It's River Fishing Go Time

 The current conditions for river fishing are perfect. If you can get out before the next big rains now is the time. The water has dropped to levels that are conducive to fishing soft beads under floats in most of our local rivers. The Stamp looks great as are most East coast rivers. 

It looks like Nanaimo has opened to two hatchery Coho from the upstream side of the Cedar Road Bridge, upstream to the downstream side of the Highway 1 overpass. (check regulations prior to fishing ) Region 1 - Vancouver Island: Recreational salmon fishing limits, openings and closures | Pacific Region | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

Prime Lure casting spoons and Unreel soft beads have been working. I haven't heard of anybody using twiching jigs yet, but they should be working too. Twiching for Coho can be highly effective when other lures don't work. I like the BNR Purple Rain for early winter Coho.

In the salt water I am still hearing about Coho coming in, but that can't last too much longer. 

Crabbing is reportedly incredibly good. This is a nice change from the mediocre crabbing we had in the summer. We just got a supply of my favorite locally made crab trap. It's the kayak version of the Jolly Good crab/prawn combo trap, and it's what I have been using for over a decade. The maker has retired but we have the last of his stock, so if you need a small folding crab trap that really catches grab one now.

If you have any questions email me. I will be away next week, but am happy to answer any questions about the products or methods of fishing mentioned in my reports.

Tips up,steve@harbourchandler.ca