The big Chinook are starting to make their into the Alberni Canal. The photo above is from this weekend when Chandler Staff member Austin did well with Anchovies in Purple Jellyfish Teaser heads.
Nootka and Renfrew are also report large mature Chinook showing up in all locations. If you are wanting to head to the west side, now is the time. The best lures on the west side of the Island have been classic OAL12R White Hoochie and UV Loki Spoons.
Nanaimo, French Creek and the mid-Island has been a bit slower this week. There are plenty of fish but the bite is a short one near slack tide. The early morning tide change has been best, with some really good sized slot fish up to 22lbs. Five fingers has had minimal bait lately, so there's not a lot of salmon there. Entrance Island and along Gabriola to Thrasher Rock has been better. The top lures have been purple splatter hoochies and 5" Tomic RVP#191ii.
The Coho jigging on Entrance Reef has picked right up. Lil' Nib Night Stalker have been the hot lure there.
The Pink Salmon are also showing up in decent numbers near Neck Point. No sign of them in Departure Bay so far. But they are always a nice bonus fishery here in Nanaimo.
