All around the Island the schools of Big Chinook are showing up in their usual locations. We continue to get really nice fish in the mid Island area. These big boys are much more attuned to the bite time aka Solar lunar chart, than Coho or feeder springs. That means you should try to organize your fishing around the bite times. Every 24hr period has two major and two minor bite times. I'm not sure I understand the reasons why, even though I have researched it and written a magazine article about it (click this link to read it). But I do know it is accurate. So swing by the store for a free bite times booklet, or order online from Island Fisherman Magazine and get in the habit of using it.
Locally and in French Creek the hot new Spring Roll Flasher paired with a ### has been the hot combo. The other top lures has been our very own custom designed Hit 'n Run Skinny G with Hit 'n Run Flasher. Both of these set ups have been good for Chinook and Coho. As always 100ft and up for Coho and 140 or deeper for Springs.
If you are targeting just Coho, Lure Jensen Flash Fly's in Fish Candy Blue or UV Purple have been working well. This lure harkens back to the bucktail days, and you could run them on the surface like a bucktail. But most guys are pairing them with a small Coho Special Flasher and trolling them fast. 3-4knts will work, especially if you already have your Chinook and just want Coho.
I'm also seeing very good crabbing reports are coming in, which is a nice change from the last few years. Nanaimo River Estuary is always the best location for crabbing. The best bait is always fresh fish, but chicken will work. I use herring in our round three door trap. Make sure to defrost the herring prior to use. We stock the herring in store, but it's not on the website, as it turns out shipping herring is a bad idea. lessons learned...
Tips up,
steve@harbourchandler.ca
