Fishing for large Chinook has been excellent in Georgia Strait for the last week. Some of fish have moved in closer to shore, but the outer islands and rocks still are still holding fresh fish. The are also increasing amounts of Coho mixed with the Chinook, especially closer to shore.
Over all the fish seem to be running a bit behind schedule. This is making for a great late season, so take advantage of it!
Most areas are seeing much more large Chinook than we have had for quite a few years. Five Finger Island and French Creek area have been especially good but there are big fish everywhere.
Some of the most effective lures have been plugs like 5" Tomic Glow Easter egg and big 6" spoons like West Coast Tackle's Black Herring.
Also, one of my own favorite late season spoons for Chinook is back! Goldstar's Resurrection spoon is a purple splatter. It has consistently caught me my biggest fish of the year. I run it shallow and close to shore.
The hottest flashers have been West Coast Tackles Punisher Flasher and the Big Shooter Orange/Green Phantom flasher.
There have been a surprising amount of halibut reported in local waters for the last couple month. Hot spots have been off Kitty Coleman, the South East side of Hornby Island, Neck Point and Thrasher Rock. Most of these fish have been caught by accident by salmon fishermen trolling close to the bottom. They are few and far between, but it does happen.
The pink salmon have shown up in Nanaimo. This is a great opportunity for a very accessible salmon fishery. Just remember the hook size is restricted to no larger than 15mm, single barbless. A great lure choice would be the Lil' Nib Humpy Special. It is designed by a local fishermen, and comes with a hook that's the perfect size for Departure Bay. Also, pink flies, and 2/5oz Prime Lures Glory Spoons are often very effective.
