Salt Water Report
The winter Chinook season is underway, with calm, dry weather letting fishermen get out. Large glow lures fished deep are what is working.
Basically it is standard deep water winter fishing. The winter (feeder) Chinook are close to the bottom in deep water. So for Nanaimo the best bet it to head out to just south of Entrance Island, reef get your gear right on the bottom in about 200ft of water and troll parallel to Gabriola Island. The same goes for up in French Creek, only head out to the double bumps and do the same thing. That is fish deep. The fish are in the 12-16lb range and actively feeding. You should get into lot's of fish. The top lures have been large glow plugs like 6" Glow Tubby 602, or the new Glow Easter Egg Plug.
The other lure that I'm starting to hear some chatter about is the new Freedom Tackle Herring Cut-bait in Glow Green Dot pattern. This neat looking plastic lure has a good action, and seems to attract larger fish. It seems to work best on a short leader of only 36"-48" behind the flasher. This must make for a very intense action.
The best flasher flasher of the week has been the bright Bon Chovy flasher. Pair this with a T-Rex Hoochie or other chartreus glow hoochie on a 36" leader of 40lb Seagar fluorocarbon for a reliable winter fishing set-up.
The only poor reports are coming from guys fishing in tight and close to shore. For example anyone at Five Fingers that I've talked to just say they caught many undersized Springs. Some goes for Portlier Pass fishermen. So don't fish like it's summer time. Get out farther and fish deeper.
Fresh Water Report
It's been a good week in most river systems on the Island. With no major rainfall lately the rivers and lakes are very accessible right now.
In the Stamp water levels have dropped into shape, providing excellent late season coho fishing. Most other East Vancouver Island rivers are still good to go. The Cowichan still has fresh Coho moving in, and there is very good trout fishing reports from it as well.
Small beads have been working for the trout and salmon. At this point in the season realistic washed out egg patterns are the best choice. Try 10mm BnR Northwest Steelheader or Great Lakes Steelhead Co's 10mm Scrambles Super UV Tomato.
Speaking of Steelhead, the winter run fish should be arriving really soon. So if you need waders or gear, our Black Friday sale happens soon. If you want to know what we are putting on sale, sign up for our sales flyer at the bottom right of our Home Page.
Also a big Thanks to Bob for sending in the info and photo used in this report. It is most appreciated. If you have a report, either good or bad I'd love to hear about it. This report are based on what local fishermen tell me, so thanks again to everyone that contributes.
Tips Up!
steve@harbourchandler.ca
2 comments
Thanks for the feedback Mr. Wohllenben. It was good to meet you too, and to hear these reports are helpful!
Cheers!
Thanks for the updates Steve, We follow them regularly! Nice meeting you in the store today and in helping me spend some money on useful items! I’ll let you know how we make out. Keep it up, the tip that is! Cheers