Blueback Time!

 Despite the wind fishermen (and fisherwomen!) are out loading up on Coho. It is like the old blueback days, except the fish are larger than your typical blueback Coho. 

I don't have many reports yet, are they are mixed. This is to be excepted as Coho move around a lot and if you aren't where they are, you won't catch them.

The best reports came from Thrasher Rock and up The Grande area which is part way up Gabriola. The Coho were at 90ft and a bit out from the island. The fishermen that fished close to the reef didn't do as well as the ones farther out. But the ones that found the Coho did very well. With a high percentage of clipped fish and a great average size.

One report from around Entrance Island states that there are so many Chinook aggressively biting that the fishermen couldn't get to the Coho.  He was was using Knight Rider spoons which are great for Chinook. I’d recommend a nickel blue Skinny G, or my personal favorite a 3" Maverick spoon to target Coho. But with so many Chinook around it may still not work to keep them off.

It looks like we are in for an improvement in the weather, so if you have a chance to get out it looks good soon.

Lingcod fishing is still great in all common ling fishing spots. So if you have your Coho you can also try for lings. The best ling lure I've ever used is a Savage Gear Burbot in Walleye pattern. This lure is designed for pike, but lings can't resist it.

Prawning sounds like it's slowed down, but there are still some productive pockets out there. Try crushing some of your prawn pellets so the scent travels farther, and always throw in a can of Yum Yum bait. It contains heavier than water fish oil flows along the bottom and can attract prawns from far away. When prawning is spotty you have pull out all the stops.

The Sockeye forecast for Alberni looks great for this year. We all the flashers and hoochies you need, plus some new innovative gear. I'm planning on trying a Pink with Blue Spinner Wicked Lure hoochie when I get a chance. Time will tell, but it looks like a Sockeye killer to me.

Big thanks to Tim Kelter and his crew for the photos and fishing report. It looks like you guys put on a Coho catching clinic out there.

If you read my reports and have any info or photos please email the address below. If you wish to remain anonymous or not have the exact fishing location posted that is not a problem.

Tips up,

Steve@harbourchandler.ca