ONE WORD…… WOW
Just when we thought the fishing was great, it got even better. Anglers are literally coming in shaking their heads in disbelief, stacking racks of 20-30lb Spring salmon on the docks, along with their limits of Coho. Hali and Lingcod. Both Coho and Springs have moved into the inshore areas in very large numbers. A bunch of the guides I spoke to yesterday limited their Springs for their clients on their first tack of the morning, with many of the fish in the high twenties, and the occasional mid thirty. Perhaps the best part, its been clear skies, hot and sunny…and the tides have been favourable, although the NW wind has picked up the last couple days.
Most boats are fishing the shallows around Cains Island, Lippy Point and the lower part of the Top Knot RCA. Fish are coming in water less than 150 feet deep, at depths between 75 and 120 ft. Hard to pin exactly what's working, cuz fish are literally coming up and biting the downrigger clips as you go to set your gear ! Apparently they aren't too fussy right now. Most of the guys have resorted to using large (6-7") nickel or nickel / blue spoons, or even large plugs without flashers. Most of the fish are coming up full of needlefish and pilchard. Average size continues to increase, again boding very well for later in July and into August.
This is the best salmon fishing we have seen here in 4 or 5 years, and the last few years have been GREAT !
The Lingcod and Hali action continues to be very solid as it most often is. There are unfortunately A LOT of Mackerel around…. But they make great Hali bait, and they are certainly fun to catch with light tackle off the docks. Last night there had to be 25 people throughout the harbor jigging buckets of mackerel off the docks, fun stuff. A five weight fly rod with a bucktail is particularly fun.
If you haven't been to this area, this year looks like a good bet. We do still have some guided charter slots available, as well as RV / Campsites and Moorage if you want to bring your own boat.
Greg Vance
The Outpost Winter Harbour
@OutpostWH
www.winterharbour.ca
winterharbour@telus.net
250-969-4333
