The heavy rains have made some Island rivers hard to fish this week. This will improve as it dries out over the weekend. But even during the rain the Cowichan is still good, and fishing is hot. The Coho fishing has been great, and should continue to be good at least until the end of the month. As the Cowichan has lots of big water with longer runs casting spoons and heavy spinners are a good bet. Try casting spoons like 5/8oz Prime Lures Glory Spoons in Chartreus Silver and Straight Silver. Or alternatively spinners like 5/8oz Mepps Fluing C's in Pink Silver and Hot Chartreus Silver.
I've had lot's of customers having success with twitching Jigs this week. Some have done well for Coho in side channels even when the main river is blown out. Best colours have been Chartreus/Purple like 1/2oz Jig Geek Wario, and 1/2oz VMC Glow Intruder.
In smaller water with calmer pools mid sized soft beads are working well. Try BnR 12mm Clown Beads, or if the water is a bit murky use a 15mm NWS BnR Burr Bead. These spikey looking soft beads are more visible in poor water conditions, and while they don't look like any salmon egg I've ever seen, but the fish love them.
All local lakes have been very hot for trout fishing. I've seen some incredible reports. 1/6oz Rainbow Rooster Tails have been the top lure for guys casting. And Pink Sherbet Berkley power bait under a bobber is as always very effective.
I haven't had many reports from the ocean due to the windy weather. A few guys have snuck out for prawns and Winter Springs. The one report for Entrance Island I got was very positive for Chinook. IF you get out this weekend please send me a report at the email below.
Tips up! steve@harbourchandler.ca
