With some rain in the forecast river fishing is about to kick into high gear! It's been a dry fall so far, so while the saltwater salmon fishing season has been extended, the river fishermen have been delayed. It will take more than a brief shower to get things really going, but any rain should send some salmon into Vancouver Island creeks and rivers. But until we get sustained rain the beach and ocean fishing will continue to be productive.
Another bit of good news for Nanaimo fishermen, is the loosening of the Coho regulations for Nanaimo River. The current fisheries notice says the opening for retention is set for Oct 16 with good limits. Click the fisheries notices link to check current regulations before fishing.
Top lures for salmon in the river are always twitching jigs in purple like VMC's Liquidator, or in red/black like Nightmare. Either twitch them off the bottom, or float them under a Beau Mac Torpedo float.
Spinners are also a good choice if you want to cover water. Try either prime Lures Clean Up Crew in Cool Water pattern or Flying C's in Pink/Gold for longer casting.
Soft beads are a great choice too for river salmon. With the low clear water conditions smaller sizes and more subtle colours are your best bet. Try ones like BNR 10mm Mottled Red.
In the ocean there is still excellent trolling to be had. Hot spots are French Creek, off the Qualicum Rivers, Entrance Island, and near Hudson Rocks and Neck Point. Large glow plugs like RVP2#72711 (this one needs a name) are still the best in the deep water, and for the big lazy Chinook near shore. Run smaller spoons like 3" Cookies and Cream or Cop Car Looney spoons for the smaller feeder Chinook near Entrance and Gabriola. The top flashers have been Punisher in the deep water, and Green/Orange Phantom is the shallow.
