Anchovies, Plankton and Spring Salmon

 Salmon activity is picking up off Nanaimo, with lot's of feeder springs in the area. Entrance Island, the East side of Gabriola and Valdez Island are holding fish at 180-220 ft. Fish the bottom along the 200ft contour line. Killy Magee spoons and Bon Chovy skinny G's with Home Land Security flasher did the best. 

Porlier Pass was also good, with many 8-12lb springs being landed. Blue chrome spoons were the preferred lure there. I suggest Silver Horde Super Pearl Blue Splatter Back. Excellent prawning reports from that area too. But check your regulations to make sure it is one of the open areas.

The herring spawn seems to be hit and miss, with a lot of precocious males starting before the females are ready. (this is common in many species)

Also I received a very interesting report from the navy base in Nanoose. I'm told that over the winter large schools of anchovies where recorded right in the bay. If correct, this is a great sign. Anchovies have been returning to Georgia Straight in the last few years. Additionally, the plankton count is at record levels. This is also good news as it will attract everything from baitfish, to Coho to Humpback whales to our region. 

Tips up,

Steve Vavrik