Winter Fishing Report for January 2023
Posted by Steve Vavrik on 2023 Jan 20th
The winter Chinook fishing season has gotten off to a great start. Fish are averaging a bit bigger than normal, with 12-15lbers being caught in many locations. There are also the odd mature fish out there at this time of year so you never know what you might get. About half the fish are legal retention sized and are strong fighters. You should get your two keepers on most days.
Fish are closer to shore than normal, with excellent fishing around Five Fingers Island, Tent Island area, Sansum Narrows, East Gabriola and Valdez Island.
Howe Sound has been of fire for a while now with excellent reports from the mainland fishermen.
To target winters, drag the bottom around 200ft down. Best lures are Chartreuse spoons like Trailhead, or cop car pattern spoons like Cookies & Cream, along with white looney spoons. Hoochies in T-Rex pattern are also working.
Prawning is excellent in areas that it is open. Check current regulations for opening/closing dates.
Crabbing is on the upswing after a few less productive years.
Note that as of April 1st all crab buoys must be bullet shaped, and all prawn buoys must be round 12” or bigger. And remember to write your name and number on them.
In the freshwater Steelhead fishing is approaching its peak in February. Most Island Steelhead rivers are doing very well. With BNR Soft baits and WFO worms being the top lures.
There is a lot of chatter from Vedder River fishermen taking about a great Steelhead season.
Trout fishing on the Island is very good. Power bait fished off the bottom is a good bet. Lake Cowichan is excellent right now for big cutthroat up to 30inches. Tomic and Lyman plugs fished far back from the boat are taking the big fish.
Tips up,
Steve Vavrik