Fresh Water
With the sudden warm weather fresh water fishing is heating up! The cold spring has made for some slow days but we are now seeing trout fishing kicking into high gear, with bass fishing close behind.
Last weekend was still slow, but that could have been due to the solar lunar cycle. But in the last few days I've had much more positive reports from all local lakes. Long Lake, and Colliery Dam have been restocked with catchable sized trout. Long Lake has some much bigger trout if you have a boat and can get to the South end of the lake. Casting 2/7oz Prime Lure Spinners in Clean Up Crew has resulted in some real monsters. Trolling is also very effective there.
1/8 Maxi Jig heads and 4.5" Pink Pearl WFO Worms have been working from shore or from a boat.
In the bigger lakes like Cowichan and Sproat Lakes have been excellent for larger trout. Trolling our custom 3" Rainbow Trout Tomic plug is always a good bet there. I'm also hearing about more guys using 3" Yakima Mag Lips in Street Walker Pattern for trout. It's already a proven winner for steelhead.
Salt Water
Prawning has been good for the first week in most of Georgia Strait. The Ladysmith fishermen have said it's not as hot so far for them, but that's based on just a few reports. I went to Alberni and I can say my usual spot wasn't stellar. Especially for early season. On the other hand French Creek, Qualicum and Campbell River have been great. I'm hearing large catches of extra big prawns.
For Chinook fishing there are still some areas open. Some sub areas around Tent Island and south past Saltspring are open for marked Chinook. Check the regulations to see these openings. I had a very good report from Porlier Pass area on April 10th for Chinook. There are lot's of fish and there are marked ones in the mix. I didn't get the lure in the report, but smaller spoons like Banana man were working there recently.
Tips up!
steve@harbourchandler.ca 250-753-2425 Ext. 256
