With rain in the forecast the rivers will be rising this weekend. This will bring more salmon into the various systems, especially the low water rivers and streams on the South East side of the Island. This is good news for fishermen and fish alike. Also I'm hearing reports of Chum showing up in the estuaries and starting to head into the rivers. Chum are a underutilized salmon species, but are well worth targeting. They are incredible fighters, and are excellent smoked. Twitching jigs are my go to lure to target Chum. Use a 1/8oz Wordens Maxi Jig in Fluorescent Pink and drift it on a short leader under a float.
Twitching jigs have also been effective for Coho lately. Try 1/2oz Aerojigs in Blue Sparkle, and Cerise Hot Pink.
Small soft beads are also taking a lot of Coho. More natural colours have been the best recently. Use BnR Natural Stinkeye in 10mm or Unreel Tackle Light Orange HP dot also in 10mm. Although if waters get higher and cloudier consider switching to larger sized beads. Also remember to use a proper bead hook like Mustad's ADX Advantage Bend hooks in size #1.
Spinners and casting spoons are also still working. Slightly heaver ones will be best as the waters rise and currents increase. 7/8oz Hot Pink Flying C's have been the top spinner. For casting spoons use 5/8oz Prime lures Glory spoon in Brass/silver or P-lines Pro-steel Gold/fluorescent Red in 2/3oz.
In the ocean I'm getting more reports of larger than average feeder Chinook showing up around Entrance Island, Five Fingers and off French Creek. Some in the 12-14 pound range have been caught. While not unheard of this is pretty big for a "next years" Chinook. Most are still smaller at about 8lbs, but there are lot's of them and they are easy to catch. As per usual they are often deep, feeding on needle fish near the bottom. So use smaller lures with glow flashers. Try trolling the Eastern Side of Gabriola, starting near Entrance island and heading South along the 200 Ft. contour right on the bottom.
Glow White and Cop car patterns are always effective at this time of year. A Gibbs Hit n' Run Skinny G behind a matching Oki Hit n' Run Flasher has been effective.
There should also be some Chum around the Neck Point area. At least there normally are at this time of year. I'd love to hear from anyone that goes out for them.
Tips up! steve@harbourchandler.ca
