Shakers

After the normal slow period after the herring spawn the fishing has picked up again. Unfortunately many, many shakers have moved into some areas. There are still lot's of legal sized Chinook in the mix, but avoiding the little shakers is a bit of an issue. Some guys are running 6" plugs with some success, but even they are getting a lot of little salmon. The best location to find bigger fish right now is deep off the East side of Gabriola. Try right on the bottom with cop car or hit and run skinny G's. Glow flashers are a must as the annual spring algae bloom has started and visibility is poor. Going deep gets you below the algae but there is less light penetrating the water.

In the fresh water this are slowly warming up causing trout and bass to start feeding. Wicked lures continue to be the top trout lure, with power bait under a bobber running second.

For the bass crank baits like Berkley Clichin Frittside and Squarebills are starting to work. This will improve if we get some warm weather. However as it's been a bit cool a lot of fish are still holding in deep water and are not super aggressive. For these fish try drop shots with a suspended minnow or TDR worm.

Thanks again to all the guys sending in photos and reports. You know who you are and I appreciate it.

Tips Up,

steve@harbourchandler.ca