Fishing for large Chinook has been excellent in Georgia Strait for the last week. Some of the fish have moved in closer to shore, but the outer islands and rocks are still holding fresh fish. There are also increasing numbers of Coho mixed with the Chinook, especially closer to shore.
Overall, 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 many more large Chinook than we have had for quite a few years. Five Finger Island and the 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 favourite 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 Tackle's Punisher Flasher and the Big Shooter Orange/Green Phantom flasher.
There have been a surprising number of halibut reported in local waters for the last couple of months. Hot spots have been off Kitty Coleman, the southeast 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 15 mm, single barbless. A great lure choice would be the Lil' Nib Humpy Special. It is designed by a local fisherman, and comes with a hook that's the perfect size for Departure Bay. Also, pink flies and 2/5 oz Prime Lures Glory Spoons are often very effective.
