Despite the cold weather we have been having there are indications we might have an early spring. I have had multiple first hand reports of very early herring spawns all around the Island. There was a big spawn in Nootka a few days ago and then one at Salmon Beach. There have been a few unconfirmed reports around French Creek and Nanoose. The West Coast water temperature are fairly warm for this time of year. So hopefully all this indicates a early spring. Both for fishing and everything else. So if you are out and see a herring spawn please email me.
In Georgia Straight the few fishermen that have made it out have done well. Most Chinook are being found close to the bottom in around 200ft of water. Needlefish spoons like Jolly Rancher and Glow Chartreus splatter-back hoochies like T-Rex have taken the most fish. The best flashers have been Hit 'n Run and Glow Cop Car.
On the West Coast I've talked to a couple fishermen in Ucluelet that have been out and doing well for feeder Springs. They mentioned their best lures have been Glow Chartreuse Teaser Heads and Cuttle Fish Hoochies in Glow Green Spots.
The local lakes like Cowichan lake have been doing great for big Cutthroats. Some of the fish taken lately have been over 9lbs. Run Plugs shallow but 100ft back from the boat. Best patterns have been Tomic Blueberry Muffin and Red Dot J-Plugs.
If you have anything to add to this report please email me or comment below.
Tips up, steve@harbourchandler.ca