercial sector as the Minister and DFO demanded of us. We then have the commercial sector, acting in breach of trust and negating that agreement and one year later on February 12th of 2009. we finally received a letter from the current Minister of Fisheries and Oceans rejecting our proposals out of hand.
The recent Fisheries Notice outlined above, is what DFO has responded with to date.
Welcome to the updated look of TofinoFishing.com February 12th, 2009
With over 300,000 page views since our last facelift to this website, we thought we should spend some time polishing up on the current content that keeps people coming back. Our new Fishing Photo Gallery will allow us to not only keep our fishing images fresh, but store as many photos on the site as we want. Many of our guests that have been returning year after year will have a chance to renew some happy memories of fishing trips in the past, as we will gradually try and add many of these past images as well.
We have added a couple areas, such as the Shared Fishing Charter section, where visiting anglers who are on their own, can sign up with the on-line form, for stronger potential of sharing a vessel with others during their stay in the Tofino area.
Our popular Guided Fishing Excursions are now more front and center, with updated info to help potential guests to understand the great fishing options available in the Tofino B.C. area offered by Clayoquot Ventures.
This section of TofinoFishing.com will continue to be the updated resource for Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. Sport Fishing, with news, fishing reports and current information that we feel is worth sharing.
Until the next report on this page, don't get too down on the economic situation by listening to the doom and gloom of most media outlets....Get out on the water and enjoy a day of fishing and you'll feel much better.
If you can't get out on the water right now, we can help you with plans for the spring and summer of 2009. We have good space available to host you for a memorable fishing experience in the Tofino area this year.
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New Marine Experience Charter for 2009
January 27th,2009
With more than 1 million visitors arriving to the Tofino area every year, you can imagine the varied interests that come with people from around the world. After hosting nearly 30,000 guests since 1996, we have continually focused on Guided Sport Fishing, and only fishing, while providing the best possible experience for our guests.
Over the last few years, there have been many charter inquiries from people that are not quite as "hard core" whether it is a family group or just first timers on the water. It seems that they want to "get their feet wet" on the Tofino area waters by sampling a variety of Marine Activities available in Clayoquot Sound.
At Clayoquot Ventures, we have always had pride in our customized, private charters that are focused on the great sport fishing opportunities in the area. Our new Marine Experience offers a lighter approach to fishing, and a shorter, more diversified and cost effective excursion for small groups.
Afternoon Marine Experience on the waters of Tofino/Clayoquot Sound
Enjoy a personalized charter focused on providing your private group an interactive experience with Tofino’s local marine species and habitats. Witness nesting Bald Eagles, Sea Otters in the Kelp, and even the occasional Whale cruising past. Learn how to troll for Salmon or jig for Bottomfish, then check the traps for Dungeness Crabs. This protected water experience is catered to individual comfort levels and heightened interests. Whether your passion is the great opportunities for Photography, local History, or getting a little closer to nature, this private tour will help create great memories of your Tofino Experience.
3 Adults or Family group of 4
4 Hour P.M. Excursion $400.00
Rocky Magnowski shows some nice Dungeness Crabs
from protected waters near Tofino B.C.
Tofino Fishing rates for 2009
January 20th, 2009
Since the turn of the new year, we haven't had much time to focus on global economic challenges, as we have been focused on the computer challenges that have created a delay in website updates, as well as some challenges with e-mail.
After today, we are hopefull to have all the bugs worked out of our new systems, and catch up on important tasks at hand;
-2009 rates for Tofino Fishing Charters and Accommodations are coming within the next couple days.
-A fresh look and new/updated content for TofinoFishing.com. We feel that the revised site will be more navigable, while continuing to be Tofino's main resource for sport fishing opportunities and information.
Check back soon......
A Commercial Crab Fishing boat working in the Tofino area.
New Pacific Salmon Treaty
January 12th, 2009
The following is a press release regarding the revised Pacific Salmon Treaty that is quite favorable to recreational fishing opportunities on the B.C. coast, most specifically where Tofino is located on the West coast of Vancouver Island.
"Vancouver, B.C. – Canada and the United States have ratified an agreement on changes to five chapters of the Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST), which expired at the end of 2008, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today.
The renewed chapters, which took effect January 1, 2009, will help ensure the long-term sustainability of Pacific salmon stocks while supporting an economically viable fishing industry on both sides of the Canada- U.S. border.
"Conservation and the long-term sustainability of Pacific salmon are the key objectives being pursued through the Pacific Salmon Treaty," said Minister Shea. "This is a crucial agreement that will help people on both sides of the border benefit from sustainable fishing opportunities for years to come. The agreement will also promote increased cooperation between our countries as we manage our shared salmon stocks."
Canadian and U.S. representatives on the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) began reviewing the expiring chapters of the PST and discussing possible amendments in January 2007. The PSC concluded its deliberations in May 2008, and recommended an agreement for the renewal of the five expiring chapters to the Canadian and U.S. governments. In Canada, consultations were undertaken with affected domestic stakeholders, including representatives of First Nations, the commercial and recreational harvest sectors, environmental organizations and the Province of British Columbia during the negotiations and after the PSC made its recommendations to the Parties.
With the ratification of the agreement by both governments, the renewed chapters will be in effect for the 2009 fishing season and remain in place through 2018. The 10-year agreement places strong emphasis on conservation, stability of access for harvesters, and the sustainability of the Pacific salmon resource.
Pacific salmon are highly migratory and, over the course of their life-cycle, salmon originating in the rivers of one country are often subject to the fisheries of another. To support conservation, a significant amount of bilateral cooperation is required. The PST was first signed by Canada and the U.S. in 1985 to provide the framework through which the two countries work together to conserve and manage Pacific salmon."
We will be providing updated info as it is available regarding 2009 recreational fishing.
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