Mystery Fish & Coho Opening Weekend

We have a very interesting mystery fish caught buy a local top rod in Cowichan lake. Kurt sent in this photo of an unusual trout we are having trouble identifying. Is is a Cutthroat, a Rainbow or a mix? It has some Sockeye/kokanee characteristics so nobody is sure what it is. Email me any suggestions at the address below.

If you want big trout too and have a boat try trolling small plugs or spoons. The technique is similar to trolling in the ocean for salmon. Silver J-plugs and Skinny G Bon Chovy spoons are winners lately. Make sure to run the plug way back from the boat.

If you are shore casting you can still get into big fish. The largest trout I've ever seen caught was in Westwood Lake on Pink Berkley Power Bait under a bobber. This is a classic way to fish and I find it very relaxing. It's also great for kids or beginners.

In the salt chuck tomorrow should be Coho opening day. we expect to see the limit at two clipped Coho in our area. (Check regulations before fishing BC tidal area 17 - Nanaimo: Recreational fishing limits, openings and closures | Pacific Region | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

See last weeks report for some of my top Coho lures for when they are feeding on baitfish. However Coho also feed on krill and squid. In spring and early summer Coho feed on crab larva that are floating in the water Colum. When this is happening small hoochie like Goldstar Mini Sardine and Lure Jensen Flashflys in Fish Candy UV Purple can be dynamite lures. But we won't know what they are feeding on until someone catches one and opens it up.

So if anyone gets into some Coho this weekend I'd love photos of the fish, the lure and especially the stomach contents. Checking what's in the stomach of fish is one of the things that separates the best fishermen from the rest. 

We also got in a small amount of our custom made blue mirror Coho flasher. Designed by our staff for Coho fishing around Vancouver Island. Get them while you can.

Big thanks to Kurt for the photos of the mystery trout, and the fishing reports.

Tips up!

steve@harbourchandler.ca