Big Springs Rolling In.

On both sides of the Island the big chinook are making their appearance. On the West Coast Port Renfrew Bamfield, Ucluelet, and Nootka are loaded with big Springs. Every report I have got for the last week or so is great. The only complaint is from the offshore fishermen saying they had trouble getting past the Coho. Not the worst problem to have. Best lures have been the new West Coast Fishing Tackle Sex-E spoon in Black Herring Aid, paired with their Electro Mirror flasher in Red Velvet. The feedback I'm getting is these spoons hold up better than similar needlefish spoons, and I noticed that the guides where ordering a lot of them plus the electro Mirror flashers. Purple Splatter Back Hoochies and Bloody Nose teasers heads are also taking fish. Bait is defiatly working too as we have had to restock our bait freezer twice in the last 10 days, so guys are going though anchovies like crazy.

In Nanaimo while we are limited to slot size Chinook likely for two more weeks, there are big boys starting to show. The fish are also starting to move into shallower water on the reefs. Entrance Island reef was hot for the last few days for the guys jigging with Chrome Half-Jigs and Night Stalker Li'l Nibs. Overall the guys trolling deep are still doing the best. Gibbs T-Rex skinny G's and Silver Horde Purple Haze spoons have been working well.

The rivers are absolutely choked with Pink Salmon right now. From Nile Creek North, and especially the Campbell systems there is a huge run happening right now. These fish bite aggressive but you need the correct presentation. My favorite is a tiny bit of chartreuse or pink yarn on a #2 black or pink hook suspended under a clear 20gm Bea Mac float. Float this rig in the river or cast into the ocean near creek mouths. If there are Pinks around it will get them. Pink spinners like #2 or #3 Blue Fox Vibrax, 1/6 oz Roostertails and Mepps Aglie Brite spinners in silver/pink also will produce. If you have new fishermen or kids take a trip up Island. Pinks are the perfect fish to teach them with.

Tips up,

steve@harbourchandler.ca