Spring has arrived on Vancouver Island and that means fishing is improving. Our local rivers are going to have perfect conditions for the next little while. The water levels are dropping from the big rains last week, just as the temperatures have climbed. This is ideal for trout and steelhead fishing. If you can get out anytime soon do it. The river waters have a bit a colour to them so big bright gear is a good idea. Large soft beads in 14-16mm like BnR Sweet Pink Cherry or BurrBeads will produce hits. Also large worms like WFO White Dream and flashy spinners will also take fish.
In the ocean Spring salmon fishing has been good out at Entrance Island, off French Creek and Porlier Pass. Best lures has been 3" Trash Can spoons and 3.5" Flaming Ferrari paired with Watermark White flashers and trolled around 220ft.
As mentioned last week I'm getting sporadic reports of bigger Chinook moving into shallower water closer to shore. They are likely following the herring schools that are starting to stage up of Denman Island for the spawn. Our Sabiki jigs are flying off the shelve. So if you want to catch herring, get yours soon.
If you see a herring spawn please let me know, and better yet send me photos. And if you have tips or reports please comment below on this post.
Tips up, steve@harbourchandler.ca