Long Beach produced some frantic fishing action throughout the week, with boat limits of Coho salmon the norm. Long Beach is about a 12 mile run west once you leave the Ucluelet Harbour, about 2-3 miles off of the Sandy Beaches in the Long Beach unit of Pacific Rim National Park. A few nice Chinook salmon were also being caught there (Long Beach), but the majority of the bigger Chinook salmon are still coming from inside waters.
A lot of guides are still spending their time fishing around Meares Bluff, and Cree and Austin Island Just outside the Boundary for Pacific Rim National Park. The bait of choice seems to be anchovy rolled with about a one fathom leader. The coyote spoon is also a favourite with varying amounts of success. Chinook and Coho salmon are being caught in the top 100 feet or so in these areas and if you put your time in you should do reasonably well.
Overall the Salmon Fishing is picking up as we start to roll into our peak season. Congratulations to Jiggy and his crew for bringing in a 33 lb tyee (Chinook salmon) from "the bluff" to take over the Chinook salmon lead from Mike Marshall. (24 lb Chinook salmon). Bonnie J. is our current Coho salmon leader with a 7 lb hatchery Coho. (Caught while fishing off Long Beach)
Halibut Fishing Report
Halibut fishing is usually concentrated on La Perouse bank, but the Wreck is producing nice quality, "Halibut West", past the gullies on the Big Bank (about 245 feet drift fishing with spreader bars and bait) was a common destination this week as the Wreck had nice quality but not as many numbers. Halibut averaging 15-20 lbs are more and more common at the big bank, and if you find yourself looking for that "Walter Class" 100 lb plus fish, try setting the pick in Florencia bay and wait for a tide swing, you should get at least one halibut over 70 lbs.
The Shallows (I prefer the western edge) is a great starting point if you are more interested in fishing for both salmon and halibut at the same time. A great place for spending the day catching a variety of salmon, halibut, lingcod, and a few other ground fish.
Overall the Halibut Fishing is picking up right where it left off last season. Congratulations to Mike Welsh who brought in a 53 lb Halibut this past Wednesday, topping Tyler Reebs 52 lb Halibut by one pound to become this seasons new Halibut leader.