Fall Rains Coming

The last week has been a stellar one for ocean fishing, but the the big fall rains are coming. Around Nanaimo fishermen can still catch three species of salmon with high amounts of Coho and Chum caught near Five Finger Island. 3.5" Big Eye Spoons in Howe Sound Security has been a winner, paired with Madi Flashers.

Chinook are a bit hard to find, but there are still lots out there. They are just holding on the bottom close to shore. So target them by trolling larger spoons like 5" Derby Winner or Bloody Nose Anchovy Teasers right on the bottom off Pipers Lagoon in 140-200ft of water. Now is the time to roll 'chovies for these big Chinook. There continue to be a lot in the Tyee size class. Porlier Pass and Sandheads are also producing very large Springs this year.

With the ocean about to wind down, the rivers are heating up. Nanaimo river is open for Jack Coho now, (check your 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))

And the Nanaimo should open to larger Coho November 1st. The Estuary closer should come off October 26th which will also open up opportunities for fishing. We should get a big dump of rain this weekend, which will get things really moving in the river. Twitching jigs for Coho and Chum will work well in the murky water. Try Aerojig or VMC jigs in purple or blue with chartreuse heads. You can twitch them on the bottom, or even swing them under a float. 

Also bigger, brighter soft beads like 16mm BnR Sweet Soft Cherry are more visible and will produce hits in muddy water.

Tips up,

stevevavrik@harbourchandler.ca