West coast Chinook

[Jamie]

I see Rupert area is sucking again. Tyee test fishery is showing 30% less than last year and last year was horrible. This could come close to the absolute worst year on record. Oh how I wish they would try and fix this.

It's going well over in Sandspit with limits and looks like Serengeti is off to another ok year. Interested to see how the central coast does this year.

Anyone going anyplace?

[Positrac]

I’ve been out the last two mornings in Campbell River. Fishing was good here a week ago but the last two days we landed one 13lb Spring, a couple Wild Coho and a handful of 4-6lb Springs.

There are not a ton of boats out but I haven’t heard or seen another decent Spring landed.

In 4 weeks I’m headed to Nootka for 3 days fishing so things should be good there by then. Or at least as good as they’ve been the last 10 years over there which hasn’t been that great...

[mlee]

The guys I know running out of Comox have been doing well. Hes actually running a "brag board" C&R contest until July 15 to win a free charter. I've seen him post plenty of days where they are releasing 20+ chinook and 10+ Coho (2 lines) in a 5hr charter.

[Sundancefisher]

Looks like Langara Island is fishing strong. :character0053:

[Positrac]

Day three in Campbell River. 4 Springs 5-7lbs. 1 Wild Coho.

We never saw a decent Spring landed and out of the half dozen guides that we knew and talked to there has been very little happening.

If fishing is still that good down Comox way I’d stay there because it’s not happening here right now.

[Jamie]

Talked with a guy to of Massett today. Nothing much happening. Limits on the west side, Langara is good as well.

[Ken07AOVette]

They know exactly how to fix it. Just let the nets hang across all the rivers for a couple more years, and there won't be a problem at all. The easiest way to catch fish is to wait until they come to spawn, then indiscriminantly kill everything, ensuring there are no returns. No more disputes, no more whining or fighting. And then the special groups can move onto the next genus to extinct, a win in the bag.
Super easy.

[SNAPFisher]

Heading to Port Hardy 3rd week in July for a couple of days and stopping off at Port Alberni to a day on the way back home. Looking forwards to it!!
All new outfits I haven't fished with before.

[mlee]

Day three in Campbell River. 4 Springs 5-7lbs. 1 Wild Coho.

We never saw a decent Spring landed and out of the half dozen guides that we knew and talked to there has been very little happening.

If fishing is still that good down Comox way I’d stay there because it’s not happening here right now.

Just checked and looks like Steve has put over 100 fish in the boat the last 3 days combined. 80% springs...lots of smaller ones (sub 20lbs) but a few descent ones too. Yesterday they had 24 chinooks and 2 coho in 3 hours.

[mlee]

A few pictures he posted from the last 3 days.

[Ken07AOVette]

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van/for/d/hope-fresh-frazer-river-salmon/6926013492.html

Fresh Frazer River Salmon - $20 (Hope B.C)
© craigslist - Map data © OpenStreetMap
(google map)

Hi there, we're happy to report we have fresh Spring Salmon available for sale by the pound @4.00 dollars per. SOCKEYE have arrived and are 20.00 dollars each. Text if possible or email.
show contact info
Ask for Chris or Ashley.
Let's make a deal. Larger orders can get a reduced price per fish
do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers
post id: 6926013492

[surhuntsalot]

Salmon runs Are way better in Rupert this year than last... Nice size Coho showed up earlier, and the size of springs are much better this year than last...

[surhuntsalot]

I see Rupert area is sucking again. Tyee test fishery is showing 30% less than last year and last year was horrible. This could come close to the absolute worst year on record. Oh how I wish they would try and fix this.

It's going well over in Sandspit with limits and looks like Serengeti is off to another ok year. Interested to see how the central coast does this year.

Anyone going anyplace?

4 days ago I landed the 23rd Tyee for the season in my boat... Compared to 6 over 30 lbs last year I’d say the Tyee numbers are WAY up for this year... Not sure where you get your Info...

[Jamie]

4 days ago I landed the 23rd Tyee for the season in my boat... Compared to 6 over 30 lbs last year I’d say the Tyee numbers are WAY up for this year... Not sure where you get your Info...

Straight out of the Tyee test fish.https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fos2_Internet/Testfish/rptDTFDTyeeParm.cfm?fsub_id=585 I cant understand how you wouldn't know about something that has been running since 1955??? The fish that are headed up the Skeena are having the worst year down 1/3 from last year. No mention of size, just pure numbers. Glad your having such a great year cause that net sure isn't having a good one. Get some pics up!!

[SNAPFisher]

4 days ago I landed the 23rd Tyee for the season in my boat... Compared to 6 over 30 lbs last year I’d say the Tyee numbers are WAY up for this year... Not sure where you get your Info...

That sounds consistent with Langara reports. Nice work :)

[SNAPFisher]

Straight out of the Tyee test fish.https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fos2_Internet/Testfish/rptDTFDTyeeParm.cfm?fsub_id=585 I cant understand how you wouldn't know about something that has been running since 1955??? The fish that are headed up the Skeena are having the worst year down 1/3 from last year. No mention of size, just pure numbers. Glad your having such a great year cause that net sure isn't having a good one. Get some pics up!!

Soooo, are you actually fishing or just reading netting reports?

[Jamie]

Soooo, are you actually fishing or just reading netting reports?

This is a thread about all over the coast and sharing info. Netting reports are extremely reliable about specific rivers. This is not about Billy Bob and his Uncle down on the docks. But guides actually doing it are amazing resource.

If Sirhunts is killing it, that's AWESOME. But doubtful they are Skeena fish.
I am hearing Langara is ok, but not exactly on fire.
West side of Charlottes is doing slightly better than last year.
Masset is doing ok and better than last year. Lodge owner there suggested running to Langara.

Another good reference point is Lodge reviews.
https://haaneenaa.com/about-us/blog/ (These guys are Rupert based but almost strictly around Dundas)
Eagle Pointe is not running a Update and either is Dolphins north. Noel Gygers website is still impossible to read for me. I find it extremely confusing. I think that would also be a good source of information if that website was any where near easy to figure out.

BUT perhaps the best source of info I have is the actual people cutting the fish in Rupert and in Haida Gwaii.

[SNAPFisher]

But guides actually doing it are amazing resource.
Another good reference point is Lodge reviews.

https://haaneenaa.com/about-us/blog/ (These guys are Rupert

As far as I'm concerned, some are good, some aren't.

And a blog from 23-Jun. Pretty much long since old for the coast.

I get to find out in 2 weeks. Hoping for great fishing :)

[Jamie]

As far as I'm concerned, some are good, some aren't.

And a blog from 23-Jun. Pretty much long since old for the coast.

I get to find out in 2 weeks. Hoping for great fishing :)

Snap, everything is old. Lodge based reports must be taken with a grain of salt and mastering the art of reading between the lines is everything. No one really speaks of the days where its just a nice boat ride or the weather is so tough that the rain is actually coming up, not down. True, I have seen it!!

Where are you headed??? I keep wanting to go out to the west side of the QCI but thats not looking possible right now. Those flight cost just make my stomach turn over. Maybe central coast in august???

[propliner]

Our group of 12 caught 1800lbs of fish including bottom fish near Rupert. Best year ever. Guides said it's a record year.

[GMX]

Stupid work I still don’t have a set date on heading to the salt my boy is asking every day when we’re leaving. :angry3:

[justinO]

4 days ago I landed the 23rd Tyee for the season in my boat... Compared to 6 over 30 lbs last year I’d say the Tyee numbers are WAY up for this year... Not sure where you get your Info...

Were these TYEE caught on a row boat with wood carved lures that's the only true TYEE lol.
And I know who's report I'll be paying attention to lol.
See you soon buddy I can't wait to get there save a few big ones for me :sHa_shakeshout:

[Positrac]

Were these TYEE caught on a row boat with wood carved lures that's the only true TYEE lol. :

The name Tyee came long before row boats or wooden plugs made the name famous. Plus everyone knows the best rowing plug was actually made of plastic.🙂

CR is back to what it was a few weeks ago. No monster fish but lots in the teens right now. Too bad we leave for home tomorrow.☹️

[Bhflyfisher]

Straight out of the Tyee test fish.https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fos2_Internet/Testfish/rptDTFDTyeeParm.cfm?fsub_id=585 I cant understand how you wouldn't know about something that has been running since 1955??? The fish that are headed up the Skeena are having the worst year down 1/3 from last year. No mention of size, just pure numbers. Glad your having such a great year cause that net sure isn't having a good one. Get some pics up!!

Did you even bother to look through tyee numbers back to 2011? Fear mongering last year as a bad year, when it was actually better than, if not on par over the years in almost the last decade.

[Jamie]

Did you even bother to look through tyee numbers back to 2011? Fear mongering last year as a bad year, when it was actually better than, if not on par over the years in almost the last decade.

In answer to your question, I look at numbers going all the way back to the beginning of this test fish. 1955 or so.

Admittedly, in my mind I was using the numbers from 17, not 18. I didn't take close enough notice of the year. HOWEVER, your explanation and this chart seem to show 2 really different things. Take what you wish if you think last year was average year. Last year was 100% described as a failure by most people in the area but may have been influenced by the no retention and therefore no effort given. . It sounds like a different run has shown up this year though. Skeena is still WAY WAY WAY down from your 10 year average. in 2017 it came very close to being the worst run on record. This year is in the same ball park so far. This may be the second worst year in your 9 years of averages. and very close to the all time lowest run up that river. Last years numbers are hard to quantify as there was 0 retention for most of the season. As well, I am speaking only of Chinook, not Coho or perhaps you are speaking of pinks? Not that it matters though. Take a look at the reports.

http://www.noelgyger.ca/H2O/Non-Tidal/TyeeTestFishery/Charts/SkeenaChinook2017&2018.pdf

Some thing else to chew on as well
http://www.noelgyger.ca/H2O/Non-Tidal/TyeeTestFishery/Charts/SkeenaChinookYears.pdf

Remember though just because the Skeena is empty, doesn't mean that other rivers are not hitting their strides. A good guide will still make it a enjoyable day.

[SNAPFisher]

Snap, everything is old. Lodge based reports must be taken with a grain of salt and mastering the art of reading between the lines is everything. No one really speaks of the days where its just a nice boat ride or the weather is so tough that the rain is actually coming up, not down. True, I have seen it!!



Where are you headed??? I keep wanting to go out to the west side of the QCI but thats not looking possible right now. Those flight cost just make my stomach turn over. Maybe central coast in august???


Headed to Port Hardy and Port Alberni. Posted it earlier in this thread,

Anyways, you posted the link and admit yourself to use a grain of salt. That is exactly what I’m doing with this entire thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mlee]

Taken from Island Pursuit Sportfishing Facebook page.

BRAG BOARD CHALLENGE UPDATE:

As many of you have noticed the fishing has truly been fantastic. Most days have been what guests dream of and expect when paying to go fishing.

Fun fact: If you have come out with me before you will have heard that we believe really good fishing is a fish every half hour on average. 45 + is slower and gets me squirly and if its 20 - 15 mins that's awesome and doesn't get much better. While this year to date the average fish per hour has been 1 every 6:56 mins for all our charters combined!!! which is unheard of!

Some of our top numbers are:
28, 22, 25, 42, 40, 41, 25, 17, 24

Chinook Retention opens July 15th and from then on we are almost fully booked. We have one week left to rack up some more numbers. Fish spots totally alone and have them bitey. I'm sure the spots will be pretty crowed the last half of the month.

Give me a call and come have some fun, guests have still been going home with plenty to eat.

Thank you to all my sponsors who have made this fun!

[Jamie]

Headed to Port Hardy and Port Alberni. Posted it earlier in this thread,

Anyways, you posted the link and admit yourself to use a grain of salt. That is exactly what I’m doing with this entire thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dave has a handle on what is going on down there. Good luck! Sounds like fun.

[Esox]

Our group of 12 caught 1800lbs of fish including bottom fish near Rupert. Best year ever. Guides said it's a record year.

This right here is one of my biggest issues with coast fishing. Im not bashing the OP in any way because it is 100% legal, however the majority (not all but majority) of people who head out to the coast, go out with the "fill the freezer mentality" and it has to stop. I realize salmon are on a 4-6 year cycle, but bottom fish are not. If people keep treating it as a catch and kill fishery, including salmon, it is going to keep going down hill. Look at what the fishing is now in Alberta and even parts of Saskatchewan (and other provinces). Just because you are legally allowed to keep a certain amount, doesn't mean you should. I would 100% be ok with a full commercial, first nation and recreational reduced limits to 0 salmon. I would keep going out every year during prime big chinook time even if all I could do was catch and release everything.

[Kurt505]

This right here is one of my biggest issues with coast fishing. Im not bashing the OP in any way because it is 100% legal, however the majority (not all but majority) of people who head out to the coast, go out with the "fill the freezer mentality" and it has to stop. I realize salmon are on a 4-6 year cycle, but bottom fish are not. If people keep treating it as a catch and kill fishery, including salmon, it is going to keep going down hill. Look at what the fishing is now in Alberta and even parts of Saskatchewan (and other provinces). Just because you are legally allowed to keep a certain amount, doesn't mean you should. I would 100% be ok with a full commercial, first nation and recreational reduced limits to 0 salmon. I would keep going out every year during prime big chinook time even if all I could do was catch and release everything.

Of course they want to fill the freezer! Spending $3-$4k to go whale watching???

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Headed to kitimat at the end of the month. What’s the chances of the big salmon being around the 30 pounder plus?

[Ken07AOVette]

Headed to kitimat at the end of the month. What’s the chances of the big salmon being around the 30 pounder plus?

Are you looking for a crystal ball or palm reader to answer? Fish follow water currents and food. Afaik salmon dont follow a set itenary.

Nobody in their right mind will definitively say yes they will be there because if they arent you will call them a liar leading you on a wild goose chase lol.

Go. Try. Let us know how it was. I'm doing the same in Ruoery next week.

[SNAPFisher]

Dave has a handle on what is going on down there. Good luck! Sounds like fun.

Thanks Jamie.
And, no thanks on going with Dave. Been there done that...
I'm going with Wade Dayley from BearCove. I'll be sure to provide a full report when I'm back.

[Jamie]

Of course they want to fill the freezer! Spending $3-$4k to go whale watching???

No, 3-4K for the experience. Do you go hunting strictly to fill the freezer? Do you take every doe, cow elk, cow moose tag you can get your hands on? Thats what he is talking about.

I 100% get what he is saying. I think that strictly Catch and release trips might be on the horizon from these lodges. It should come at a reduced rate I would assume as they won't have to pay for packaging. A small. expense I know but still part of it.

For me personally, I am happy with a single box of fish but there was a time that I didn't think the trip was a success unless I brought home 3 box's (150 pounds) . (No limit on Hali size and 2 day/3 in pos). Your millage may vary. Glad you had a awesome trip.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Are you looking for a crystal ball or palm reader to answer? Fish follow water currents and food. Afaik salmon dont follow a set itenary.

Nobody in their right mind will definitively say yes they will be there because if they arent you will call them a liar leading you on a wild goose chase lol.

Go. Try. Let us know how it was. I'm doing the same in Ruoery next week.

Wondering about traditional runs, time of the year, what’s running this year compared to last. Thanks though Ken!

[Ken07AOVette]

Wondering about traditional runs, time of the year, what’s running this year compared to last. Thanks though Ken!

Ruoery? Wow autocorrect sucks on a phone.

RUPERT.

I reread that, and missed the :):scared0018::budo: on the phone, it was not meant to be miserable but may have come that way, sorry about that.

The biggest I have ever caught have all been in May.
Halibut are where they are, time of year doesn't matter other than they move to the mouths of the rivers apparently to hoover dead spawned out salmon.

[Marty S]

... Noel Gygers website is still impossible to read for me. I find it extremely confusing. I think that would also be a good source of information if that website was any where near easy to figure out.


LIKE!!!


Like we's talking the epitome of CHAOS!!!

[Jamie]

LIKE!!!


Like we's talking the epitome of CHAOS!!!

I told Noel while having coffee YEARS ago that his site was impossible to figure out. He told me I didn't know what I was talking about. LOLOLOLOL

I think his daughter runs it now and I see our own Amber Serbin is doing something with him.

[Kurt505]

No, 3-4K for the experience. Do you go hunting strictly to fill the freezer? Do you take every doe, cow elk, cow moose tag you can get your hands on? Thats what he is talking about.

I 100% get what he is saying. I think that strictly Catch and release trips might be on the horizon from these lodges. It should come at a reduced rate I would assume as they won't have to pay for packaging. A small. expense I know but still part of it.

For me personally, I am happy with a single box of fish but there was a time that I didn't think the trip was a success unless I brought home 3 box's (150 pounds) . (No limit on Hali size and 2 day/3 in pos). Your millage may vary. Glad you had a awesome trip.



When I want to fish for the expirience I head to the Fraser for some sturgeon. If the salmon are running I’ll usually bring home a couple but it’s not a deal breaker by any means. I only get to fish the salt every 4 years or so, so if I’m going to spend a few grand on a trip I take every 4 years, and being that I love to eat fish, I try to bring home as much as I can. If I was local and went out a few times a year it would be different.

[dmcrobb12]

Heading to fish skidegate inlet for a few weeks at the end of July. We’ve been making the trip for the past 17ish years and it has yet to disappoint (besides a few boat problems here and there.... knock on wood)

[Marty S]

I really think at this point in the Chinook salmon fishery/etc, we have no choice but desperately need to create a very large number of fish hatcheries on all the river systems.

Many people oppose such an idea, however our fish populations cannot continue to support the mass amounts of commercial indian nets in the rivers plus out of control predator species in addition to native sustenance fisheries, sport fisheries, and commercial fisheries. Oh yes, we can't forget the international commercial fishers with their modern weapons of mass destruction.

Do we want fish or are we too holy?

At this juncture, federal governments won't act to fix the problems, predators, predators and more predators, plus in river commercial annihilation of our spawning stocks, even if they want to, seeming to fear everybody except the sports fisheries.

So we put hatcheries everywhere to ensure commercial fishing continues, sport fishing continues, and so that the natives can also even catch more to their hearts desire, AND IN DOING SO, hopefully more fish make it to the spawning grounds and/or hatchery operations.

What say you?

[Jamie]

I really think at this point in the Chinook salmon fishery/etc, we have no choice but desperately need to create a very large number of fish hatcheries on all the river systems.

Many people oppose such an idea, however our fish populations cannot continue to support the mass amounts of commercial indian nets in the rivers plus out of control predator species in addition to native sustenance fisheries, sport fisheries, and commercial fisheries. Oh yes, we can't forget the international commercial fishers with their modern weapons of mass destruction.

Do we want fish or are we too holy?

At this juncture, federal governments won't act to fix the problems, predators, predators and more predators, plus in river commercial annihilation of our spawning stocks, even if they want to, seeming to fear everybody except the sports fisheries.

So we put hatcheries everywhere to ensure commercial fishing continues, sport fishing continues, and so that the natives can also even catch more to their hearts desire, AND IN DOING SO, hopefully more fish make it to the spawning grounds and/or hatchery operations.

What say you?

2 on every river and one on every creek. BUT, each fish needs to be marked 20 years of mandatory head turn ins with clipped fish should give a really good idea of where these fish go and what environmental issues not only help but hurt the different stocks. Tripple the cost of the fishing licenses if you have to. Hammer the commercial guys with a Surcharge, hit the lodges up as well. Just make it effective.

[Marty S]

I think that would over-complicate matters, all the testing. These people either can't manage fish, or don't want to, it seems.

[dennisb]

I was in Nootka last week and by far the best fishing in the last 5 years for me. released over 30 plus Chinook on the one Saturday alone. 24.2 lbs was our biggest ( and the derby winner i might add) with countless double headers...usually i get beat up, battered and bruised from the weather but was never so happy to see the dock and have a beer. Ill be back in Aug for 2 weeks.

Good luck boys.

[Savage Bacon]

We will be heading to French creek on the island in a couple of weeks. The in laws live close by. Gonna try one of the local charters. We've never gone on one of these trips. We'll have fun either way but hopefully we have good luck.

[buckbrushoutdoors]

just got back from winter harbour and absolutely smashed it. full limits for all four of us. big hali and ling too. biggest spring was 25lbs and lots of coho

[Macdrizzle]

I really think at this point in the Chinook salmon fishery/etc, we have no choice but desperately need to create a very large number of fish hatcheries on all the river systems.

Many people oppose such an idea, however our fish populations cannot continue to support the mass amounts of commercial indian nets in the rivers plus out of control predator species in addition to native sustenance fisheries, sport fisheries, and commercial fisheries. Oh yes, we can't forget the international commercial fishers with their modern weapons of mass destruction.

Do we want fish or are we too holy?

At this juncture, federal governments won't act to fix the problems, predators, predators and more predators, plus in river commercial annihilation of our spawning stocks, even if they want to, seeming to fear everybody except the sports fisheries.

So we put hatcheries everywhere to ensure commercial fishing continues, sport fishing continues, and so that the natives can also even catch more to their hearts desire, AND IN DOING SO, hopefully more fish make it to the spawning grounds and/or hatchery operations.

What say you?

Not sure what it's like in other Hatcheries, but the one in Kitimat at least they only clip 10% of hatchery chinooks (confirmed by 2 different employees that work there). Said that they don't have the manpower to clip all the fish so only 10% gets it. When you catch a non-clipped chinook, it can very well be a hatchery chinook. For me, this was the best chinook year in the 3 years I've lived here. There were so many chinooks jumping in the river systems it looked like they were coho.

[Macdrizzle]

Headed to kitimat at the end of the month. What’s the chances of the big salmon being around the 30 pounder plus?

Low. The kitimat system gets only a spring run of chinooks. The ones I've been catching lately are all dark and don't put up a good fight anymore and they will be few and far between in the channel. Read the regs - you're not allowed to catch chinooks past July 31 in the Kitimat and even right now there are very few chinooks coming in. Too early for coho but the pinks/chums will be in full swing. Either that or you can try your luck up in the Skeena. GL

[Savage Bacon]

Are there any hoops you need to jump through for a 1 day fishing license in BC? I know the answer is online. Looking for first hand experience advice.

[Positrac]

Heading to Nootka for 3 days fishing in a couple weeks. First time ever where I’m not running the boat. It should be a great trip. Tough getting a big fish on the inside these days but we’ll be fishing the outside quite a bit so the action should be good and a better chance of getting a decent sized one.

[Jamie]

Are there any hoops you need to jump through for a 1 day fishing license in BC? I know the answer is online. Looking for first hand experience advice.

Not really. Are you looking for Salt water stuff? Just remember to get your Salmon Stamp as well.

Tidal waters is Federal
https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/application-eng.html

Non tidal is provincial.


I hope you can find more time than just one day.

[Savage Bacon]

Not really. Are you looking for Salt water stuff? Just remember to get your Salmon Stamp as well.

Tidal waters is Federal
https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/application-eng.html

Non tidal is provincial.


I hope you can find more time than just one day.

I'm calling to book today so I'll ask. The last company I called pretty much told me to find all that info out on my own. Not the answer I was hoping for lol

[Mad_On_Fishing]

I went out fishing a few weeks ago with steve through island pursuit sport fishing in comox and we were only out for maybe 3 hours and had a blast with a few double headers too. it was pretty good fishing! never fished salmon before but he said they're on fire there

[Scott h]

I'm calling to book today so I'll ask. The last company I called pretty much told me to find all that info out on my own. Not the answer I was hoping for lol

Just go online at
https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/application-eng.html
It's quite easy and straight forward and doesn't cost much more to get a full year in case your dates get postponed.:)

[Scott h]

I went out fishing a few weeks ago with steve through island pursuit sport fishing in comox and we were only out for maybe 3 hours and had a blast with a few double headers too. it was pretty good fishing! never fished salmon before but he said they're on fire there

Looks like you had a great day to start out your salmon career ! doesn't come much better when you have sunshine, flat water and willing salmon !!!!!

[Ken07AOVette]

We have caught over 80 salmon already, another week to go. No tyee yet and coho are slim, springs are everywhere

[mlee]

I went out fishing a few weeks ago with steve through island pursuit sport fishing in comox and we were only out for maybe 3 hours and had a blast with a few double headers too. it was pretty good fishing! never fished salmon before but he said they're on fire there

Steve is the man! Hes been hammering fish all summer.

[deercamp]

Just got back from 3 full days at newton cove and was great. Limits of springs and coho. biggest was just over 25 and a 36 came in on another boat. Ended up with 60# of fillets each with a group of 4. Third time out there and service was excellent and extremely accommodating. Already rebooked for next year.

[Esox]

We have caught over 80 salmon already, another week to go. No tyee yet and coho are slim, springs are everywhere

Hopefully the big northerns show up on time or even a little early. We are heading out Aug 25 this year to try our hand at casting to the coho along the kelp beds and use some lighter gear. Will be a new experience for us as we normally go end of june for big springs, depending on the tides.

[Ken07AOVette]

One of the members' daughter from here caught 2 springs over 30 lbs today. I gave her 1 my tyee pins, great day.
We have released over 200 salmon, I kept 4 springs, 2 coho 1 ling. I caught my first ever big ling finally, was reeling in a rockfish and all of a sudden the line got real heavy. A huge ling inhaled the quillback on the way up! I have heard of this, never saw it before.
I kept track of every good fish we caught, logged it on paper and on the chartplotter. Depth time of day weather lure flasher etc.
Tomorrow wraps it up, hoping to get a couple coho.
It sucked throwing back 30lb springs today, but it was also very cool.

[SNAPFisher]

Sounds amazing Ken, congrats! I'm sure you mean it doesn't suck to throw back tyees. You can't keep them all ;)
And, a limit of 20-30lb Chinook is a lot of meat! Bedsides, one of the those tyees might be around next year to hit your line with another 10 lbs put on :)

[SNAPFisher]

Jamie, you can keep that link and keep checking it all you want. Seems to be about as effective as test netting Alberta lakes.... :lol:

Seriously, seems of the best Chinook years up and down the coast. I talked to a lot of people on my trip and the all say the same. Sounds like Ken also had a stellar trip to Rupert. Like I said earlier, grain of salt best taken...

[Ken07AOVette]

Spring fishing was the craziest I have seen. We watched a guide boat pull out a 44 and he got a 47 at Dundas the next day. Buddy and I were talking about big springs, he caught a huge 1 a d we both said thats it for them for the day, you never bring more than 1 a day. Wow were we wrong.
It is surreal releasing tyee for sure.

[Savage Bacon]

We just got home yesterday from the island. Fished all morning on Thursday. Wow what an amazing time. First salmon was 80cm exactly. Second was 79 3/4cm, and the third was 76cm. We thought we were going to have to throw the first 2 back with the new regs but they were barely legal. I'll bring a bigger cooler next time. It was a good sight seeing 3 tails sticking out of a stuffed cooler. Here's some advice, do some stretches. I don't want to sound like a wimp but holy crap that is a workout on the arms lol.

[Positrac]

Nootka in 4 days. Hopefully it’s half as good as most other areas when we get there. The last 6 years have been some of the worst Chinook fishing in the sound that I’ve seen and it had been getting progressively worse each year. Hopefully we’re not disappointed this year.

[Jamie]

Jamie, you can keep that link and keep checking it all you want. Seems to be about as effective as test netting Alberta lakes.... :lol:

Seriously, seems of the best Chinook years up and down the coast. I talked to a lot of people on my trip and the all say the same. Sounds like Ken also had a stellar trip to Rupert. Like I said earlier, grain of salt best taken...

Nope. The Skeena is slow this year. Those fish in Rupert are headed some place else. 50 years of studies are not wrong. Do not deny the science!http://www.noelgyger.ca/H2O/Non-Tidal/TyeeTestFishery/Charts/SkeenaChinook2018&2019.pdf

Kens trip would have coincided with the time prior to the big surge on the 20th. What is a bit surprising is how late the surge came through. Something seems to have changed this year. It will be interesting to see if that continues over the next few years.

All that info is pulled directly from the DOF site.

However, the only thing certain is that sitting at home here in Alberta will defiantly be a strike out for this year! We are a little short on Salt water it seems. So disappointed this year didn't work out (YET) for me going out there. I miss it and I miss my Daughter. I wish I could figure out a way to go see her and go fishing with her again. You had a great trip it seems as well!!

[SNAPFisher]

Nope. The Skeena is slow this year. Those fish in Rupert are headed some place else. 50 years of studies are not wrong. Do not deny the science!http://www.noelgyger.ca/H2O/Non-Tidal/TyeeTestFishery/Charts/SkeenaChinook2018&2019.pdf

Kens trip would have coincided with the time prior to the big surge on the 20th. What is a bit surprising is how late the surge came through. Something seems to have changed this year. It will be interesting to see if that continues over the next few years.

All that info is pulled directly from the DOF site.



All reasonable Jamie. I guess I would be no better than the supposed armchair experts on here when it comes to Alberta. So who am I to argue about B.C. and ignore science.

I hope things turn out better in that area going forwards with the drastic changes this year.

I also hope you still get a chance to get out on the salt yet :)

[Jamie]

All reasonable Jamie. I guess I would be no better than the supposed armchair experts on here when it comes to Alberta. So who am I to argue about B.C. and ignore science.

I hope things turn out better in that area going forwards with the drastic changes this year.

I also hope you still get a chance to get out on the salt yet :)

With her tight time lines I was kinda looking at Vancouver Island towards the end of Sept. But I think that will be nothing but a expensive boat ride... Perhaps look into some river fishing on Vancouver Isle? Thoughts?

[SNAPFisher]

Rivers would be a blast. At that time there should still be some pinks but more coho. I was checking out the Eve river estuary with great interest. The Salmon river estuary would be another on that side.

Back over to the other side, the Stamp should have a lot of coho by then. Maybe even think about the Cowichan...probably busy though.

I'd do it in a second if I could get away that time of year.

If not rivers and you have the salt itch then check out Port Alberni for cohos. They should be staged down the inlet and close to town. Average cost of $600 guided for a 5-6 hour fishing day. The coho will be big by then too.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

We did well west of kitimat near the open water. Halibut was slow though. They closed the Skeena down indefinitely when I was there because the natives don’t want to chew on the chinooks.

[TippyCanoe]

Category(s):
RECREATIONAL - General Information,
RECREATIONAL - Salmon

Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Subject: FN0731-RECREATIONAL - Salmon - South Coast Chinook Management Measures - August 1, 2019 - Reminder

This Fishery Notice is a reminder of recreational management actions for
Chinook salmon that will come in effect at 00:01 hours on August 1, 2019 in
South Coast marine waters.

West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI) – Areas 21 to 27, and offshore Areas 121,
123 to 127:

- 00:01 hours August 1 to 23:59 hours December 31, 2019, 2 Chinook per day
- Please refer to FN0657 and FN0652 for further measures on fin-fish closures
and chinook non-retention areas in WCVI waters.

Queen Charlotte and Johnstone Straits (Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48):

- 00:01 hours August 1 to 23:59 hours August 29, 2019, 1 Chinook per day;
- 00:01 hours August 30 to 23:59 hours December 31, 2 Chinook per day.

Strait of Georgia – North - Areas 13 to 17, Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 and 29-2:

- 00:01 hours August 1 to 23:59 hours August 29, 2019, 1 Chinook per day;
- 00:01 hours August 30 to 23:59 hours December 31, 2 Chinook per day.

Please note that the annual fin-fish closure near Cape Mudge on Quadra Island
and the Chinook non-retention closures near Harwood, Denman, and Hornby Islands
are no longer in effect.

Strait of Georgia – South and Juan de Fuca - Areas 18, 19 and portions of
Subareas 20-1 and 20-2 (excluding those waters north of a line from Owen Point
to the Port San Juan Light/Whistle Buoy, then to Woods Nose), 20-5, 29-3 to 29-
5 and 29-8:

- 00:01 hours August 1 to 23:59 hours August 29, 2019, 1 Chinook per day;
- 00:01 hours August 30 to 23:59 hours December 31, 2019, 2 Chinook per day.
- As per Fishery Notices 0507 and 0696, management measures for Southern
Resident Killer Whales are in place in portions of Areas 18, 20, and 121. These
measures include no salmon fishing in Subareas 20-3, 20-4, 18-9, and portions
of Subareas 18-2, 18-4, and 18-5 and sanctuary closures (vessel prohibition
zones) in portions of Subareas 18-4, 121-1, 121-2. Please refer to FN0507 and
FN0696 for full details.
- Subareas 20-6 and 20-7 are Chinook non-retention August 1, 2019 to October
15, 2019.

Fraser River mouth, tidal and non-tidal waters – Subareas 29-6, 29-7, 29-9 to
29-17 and those waters of the Fraser River upstream from the Highway Bridge at
Mission, BC to the Alexandria Bridge:

- Jan. 1 to Aug. 23, No fishing for salmon.
- Aug. 23 to Dec. 31, Chinook non-retention.

After August 23, dependent on in-season information fisheries may be announced
targeting other species. These will also be subject to any measures required
for other stocks of concern such as Interior Fraser Coho or Steelhead salmon.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastwide Recreational Fisheries:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the recreational fishery, the annual aggregate limit for Chinook salmon is
ten (10) coastwide in all tidal waters.

Further information on specific management actions will be communicated by
separate Fishery Notices. You can view or subscribe to fisheries notices at:
http://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact your local DFO office
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/contact/regions/pacific-pacifique-eng.html


Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0731
Sent July 31, 2019 at 16:25
Visit us on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

If you would like to unsubscribe, please submit your request at: http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm?pg=manage_subscription

If you have any questions, please contact us via e-mail to: DFO.OpsCentreFisheryPacific-CentreOpsPechePacifique.MPO@canada.ca

[Dark Wing]

The boats packed and the fishing report is good !!! We're off to Nootka sound and Critter Cove for the next 5 days.

[Ronji]

Heading to Duncanby in 3 weeks, I am like a 6 year old waiting for Christmas.

[Positrac]

Nootka in 4 days. Hopefully it’s half as good as most other areas when we get there. The last 6 years have been some of the worst Chinook fishing in the sound that I’ve seen and it had been getting progressively worse each year. Hopefully we’re not disappointed this year.

Same old story. We just got back from Nootka and fishing was pretty poor. We were told it had been great but the torrential rains of Thursday changed things and it went pretty dead. Out of 24 guests at the lodge we were staying at there were only about 2 dozen springs caught over 10 pounds, with the biggest being a 24 pounder. There were only 6 springs over 20lbs. We fished 3 days.

The plus side was our guide was great and the amenities were top notch, so it was a good trip overall. My only complaint would be that we never got fishing before 7:00am and were off the water by 5:00. So we missed the morning bite and evening bite every day. All guided fishing was based on10 hours a day.

[SNAPFisher]

Same old story. We just got back from Nootka and fishing was pretty poor. We were told it had been great but the torrential rains of Thursday changed things and it went pretty dead. Out of 24 guests at the lodge we were staying at there were only about 2 dozen springs caught over 10 pounds, with the biggest being a 24 pounder. There were only 6 springs over 20lbs. We fished 3 days.

The plus side was our guide was great and the amenities were top notch, so it was a good trip overall. My only complaint would be that we never got fishing before 7:00am and were off the water by 5:00. So we missed the morning bite and evening bite every day. All guided fishing was based on10 hours a day.

Crappy on the drop off in action. Still sounds like you did okay.

That time for the guides seems typical to me. Most places you can ask to customize a bit and stay out longer. If you did, I would advise on upping the tip so it is encouraging for them to make the extra effort. Hopefully seems reasonable to you as well.

I'm liking the idea of hiring some guiding and some myself - like 50/50. Over time, as I learn an area I'll move onto 100% myself. I have no current plans to get a vessel like Ken has but...I wouldn't count that discussion done either ;)

[35 whelen]

Most places I ever guided at work 8 to 5 then if you went out after supper you paid more are tipped more.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[Positrac]

Most places I ever guided at work 8 to 5 then if you went out after supper you paid more are tipped more.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

Me too but that wasn’t an option at the place we were staying at.

They have some self-guided options with your own boat or one of theirs that I looked into for next year, but if you use theirs you still need to be off the water by 7:00pm, losing the last couple hours of light at least.

We sold our Whaler this spring so I guess I have to get used to the new reality.

[35 whelen]

Me too but that wasn’t an option at the place we were staying at.



They have some self-guided options with your own boat or one of theirs that I looked into for next year, but if you use theirs you still need to be off the water by 7:00pm, losing the last couple hours of light at least.



We sold our Whaler this spring so I guess I have to get used to the new reality.Yes that's a safety concern unless you're with a guide they probably don't want customers out close the dark ,or where they don't have enough time to rescue them if need be.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[PFKGSP]

Yes that's a safety concern unless you're with a guide they probably don't want customers out close the dark ,or where they don't have enough time to rescue them if need be.



I agree with this. The place we go to used to let you fish until dark. He finally got tired of worrying about where people were. Now its off the water by 8 for everyone. You can start at the crack of dawn so there is no worry about not getting a full day.

I can't imagine going on a guided boat. I like to do it all myself. Bait the hook, set the hook fight the fish. All part of the fun. No downriggers, just manual controls.

Heading to rivers inlet Friday. Not sure how the fishing is but one salmon on the 8wt and I will consider my trip a success.

[SNAPFisher]

Heading to rivers inlet Friday. Not sure how the fishing is but one salmon on the 8wt and I will consider my trip a success.

Nice! Best of luck. I hope you slay em. A report back would be great.

[Positrac]

Heading to rivers inlet Friday. Not sure how the fishing is but one salmon on the 8wt and I will consider my trip a success.

It’s been a few years now but Rivers was my go-to place the second week of August for a lot of years. Back then I towed to Hardy, ran up and stayed on the boat for a week at a time. Not a ton of fish like other places on the coast but the biggest for sure. I definitely miss fishing up there. Good luck and I hope you get into a monster!

[Sea Hawk]

Just got home from a week at rupert. Weather was descent and so was the fishing. We caught 3 springs, largest was 20 pounds and 13 koho. We went one morning for halibut and caught 4 that were 80 to 86cm in an hour. In the end i took 100 pounds of salmon and 61 pounds of halibut to Dollys for processing and a good thing we did. We got checked in Terrace by a conservation officer and all we really had to show was our lisences and the manifest from Dollys and we were on our way. Tried a dummy flasher on one side of the boat this year and it worked at least as well as the rod on the other side of the boat with the flasher on the line. Most of thr springs bit on the rotary dummy flasher side.

[Positrac]

I can't imagine going on a guided boat. I like to do it all myself. Bait the hook, set the hook fight the fish. All part of the fun. No downriggers, just manual controls.

I knew I’d have a bit of a tough time with using a guide myself, but it was a trip through our social club at work and a good buddy of mine wanted to go since he’s never fished the West Coast before. In total there was 24 of us. We also sold our Whaler this past spring since my dad hasn’t been in good enough health the last few years to get out and I live 1800 Kim’s away from where it was in Campbell River, so my options are a bit limited now.

The first day out our guide wouldn’t let you look at the rod and he did everything. We also never caught a fish and only had one hit the whole time out. He was also a bit socially awkward.

I asked for a different guide for the next day and we got lucky with getting one that was not only easy to talk with but knew what he was doing. Fishing was slow but by the end of the day I had him letting me run one side of the boat.

The next and last day was our derby for work with the largest Spring taking the prize of $560 split between the guide and the fisherman that got the largest fish. We ended up with 6 springs in the boat and the top 3 spots in the derby with a 23lb winning it followed by a 20 & 19. The other boats did ok but the biggest was 18lbs. Overall 23lbs was the biggest Spring officially weighed all 3 days, so fish were small but in-line with what I’ve seen at Nootka the last 5 years.

I don’t think a guide would normally give up one side of the boat for a customer to run but between the two of us we knew a lot of the same long-term guides in Nootka and I guided there myself each summer in the late 90’s, so he felt comfortable doing so. It made the trip for me and actually made the day a lot easier for him, so it was a win-win.

Would I do it again? Probably not but the lodge itself was great, the staff were excellent and I really enjoyed fishing with our second guide. The boats were also like nothing I’ve ever fished out of before, so that was an experience on its own. It’s tough spending the money to go on a guided trip to Nootka because I don’t value the experience the same as most. After fishing there in my own boat for 25 years where I did everything it’s kind of weird to have someone else run the gear and be in control.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Just got home from a week at rupert. Weather was descent and so was the fishing. We caught 3 springs, largest was 20 pounds and 13 koho. We went one morning for halibut and caught 4 that were 80 to 86cm in an hour. In the end i took 100 pounds of salmon and 61 pounds of halibut to Dollys for processing and a good thing we did. We got checked in Terrace by a conservation officer and all we really had to show was our lisences and the manifest from Dollys and we were on our way. Tried a dummy flasher on one side of the boat this year and it worked at least as well as the rod on the other side of the boat with the flasher on the line. Most of thr springs bit on the rotary dummy flasher side.

Dummy flasher stays with your downrigger gear and you run the clip behind it? Be nice to fight the fish without the resistance of the flasher.

[Ken07AOVette]

Posi when we went to the Lodge in Rupert the guide was more than happy to have us do everything, he was awesome. Once he saw we knew what we were doing he let us handle everything. If we would have had your first day I would have very likely ended the trip then and there.
The guide was so good in fact that we demanded him the next year. He was the reason I bought my own boat actually, despite him telling me I would regret it lol. 5 seasons later still have not regretted it 1 bit. He guides in Bella Bella now.

[Ken07AOVette]

Dummy flasher stays with your downrigger gear and you run the clip behind it? Be nice to fight the fish without the resistance of the flasher.

You clip the flashed to the 2nd eye on the cannonball. I stopped losing fish when I got rid of the inline flasher.

[Sea Hawk]

You clip the flashed to the 2nd eye on the cannonball. I stopped losing fish when I got rid of the inline flasher.

I bought a bunch of rotary or in line flashers at wholesale when they were selling out. I then hooked 3 of them together in line a hook that rig to the ball. I hook the clip about 3 feet above the ball and ran my teaser head about 10 feet back. It great fighting fish and even when you want to bring it in to check the bait. We caught just as many fish with the dummy setup and almost all of the springs.

[PFKGSP]

Nice! Best of luck. I hope you slay em. A report back would be great.

Well unfortunately your not going to like it. Undoubtedly the slowest fishing I have ever seen there. And that was year 16 for me.

Virtually no coho around which always provide the action in between the springs. I came home with one spring (19),and one coho (9). My partner 3 coho, 3 ling and a 126cm Hali which made the trip really.

No salmon action on the fly rod trying multiple flies and methods that have worked before.

For those that are familiar with the area we fished from Draney back to the Bluff, Bull Island, Major Brown Wall Cranstown, Dome, Dimsey Rouse reef, Paddle rock and Darby channel. Best action when we had some was Dimsey to Darby. Heard there was a little more at Calvert but not enough to make the run worthwhile.

But as always, there was one interesting happening. Major Brown rock is nothing more than a rock island in the middle of the channel. Probably a km at least from the nearest other island and more from the mainland. It is known to contain many seals and seagulls. On this trip what was there but a Grizzly Bear! Out on this stupid rock in the middle of nowhere. Not sure what possessed him to think that was a good place to swim to to look for a meal but it did. Running around standing up watching the boats. Weird. he was gone the next day so I guess swam off to an adjoining island or back to the mainland.

I have seen them before on the shore of the mainland there with cubs and everything. Had Orca's and humpbacks within fishing pole distance of the boat but you kind of expect that. This was a total surprise.

[coyoteman]

[QUOTE=Ken07AOVette;3996746]They know exactly how to fix it. Just let the nets hang across all the rivers for a couple more years, and there won't be a problem at all. The easiest way to catch fish is to wait until they come to spawn, then indiscriminantly kill everything, ensuring there are no returns. No more disputes, no more whining or fighting. And then the special groups can move onto the next genus to extinct, a win in the bag.
Super easy.[/QU
Recently fished the Kitimat--Natives put a net out just across the pool several fisherman were fishing--in no time flat they had over 200 coho-The fisherman didnt get one only spawned out pinks and chum.Later they came to my door selling the salmon for $10.00ea--The boxes loaded with iced salmon.This was only one group of netters--There great grand children will know the coho only by there pictures---What a shame.In nfld netting was stopped many years ago--Now the greenland fisheries stopped--The rivers filling again with atlantic salmon.