LOCAL FISHING REPORTS

SALTWATER OVERVIEW: The Chinook fishing has been PICKING UP around the South Island. Hatchery Chinooks weighing into the upper teens were caught this past week and quite a few oversized, unclipped Springs were caught and released. Coho have been plentiful in the Sooke area. Halibut fishing was SLOW this past week

PORT RENFREW: Salmon fishing was EXCELLENT both at Swiftsure Bank and along the shoreline of Vancouver Island. Springs into the mid twenties are being caught. The halibut fishing was also GOOD. Currently, Port Renfrew is the place to fish.

SOOKE: The salmon fishing was GOOD this past week. There have been lots of Coho out in the strait in water depths from 275 to 300 feet. Many of the Coho are hatchery clipped fish. It was spotty for Springs; however, some nice larger ones have been caught.

BEACHER BAY: Salmon fishing was GOOD in East Sooke. Some nice Springs and Coho have been in the area. The hot spot this past week was from Aldridge Point to Beechey Head. The best depths off Aldridge Point were from 70-80 feet and anchovies are taking over as the bait of choice.

PEDDER BAY: Pedder Bay Marina reports VERY GOOD salmon fishing; although not too many anglers were out due to the wind during the week. The majority of the salmon have been from 5 to 12 pounds in size, there have also been some hatchery fish being caught into the high teens. The inside of the bay fished well along with Whirl Bay. Best trolling depths have been 20 to 40 feet and 70 to 85 feet.

VICTORIA: Fishing for salmon was GOOD off Constance Bank this past week. Anglers were catching clipped Springs in to the upper teens. In closer, from Brotchie Ledge to Trial Island, there were a few Springs as well as some Coho’s. The best depths to fish were 45 to 85 feet.

OAK BAY: Salmon fishing was SPOTTY in Oak Bay. The Flats were producing the best on the tail end of the ebb. The Gap was good well also. The salmon are feeding on needle fish and small squid, close to the bottom

SIDNEY: Salmon fishing was GOOD in the Sidney area this past weekend. The Powder Wharf area produced well for Springs. Hambley Point also held springs into the teens. Coal Island and Sidney Spit have produced sporadic action, as has the west side of Fairfax Point. FRESHWATER OVERVIEW: Fishing was GOOD in most lakes for Trout and REALLY GOOD for Bass.

FISH TIP OF THE WEEK: At this time of the year, you have to pay particular attention to fishery openings and closures. There were several new changes taking effect this past week, so before you go out fishing, make sure to double check the regulations. Is your boat in need of a part or service before you get out fishing? For parts, service and sales, check out SG Power - Victoria’s Marine Dealership for over 50 years.