The herring spawn is a really good one this year. The herring themselves are much larger than we have seen for a long time. It looks like Lantzville and Nanoose have had the highest concentrations so far this week, but they should move down to Nanaimo this weekend.
Although with the wind it's also possible they will head back up north to the French Creek area. The thing is, with herring you never know.
I use the website Vessel Finder to watch where the commercial fleet is. When I see a concentration of herring boats close to shore I know there's a spawn going on.
There is a growing interest in the herring spawn, with lots of people harvesting them for food and bait. We have sold out of cast nets for now. We have more on the way, and I would suggest getting yours before next year's spawn.
We still have lots of herring jigs and some good dip nets if you want to get out there. I find the dip nets to be very effective. My loyal readers should know by now that I love herring roe. Salted in the Japanese style, or pan fried in olive oil it is delicious. I plan on heading out this Sunday to get some for myself.
Salmon fishing has been good despite all the herring around for them to eat. There have been some much larger Chinook showing on the east sides of Gabriola and Galiano Islands. The largest I've seen a photo of was a 22lb fish from near Porlier Pass. This has been a particularly hot spot lately. So if you are in the derby this weekend, it might be worth running up.
Top lures have been Green Hornet Loony Spoons and Glow Green Hoochies like OG179R. Pair these with a green Phantom flasher for an effective combo for current conditions.
