Winter Springs and Prawning Time!

This seasons winter fishing has kicked off for feeder Chinook. I have excellent reports from French Creek, Entrance Island and Ladysmith. The fish are mostly deep so far. But Last season shallow fish were found around Entrance Island, so that might be worth a shot. However normal winter fishing is best between 200-300ft on the downrigger. Typically right on the bottom. Often these fish are taking sandlance right off the bottom. So skinny or small spoons behind glow flashers is normally the best bet. My favorites are Silverhord glow Yellow Tail AKA No Bananas, and Coyote Knight Rider. I pair these with Salty Dog flashers or Chartreuse Glow Crystal. 

 Prawning is also great in most locations. So now is the time to get your prawns for the holidays. A pro tip for prawning is always weight your traps, and break up your bait so the scent covers a larger areas. We have locally made Bauer traps which are considered the most effective. They are retrofitted to comply with the new rot cord requirements. BC tidal area 17 - Nanaimo: Recreational fishing limits, openings and closures | Pacific Region | Fisheries and Oceans Canada

 In the rivers things are still going strong. Soft beads like BnR Peach Gobbler in 12mm and Koho casting spoons in Super Nugget pattern have been the best gear of the week. 

As always thanks for the folks that sent me reports and photos. I could not write these updates without you.

Tips up,

steve@harbourchandler.ca