15th May, 2008: FISHING REPORT: Port Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound, Ucluelet (West Coast), Somas-Stamp River System.

by Doug Lindores of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing
Toll Free Number: 1- 888 214 7206

The Salmon and Halibut Fishing on the West Coast of Vancouver Island out of Ucluelet B.C. and the Barkley Sound area has picked up dramatically since the beginning of May. Many of the springs early fish were local feeder Chinook weighing on average ten to fifteen pounds. With the migratory push of salmon moving down Vancouver Islands coastline and the halibut now making their migratory move from deep water to the shallows the sport fishing opportunities have really increased. Fishing pressure to date has been low as most of the boats observed in the waters of Barkley Sound and off of Ucluelet have been predominately fishing charter operators. As we close in on the long weekends of both Canada and the U.S. we should see some heavier activity as many anglers prepare for what looks like a pretty good year for the sport fisherman.

Port Alberni Inlet & Barkley Sound

The DFO has announced a pre-season expectation of only 150,000 sockeye to return to the Somass River. This low number will prohibit any sockeye sport fishery in June and July. This means the Alberni Inlet will remain very quiet for sport fishing until August. Chinook and Coho returns back to Robertson Creek look extremely promising as do returns to the various tributary streams, creeks and rivers. If this in truth occurs all sectors of the salmon fishing industry will receive plenty of opportunity to fish. August and September should see some extremely good fishing for the avid sport fisherman and salmon sport fishing guides in the Alberni Inlet. Expected are some good sized Chinook as returns of five year olds are predicted to be high.

The 2008 Port Alberni Salmon Derby which takes place during the Labor Day Weekend has an excellent chance of this being the year that one of the largest Chinook in Derby history is weighed in. The Derby is an excellent event for the whole family. When one has had enough fishing for the day there are many fun filled events on the derby grounds. Derby headquarters is Clutesi Haven Marina located on River Road in Port Alberni.

The fishing in Barkley Sound has picked up over the last few days. Meares, Kirby Point and Edward King have reported some Chinook up to twenty pounds. Local guides have been using anchovy in glow Rhys Davis Teaser heads, brass spoons, and various clear and white hootchies. At Meares some of the Chinook have been in 80 to 110 feet of water. With the migratory fish now into their fifth or sixth week we are expecting some good sized Chinook and Coho to make their way into the Sound to feed on the rich bait balls found in some of the more prominent fishing areas. Those not wanting to travel as far as the surfline, fish Swale Rock, Diplock, Pill Point or even Samatao Bay. Anchovy in various teaser heads are always a good bet to use as well as green and white hootchies. Green-glow coyote spoons and even the old stand-by cop- car are good bets. By the beginning of August Robertson Creek Hatchery Chinook will begin to make their way into the Sound and will linger and feed before making their way up to the Alberni Inlet and into the Somass River System.

The sport fishing for the months of June, July, August and September should be incredible in Barkley Sound. Accomodation and fishing packages are available.

Ucluelet

The areas out of Ucluelet have been very good over the past 10 days for both salmon and halibut. Local guide Mike has been fishing the Amphritite Bank and the Lighthouse Bank which basically means he is putting in time at South Bank and the South-West Corner. Mara Rock and Beg Island have been hotspots for salmon. Halibut have been best in about 180 feet of water in the South Bank area. Trolling and bouncing grubs or herring off the bottom for halibut and fishing for salmon in 60 feet of water or better have been producing some incredible results. Halibut up to 25 pounds and Chinook up to 30 pounds have been numerous. The Chinook have been hitting anchovy in a purple or clear or glow teaser head. Chrome and Chartreuse coyote spoons have also been attracting the salmon with a six foot leader behind a red hotspot flasher.

If fishing is anything like last year one should plan to fish halibut in favorite hotspots first thing in the morning and then move to the beach later in the morning for Chinook and Coho. For some reason last year the salmon did not move out to distant waters in their usual migratory route until August. Remember that the summer becomes very busy on the West Coast. Plan your fishing journey and destination now so your trip will always be memorable.

Somass- Stamp River

The steelhead fishing is now over. We are gearing up for the fall and expecting some incredible fly-fishing and other methods of fishing aboard jet and drift boats. Our fishing and accommodation packages for the Stamp River are now available. Avid river fishermen do not want to miss out on some great fall angling. Late summer steelhead fishing usually picks up from mid October through November.

For more information

Contact:

Doug Lindores
Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing
www.catchsalmon-ca.com
www.catchsalmon.ca
dlindy@shaw.ca
+1 250 724 2502 (h)
+1 250 731 7389 ©
Toll Free Number: 1- 888 214 7206