2025 Nootka Sound/Esperanza Inlet Reports

We just had two days offshore that only happens a few times a year.

When you can go 25 miles an hour out and back hours later and not touch the throttle you know its flat.

Yesterday I spent the day offshore drifting around and never had to start the kicker up to back troll one time.

Both days we picked thru the Ling Dingers and kept the nice ones. Fishing is so enjoyable when the weather doesn't beat you up.

Salmon fishing is unbelievable, from Wash to Beano you can catch them anywhere. We are sorting thru them now and only keeping Springs over 16 pounds. You know fishing is good when that happens.

A few days ago we limited out on Coho every day but haven't seen many the last couple days.

Weather looks good for a few more days.
Heading up tomorrow for the J&J. Thanks for the inspiring update!! Any insight you want to offer for bait size/gear for springs? Thanks for adding to the excitement and anticipation. We love the event anyway but if the salmon fishing holds it’ll be that much more fun!
 
My plans have changed... for the better. Wife's friend mentioned they might want to go to Seattle that weekend. I jumped on the chance to swap them out for a buddy who wanted to go to Nookta for the first time. Now instead of a family trip with 2 kids and 4 adults, its just me and my buddy and his friend. Instead of a minivan we will have a truck to pull his Hewescraft 18ft ProV. The new plan will be hard core fishing for the days we are up.

My wife was indifferent about going so I gladly changed up the plan. We will look for weather and figure out what/when we will go for lings vs salmon.

Given there is power up there should be bring a freezer? or is that overkill for 3 days? I assume cooler with ice will be fine too.

Very excited now. Anyone up there 18th to 21 July feel free to shoot me a message!
 
My plans have changed... for the better. Wife's friend mentioned they might want to go to Seattle that weekend. I jumped on the chance to swap them out for a buddy who wanted to go to Nookta for the first time. Now instead of a family trip with 2 kids and 4 adults, its just me and my buddy and his friend. Instead of a minivan we will have a truck to pull his Hewescraft 18ft ProV. The new plan will be hard core fishing for the days we are up.

My wife was indifferent about going so I gladly changed up the plan. We will look for weather and figure out what/when we will go for lings vs salmon.

Given there is power up there should be bring a freezer? or is that overkill for 3 days? I assume cooler with ice will be fine too.

Very excited now. Anyone up there 18th to 21 July feel free to shoot me a message!
That’s exciting news I’m sure you guys will have a blast! I will be up on July 17th definitely will have to say Hi, Cooler with ice would be fine you can get bulk flaked ice at the shell in Campbell River on your way up I have seen some people bring a smaller freezer up at the campsites. I send all my catch to the processor and pick up when I check out little pricy but worth it for me. Feel free to send me a message!
 
I am thinking of heading to Nootka Friday to fish off shore Saturday. As the weather looks stellar! Will be my second solo trip to Nootka. The ultimate clear the mind get away! Going to tie up at friendly for the night
 
We just got back from Esperanza. Like the Codfather said, the weather off shore was incredible. We had 4 days of still weather. Running off shore at 30 mph 😂. Fishing was off the charts.
 

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How was the stay at Flynn’s with the new owners?
It was my first time there, but the group I went with have been going there for years. They were worried, but were impressed when they got there. Cabins were very clean and organized.
 
Cut Plug, I can't offer you any advise on bait size sorry.

I haven't used bait on my boat in the last 36 years guiding out of Nootka. Some say it works but not for me.

I am a plug guy first then spoons or hootchies also.

The last 4 days I had a 3" Tubby Tyee 632 on my side. I have had that plug on my side for the last 5 years and it catches lots of fish and always the biggest. There is nothing like catching a fish on a rod with no flasher. My guests love it when that rod goes off and the line starts screaming. The reason for the 3" size is because the bait has been so small over the last few years. Back in the good old days we used 6 and 7 inch plugs.

Then on the other side I had a 602 glow pearl hootchie and the back rod had a small spoon on it.

I will change those two up but never my plug. But they have all been about the same so they have maintained there spot in the line up so far.

All I can say is if the bottom is 90 feet deep have your downrigger at 110 due to the angle of you line. I let my rigger down until it hits the bottom and bring it up 2 feet.

Good luck.

Mike
 
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