All local trout and steelhead rivers are good to go right now. With the dry weather water levels in the rivers are great, and opening up a lot of locations to fishermen. Mid sized beads like WFO 12mm Peachy-Keen and have been effective for the steelhead so far this week. Fly's and especially small soft worms have been taking the trout. The cutthroat in the photo above was caught this week by a Chandler tackle staff member on a WFO 3.5" Mystic Pink worm. He gave the location as zipper-mouth creek, but unfortunately I can't seem to find that on a map.
In the ocean it has been good fishing all week. The only problem was the thick fog. Guys with good electronics who got out in it did well. I had great reports from French Creek and Nanoose with most fishermen getting their limits of 12-15lb Springs at the humps. Most of the fish are close to the bottom and still hitting large spoons like 6" Nightrider and plugs like 5" Tomic Tubby Jack Smith.
I couple guys where successful out in the deep water on the salmon highway for early White Springs. I love White Springs as they have a high fat content and are delicious on the BBQ. as they don't dry out easily. The old trollers used to get paid less for them than red meat salmon, so the whites got a bad rap among fishermen. But now-a-days their meat quality has been recognised for what it is. Now they command a premium price in fish markets and are called "Ivory Kings" in Washington.
The salmon highway refers to the 800-1000ft contour line that many salmon follow while migrating South. I normally head a couple miles off shore, get my gear down to 180-240 feet and point the boat at Texada Island and just troll until I mark fish or catch one. Use glow chanteuse spoons like our custom designed Northern King Salty Dog behind an Oki Green Jellyfish moon-jelly flashers to target these tasty fish.
Tips up!!
steve@harbourchandler.ca
