Tofino Vancouver Island B.C. Fishing News

August Tofino's Time for Fishing August 1st, 2008 August -Tofino’s Time for Fishing The Tofino B.C. area has always been one of the most consistent locations for Salmon fishing on the B.C. coast, with mixed stock transient runs of Salmon composing a strong base for Commercial, Recreational and First Nations Fishers. As we enter the peak month for Saltwater Fishing in the Tofino area, this August brings some change to local sports fishing regulations, as well as good reason to be optimistic that our local fishing opportunities will continue to be very strong. With the pre-season salmon forecasting by Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans being upgraded on many stocks this season, Salmon have returned in greater numbers than anticipated, promoting expanded fishing opportunities on most species of Salmon. For the second consecutive season, Tofino area anglers have likely experienced the most consistent fishing on the B.C. coast, with some other “terminal” areas on the coast not seeing typical numbers or Salmon patterns. A major change for Salmon travel patterns this season has taken place in South-East Alaska, where 70 % of West Coast Vancouver Island Chinook salmon are often caught before traveling south into B.C. waters. It seems that many southern bound Salmon runs have “skirted” S.E. Alaska in 2008, including a portion of WCVI Chinook salmon that the following regulations have been established to protect. With an increased abundance, and increased escapement past northern area fishers, Tofino fishing opportunities look outstanding. Current regulations by species are; Chinook Salmon Regardless of an aggressively conservative inshore recreational Chinook fishery, and special regulations for the past 7 years to protect 4-5 year old mature Chinook in Clayoquot Sound, the escapement numbers to local spawning rivers has continued to decline. Starting August 1st, the inshore area of Tofino/Clayoquot Sound, and out to the 1 mile surf-line boundary, all Chinook over 77cm must be released. This same area is still open for retention of Chinook salmon under 77cm, which are most likely to be non spawning 3 year old Chinook up to approx. 16 lbs. Approximately 96% of Chinook Salmon over 77cm are 4 or 5 year old fish that are this year’s mature spawning Salmon The offshore areas outside the surf-line boundary continue with normal regulations, with a retention limit of 2 Chinook per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 45cm. We anticipate August and September to be the season’s best fishing for large offshore Chinook salmon destined to the Fraser and Columbia rivers. Upon catching a large Chinook salmon inside the surf-line, anglers are reminded to keep the fish in the water at all times, releasing these valuable Chinook salmon as quickly and carefully as possible. Coho Salmon Coho Salmon fishing has been very good again this season, with the overall size and health of returning Coho much stronger than forecasted. Fishing regulations and retention limits are the same as last season in the Tofino area, with the inshore areas open to 2 Coho per person per day, being wild or hatchery fin clipped fish. The offshore areas are again open to retention of 2 hatchery fin clipped Coho per person per day. Starting September 1st, the daily limit increases to 4 Coho salmon per person per day inshore, with 2 Coho of your 4 having to be hatchery fin clipped. The offshore areas will also be open for 4 Coho Salmon being hatchery fin clipped after September 1st. Sockeye Salmon The 2008 pre-season forecast was not favourable for Sockeye opportunities on the southern B.C. coast. Commercial, Recreational and First Nations fishermen now have access to retain Sockeye due to increased numbers arriving to the Fraser River. Recreational anglers are allowed a retention limit of 4 Sockeye per person, with this fishery likely limited to the month of August. Halibut Changes to the daily and possession limits for Halibut this year have been in effect for some time now, with current regulations altered in the possession limit only. Anglers are allowed to retain 2 Halibut per day, with a personal possession of 2 Halibut, compared to possession of 3 Halibut last season. The Tofino area Halibut fishery has been very strong again this season, and we anticipate this to extend through late September in areas from 2-12 miles offshore from Tofino, where the Chinook and Coho Salmon fishing should be strong as well. Please remember to limit your catch and be safe while enjoying the great fishing opportunities available in the Tofino area this summer. If you can share this experience with a child, it makes it even better.
Tofino Fishing Recap July 2008 August 1st, 2008 What a month,,,,,, Overall nice weather aside from yesterday, which was the last and possibly ugliest day of the month. The poor weather didn't slow the fishing much with most vessels hooking into approx. 12 Chinook Salmon for the morning trips. Fishing in the Tofino area was very good for the month, with strong numbers of Chinook Salmon in good size averages, Coho Salmon arrived in schools just strong enough to intensify local inshore fisheries for Flies and Gear. Fishing for Halibut and Ling Cod was intense for those able to travel approx. 10 miles out, with great Salmon fishing action waiting just inshore a few miles closer to the coast. After many reports from up and down the coast over the last month, we are no doubt fortunate to be one of the most consistent fisheries on the B.C. coast, again,,,,, This is very exciting considering that we have two more peak fishing months ahead of us, and the fish are only showing up larger and stronger. Great dates are still available for some periods in August, and especially for September when the largest Chinook and Coho of the season will be traveling the offshore waters from Tofino B.C. Inquiries welcome 1-888-534-7422 or e-mail to jay@tofinofishing.com
Tofino B.C. great fishing report mid July July 19th, 2008 Tofino B.C. Fishing Report mid July 2008 For the Tofino-Clayoquot Sound area, July has often been a popular month for local and visiting anglers for a variety of good reasons, and with current Sport fishing action and salmon numbers far better than the pre-season forecast, this July is no exception. Local fishing opportunities for Chinook salmon are equally strong on the inshore and offshore waters of Clayoquot Sound, with different gear types creating the only variable for success rates. Many Chinook salmon are enticed by Anchovies and medium Herring trolled deep in the offshore waters from Tofino, in areas know as Three Humps, Portland Pt., Heisen Bank and the C&B. Inshore waters around Bartlett and Blundan Islands are a great option for those that are more fuel conscious or just want to stay closer to shore. The Chinook fishery near Blundan Island has been very strong for the past 3 weeks, and has likely been the best “inshore” area for Tofino waters, with Cleland Island a great option as well. Most guides and other anglers are fishing small/medium Anchovies or Herring on one side, with the other gear of choice normally artificial spoons or Needlefish hoochies. Coho action can be fierce in these same inshore areas by trolling shallower and faster, with small to medium spoons or needlefish hoochies. Drift Jigging, Fly casting and Buck-tailing the inshore waters are also very popular light tackle alternatives, with action and surroundings that help create memorable fishing trips. The Catface bank near Tofino has been flat calm and packed with schools of Needlefish, attracting the season’s most intense action to date for Coho Salmon that have been large on average for July. Numerous Chinook salmon have been caught in this same area, with a few taking Buck-tailed flies on the surface, but most have hit artificial gear trolled shallow. Anglers can anticipate this great Coho fishery to intensify through late September, with the numbers and sizes of these great sport fish increasing each week. This area and inshore Coho fishing options could likely be one of the most accessible and intense Salmon fishing opportunities on the B.C. coast, as it is not very weather dependant, and only 15 minutes from the Tofino’s protected harbour. Anglers should be aware of the upcoming modified Chinook restrictions inside the “surf line” starting August 1st. Check on-line or stop in at Jay’s Fly and Tackle for updated details. With an ever increasing interest in Halibut fishing, July is not the time to focus strictly on Salmon. The varied contours of Tofino’s near shore bank system provides ample habitat for Halibut in the 20-60 lb. range, within a safe proximity to the protected waters of the Sound. A local abundance of Sardines and Needlefish helps attract these hungry flat fish to the same areas, and for the same reasons as the Salmon. The previously mentioned baitfish, as well as Octopus and Squid are all favourites of these sought after “flatties”. Sharp hooks and a Gaff hook are a must for Halibut fishing. Freshwater opportunities for Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout are very strong for those who can access one of the many beautiful lakes or streams that spread throughout Clayoquot Sound area. Lake fishing is best during this time with flies like Olive Dragonfly or Damselfly Nymphs, Black or Maroon Leeches, as well as popular dry flies like the Mosquito or Adams. Regular fishing updates for the Tofino/Ucluelet area are available online at www.tofinofishing.com
	New Vessel in the Clayoquot Ventures Fleet July 15th, 2008 A quick update from the Clayoquot Ventures Guide Team to share the news about our newest vessel now fishing in Tofino area waters. With increased needs to fish and travel the exposed offshore waters, while providing safety, comfort and class, we have added the right vessel for the job..... - Named after the most exciting part of the game, "Overtime" is the newest addition to the Clayoquot Ventures charter fleet in Tofino. "Overtime" is a 25.5 ft Sea Pro powered with twin 135 HP Mercury Opti-Max outboards, and is the sister ship to Clayoquot Ventures other top vessel "Right Hook". Along with "Overtime" and "Right Hook", Clayoquot Ventures' twin 23ft. Seasports "Sarita" and "Relentless" and 21ft inshore Wellcraft "Power Play" are spotless, well equipped and ready to host guests for a variety of Saltwater fishing options on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.- For more information on our Fleet, Guide Team and private Charter Fishing services, see details on this site Best regards for some great fishing ahead, Jay

Tofino Salmon Fishing better than forecasted July 4th, 2008 Tofino Area Fishing far better than forecasted by DFO Admittedly, the early season of saltwater fishing for Salmon in the Tofino B.C. area was only fair. It seemed that the Chinook and Coho Salmon were on a very similar time line with our spring time weather conditions, with both being much anticipated, but late to show up. Very fortunately for local anglers, the fishing for Halibut in the Tofino area has been on time and on fire, bringing some warmth and action to the colder late spring / early summer days of 2008. Almost exactly aligned with the arrival of summer solstice, good numbers of Chinook and Coho salmon showed up in Tofino area waters, with the average size and overall health of these fish very admirable considering the forecasted outlook for their ocean survival was less than optimal. Since the first “wave” of Chinook and Coho arrived along the Tofino area coastline, the numbers and fishing action seems to be intensifying. Many anglers have been commenting about fishing as good as they have seen for quite some time in areas like Blundan Island West of Tofino. With good numbers of Salmon feeding and traveling through the Inshore and Offshore areas of Tofino’s coastline, and Halibut fishing extremely strong in most of the same spots, many anglers have looked beyond the false forecast to enjoy some great days on the water. July fishing opportunities are commonly very strong for the Tofino area, with most areas of the coastline providing good action for a variety of species and angling techniques. For more information on the world class Saltwater fishing options available in the Tofino area, see further details at www.tofinofishing.com or contact Clayoquot Ventures at 250-725-2700
First Day of Summer June 21st, 2008 As we are now officially into the summer season on Vancouver Island's west coast, fortunately we have been enjoying summer like fishing conditions for some time now. There have been some extremes in the weather patterns, with some cold days that feel like January is still hanging on, and some very quite calm days that have allowed access to any fishing areas we want. Today's conditions would be great to follow through for the rest of Summer, with a NE wind blowing at 4 knts. and offshore seas are less than one meter. Fishing for Chinook Salmon has been very consistent, with the general size and health of these great early season fish very admirable. Coho Salmon are showing in good numbers, with some fish over the 10 lb range being caught on gear offshore as well as flies and bucktails on the inshore waters. This is looking very promising for the rest of the season, with great fishing opportunities in protected waters near Tofino being a good option for boaters who want to watch their fuel consumption. Halibut fishing has been going very strong all season so far, and is a great option as a tartget species or a "bonus" bycatch while trolling Salmon near the bottom offshore. Various Bottom fish species help mix it up, with very good stocks of fish in the rocky offshore reefs northwest of Tofino. These fish normally offer very reliable fishing for those that prefer targeting the various Bottom fish species in our area. Trout fishing has been good in the estuaries for Sea Run Cutthroat still chasing Salmon Fry, as well as in the remote rivers of Clayoquot Sound. We still have a number of great peak season charter dates open, with our rates the same as 2007. We look forward to helping with any and all questions you might have in arranging a memorable fishing trip in the Tofino B.C. area yet this summer, which is "officially" here. Until next time, Jay and the Clayoquot Ventures Guide Team
Family Fishing Weekend June 16th, 2008 The past weekend was "Family Fishing Weekend" in British Columbia. This is an initiative to get families outdoors, especially kids, to experience the great fishing opportunities available in the province of B.C. With very good Salwater Fishing for Chinook and Halibut, and all things going smooth with our Staff team in Tofino, we were able to get away for a short trip to the Cowichan Valley area on Vancouver Island. With great weather overall, and lots of options for freshwater lake and stream fishing in this beautiful region of Southern Vancouver Island, we enjoyed the time away to experience a new area with our kids. Having caught numerous nice Trout, Steelhead, Salmon and Halibut on gear over the last few years, our son Ben was eager to go at it with a fly rod. Numerous Coastal Cutthroat Trout in the 14-18 inch range were hooked, with most action coming on the standby #10 Olive Wooly Bugger in a nice little spot called Beaver Lake. It was a great time with family and friends for a weekend getaway, and we hope that you have a chance to help expose a young angler to some new water or a new angling technique in the near future. Check back soon for more updates to the great fishing season under way in Tofino B.C. Jay, Lorrie and the Clayoquot Ventures Guide Team

Entering the peak season June 13th, 2008 Seeing that the 15th of June is usually the start to the "peak" season for Saltwater fishing in the Tofino area, we wanted to provide a very quick update. With a great weather forecast coming up, and the Chinook Salmon and Halibut fishing very strong, we are looking forward to a great weekend, and even greater "peak" season ahead. With good availability yet for numerous dates over the next 3 peak months, we look forward to your inquiries regarding half and full day private fishing charters, as well as fishing and accommodation packages in Tofino B.C. Send us an e-mail or call us direct to the shop 250-725-2700 or Toll Free 1-888-534-7422 and we would be glad to share the great fishing options available for the 2008 season in Tofino B.C. Stay tuned for more info on fishing the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Early June fishing report June 5th, 2008 Tofino B.C. Fishing Report early June 2008 Following a mildly productive spring season of fishing in the Tofino area, June brings far more consistent action and opportunity for Saltwater and Freshwater anglers. With changes to recreational Halibut regulations this spring, June 1st marks the start of the daily Halibut limit back to two per person/day, which will also be the new multi day possession limit for the remainder of the 2008 season. Good numbers of Halibut were caught through the month of May, when anglers were limited to 1 Halibut per day. Many of these strong fish were released back to the depths to feed and grow, hopefully ready to return and battle another day. Anglers can expect very good Chinook salmon and Halibut fishing in the offshore banks from Tofino during June, with the first five days of the month providing a great start. Masses of Needlefish and Herring provide the main source of food for the waves of transient Chinook migrating southward. Matching this bait with green glow Needlefish Hoochies, small to medium thin blade spoons or ever popular Anchovies trolled behind a flasher has helped us connect with these great early season Chinook Salmon. To date, we have not landed a Chinook Salmon over 30 lbs, but this past week has seen many fish pushing that mark. For Halibut fishing in the Tofino area, bottom bouncing fresh baits such as Octopus, Sardines, Herring and Salmon bellies are all tickets to success. Don’t overlook the option of standby artificial lures and jigs tipped with some fresh bait, as well as the great variety of soft baits now on the market. The newer Berkley Gulp soft baits are ultra effective, and worth the price, specifically when Mud sharks are plaguing our fresh bait offerings. Chinook Salmon during this time prefer Anchovies trolled with a tight roll, as well as a variety of Spoons or Needlefish hoochies. Trolling near the bottom a short distance offshore has provided ample action for Chinook in the 16-30 lb range, along with many bonus Halibut. Saltwater Fly fisherman have been catching numerous “Blueback” Coho readily taking small Shrimp, Clouser Minnows in pink or orange, and various small streamer patterns. These 4-7 lb. Coho Salmon feed aggressively and grow fast throughout the remainder of the season. Coho Salmon and Cutthroat Trout are great fun on the fly, but various bottom-fish species will also test your skills with fly tackle, often showing in abundant numbers and non-stop action. Freshwater options are hot during this time, with prime timing for the last downstream migration of Salmon fry, attracting hungry Sea-Run Cutthroat to the lower rivers and estuary areas of local watersheds. Bead head and Kiwi Muddlers have both been best bets for the local rivers and estuaries. Small spoons and spinners work great as light tackle, though there are more and more anglers learning to cast and catch on fly gear. For more info on these great spring time opportunities, along with some of the finest guided fishing options in the area, give us a call.... Many great summer dates still available.

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