FISHING REPORTS
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11th January, 2008: FISHING REPORT:  Port Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound, Ucluelet (West Coast), Somas-Stamp River System.

by Doug Lindores of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing
Toll Free Number:  1- 888 214 7206

We are in the midst of winter and like most winters the fishing is as one could expect.  The fishing off the west coast can have the odd break in weather but often weather fronts create problems with wind, which leads to the problem of ones ability to fish.  Barkley Sound has had some fishable days and there has been some winter Chinook fishing in areas.  The Winter Steelhead fishing has been slower over the last week although this past Saturday and Sunday afternoons some nice bright fish were picked up by guests with river guides. 


Somass - Stamp River

The Winter Steelhead fishing in the Stamp over the past week has been slower.  There have been a few beautiful days on the river with brilliant sunshine and wonderful snow covered trees but during most of last week the water was a little low.  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday saw the water come up which brought some fresh fish into the system and seemed to produce some great afternoon fishing on Saturday and Sunday.  The winter Steelhead are in the upper and lower river.  The fish at one time were not staying in the lower and headed right for the falls before settling in.  However that pattern has changed and the Steelhead are now in both areas.  However some days have been a challenge for guides and sport anglers with low water making it difficult.  Guide boats having been doing a little better than recreational anglers who are not on the river everyday.  Guides who are on the river daily have a better sense of the whereabouts of the fish and are often able to find fish for guests on those so-called slow days.  Anglers have been using bait and various artificials.  The lower river below “\The Bucket” does not have a bait ban.  The area above “The Bucket” does have a bait ban and the best choice of artificials has been Janson Eggs, spin-n-glows, and large pink worms.  When the water is up like it is now anglers should use larger gear and heavier but shorter leader.  If you are using a spin-n-glow use a #8 or a #10 with a luminescence finish.  Guides in the early part of December were hitting up to 17 fish a day.  Last week there were days with only 2 or 3 fish.  Over the weekend the afternoons saw some guides with 7 or 8 fish for guests.

We are expecting some very good Winter Steelhead fishing in January, February, and March.

Barkley Sound

The Sound has some very protected areas.  Last week and over the weekend some great Winter Chinook fishing occurred in the Swale Rock area on both the ocean side and the protected side between the rock and Vernon Bay.  Guide Ken picked up 8 solid Chinook in a couple of hours using anchovy.  Unfortunately the fish were only interested in anchovy and spoons and plastic just did not work.  The crew ran out of bait and the fish just would not take anything else.  Most of the keepers ranged between 8 to 10 pounds.  The Anchovy were in green glow Rhys Davis Teaser Heads.  The fish sat in water from 90 to 130 feet.

Samatao Bay also had reports of a couple of good days.  White AORL 12 hootchies and some other whites behind green hotspot flashers were working well.  The fish were in 60 to 80 feet of water.  If bait is in the area one will usually find some good winter spring fishing.  Barkley Sound is often your best bet on the coastal area of Vancouver Island because of the vast amounts of protected water.

Ucluelet (West Coast)

Fishing has been difficult for the sport fisherman.  There have been days of gale force winds and when they ease it takes time for the ocean to calm.  However if the extended time between storms is short than the sea is up again.  This is not to say that there have not been any days.  People have been staying close to the Ucluelet Harbor and have run out to Begg Island, Sail Rock and even up to Mayne Bay.  Remember to fish with a GPS, Radar and a Radar Reflector.  Safety is of importance.

There should be some good Winter Chinook fishing later in January.  February will see some great days on the water as each day lengthens in daylight.  We will be offering our Sea-Food Safari again in early April.  This is a wonderful opportunity to fish for prawns, crab, oysters, bottom fish, and salmon.

 

Port Alberni Inlet

Currently no fishing.  The Chinook and Coho returns in August and September 2008 back to Robertson Creek Hatchery look very promising.  Sockeye return forecasts have not yet been predicted.

For more information

Contact:

Doug Lindores
Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing
www.catchsalmon-ca.com
www.catchsalmon.ca
[email protected]
+1 250 724 2502 (h)
+1 250 731 7389 ©
Toll Free Number:  1- 888 214 7206