Fall Fishing Update

Locally off Nanaimo most of our mature Chinook have headed to the river, and winter fishing for feeder springs has started. To target these feisty young fish troll deep off Gabriola Island and the East side of Entrance Island. Glow green and chartreuse spoons and hootchies trolled right on the bottom will produce fish. Large 3-5” Loony spoons in glow white trolled without a flasher have also been effective.

There are still coho moving around the Five Finger area and will be there until the last of them move up the river in December. TKO spoons (an Apex style clone) in pink have been working for them.

Just a heads up, the Chum saltwater fishery has been closed by DFO. Although with the strong returns to the Nanaimo that we are seeing, it is possible this decision may be reversed.

We are in peak prawning season, with excellent catches around Tent Island, and off Nanaimo. Remember to release any with eggs. We currently have Bauer prawn traps in stock. These locally made traps have proven to be the most effective prawn traps available.

In Harbour Chandler news we have greatly expanded our tackle inventory with plenty of products in stock and warehoused. In addition we have begun carrying the highest quality Steelhead and trout tackle. This include the normal spinners, PowerBait and casting spoons. But in addition we also have the best BnR soft beads and WFO worms and twitching jigs for in the river.

The Nanaimo and Cowichan Rivers are now open for Coho retention (Always check your local regulations before fishing) Twitching gigs are your best bet for these fish. Trout fishing in most Island lakes is excellent with soft eggs, worms and PowerBait on the bottom working. Trolling wedding bands, small plugs and spoons are also effective in the lakes.

Tips Up, Steve Vavrik