Barkley Sound is a vast body of water which is very protected. Migrating Salmon that swim the west cost of Vancouver Island during the summer often come into the calm pristine waters of Barkley Sound and feed on the rich bait fish which are found in many areas. Barkley sound fishing is fabulous for those that would rather be in waters that are not rough and often not foggy. Those that do not mind the swells of the west coast or the fog can fish offshore which is a quick trip out of the sound. The summer fishing can often begin in May when the first of the migrating chinook come into areas like Meares, Austin, and Swale Rock. By June the chinook are joined by some beautiful coho that feed off of Folger Island and Edward King and often go as far as Pill Point. August sees the first Robertson Creek Hatchery fish come into the sound and are feeding heavily before making their long journey up the Port Alberni Inlet and to the hatchery located in the Somass-Stamp River System. The chinook are followed a little later by coho. Both of these fantastic sport salmon are forecast to return in good numbers this summer which means the sport fisherman is in for a very enjoyable season. For more information on Barkley Sound and Port Alberni Inlet summer fishing contact Doug at dlindy@shaw.ca
The Barkley Sound feeder chinook fishing has been slow over the last week to 10 days. The weather really has not helped. However some enjoyable spring days are on the horizon by the middle of this week and we are expecting some fairly active days. The best two area as of late have been between Nanat Island and into Sarita. The fish have been from 60 to 125 feet and have been best on green hootchies and silver green spoons. The best spoon size is 4 inch. The back end of rainy Bay and over to Pill Point has been reasonably good. Rainy Bay has had some fish in the 7 to 9 pound variety right at the 300 foot drop. Pill Point in about 145 feet of water has had some nice sized chinook weighing 10 to 15 pounds. Anchovy in purple haze and green Rhys Davis Teaser heads have been hot as have Purple Haze Hootchies and watermelon coyote spoons. There will be some fabulous spring days on the water.