2025 Nootka Sound/Esperanza Inlet Reports
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saanauk
Well-Known Member
It can definitely be done in a car and lots of people do it. Avoid the big pot holes and some random larger rocks. Think there has been a bit of snow lately so may want to wait for it to warm up a bit. I believe about 1/3-1/2 is paved now. There is a Tahsis Road conditions Facebook page if you are on Facebook. A couple weeks ago when I drove to Tahsis it was probably the best condition I have ever driven on in 15 years. Headed back on the 19th and can give you an update then if interested.
pescador
Well-Known Member
Thanks. Yes, if you drive it again let me know.
saanauk
Well-Known Member
The road is not in very good shape currently. Definitely need a 4 wheel dive vehicle due to the snow on the pass by the lake. Spent a few days diving and shrimping. Shrimping was not great for us but there are a few around. Diving was excellent though.
Snow on the pass
Beautiful day in Tahsis
Spanish Shawl nudi at Double Island. It was rough out there and could feel the wave surge 98ft down.
Tri color nudi found near Ceepeecee
Medium sized Puget Sound King Crab
Grunt Sculpin in a dead giant barnacle
Snow on the pass
Beautiful day in Tahsis
Spanish Shawl nudi at Double Island. It was rough out there and could feel the wave surge 98ft down.
Tri color nudi found near Ceepeecee
Medium sized Puget Sound King Crab
Grunt Sculpin in a dead giant barnacle
kaelc
Crew Member
Looks like some great visibility and you must have a nice camera and light! We were freediving south island and the visibility made it scarey for me I was so rusty.
saanauk
Well-Known Member
I just swapped to a new to me used camera which is an Olympus Tg-6 and a cheap Chinese light. For years I used a $150 canon g9 in a cheap housing without a light. Just the built in flash. The top 10-15 feet was pretty bad viz due to all the rain. Below that viz was probably 40-50ft.
the force
Crew Member
Wicked pics, love those nudi’s
jim stepan
New Member
Can anyone tell me if the gate is open for camping at cougar creek. some nice weather this weekend and want to get my boat wet!
CiscoCat
Active Member
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vanisleangler
New Member
Cougar Creek campsite website says they're closed until May ... well, it's early May and I was hoping to head up that way next week.
Anyone know if the campsite / dock are open? Or if there's a contact email / phone # for Cougar Creek? Cheers.
jim stepan
New Member
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Hot-Streak
Well-Known Member
Strangely my wife (who does not like fishing, boats that much) wants to go to Moutcha bay resort and camp with another family mid July. I camped at Cougar Creek last year with a friend and found it fine but Moutcha bay resort campsites have water/power/showers for the ladies so we will go there. We will be 4 Adults and 2 kids around 6-8 years old going for 3 nights. Wife's friends have a kingfisher 1825xl. I have an 18ft Sliver-streak Carmanah that would be a better boat to go in but I don't have a towing setup.
Questions:
1) Her friends family will be towing with a pacifica minivan. The boat is an older kingfisher 1825xl. I am assuming the road from gold river to thasis should be ok if we take it slow? or should we launch in gold river, I'd drive the boat to the resort and meet them there while they carry on in the minivan?
2) Anyone ever camped at Moutcha Bay resort? trying to find video on the campsites on youtube but not much current info. What type of plugs/amp/load does the campsite have? I'll be asking the resort but want to know if we could power say a microwave? electric blanket/bed warmer?
3) How far is moucha resort from cougar creek (which was close to the inside fishing areas?)
4) Any other pointers and tips for first timers at the resort?
Thanks!
Feel free to PM me. Happy to return the favor on info if anyone comes down to Victoria.
Questions:
1) Her friends family will be towing with a pacifica minivan. The boat is an older kingfisher 1825xl. I am assuming the road from gold river to thasis should be ok if we take it slow? or should we launch in gold river, I'd drive the boat to the resort and meet them there while they carry on in the minivan?
2) Anyone ever camped at Moutcha Bay resort? trying to find video on the campsites on youtube but not much current info. What type of plugs/amp/load does the campsite have? I'll be asking the resort but want to know if we could power say a microwave? electric blanket/bed warmer?
3) How far is moucha resort from cougar creek (which was close to the inside fishing areas?)
4) Any other pointers and tips for first timers at the resort?
Thanks!
Feel free to PM me. Happy to return the favor on info if anyone comes down to Victoria.
I would definitely not pull a boat over the Head Bay FSR in a minivan. The campground is good but its a hike down to the docks. There are a decent amount of stairs involved, or a long walk down the road. If you need to bring gear of any significance between the camp site and the boat, you'll probably want to drive it down.
MacDuff
Active Member
Maintenance of the HBFSR has improved considerably over the past year or so, but it is still a gravel road with steep grades. If you are committed to driving it, the Tahsis Road Conditions FB page is a good source of information posted by Tahsis residents who, like me, frequently drive the road. Be prepared to change a tire and pull over if a vehicle is approaching you from the rear.
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