| |
Clayoquot Ventures' Tofino Fishing Report
Catching the big ones in Tofino, BC, Canada |
Signs of Spring in Tofino
After a winter that didn’t batter us nearly as hard as last year on Vancouver
Island’s west coast, the signs of spring are showing in a number of ways.
We know that during this time of year, the overall temperature and weather conditions
start to show a marked improvement than the “Storm Watching” months
of November thru February. I often see a few different indicators within the
local landscape that remind me of Chinook Salmon feeding and growing not to far
outside of the Tofino Harbour, as well as spring run Steelhead entering local
rivers chrome bright and ready to spawn along with their summer and winter run
cousins from the same family of Rainbow Trout.
One obvious indicator for Chinook Salmon at this time of the year is the recent
Herring spawn in local inlets, most often near Hot Springs Cove at the mouth
of Sidney Inlet. Hungry Chinook Salmon follow the Herring into the inlets during
January, and play the chase and feed game until mid to late February when the
Herring normally spawn along the rocky shores and Kelp beds. This event is an
amazing spectacle of nature, with most forms of local Marine mammals and Birds
getting in on the festivities. From below, the Chinook Salmon, Orca Whales, Sea
Lions and Sea Birds will push schools of Herring near the surface where the Gulls
and Eagles are anxiously awaiting there lunch to boil to the surface. During
this time, often the hierarchy of the food chain is prevalent, as the whales
will consume Salmon and Sea Lions (though not close to enough of them), while
the Sea Lions will consume the Salmon and so on…..
After the Herring spawn finishes, Chinook Salmon will again follow the masses
of these baitfish back out to the outer coastline, where they resume the feeding
ritual on various other species like the Pacific Sand lance, Pilchard and Anchovy.
Around this same time, the temperature promotes budding in the trees and plants,
and encourages a common spring time plant that I personally use as one of my
main natural indicators. The Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton Americanus) is a smelly
plant that grows in swampy or wet wooded areas. The appearance is far better
than the smell, and I am always happy to see this bright yellow and green plant,
as it is a timely indicator for me to get ready for the spring times best action
for Chinook Salmon, Halibut and my personal favourite, Steelhead.
Over the years of fishing many remote and not so remote river systems on Vancouver
Island, I have always found that when the Skunk Cabbage sprouts out of the moist
soil, and really starts to get the pungent aroma, it is prime time for my favourite
fishery of the year. The progressive increase in water and air temperature during
this time, encourages spring runs of Steelhead to enter various rivers along
the coast, and makes for very enjoyable fishing conditions. I find these Steelhead
unique in comparison to most others throughout the year. It is not because they
are easier to catch, and definitely not due to their overall numbers, as they
can be sparse at best. There is something to be said about an anadromous fish
that waits for the ideal timing of water flow and temperature to enter the river
system, ripe with Eggs or Milt, and wearing a coat of ocean bright chrome. They
can travel many miles upstream overnight to find their natal spawning beds, and
do their deed of nature. Often they will spend a few days to mend after spawning,
when these “Kelts” will migrate out to sea, back to the challenges
and dangers of the open ocean for another year. It is during this ocean survival
regime that they have to pass their lives most rigorous tests, hopefully allowing
them a return to the spawning beds once again. I am always amazed to catch and
release these powerful Silver Bullets, still adorned with natural lice from the
sea, already spawned out and heading back downstream. I suppose that this amazing
and unique spawning cycle has helped ensure future returns, as most other Steelhead
will hold for many months in-stream prior to spawning.
I would assume that whether you are an angler or not, there is a sign of spring
that often brings a smile to your face or provides good thoughts of an outdoor
opportunity, one of many that we are fortunate to have on Vancouver Island.
|
2008 Fishing Outlook for Tofino and Ucluelet
Following a season that dubbed Vancouver
Islands Tofino and Ucluelet areas likely the most consistent sport fisheries
on the B.C. coast, 2008 fishing opportunities might have a hard act to follow.
For fishing near Tofino and Ucluelet B.C., the 2007 season was not unlike
being at an action packed NHL playoff game with a line-up of star players that
you anticipate seeing all winter, and the game unfolds to be as exhilarating
as you anticipated. The experience finds you not only satisfied with the time
you have committed, but feeds your passion and heightens your interest for the
next time you are in the front row seat.
A combination of factors have been building up against the 2008 seasons
line-up of Salmon stocks, withfair to poor early stages of marine survival
likely creating the biggest challenge. Predation, along with unpredictable water
currents and temperatures that effect normal food sources during the early stages
oflocal Salmonid life cycle have not been overly favourable. Due to these
various challenges effecting various salmon stocks coast wide, we can anticipate
a more conservative approach by DFO for some areas of the coast, in an attempt
to protect stocks of concern. The Pacific Halibut Commission is recommending
a reduction in the total allowable catch for the B.C. coast spread between all
sectors, and are in discussion with DFO on how to achieve this goal. At the time
of writing, the main proposal from the Sport Fishing Institute of B.C. to DFO
in attempts to meet the temporary reduction; Reduce the possession limit from
3 Halibut to 2 Halibut per person, continuing with 2 Halibut per day, and no
changes to size limits. Keep in mind that this potential temporary reduction
is not based on conservation concerns, but is due to the allocation process of
Halibut catch within different sectors on the B.C. coast. For more info on this
process, you might consider reading the following backgrounder report; www.gulftrollers.com/Misc/Commercial_vs_Recreational_Allocation.pdf
Through the Sport Fish Advisory process with DFO, recreational angling
opportunities will be protected and provided following necessary conservation,
likely being announced by mid spring in 2008.
Though returning numbers have fluctuated recently, run timing for most local
Salmon stocks has been quite consistent the last couple years, so this part of
your planning should not be in question. Early spring offshore action for Chinook
salmon and Halibut is normally a standby, with late spring and early summer seeing
more inshore action for Chinook and Coho. The peak months of July, August and
early September should again provide the best fishing inshore and offshore for
Chinook and Coho, with Halibut and Bottom fish being a great option.
The 2008 season will likely see some of the most reliable fishing opportunities
supported by enhanced Salmon stocks such as Robertson Creek Chinook and Coho,
as opposed to smaller wild stock systems of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. Fortunately
the work done over the years by hatcheries has helped provide a variety of fishing
opportunities, in both approach and terminal areas.This is proof once
again that Salmon Enhancement cutbacks are not only a very poor decision, but
detrimental to years of past enhancement work that requires continual maintenance
to be successful.
Anglers needing moorage while fishing the Tofino area might want to check
out the 4th street harbour upgrades, with a new office building complete with
two new washrooms, showers and laundry. Plans for expanded parking for vehicles
and boat trailers are also in the works for 2008. Make sure to check with local
regulations, as well as in-season variation orders for the area you plan to fish.
This can be done by visiting the local DFO office, tackle shops or postings at
launches and docks.
Remember, if you have a chance to volunteer personal time, or contribute financially
to local Salmon Enhancement programs, pleased do your part. Community based enhancement
programs and related support are a big part of the future, so get involved where
you can to help keep the game on for future angling opportunities.
Jason Mohl, Owner/Head Guide, Clayoquot Ventures
Guide Service Ltd.
Tofino, B.C. Canada, Toll Free 1 888 5FISHBC Fly & Tackle Shop (250) 725-2700
Visit Clayoquot Ventures
GoTofino Photo Page.
Jay Mohl owns and operates Clayoquot Ventures Guide Service and Jays Fly and
Tackle in Tofino. Jay is the Chairman of the Tofino-Ucluelet Sport fish Advisory
Committee to the Federal Government, Chairman of the Tofino Harbor Authority,
as well as a director on the Sport Fish Institute of B.C.
|
Welcome To Tofino, BC
|
|
