SALTWATER OVERVIEW – Halibut fishing has been excellent, though wind kept many boats off the water through July.

Port Renfrew – Salmon and halibut fishing has been good and some monsters have been caught recently. On the salmon side, Lucas Bell weighed in a big spring salmon at 56 lb. at the Port Renfrew Marina which then weighed 53.5 lb. ten hours later at our store. Lucas caught it at Logan Creek, at the 33 foot depth, using a green UV anchovy head, and green glow flasher. Jack Jongeneel landed a 184.2 lb. halibut just north of Port Renfrew.

Salmon fishing has been best between Logan Creek and Camper Creek. Swiftsure Bank has been excellent for both halibut and salmon with fish of both species mostly in the 10-20 lb. range with lots of fast action.

Victoria Waterfront – Anchovies and herring are top producers this time of year, especially smaller sizes. Glow green and Purple Haze have been the best teaser head colours for springs. Good lures recently have been green/silver or green/glow Coyote spoons and Electric Chair and Purple Haze hootchies and squirts. Good flashers have been the OK’i Big Shooter Purple Onion and Hot Spots in green/silver.

HALIBUT – At Constance Bank, Border Bank and the "Mud Hole" salmon bellies, mackerel, extra large herring and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut these days. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well, and some anglers are saying they are producing better than bait. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

Oak Bay – The most successful method for springs was trolling right on bottom in 100 to 150 feet of water with anchovy, Baitrix tiny strip, squirts or 4" spoons. Good squirts were the Electric Chair, Green Galaxy, Jellyfish, Alligator and J-79 squirts. The OK’i Big Shooter Purple Onion flasher has been working very well.

HALIBUT – Mackerel, extra large herring and/or octopus are the most popular baits for halibut lately. Berkley Gulp and Powerbait soft plastics also work very well. You can also use a large spoon fished off the spreader bar, Mudraker or Lucky Jigs or other large Jigs if you want to stay away from the dogfish.

Sidney – Sidney anglers are hoping that sockeye will come open this year for retention. Fishing right on the bottom with anchovies or tiny strip is your best bet for springs these days.

FRESHWATER OVERVIEW – Trout and bass fishing is good on the local lakes.

Local Lakes – As the water keeps warming, the fish are more actively feeding on the increased insect activity. However, there have been algae blooms on some of the lakes making fishing a little bit more difficult.

Fly fishing has been really good in Elk Lake. Good results trolling black leeches and Wooly Buggers or black and red or purple micro leeches and general searching patterns such as the Carey Special.

Anglers fishing Powerbait or worms from shore have been doing well. Scott Brown caught a 4.76 lb rainbow on a dew worm at Elk Lake. Fluorescent pink and chartreuse Powerbait Eggs have been hot.

Trollers have been doing well with the Rhys Davis Baitrix Trout lures and UV Mini Strip Teasers for larger fish. Flatfish and/or Kwikfish have also been effective.

Bass Fishing – Anglers reported success suspending Rapalas (X-Rap, Husky Jerk) with a bit slower retrieve and a lot of twitching action for the bigger fish. Bass are also biting near the drop offs in deeper water. However, some anglers are doing well with spinner baits too. Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver lakes are the best local bass lakes..

Island Outfitters, 3319 Douglas St., Victoria, ph: 475-4969

WEST SHORE REPORT Pedder Bay, Sooke, Langford

Saltwater - The springs have been showing up in increasing numbers, mid to high teens mostly. As well as early run coho heading out to Secretary Island, Trap Shack as well as Church Rock.

Hootchies and spoons have been the most popular lures due to the lack of available bait. Colours such as Purple Haze, Electric Chair and Jay 79 have proven well. Spoons in blue nickel, green nickel, and Cop Car have been productive. Try using spoons in green glow, green nickel and Nasty Boy as well.

Pedder Bay - Halibut fishing has been productive around the Race, Constance Bank, and Albert Head. Large herring, pilchard as well as mackerel have been working. Berkley Power Grubs in glow or white on a 24 oz. jig head have been doing well and avoiding the dog fish..

Freshwater - trout fishing has been good at local lakes with the warmer weather. Shore casters have been using Powerbait: lemon lime, and fluorescent. yellow are the most popular colours. Various scents such as shrimp, herring, and X-10 are being used to coat the eggs.

When using flies take a sinking line to reach the fish sitting in the lower depths because of the thermocline. Olive brown and black and olive leeches and Buggers have been the most productive.

Rainbow Wedding Bands, tipped with a worm behind a gang troll as well as trolling Gulp Pumpkin Seed Leeches seems to produce when nothing else is working.

West Shore Sport Fishing Centre, 117-693 Hoffman Ave., (Victoria) off Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Langford, 250-298-HOOK (4665)

SOOKE FISHING REPORT

Salmon fishing has started to pick up this last week. There has been some nice spring salmon weighed in at the local marinas.

Average weights have been between 15 to 25 lb. with the odd 30 plus pounder weighed in. Local hot spots have been Otter Point, Secretary Island and Possession Point. The majority of these fish have been caught between 60 and 100 ft. Anchovies trolled in various glow teaser heads, with a leader 6 to 8 foot has been working great, trolled behind gold or silver Betsy or red Hot Spot flashers.

For artificials, Coyote spoons in finishes like Cop Car, green and silver glow, and white and green have all been working good.

On the halibut side Jordan River has still been producing some nice halibut. For bait stick with herring and mackerel.

Until next time happy faces and tight lines.

Al Kennedy, Reel excitement Fishing Charters www.salmonexcitement.com email fishing@salmonexcitement.com 250-642-3410 cell 250-880-1004

LAKE COWICHAN AREA REPORT

Salt Chuck - Halibut fishing is excellent. Try Berkley 8" Power Grubs or 6" Tomic spoons off spreader bars. Bouncing weight on the bottom is like ringing the dinner bell.

Fish showing at Port Renfrew, 8 to 50 lb. chinook. Lots of coho to 12 lb. Best lures are gold Betsy flasher with Purple Haze, or glow, or clear teaser heads and anchovy.

Cowichan Bay - Sansun Narrows - Jerkers doing well on green jigs. Spring salmon to 25 lb.

Nitinat - By mid-August should be going strong for cut pluggers on the bar. The lake should then kick into high gear around the end of the month.

Beach fishing Salmon Point, mouth of Oyster River, Nile Creek mouth, Departure Bay, Cowichan Bay - Pinks will be staging and ready to play. We carry a large selection of beach flies. Pinks are great fun on light tackle and excellent eating. (Dress fish and put on ice right away.)

Freshwater - Cowichan Lake - Fishing good. Trout holding at 40-50’ level. Best lures are 3" Tomics or Wonder spoons, gang troll and worms. Evenings fish move into shallower water, 20’ zone, making them easier to target without having to use downriggers. Creek mouths still producing, bottom fishing with salmon eggs, paste or roe.

Cowichan River - Fly fishing:- river low and warm. Take lots of time reviving fish. Best hatches are in the evening. Work the riffles with bead head nymphs - Princes the main stay, rubber leg pheasant tails when May flies are hatching, hare’s ear when Caddis hatching. Best dries American March brown or Caddis in sizes 10/12/14. For larger browns #6 to #10 bead head rubber legged golden stone nymphs dead drifted over shoals into drop offs. Also try Rolled Mudlers or large Wooley Buggers stripped through deeper holes.

Nitinat River - By mid-month chinook should be entering lower river and going strong by month’s end.

May your smile go from ear to ear and your rod bend to the butt.

Stop by the store for more information.

Gord March, Cowichan Fly & Tackle, 82 South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan 250-749-4964 www.cowichanflyandtackle.ca

NANAIMO FISHING REPORT

Saltwater - Throughout July fishing for spring salmon has remained good. There should be consistent fishing for chinook averaging 15 to 20 lb. through August. Usually there’s a couple of bigger springs into the 30s this time of year.

Neck Point and Thrasher Rock areas have been good spots to fish with Green Splatterback or Army Truck hootchies at about 120 feet.

Fishing for ling cod and rock fish has been productive, also at Thrasher Rock and at Neck Point as well as on the outside of the Fingers. Jigging on the bottom with minnow imitation jigs like Buzz Bombs or Zzingers has been the ticket to success for bottom fish.

In Nanaimo waters white has always been a good jig colour. Try jigging whole herring or tipping jig hooks with squid. Use heavy gauge hooks if you’re going to be bouncing bottom.

Check Rock fish Conservation Areas http://www.pack.dfo.mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/maps-cartes/rcaacs/index-eng.htm

Halibut have been making a bit of a comeback in the Nanaimo waters. Last year about 30 flatties were caught locally. Most of these were caught by accident jigging for ling cod and rock fish. A big halibut here would go 30 lb. with the average being 10 to 15 lb. Most of them have been caught at Thrasher Rock (south tip of Gabriola).

The pink salmon arrived early up-Island, and should in in Nanaimo waters by now. Fly fishers will catch them with small pink flies. Gear fishers can cast small pink spinners or spoons, or the new 1-1/2 inch pink Buzz Bomb works great on these salmon. Hit the beach at high tide and the pinks will have moved in a little closer. You can also get into them from a canoe, kayak or belly boat. Fish right in Departure Bay off the beach.

Freshwater - Trout fishing has died down a bit with the warm weather, but bass fishing has picked up. Bass fishers can do well using plugs like Rapala X-Rap in trout patterns. If it gets too hot out and the water becomes murky switch to brighter finishes like Fire Tiger. Also try rubber worms set up in Texas or Carolina Rigs. Quennell Lake in Cedar and Westwood Lake are good choices if you’re targeting smallmouth bass.

Trout fishers can still do well by fishing deeper. Tow a gang troll with a flatfish or a worm. First Lake remains good for trout most summers.

Gone Fishin’, 600-2980 North Island Hwy. ,Nanaimo, ph: 250-758-7726

PARKSVILLE / FRENCH CREEK REPORT

Saltwater - Salmon fishing has been good all summer. But chinook fishing hit a lull in mid-July, though the coho never slowed down. By the time this is printed we’ll be kicking the chinooks again. Through August and September it’ll be great spring fishing at the mouths of the Little and Big Q.

Before they settle into the river mouths, fish for the springs about a mile out, on top of the humps. These springs will continue to hit on Green Splatterback, Purple Haze and Army Truck hootchies.

We expected the pink salmon to be late with cooler weather in June, but they’re already running at Nile Creek. Get up there at the crack of dawn, 4:30 a.m. Fly fishing off the beach has produced good catches of pinks with Beach Lantern Pinks, Pacific Pink Bucktails, Fly Bright Chartreuse, Pink Beach Boys and most other pink fly patterns.

Freshwater - Spider Lake is always good with plenty of trout being caught. The usual gear works wonders up there: a worm or red / orange Gulp eggs, or Blue Fox spinners. Fly fishers are switching from Wooly Buggers to flying ant patterns.

French Creek Marina Store, 5 - 1025 Lee Rd., Parksville, ph: 250-248-8912

ALBERNI & BARKLEY SOUND REPORT

Saltwater - The excellent sockeye fishing continues and with chinook beginning to show up, the expectation is for excellent fishing.

The sockeye limit is currently at four per day in the inlet and two per day at Papermill Dam. Most people are still getting their limit of sockeye within the first hour or two of the morning, generally using a variety of pink hootchies tied 18 to 24 inches. Spoons have been producing some good fishing as well. A couple effective ones have been the Coyote Party Girl, Halloween, and Gibbs Blood ‘n Bone. For depth the top 60 ft still seems to be the most effective, but if it slows try dropping towards a hundred feet.

Barkley Sound fishing has really picked up with some large fish being caught; a couple in the 50s and numerous 30s. A few hot spots have been Kirby, Bamfield Wall and Swale. Anchovies seem to be the most productive bait, however, a wide variety of spoons and hootchies are working as well. Some good colour patterns to try are black and white, green-glow, and anything UV.

With August comes some good fishing derbies too. July 31 to Aug, 2 is the Bamfield Fire Dept. Derby, tickets cost $15 per rod. This derby is always a good time and usually has a big winning fish. Also, this is the first year of the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby which runs all summer and with prizes totalling $60,000 it should generate serious interest. Finally on Labour Day weekend is the Port Alberni Salmon Festival which hopefully will produce some better fishing for participants than last year. The forecast for Alberni Inlet chinook is not very good, however without commercial openings fishing should be better than the last couple of years. We anticipate a limit of two chinook with only one bigger than 77cm and the same closed areas as the last couple of years.

Freshwater - Lake fishing has been good. Sproat and Great Central lakes have been producing nice fish, trolling with an Apex or flat fish and gang troll. Even fishing shore with a worm or some Powerbait has the potential to be just as effective. The smaller lakes are beginning to warm up so mornings or evenings will be better than the heat of the day. In these lakes trolling a small mosquito fly or Wedding Band and a worm should catch you some decent fish.

The upper portions of the Stamp River have begun to see summer steelhead showing up, and as usual good numbers of trout. Fishing these with a minnow pattern Kroc or various colours of Blue Fox spinners should get you into some fish.

Remember to check your regulations for limits and gear restrictions in all the areas you’re planning to fish.

Good luck. Gone Fishin’, 5069 Johnston, Port Alberni , ph: 250-723-1172

SOCKEYE IN THE ALBERNI CANAL

It was another great day in the Port Alberni Canal. The weather was calm, there was a lot less boats on the water than I was expecting for a Saturday and the fishing was HOT! We headed down to our not-so-secret fishing hole near Hocking Point. We were a little late because I had to launch the boat at the Clutesi Marina, which was moderately busy this morning. We got down to Hocking at 5:20 am and there were surprisingly less boats in the area than I was expecting for a Saturday during the peak of the sockeye season...? I guess everyone has SOCKLASH! The fish were a lot deeper, around 40 ft. to 100 ft. of water. I had changed all my gear to be exactly like the set-up that was slaying the socks last outing, which was a good move as all the rods were on fire and we easily got our combined limit of 12 in short order. Our hook-up to catch ratio has definitely improved since adding the smaller stinger hook to our gear. I would recommend a stinger on your set-ups if you don't already have one on.

The sockeye in the inlet are getting to be noticeably larger in size, we can definitely notice the difference when we have to lug our cooler up to the gutting station. The size of the run has been upgraded to almost 900,000 Alberni Sockeye. I have said all along that there will be 1 million return this year. I'm willing to bet that the final tally will be more than 1 million sockeye. If there were 350,000 last year and 1 million this year... how many could return in three years from now? Three years ago there were 150,000 that returned to the Canal. So if 150,000 can produce 1 million, how many can 1 million produce? 2 million? 2.5 million? Just imagine.

by Ian Barker from The Rambling Fisherman http://theramblingfisherman.blogspot.com/

The 39th Annual Port Alberni Salmon Festival September 3. 4, 5, and 6.

Over $48,000 in cash and prizes. Fun for the whole family, on the water and in town.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 250-723-5223.

Salmon Festival website: www.salmonfest.ca

TOFINO / WEST COAST REPORT

As August opens with a flurry of good sized chinooks offshore in Portland Point areas heading for the Columbia and Fraser rivers, it appears some runs are a little late this year so be ready for steady catching through September with lots of Tyees. There are also good numbers of big springs working their way down the surf-line to the Robertson Creek and Nitinat River systems.

Anchovies and herring in bright or clear teaser heads, depending on water colour and sunlight have been producing the largest fish. The big news is the numbers of large cohos (8-10 lb. average) in inlet waters which is a big surprise after a few down years. It's like the old days - 20-30 fish a morning!

There are less halibut around than the last 2 years, which were record breaking, but there are still good numbers of chickens to top up the winter food supply. Also, in our area we call the 8th month in the calender "Fogust" so be ready for it with quality electronics and the knowledge to use it properly. Don't be a statistic.

Happy Fishes, Shawn Hillier,

head guide and owner www.tofinolodge.com 1.888.286.3466

COURTENAY / COMOX REPORT REPORT

Spring fishing has been fantastic. Denman Island and the Hump have been producing some great spring salmon. UV coloured hootchies, Tomic Plugs, and 4" spoons have been working very well.

The odd halibut has been caught around the Hump. It could be well worth it to target these bottom fish using Powerbait or a spreader bar with herring.

The pink salmon are among us. Beach fishing from Oyster River to Royston is well under way. Rumour has it that this is going to be an incredible year for pinks. Casting from shore with pink Buzz Bombs and Zzingers is a sure bet. You can also try fly fishing with pink or green flies right from shore. Check regs for open areas.

The lakes are always packed with hungry trout in the summer months. Leach, ant, and fry patterns will work well. You also can troll with the new Wiggle Wood lure. It’s a trout killer!

Our "Customer Appreciation Salmon Derby" is under way with tons of prizes up for grabs. You can check out our derby pictures on Facebook at tyeemarine@telus.net, call 250-287-2641 or e-mail tyeemarine@telus.net for derby regulations.

Thank you, Kerry Amos Tyee Marine (Peter’s Sport Shop) 870 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay

CAMPBELL RIVER AREA REPORT

SALTWATER - Cape Mudge: The box closure from the dock at Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge to the Red Can is in effect until Aug 31.

The Hump: Fishing has been excellent at the Hump for over a month. There have been many chinook caught, along with an unusually high number of halibut. The concentration of halibut caught in northern Georgia Strait has been increasing for several years now.

Shelter / Willow Point: One of the hottest fishing spots right now is the area between the two points. Fish this spot on the ebb, trolling in a northerly direction.

Hatchery coho have begun to show up in numbers not seen this time of year in many years. These fish are hitting just about everything, but they will provide the best sport when caught without a flasher.

Seymour Narrows-north: Chinook fishing has turned on north of the narrows with fish being caught at most locations. Pink salmon are beginning to move into Deepwater Bay in waves.

Pinks have arrived at area beaches, and another banner year is predicted by local hatchery staff. These fish are catchable with flies or gear.

Freshwater - Gold River: The first fresh, summer-run steelhead should be heading into the Gold. These fish are eager takers of flies, and will take a fly off the surface.

Elk River: The rainbow trout run in the Elk River continues to be a focal point for fly fishers. The run has been quite strong this year with anglers reporting many successful days.

Salmon River: Sea-run cutthroat have moved into the estuary and up-river. These fish are eager takers of most natural aquatic insect flies, fry patterns, and hardware.

Campbell River system: The Campbell is chock-a-block with pinks and fishing is awesome. Retention of pinks began a full month early this year, July 15.

Oyster River: Sea-run cutthroat are showing at the mouth of the Oyster and some are moving up-stream as well.

Lake Scene: Good fishing reported in larger lakes that have consistent in-flows. Trout are active and are taking leech patterns and chironmids. Anglers fishing gear or bait can also be very successful at this time of year as trout feed aggressively.

Tyee Marine, 880 Island Hwy., Campbell River

PORT HARDY REPORT

Fishing has been good, but it was pretty windy for a couple of weeks in July.

When we’ve been able to get out, we’ve averaged 3-4 fish a day, per boat. The springs are running 25-35 lb. There’s been a problem getting anchovies so we’re fishing Coyote spoons in Party Girl, Cop Car, and Nasty Boy finishes. Also Baitrix artificials in the new Rhys Davis BulletRoll Special teaser heads have been working well.

There’s lots of coho around, averaging 8-10 lb. Target the coho by trolling a bit faster, 2.4-2.6 knots, trolling green or blue chrome 4-5 inch spoons in the top (0-40 feet) of water. Also, the pink salmon arrived here a few days ago.

The halibut have moved into shallower water from 300 feet last month to 260. Spreader bars with herring or octopus, or jigs tipped with octopus has been catching mostly 20 - 40 lb. halibut. There a few 100 - 120 lb. halibut coming in also.

Jim Henschke, Jim’s Hardy Sports, Thunderbird Mall, Port Hardy, 250-949-8382 & Jim’s Castle Point Charters,

250-949-9294, cell 250-949-1982

WINTER HARBOUR FISHING REPORT

There have been plenty of springs in the high teens, twenties, and a few into the 30s. August we’ll see lots more of the bigger ones.

All hot spots from the 50 Fathom in to the Lighthouse are producing springs. They’re hitting on anchovies and the usual hootchies and spoons.

The coho just started to show up in The Highway offshore. They will start to get larger and super-abundant as the chinooks move on.

The bottom fishing remains excellent for anyone who wants it. There have been a few big halibut, plus lots of big ling cod and snappers. Great halibut holes are only 2 or 3 miles out.

Bob Welsh, Windcatcher Lodge, Winter Harbour, 250-723-1009, cell 250-720-9323, www.windcatcherlodge.com

A biological drive to put on weight for a long winter has B.C.’s bears on the move, seeking out the calories they need before heading to their dens.

In their desperation to get enough food, bears can get aggressive, especially in areas close to human habitat. That’s when most bear-human conflicts occur. If you’re fishing Island rivers there’s a chance you may encounter bears drawn to the same shores.

Bears have an incredible sense of smell. They can zero in on food from miles away and can be single-minded to get at that food. For a bear, food comes in many forms, including garbage and over-ripe fruit in residential areas.

Every bear encounter is unique so there are no steadfast rules.

If you meet a bear in the wild try to remain calm. Never approach or chase a bear; face the bear without making eye contact, back away slowly. Take the same route out that you came in. Try to keep track of the bear, but again, don't challenge the bear with eye contact.

If the bear makes blowing or snorting noises and then charges and veers off at the last second this is likely defensive behavior so continue to back away.

Extend your arms above your head appearing as large as you can, talk in a gruff voice, look for a weapon such as a rock or stick. Drop your pack to distract the bear; only do this if absolutely necessary because the bear could learn to pursue people for their packs.

Climb a tree as a last resort.

If a bear is persistent or aggressive, call the Report Poachers and Polluters hotline 1- 877-952-7277, or surf to www.rapp.bc.ca.

For more information about bears and bear-human conflicts, visit:

www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/bearsmart

/bearsmintro.html.