Nootka Report
- Thread starter Island Fish Lifter
- Start date
MyEscape
Active Member
I posted this in 2007 but felt it is still quite accurate.
Nootka Sound
One of the largest and most protected of the 5 Sounds on the West Coast of Vancouver Island ;accessed through and sometimes mistakenly called Gold River.
Located mid-way up the West coast of Vancouver Island it is renowned for its large and abundant runs of Springs (King), Coho (silvers), and Chum Salmon. Springs of 30 to 40 Lbs are quite common and there is always a fish or two over 50 pounds each season. Coho (silvers) are present in large numbers and are often in the 18 to 20 lb range.
Off-shore there is good to excellent, Ling cod, Snapper and Black bass fishing plus the Salmon can be down-right spectacular. Halibut are available,and while not as numerous as Quatsino Sound they tend to average quite a bit larger in size.
Fishing at Nootka Sound intercepts most of the Salmon runs bound for mainland B.C. , Vancouver Island, Washington and Oregon State Rivers. In addition Nootka fish are also homeward bound to the Gold ,Burman,and most importantly the Conuma River and it's hatchery. It is the Conuma River Hatchery which enables anglers in the Nootka Sound area to enjoy the most generous Coho limits of marked or unmarked fish on the West Coast.
Where and When to Fish.
Area 1. Outer Bajo Reef- This is a vast area of Kelp and shallow water frequented by lots of bait and Grey whales. The big Springs will show up on the Reef sometime in the last weeks of June. These are not always Nootka Sound fish and are often very agressive feeding Springs and Coho bound for other areas. The water around the Reef is from 35 to 90 feet deep and the best tactic is to contour the Reef at various depths. The Reef always holds fish no matter what tide, but try and put the reef between you and the tide flow thus puting yourself and the bait in a back eddy. This area is great fun to fish; fish too close to the bottom and you will certainly get Ling Cod or Black Bass,. they are here in great abundance.
There is a large Red Navigation buoy which marks the outside edge of Bajo reef; from this point fish directly seaward and incorporate some of the deep trolling techniques listed on this web site and found so effective at Winter Harbour. Big Springs ,Coho and Halibut frequent the deeper water known to commercial fishermen as the 50 Fathom line (300 ft).
Tackle:
Anchovy on a 60 to 72 inch tie behind your favourite flasher (hot spot, Ok'i etc) ;cut plug herring, Dymara Lazer skirt (new) 40 inch tie for silvers, 42 to 48 inches for Kings, various colored hootchies and of course spoons either coyote or Dymara in green and chrome or cop car type colors.
The Reefs remain excellent places to fish throughout the summer and fall but make sure you have a chart and GPS as this area is prone to sudden fog banks.
Area 2 North
This area, usually called Beano Creek, is extremly picturesque with features such as huge tidal caves and large bait holding kelp beds. In the late weeks of June and early July fish fairly tight to the kelp ;follow the shore line with 25 to 45 feet on down riggers. If the bait is in, there is often very good fishing for Springs and Coho and the occaisional large ling. This area is often calmer than area 1 and always more comfortable to fish than area 2 South ,however if there is no bait showing,give it a short try and if unsuccesful ;move.
Area 2 South
Maquinna Pt. or Wash Rock. One of the premier places to fish for the really big Springs. This is the first place that you can be sure you are into a "true Nootka Sound Spring". The first big Spring or King will be taken here in the last days of June to the first days in July. It signals the start of a "river of fish" which will flow into the Sound on each successive flood tide. The water along this shore, close to the rocks and kelp, is about 70 ft deep and should be fished from 25 to 45 ft on your downrigger. Be carefull!!! Watch the other boats and study your charts and sounder -there are a few spots which can be hard on tackle. Anchovy or cut plug herring is the first choice for bait, followed by Lazer skirts, hootchies and spoons. If you are not taking fish and other boats are and you are fishing anchovy -lengthen your leader to 8 to 10 feet from the flasher. Other options are anchovy or spoon only, no flasher; flasher on one side of the boat only or consider a flasher only on your weight and a lure or bait above it. The really big Springs will not be feeding at this point and it seems that they become "flasher shy" so inside the Sound keep this in mind if you seem to be the only boat not taking Springs. Coho or Silvers don't seem to be so particular.
This area can be choppy due to large tide changes and the ever present "afternoon" inflow winds. Fish very early morning, late evening and "the flood tide". Jigg around " Wash Rock" for Ling cod and other bottom fish including the odd Halibut.
Area 3 -"The Monument"
Called " The Monument" for the stone cairn erected on the lighthouse point to commerate the meeting of Capt Cook with the local "First Nations." This is where the early action takes place through most of July. This area can be crowded, especially in the early days of July when the fish aren't into the Sound proper. Fish all around the point in 60 ft of water from 25 to 40 ft on the downriggers. Lures and leader lenths are the same as Area 2 South. Fish early morning ,late evening and the tide changes. If the area becomes too crowded fish outside the gaggle in deeper water and contour the bottom with your downriggers. Another option is to contour the several points heading West to Maquinna pt; there are plenty of fish here and it is often overlooked.
Area 4 Burdwood Bay
Great trolling water, fairly protected and a real pleasure to fish. Start at the Navigation light on the South shore of Zuciarte Channel and troll along the shore to Burdwood Bay. Fish tight to the shore with 25 to 45 ft of wire on the downriggers. If you see bait out in the Channel swing out and around. Try and get below it and you should pick up a Coho or a Feeder Spring. This shore yields some monster Springs!! Fish very early morning,evening and the Flood tide.
This Area as well as Area 5 tends to be a later fishery than all the others mentioned. It does not usually come alive until the start of August;some say that this is because these fish are bound for the Gold and not the Conuma River. Indeed, fish can be taken here well into October when there is little or no competiton from other fishermen.
Area 5 Escalante Pt
More exposed than Area 4 and smaller. Contour the Kelp beds and the points-quite shallow; fish 25 to 45 ft as the bottom allows. Seems to produce on the Ebb tide. Try Area 4 first and if it is "slow " try this area-quite often it seems to be a staging place before the fish move onto the Burdwood shore on the next Flood tide.
Area 6 Hoiss Pt
This is what it's all about!! Huge fish, great scenery and no fishermen!!! Two out of three ain't bad! It can be crowded. Fish very early or very late to beat the crowd. Fortunately Nootka Sound is huge and boats tend to gather at known spots, certainly there are fish there but these fish have one thought in mind and that is to get to the Conuma River. Fishing in the crowd doesn't necessarily get you more fish, your presentation and shore contouring might not be ideal and in the end you will enjoy the experience much less. That said,there is no denying that from around July 10 and for 3 to 4 weeks after, Hoiss point will host almost all of the huge Salmon run bound for the Conuma River. Contour the shore from the Fish boundry marker ,north east to in front of Hoiss Point Lodge using 25 to 45 ft on your downriggers. Anchovey. cut plug,(long leaders) are the baits that are most favoured. Lazer skirts, hootchies, and spoons in cop car or army truck are the most prevalent colours for large Springs. Coho(silvers) are a different subject at this point and I will address it separetly at the end.
Area 7 San Carlos Pt
Fish from the Navigation light on the point southward along the Bligh Island shore. Fish fairly tight to the shore using 25 to 70 ft on the downriggers. Directly across the Sound from Hoiss Point, it is fished much less intensly. In Aug 2003 ,at 4 in the afternoon a friend of mine took a 501/2 lb fish on this shore. Our boats were the only ones fishing while Hoiss point had a crowd. A great alternative to Hoiss Point. Fish early morning,evening and on the tide change.
Area 8 Camel Rock and "The Wall"
Think of Nootka Sound as a large funnel, collecting Salmon from all over the coast,as time marches on the salmon move further into this funnel whose tip happens to be the Conuma river. July gives way to August and the hot spots will move closer to the Conuma River. During August start fishing from Camel Rock-contouring the shore northeastward past Galiano Bay; Cougar Creek and until directly across from Princess Royal Point. Fish the baits as previously discussed but if there are a lot of boats don't be afraid to explore the 70 to 90 ft depths. Fish early mornings and evenings and all tide changes; if it becomes too crowded go to Area 9.
Area 9 Hisnit to Princess Royal Point
One of the most overlooked areas in Nootka Sound. It is protected, easy to troll; 25 to 70 ft and yet most people are drawn like magnets to the Camel Rock shore. Fish early morning,evening and tide changes. Usually good to excellent from the start of August into the first weeks of September. The end of the Spring fishing will depend on the start of the Fall rains.
The Best Part
Nootka Sound is well known for its fabulous summer Chinook or King fishing. It attracts people from all over the world. It becomes deserted in September just when the huge Coho and Chum move in. There are so many Coho that the Dept. of Fisheries allows 4 Coho a day,marked (hatchery} or unmarked (wild). These Silvers can reach over 20 pounds and are incredible fighters. They will take a fly or a bucktail. You will still catch the odd Spring particularly in area 4 but area 8 is the place to concentrate on. Fish anchovy,(4 to 5 ft leader) ,Pink lazer skirt,pink hootchy or Dymara or Coyote spoon . Use downriggers to 30 feet and run a light rod with a pink spoon, pink bucktail or anchovy in the prop wash. Fishing doesn't get better than this but you may be lonely. Continues well into October.
How to get to Gold River and Nootka Sound: At Campbell River take highway 28 to Gold River an easy 1 hour drive. A good concrete boat launch is located 13 km (8 miles) southwest of Gold River on Muchalat Inlet. This ramp is usable for most boats down to a 2.5 low tide. It is run by the local "First Nations" and there is a charge for secure parking and launch. From the launch it is an easy 30 minute run to Nootka Sound. You can get a multi day launch pass and it is feasible to either launch every day or tie up at the Government wharf and stay in a motel at Gold River. This will probably give you a total of 2 to 2 1/2 hours commute a day. It is possible to drive right into Nootka Sound but it is over gravel logging roads and not recommended for large boats over 24 feet. At Gold River follow the signs for Tahsis, cross the Gold River and continue on usually good gravel road for approx. 30 miles turn left at the sign for Cougar Creek. It is approx. 10 to 12 miles on a not always graded gravel logging road into the Campground at Cougar creek. There are grades on this section of road to 15%. Drive carefully and watch for logging trucks. The boat launch is over the beach but pretty good. I have launched a 21 ft glass boat there with little problem. Most people with large boats or a little less adventuresome prefer to launch at the ramp south of town. You can also continue past the Cougar Creek cut off towards Tahsis and camp or stay in the chalets or cabin at Moutcha Bay Resort. Where they have a boat launch, marina, hot showers, store, bait, tackle, ice, gas, diesel, propane and more.
Nootka Marine Adventures
WHERE THE OCEAN IS OUR PLAYGROUND
Charter Packages or Bring Your Own Boat
www.goldriverfishinglodge.com
Camping/Chalets/Boat Launch/New Marina/Fuel
www.moutchabay.com
Email: h00kedonfishing@hotmail.com
Nootka Sound
One of the largest and most protected of the 5 Sounds on the West Coast of Vancouver Island ;accessed through and sometimes mistakenly called Gold River.
Located mid-way up the West coast of Vancouver Island it is renowned for its large and abundant runs of Springs (King), Coho (silvers), and Chum Salmon. Springs of 30 to 40 Lbs are quite common and there is always a fish or two over 50 pounds each season. Coho (silvers) are present in large numbers and are often in the 18 to 20 lb range.
Off-shore there is good to excellent, Ling cod, Snapper and Black bass fishing plus the Salmon can be down-right spectacular. Halibut are available,and while not as numerous as Quatsino Sound they tend to average quite a bit larger in size.
Fishing at Nootka Sound intercepts most of the Salmon runs bound for mainland B.C. , Vancouver Island, Washington and Oregon State Rivers. In addition Nootka fish are also homeward bound to the Gold ,Burman,and most importantly the Conuma River and it's hatchery. It is the Conuma River Hatchery which enables anglers in the Nootka Sound area to enjoy the most generous Coho limits of marked or unmarked fish on the West Coast.
Where and When to Fish.
Area 1. Outer Bajo Reef- This is a vast area of Kelp and shallow water frequented by lots of bait and Grey whales. The big Springs will show up on the Reef sometime in the last weeks of June. These are not always Nootka Sound fish and are often very agressive feeding Springs and Coho bound for other areas. The water around the Reef is from 35 to 90 feet deep and the best tactic is to contour the Reef at various depths. The Reef always holds fish no matter what tide, but try and put the reef between you and the tide flow thus puting yourself and the bait in a back eddy. This area is great fun to fish; fish too close to the bottom and you will certainly get Ling Cod or Black Bass,. they are here in great abundance.
There is a large Red Navigation buoy which marks the outside edge of Bajo reef; from this point fish directly seaward and incorporate some of the deep trolling techniques listed on this web site and found so effective at Winter Harbour. Big Springs ,Coho and Halibut frequent the deeper water known to commercial fishermen as the 50 Fathom line (300 ft).
Tackle:
Anchovy on a 60 to 72 inch tie behind your favourite flasher (hot spot, Ok'i etc) ;cut plug herring, Dymara Lazer skirt (new) 40 inch tie for silvers, 42 to 48 inches for Kings, various colored hootchies and of course spoons either coyote or Dymara in green and chrome or cop car type colors.
The Reefs remain excellent places to fish throughout the summer and fall but make sure you have a chart and GPS as this area is prone to sudden fog banks.
Area 2 North
This area, usually called Beano Creek, is extremly picturesque with features such as huge tidal caves and large bait holding kelp beds. In the late weeks of June and early July fish fairly tight to the kelp ;follow the shore line with 25 to 45 feet on down riggers. If the bait is in, there is often very good fishing for Springs and Coho and the occaisional large ling. This area is often calmer than area 1 and always more comfortable to fish than area 2 South ,however if there is no bait showing,give it a short try and if unsuccesful ;move.
Area 2 South
Maquinna Pt. or Wash Rock. One of the premier places to fish for the really big Springs. This is the first place that you can be sure you are into a "true Nootka Sound Spring". The first big Spring or King will be taken here in the last days of June to the first days in July. It signals the start of a "river of fish" which will flow into the Sound on each successive flood tide. The water along this shore, close to the rocks and kelp, is about 70 ft deep and should be fished from 25 to 45 ft on your downrigger. Be carefull!!! Watch the other boats and study your charts and sounder -there are a few spots which can be hard on tackle. Anchovy or cut plug herring is the first choice for bait, followed by Lazer skirts, hootchies and spoons. If you are not taking fish and other boats are and you are fishing anchovy -lengthen your leader to 8 to 10 feet from the flasher. Other options are anchovy or spoon only, no flasher; flasher on one side of the boat only or consider a flasher only on your weight and a lure or bait above it. The really big Springs will not be feeding at this point and it seems that they become "flasher shy" so inside the Sound keep this in mind if you seem to be the only boat not taking Springs. Coho or Silvers don't seem to be so particular.
This area can be choppy due to large tide changes and the ever present "afternoon" inflow winds. Fish very early morning, late evening and "the flood tide". Jigg around " Wash Rock" for Ling cod and other bottom fish including the odd Halibut.
Area 3 -"The Monument"
Called " The Monument" for the stone cairn erected on the lighthouse point to commerate the meeting of Capt Cook with the local "First Nations." This is where the early action takes place through most of July. This area can be crowded, especially in the early days of July when the fish aren't into the Sound proper. Fish all around the point in 60 ft of water from 25 to 40 ft on the downriggers. Lures and leader lenths are the same as Area 2 South. Fish early morning ,late evening and the tide changes. If the area becomes too crowded fish outside the gaggle in deeper water and contour the bottom with your downriggers. Another option is to contour the several points heading West to Maquinna pt; there are plenty of fish here and it is often overlooked.
Area 4 Burdwood Bay
Great trolling water, fairly protected and a real pleasure to fish. Start at the Navigation light on the South shore of Zuciarte Channel and troll along the shore to Burdwood Bay. Fish tight to the shore with 25 to 45 ft of wire on the downriggers. If you see bait out in the Channel swing out and around. Try and get below it and you should pick up a Coho or a Feeder Spring. This shore yields some monster Springs!! Fish very early morning,evening and the Flood tide.
This Area as well as Area 5 tends to be a later fishery than all the others mentioned. It does not usually come alive until the start of August;some say that this is because these fish are bound for the Gold and not the Conuma River. Indeed, fish can be taken here well into October when there is little or no competiton from other fishermen.
Area 5 Escalante Pt
More exposed than Area 4 and smaller. Contour the Kelp beds and the points-quite shallow; fish 25 to 45 ft as the bottom allows. Seems to produce on the Ebb tide. Try Area 4 first and if it is "slow " try this area-quite often it seems to be a staging place before the fish move onto the Burdwood shore on the next Flood tide.
Area 6 Hoiss Pt
This is what it's all about!! Huge fish, great scenery and no fishermen!!! Two out of three ain't bad! It can be crowded. Fish very early or very late to beat the crowd. Fortunately Nootka Sound is huge and boats tend to gather at known spots, certainly there are fish there but these fish have one thought in mind and that is to get to the Conuma River. Fishing in the crowd doesn't necessarily get you more fish, your presentation and shore contouring might not be ideal and in the end you will enjoy the experience much less. That said,there is no denying that from around July 10 and for 3 to 4 weeks after, Hoiss point will host almost all of the huge Salmon run bound for the Conuma River. Contour the shore from the Fish boundry marker ,north east to in front of Hoiss Point Lodge using 25 to 45 ft on your downriggers. Anchovey. cut plug,(long leaders) are the baits that are most favoured. Lazer skirts, hootchies, and spoons in cop car or army truck are the most prevalent colours for large Springs. Coho(silvers) are a different subject at this point and I will address it separetly at the end.
Area 7 San Carlos Pt
Fish from the Navigation light on the point southward along the Bligh Island shore. Fish fairly tight to the shore using 25 to 70 ft on the downriggers. Directly across the Sound from Hoiss Point, it is fished much less intensly. In Aug 2003 ,at 4 in the afternoon a friend of mine took a 501/2 lb fish on this shore. Our boats were the only ones fishing while Hoiss point had a crowd. A great alternative to Hoiss Point. Fish early morning,evening and on the tide change.
Area 8 Camel Rock and "The Wall"
Think of Nootka Sound as a large funnel, collecting Salmon from all over the coast,as time marches on the salmon move further into this funnel whose tip happens to be the Conuma river. July gives way to August and the hot spots will move closer to the Conuma River. During August start fishing from Camel Rock-contouring the shore northeastward past Galiano Bay; Cougar Creek and until directly across from Princess Royal Point. Fish the baits as previously discussed but if there are a lot of boats don't be afraid to explore the 70 to 90 ft depths. Fish early mornings and evenings and all tide changes; if it becomes too crowded go to Area 9.
Area 9 Hisnit to Princess Royal Point
One of the most overlooked areas in Nootka Sound. It is protected, easy to troll; 25 to 70 ft and yet most people are drawn like magnets to the Camel Rock shore. Fish early morning,evening and tide changes. Usually good to excellent from the start of August into the first weeks of September. The end of the Spring fishing will depend on the start of the Fall rains.
The Best Part
Nootka Sound is well known for its fabulous summer Chinook or King fishing. It attracts people from all over the world. It becomes deserted in September just when the huge Coho and Chum move in. There are so many Coho that the Dept. of Fisheries allows 4 Coho a day,marked (hatchery} or unmarked (wild). These Silvers can reach over 20 pounds and are incredible fighters. They will take a fly or a bucktail. You will still catch the odd Spring particularly in area 4 but area 8 is the place to concentrate on. Fish anchovy,(4 to 5 ft leader) ,Pink lazer skirt,pink hootchy or Dymara or Coyote spoon . Use downriggers to 30 feet and run a light rod with a pink spoon, pink bucktail or anchovy in the prop wash. Fishing doesn't get better than this but you may be lonely. Continues well into October.
How to get to Gold River and Nootka Sound: At Campbell River take highway 28 to Gold River an easy 1 hour drive. A good concrete boat launch is located 13 km (8 miles) southwest of Gold River on Muchalat Inlet. This ramp is usable for most boats down to a 2.5 low tide. It is run by the local "First Nations" and there is a charge for secure parking and launch. From the launch it is an easy 30 minute run to Nootka Sound. You can get a multi day launch pass and it is feasible to either launch every day or tie up at the Government wharf and stay in a motel at Gold River. This will probably give you a total of 2 to 2 1/2 hours commute a day. It is possible to drive right into Nootka Sound but it is over gravel logging roads and not recommended for large boats over 24 feet. At Gold River follow the signs for Tahsis, cross the Gold River and continue on usually good gravel road for approx. 30 miles turn left at the sign for Cougar Creek. It is approx. 10 to 12 miles on a not always graded gravel logging road into the Campground at Cougar creek. There are grades on this section of road to 15%. Drive carefully and watch for logging trucks. The boat launch is over the beach but pretty good. I have launched a 21 ft glass boat there with little problem. Most people with large boats or a little less adventuresome prefer to launch at the ramp south of town. You can also continue past the Cougar Creek cut off towards Tahsis and camp or stay in the chalets or cabin at Moutcha Bay Resort. Where they have a boat launch, marina, hot showers, store, bait, tackle, ice, gas, diesel, propane and more.
Nootka Marine Adventures
WHERE THE OCEAN IS OUR PLAYGROUND
Charter Packages or Bring Your Own Boat
www.goldriverfishinglodge.com
Camping/Chalets/Boat Launch/New Marina/Fuel
www.moutchabay.com
Email: h00kedonfishing@hotmail.com
MyEscape
Active Member
Some pics of recent catches.....
Some Nice Lings
55lb Halibut and Mixed Bag of Bottom Fish
37lb Spring Caught at Bajo
The 30' I Guide On
The 34' I Guide On
Well more pictures to come.... Recent catches include 30, 31, 32.5, 34 lb springs
Coho up to 12 lbs
Halibut 15, 17, 27, 45 and more........
Yes things are heating up both on the inside and off shore. Kutos to both Andrew from Rippingale Charters one of our guides and one of the lodge owners and Island Fish Lifter as he may be kinda quiet on here but hes been slaying big fish.
Hints on gear.......
Glow Green and Gold Betsy Flashers
Watermellon Spoons
Tomic Spoons
Green and White Needle Fish Hootchies
Plugs off shore (easy to release coho and the big springs love them)
ps Try running spoons with no flasher it is working big time!!!!!
Nootka Marine Adventures
WHERE THE OCEAN IS OUR PLAYGROUND
Charter Packages or Bring Your Own Boat
www.goldriverfishinglodge.com
Camping/Chalets/Boat Launch/New Marina/Fuel
www.moutchabay.com
Email: h00kedonfishing@hotmail.com
Some Nice Lings
55lb Halibut and Mixed Bag of Bottom Fish
37lb Spring Caught at Bajo
The 30' I Guide On
The 34' I Guide On
Well more pictures to come.... Recent catches include 30, 31, 32.5, 34 lb springs
Coho up to 12 lbs
Halibut 15, 17, 27, 45 and more........
Yes things are heating up both on the inside and off shore. Kutos to both Andrew from Rippingale Charters one of our guides and one of the lodge owners and Island Fish Lifter as he may be kinda quiet on here but hes been slaying big fish.
Hints on gear.......
Glow Green and Gold Betsy Flashers
Watermellon Spoons
Tomic Spoons
Green and White Needle Fish Hootchies
Plugs off shore (easy to release coho and the big springs love them)
ps Try running spoons with no flasher it is working big time!!!!!
Nootka Marine Adventures
WHERE THE OCEAN IS OUR PLAYGROUND
Charter Packages or Bring Your Own Boat
www.goldriverfishinglodge.com
Camping/Chalets/Boat Launch/New Marina/Fuel
www.moutchabay.com
Email: h00kedonfishing@hotmail.com
spring fever
Well-Known Member
Charlie , I did indeed write the article on Nootka probably in 03 and sent it to Salmon Univ., most of it is still timely I think.I spend most of my efforts now at Winter Harbour although I still enjoy fishing Nootka. Hope it helps new guys. Mike Cummings (Spring Fever)
Charlie
Well-Known Member
Mike, it is one of the most accurate articles I have read and is Very much still current! I am putting together the same type of thing for all the areas I have fished, from Buoy 10 to Winter Harbour. I find the information is very much the same techniques I use! I am more concentrating in the Port Renfrew area this year!
Sushihunter
Active Member
Mike: Thank you very much for writing this, and allowing Kevin to post it to SFBC.
I have a question about the charts - what are the color codes for your highlighted fishing areas? I see yellow, green and pink.
Also, I have notice some of the lines break where it would be natural to just keep trolling from one line to another. Is there a reason for that, or are you just marking the prime areas? Example would be at Bajo where the pink line breaks going around a corner of the reef.
Thanks again for the great info! And thanks to Kevin for taking the time to post it!
Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250
Mornin Chubby
Member
RED SLED
Hey
When you at Cougar? i need you old mans # what to give him a call to say What the f@#$ how's it going !Cheers
GLG
Well-Known Member
Spring Fever thanks for the original Nootka how to. You probably cut 5 years off my learning curve with that. I owe you one.
Red Sled are you guiding up there? If so ask your buddy how my flasher and spoon are working.
Here is a link to a report from last year. It makes for a good read.
http://www.sportfishingbc.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9830&whichpage=8
GLG
Red Sled are you guiding up there? If so ask your buddy how my flasher and spoon are working.
Here is a link to a report from last year. It makes for a good read.
http://www.sportfishingbc.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9830&whichpage=8
GLG
spring fever
Well-Known Member
I had to have a look at the charts again. The pink areas were what I considered the prime areas. On the Inside waters the green spots are where I've slept on the hook and had a safe night. The yellow spots are places I've prawned and done okay or better. The green on the outside waters I'm not too sure what I had intended but looking at the charts I would think it was for Lings and Hali's. I was and am a big fan of Bajo
pescador
Well-Known Member
Holmes, sound likes things are heating up. I'll be back to CC July 30 thru the 2nd of August with 3 other friends looking for the Tyee I didn't get the first part of July at Beer Can. Would appreciate your updates on the right spots as the restrictions limit some of the usual spots I fish. Looks like Bajo/Highway, East of Hoiss or along San Carlos are the spots if your looking for big Springs.
Matador
Matador
blindpig69
Member
Hey IFL,
Gonna be around from the 25th to the 1st. Up for a little dive action we missed last year. Want some of those dinner plate sized scallops I hear about. Can't stop dreaming and drooling over all these reports. Just hope the ship's ready to go
Gonna be around from the 25th to the 1st. Up for a little dive action we missed last year. Want some of those dinner plate sized scallops I hear about. Can't stop dreaming and drooling over all these reports. Just hope the ship's ready to go
ItchyScratchy
New Member
The Ghetto group just returned from another great weeks fishing @ Critter Cove. The Forbes Family, staff and of course Holmes did a great job of ensuring that all Ghetto members were hid from the general public[8D].
Some notes on the week's fishing encounters.
The fish are definitely there, just some days you really, really had to work for them in any numbers. The inside is slowly picking up but the majority of the action was taking place at the lighthouse, Maquinna, Beano and of course the Bajo was really producing magical events throughout the days.
Being a diehard cutplug fisherperson it was trying sometimes as the Coho are really providing some incredible action. For those of you who fly fish I found that the Wash Rock area (just outside the final rock outcropping) and the kelp beds between Maquinna and Beano produced some great clouser minnow action at times. The tide needs to be right and you will need to tie off on the kelp on the outside but you will never regret spending some hunting time when the Coho start moving in. Both the size and number of Coho bode well for our future stocks.
As for the Springs, out of a group of nine fishermen and four boats, the majority of springs were caught on cut plugs with the remaining being caught on the typical chovie hookup with a green flasher and coyote spoons and of course a smattering of Tomic Plugs (a little advertising for Holmes and his plug painting partner).
The most successful areas early in the morning (and I do mean first light) were Maquinna and the kelp beds between Maquinna and Beano. For those of you familar with Maquinna, hard and tight to the rocks early and then slowly move out and down in depth.
The kelp bed in Beano also produced a few suprises but I wouldn't say it was as consistent as previous years (just my opinion).
For those of you who feel comfortable with venturing out to the can at Bajo, get at it!! Again, cutplugs at a sloooowwww troll seemed like the ticket, however, plugs and chovies were also producing at times. The depth of 40 to 60 feet seemed to work well. These are moving fish so they are quite agressive and yes we did catch onefish on two rods using cut plugs. It was fun trying to see who would fight the fish and after bringing it along side we released it as it deserved the courtesy. The biggest fish was a little over 40, a few in the 30s and lots of fish in the teens and mid twenties. Have fun as these fish are big and have the attitude of a spoilt teenager.
If you have any questions, I will try to answer them, if not I know Holmes at the Critter will always have a scoop or two.
Tight Lines
Some notes on the week's fishing encounters.
The fish are definitely there, just some days you really, really had to work for them in any numbers. The inside is slowly picking up but the majority of the action was taking place at the lighthouse, Maquinna, Beano and of course the Bajo was really producing magical events throughout the days.
Being a diehard cutplug fisherperson it was trying sometimes as the Coho are really providing some incredible action. For those of you who fly fish I found that the Wash Rock area (just outside the final rock outcropping) and the kelp beds between Maquinna and Beano produced some great clouser minnow action at times. The tide needs to be right and you will need to tie off on the kelp on the outside but you will never regret spending some hunting time when the Coho start moving in. Both the size and number of Coho bode well for our future stocks.
As for the Springs, out of a group of nine fishermen and four boats, the majority of springs were caught on cut plugs with the remaining being caught on the typical chovie hookup with a green flasher and coyote spoons and of course a smattering of Tomic Plugs (a little advertising for Holmes and his plug painting partner).
The most successful areas early in the morning (and I do mean first light) were Maquinna and the kelp beds between Maquinna and Beano. For those of you familar with Maquinna, hard and tight to the rocks early and then slowly move out and down in depth.
The kelp bed in Beano also produced a few suprises but I wouldn't say it was as consistent as previous years (just my opinion).
For those of you who feel comfortable with venturing out to the can at Bajo, get at it!! Again, cutplugs at a sloooowwww troll seemed like the ticket, however, plugs and chovies were also producing at times. The depth of 40 to 60 feet seemed to work well. These are moving fish so they are quite agressive and yes we did catch onefish on two rods using cut plugs. It was fun trying to see who would fight the fish and after bringing it along side we released it as it deserved the courtesy. The biggest fish was a little over 40, a few in the 30s and lots of fish in the teens and mid twenties. Have fun as these fish are big and have the attitude of a spoilt teenager.
If you have any questions, I will try to answer them, if not I know Holmes at the Critter will always have a scoop or two.
Tight Lines
Island Fish Lifter
Well-Known Member
Hey blindpig.. Im guiding all those days but you can reach me on 72. Just ask for fishlifter dave. I dove Birdwood last week,discovery point area. Was not too bad, got a few size large scallops and the water was super clear. It was my first time diving there. Lots of marine life including a wolf eel. Hope you have luck. Talk to ya out there.
Fill the dam tub!
Fill the dam tub!
Jencourt
Well-Known Member
I am heading to Nootka on the 29th.Will be launching at gold river and running up to Tuta campground and marina.This is my first time in this area and am wondering if there is any trouble to watch for on the run up.I do have a chart.Thanks in advance for any info.
No place I would rather be (FISH ON)
No place I would rather be (FISH ON)
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