Salt Water Report
This is the last weekend for spring Chinook retention, so get out if you can. I don't have many reports for the last couple of days because it was too windy for most anyone to get out. But there were some great reports coming in from some locations just before the wind hit.
The hot areas have been Thrasher Rock, Porlier Pass and Sampson Narrows. It was slower to the North in French Creek and up to Comox, but that should have changed by now.
There are now much bigger fish in the mix, with Chinook in the high teens and some low 20's being taken.
The fish getting caught have been feeding on the big herring that are still around. But smaller lures have been mentioned as working the best by several fishermen.
3" Lemon Lime Loony Spoons and Glow Green Chartreuse Black Coho Killers have both been taking larger springs recently.
The top flashers of the week have been Black Blade Super Herring Aid, and White Jelly Crush. The Super Herring Aid flasher looks great with the Glow Green Chartreuse Black Coho Killer. I think this may be one of my new favourite combos.
I also expect there are large white springs migrating farther offshore. They follow the 800-1000ft water depth level from Comox and all the way down the east side of Vancouver Island. These fish are normally around 150-200ft down and respond well to classic glow patterns like Irish Cream or Green Glow Rhys Davis Teaser Heads.
Fresh Water Report
With the cool weather it's been a slower start for local lakes, but with warmer days we are getting there now.
For the lake trollers we have an expanded selection of all sizes of Tomic plugs. One of the top sellers is 3" Tubby 243, which is a rainbow trout pattern that has been working really well in Cowichan Lake lately.
For shore fishermen the smaller lakes in city limits like Long Lake and Colliery Dam have been recently restocked with trout. Small spinners like 1/8oz Blue Fox Silver Shiner or fluorescent red power bait under a float will always work for these trout. Some of these local lakes contain surprisingly large trout and smallmouth bass. Fishing for both should heat up in April.
