Quadra Island, Early July

[Pete21]

Good afternoon, this is a first post here and hopefully wanting get some insight on fishing options.
I'm heading to North Quadra Island July 11th for 5 days, I've heard of great fishing on the south but haven't found much info on the north.
I have a 21 Jet outfitted with the regular gear, downriggers, chart plotter, etc. would any one be able to guide me in a direction were the salmon fishing might be happening around that time?
Thanks

 

[Dbastock]

Fish the south end of Quadra for sure. Drift hump to lighthouse and you'll get fish.

Dave

 

[trophywife]

from the north end, cut through white-rock passage and you are now in desolation sound,,, run up to dennam bay...or run down to read island and fish viner... or , go across the north end heading west chattham pt.., or go through hole in the wall!! beauty all around.. just watch for whirlpools and big tides!!

 

[Pete21]

Thanks for the info, I've heard it gets pretty strong currents in some areas.
Pete

 

[Cuba Libre]

Yup-- got that right!. But with a little bit of common sense you should have no problems. Watch out for the standing waves in Okisolo (sp) on your starboard shore just before you turn into the Hole in The Wall, heading to Stuart . Off of Owen Bay there is a reef covered with kelp that can mess up a jet if you run into it. North of Stuart towards Denham bay there are some impressive tidal rips (Gillard Pass) just slow down and take a look at the water before you go through it. Most of the time its no problem-- BUT I still remember facing a 8ft wall of water that bounced off the wall when a 70ft 'Mercan yatckit, ran through at 1/2 throttle.... Took water clear over the boat (19ft Hourston soft top) and just about collapsed the canopy. But its wonderful country for boating...

Forgot to mention-- You HAVE to carefully run up to the "Drain".. bottom of Stuart Island and Bute Inlet .. Its a tidal whirlpool that is totally awesome at full flush. But is is somewhat dangerous if you are not too careful. In the good old days it was totally nuts to see the guides cutplugging around the edge of the whirlpool!

 

[submerged]

I would focus on the "Green Sea" area across the channel from Chatham Point if you're looking for the hottest fishing action. This area stretches from the entrance to Okisolo right up Discovery Passage to Johnstone Straight. You'll encounter dozens of boats including the Painter's Lodge fleet when you hit the right spot. Keep in mind that the fishing in this area depends much more on the tide then on the time of day, with the turn to flood being best. I spent over 10 years fishing the Quadra Is. area and this spot consistently produced best. There should be Springs, Pinks, and Sockeye there at the time you're going.

Areas to the south can be good as well, but it's spotty and much more likely that you'll strike out. I had a lot of blanks at the hump, Viner Pt, and Stuart Is, but the scenery is great and worth a cruise.

 

[Pete21]

Thanks everyone, some great replies. I cant wait to get out and try it. Have spent majority up north so if you guys need info on work channel area will be glad to share.

 

[Oly1]

Yes we have had some great fishing across from Chatam Point. You should be good on your timing for most species. Submerged is very right in the tide being the determining factor most days for good fishing. Good luck and don't forget the pictures.

 

[Pete21]

Report from our trip of 3 days from north Quadra we ended up two springs 12 pound and a 14. Tough fishing for springs long days many different depts and rigs.trolled up a couple nice lings. Got one at Chatam Point 170 feet. Other at Little bear at 140 feet. Tried Big Bear, Green sea, ripple point a few other places. a few boats out each time. Seen the net out half a dozen times from other boats. Great area though want to go back. Any idea when the Coho will start running in the area?