Large numbers of feeder Chinook, AKA winter springs, are now showing up in the mid-Island area. They are already larger than we typically see at this time of year. The average size is now 9-12lbs which is a good size for a feeder.
These fish are at their absolute prime for table quality and fighting ability. They generally hug the bottom eating sand lance, and small herring. Trolling deep is normally the best plan in the winters. The East Side of Gabriola, and Valdez always hold these fish right on the bottom at 200ft at this time of year.
Small glow Chartreuse spoons such as 3" Glow Yellow Tail and flashers like Salty Dog are the mainstays of this fishery. But there are some new innovative lures that are starting to take off. One of these are the Yakama Baits Spinfish. We've had them for a couple years now and they are a proven winner. They can be filled with either bait or better still fish scent like Herring Smelly Jelly. Adding scent to your salmon lures is a huge advantage.
A brand new one in our waters is the Simon Cut Plug. It is an artificial cut plug that's made of plastic and has a slot for a micro glow stick (glow stick included with purchase) They have proven their effectiveness in Washington State and are now available in Canada. They have a tight roll and come in interesting and bright colour patterns. Down South they are using them behind a flasher with a much shorter leader than I would have expected. They swear by a 36" leader, and say it gives them a tight roll that provokes salmon strikes. This is ideal for aggressively feeding winter fish.
There are still some large mature Coho still moving around the Five Fingers and French Creek areas. Bright orange spoons work for them at this time of year. 3.5" Homeland Security or my favorite a 3.5" Flame Splatter back work for these late run fish. They are usually shallow 80ft or less at Five Fingers, but much deeper at French Creek. Go with a slightly faster troll speed than for Chinook.
I am still looking for a Chum salmon report for Nanaimo. I know they are hitting the river, so they should be around the Pipers Lagoon area too.
Tips up!
steve@harbourchandler.ca
