Lots of action at Capilano River mouth: Springs and coho are biting at this popular fishing destination
VANCOUVER-HOWE SOUND — Sewell’s in Horseshoe Bay says fishing has picked up for springs and coho. Most spring catches range from 12 to 15 lbs. Coho are between five and eight lbs. The best action is taking place off the mouth of the Capilano River. Anglers are also reporting significant bites along the West Vancouver shoreline. Early morning seems to be the most productive. They recommend anchovies for the springs and white hoochies for the coho.
Berry’s Bait and Tackle says the mouth of the Cap has been hot for springs and coho. Barbless hooks are in effect. The Banana Belt has been closed for springs as of Aug. 31. Thrasher Rock, Porlier Pass and the south end of Galiano Island are reporting a number of bites. These areas are open for chum, pink and chinook.
Seymour Tackle says there have been a fair number of spring and coho catches off the mouth of the Cap. Trolling small live herring works best, with anchovies as your second choice. From shore, they recommend flatfish, silver spinners and buzzbombs. Anglers at the Buntzen power station in Indian Arm have been reporting a number of spring catches.
PENDER HARBOUR — Lowe’s Resort says fishing has been slow. Some lingcod and snapper being caught around Sangster Island and the Bjerre Shoals.
VICTORIA — Pedder Bay Marina says there is a closure in effect for their area for all salmon till the end of September. Halibut fishing continues to be strong. Consistent bites taking place at Constance Bank, at the 11, 17 and 27 fathom buoys, and the east side of Race Rocks. The best bites happen during the ebb and slack tides. Because of the drastic tide changes, sea conditions can be very rough and dangerous. The bait that gets most of the attention is mackerel. Large herring also works well. Jigging for cod has been very productive.
NANAIMO — Brechin Point Marina says springs to 25 lbs. are being taken off Neck Pt. They advise drifting with grey-pearl buzzbombs. Some fair catches made by trolling fiesta hoochies at 120 ft. off Five Fingers.
CAMPBELL RIVER — River Sportsman says Seymour Narrows has been hot. Some springs up to 40 lbs. The lighthouse and the Forestry Pool have been favourite spots. They advise trolling and mooching on the bottom at the lighthouse area and trolling with bait and plugs at the Forestry Pool. There are some pinks in Brown Bay and Deepwater Bay.
BAMFIELD — Bamfield Lodge says springs between 20 and 45 lbs. are still being hooked at Cape Beale, Whittlestone Pt., King Edward Island, Kirby Pt., the Bamfield Wall and off the Franklin River in the Sproat Narrows. Troll with a red or green flasher on a six ft. leader and anchovies in a Davis teaser head or a white hoochie between 30 and 60 ft. Barkley Sound seeing springs from 20 to 30 lbs. They recommend anchovies, coyote spoons in chartreuse glow patterns, Tomic No. 602 plugs, 50/50 Wonder spoons or white hoochies.
PORT ALBERNI — Harbour Sports says spring fishing has been exceptional. Anglers are trolling with plankton size pink hoochies or plugs at depths of 20 ft. to the surface. There is very little bait passing through the area. The lack of rain has kept river levels very low, keeping most of the fish just outside the creek and river mouths. Average spring catches have been around 30 lbs. Springs range from 15 to the low 40 lb. range. China Creek and into the harbour has been the hot spot. Coho fishing remains closed but fishing for sockeye is permitted. For the Tofino area, try Wilf Rock or Bartlett Pt. using anchovies.
