It's been a good week for most Island rivers. The Stamp, Puntledge and Big Qualicum currently have good waters levels and the rivers on the south-east parts of Vancouver Island rivers are set to improve with the coming rain. This will increase their fishability and bring more fresh fish into the systems.
The top beads for Steelhead and Coho in clearer waters have been hard beads in 10-16mm sizes depending on water conditions. The best have been 10mm Chrome Crank by Slayn Steel, 10mm Blood Red by Great lakes Steelhead Co, and BnR soft beads like 12mm Peach Cobbler.
Also in the clear water areas use a smaller hook for your beads and fluorocarbon leader. I like #2 Mustad ADX bead hooks, and P-Line CFX fluorocarbon in 15lb.
In the higher flow/dirtier waters 16mm Super UV Red has been working, and will be a good option if we get a lot of rain this weekend.
Twitching jigs have been dominating for Coho in the frog water. If you haven't tried twitching jigs before stop by the store and we'll show them to you. They are easy to use and very effective. Try 1/2oz Aerojigs in Nightmare or Cerise.
Classic casting spoons are also producing well. The most effective ones have been Prime Lures glory spoons in Green/Copper, and good old 1/2oz Gibbs Koho spoons in Gold Nugget.
For steelhead our custom Cherry Cola WFO 3.5" PD worm on a 1/8oz Pearl Maxi Jig head has been hot.
In the ocean is still good for late season salmon. There are big coho waiting for the rain to raise the rivers, and the Feeder Springs are showing up early! Prawning is also good, especially in the mid-Island area as the commercial fleet didn't target our area much during their season. So if you want to head out for prawns drop your salmon gear too. Small spoons like 3" Cookies and Cream with work for the Feeders and the Coho. Pair it with a West Coast Tackle Fusion Glow X Blue flasher and you should get some salmon.
Tips up, steve@harbourchandler.ca
