Tyee Time and Area 14 increased limit.

   Tyee Chinook and big Coho are showing up on the East Side of Vancouver Island. From Port Hardy to Cowichan fishermen are seeing many more large Chinook than we have for long time. Additionally the Coho are more plentiful, and larger than we normally see.

Reports from the North Island and Charlottes indicate another big push of large Chinook are making their way south, so the good fishing is expected to continue for the rest of the season.

Best lures for the East side of the Island have been 3" Killy Magee paired with Green Jelly Flasher.

Jiggers are doing well with a funny new shad jig called a Clarkspoon Pogie. It has been working well for both Coho and Chinook.

The big news for the week is an increase in the Chinook limit to 2 fish in parts of Area 14. (Comox to French Creek area)

The fisheries notice states: "Effective 00:01 hours August 5, 2023, until 23:59 hours August 31, 2023, the daily limit of Chinook Salmon is two (2) per day, with a maximum size limit of 80 cm on marked and unmarked Chinook in the following waters:

Subareas 14-7, 14-8, 14-9, 14-10, 14-15, and

Those portions of 14-4 and 14-5 southwest of a line from Flora Islet Light (49°31.055?N, 124°34.573?W) to French Creek Breakwater Light (49°21.097?N, 124°21.278?W)."

Slot limit remains in effect.

 On the West side Barkley Sound is finally kicking off up with big fish showing up right in the Sound itself. Bamfield and Ucluelet are very hot right now, and with the highway issues there are less congestion and other fishermen to contend with. The highway delays are not too bad if you time it right, and right now the fishing is well worth it.

Best lures have been purple UV teaser heads, 3" Goldstar Glow Cop Car spoons, the Big Eye Spoon called Barkley Beast paired with Purple Footloose flasher.

Nootka is now experiencing the same algae bloom that Barkley had for the last few weeks. It looks like turquoise glacier water, and the fishing has slowed right down. Bright Chartreus glow spoons are still working in this water with limited visibility.

Also remember, I you want to see or purchase any of the gear mentioned in my report, click the blue highlighted text. You can also purchase them online and we will either ship them or have them waiting for you in the store for pick-up. This is often faster and easier when the store is busy.

Tips up,

Steve Vavrik

steve@harbourchandler.ca