View Royal - Tips for Esquilmault

[Tony Canevaro]

Hello everyone!
So our new place is in View royal and it looks like it is super close to Esquilmault bay (is that what its called?) and there is some access off helmken it looks like?

My question: As a new saltwater fisherman who doesnt have a boat (yet) are there any opportunities for greenling, flat fish, ling, etc etc from shore in these areas?
Or would a small boat (maybe a tinnie or something similar) be safe and get into some better fishing?

Crabs?

This area looks to be about 5 minutes from my house so would be an easy intro for me.

Thoughts? Commentary?
Thanks in advance!

 

[eroyd]

There is not much opportunity in Esquimalt Harbour as much of it is DND, Parks Canada or FN property. I do know the salmon occasionally come in but not enough to provide a regular opportunity. Just outside the entrance to the East is a Rock Fish conservation area. You should consult the tidal fishing regs on that. For crabs, flat fish and possibly salmon the Esquimalt Lagoon, to the West through Colwood would be better. Be aware that cutthroat trout inhabit these areas and must be gently released.

 

[Tony Canevaro]

Gotcha, so just west of Fort Rood Light house area? North of the Colberg peninsula?


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[eroyd]

Gotcha, so just west of Fort Rood Light house area? North of the Colberg peninsula?


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Any where of the Colberg Peninsula (didn't know it was called that) would be a good place to paddle out with crab traps. I have waded out at low tide near the lagoon outlet and kicked up hundreds of undersize crabs buried in the soft sand so I assume the bigger ones are a bit deeper.
I have seen salmon on rare occasion thrashing through schools of needle fish just metres from the beach. Personally I have only caught I few trout, gently released.

On the Esquimalt side of the harbour I know of someone who does ok casting off shore near Flemming beach. I would want to be sure that is not within the Rock Fish closure area.

If you pick your days there are excellent places you could access off the Victoria waterfront in a 12' tinner. Just pick your weather and don't go out too far . . . and don't get run over.

 

[tinboatrobb]

This time of year casting off the Fisgard Lighthouse can be very productive for springs. notoff the lighthouse itself...lol

 

[profisher]

I wouldn't et anything living on the bottom of Esquimalt Harbour. There have been some tests done to determine the level of heavy metal contamination in the creatures that live there. Lets say they were high. I know the songhees were interested in the results...possibly for compensation.

 

[Tony Canevaro]

What about the lagoon pro fisher?


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[profisher]

I don't know much about the Lagoon, except it was a good place to go late at night with the girl you met at the club.

 

[eroyd]

I don't know much about the Lagoon, except it was a good place to go late at night with the girl you met at the club.

The outside of the lagoon is pretty clean. There was commercial crabbing going on there . The inside is full of goose poop and I'm sure lots of crabs have been exchanged along the spit in between. Half way between the Carlton Club and the Westy. eww! The older men sitting alone in their trucks early hours kind of creeps me out. It may be a pickle park.

 

[profisher]

LOL things have changed in the last 35 years!! I also remember late summer night swims at Thetis...don't tell me that is creepy now too!!! lol

 

[eroyd]

LOL things have changed in the last 35 years!! I also remember late summer night swims at Thetis...don't tell me that is creepy now too!!! lol

I am the Thetis Lake Monster. I still do that on a regular basis.