Open Areas for Chinook

 With the season Chinook closure fishermen are looking for the areas that are still open for retention. Nanaimo area fishermen are in luck as there are two sub-areas of area 17 that are open at this time. (Always check the regulations prior to fishing) Currently areas 17-6 and 17-9 are open for one hatchery Chinook. Also luckily for us there are a lot more clipped hatchery Chinook showing up this season. This is likely due to the increased amount of clipping happening in Washington state hatcheries. 

Interestingly this area has also produced the largest fish so far this year. Most of the high teen and low 20's chinook have been caught between Tent Island and Sansum Narrows. Best lures have been Skinny G Hit and Run and UV White Lightning. Pair these with Hit and Run flashers or Salty Dog for best success. Bait has also been producing, but when fishing is as good as it is I'd save money and uses spoons.

Prawning continues to be great with all locations reporting larger than normal prawns. Fish heads seem to be the most effective bait lately for some prawn fishermen but anything fishy and stinky will work.

In the fresh water we finally should see some warmer weather that should really get the trout and bass moving. This weekend is looking good, so if you want a change from ocean fishing now is your time.

Tips up, steve@harbourchandler.ca