18th November, 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 best fishing as usual at this time of year has been the Somass-Stamp River system. There is currently fresh Fall Steelhead coming in daily. The Fall Steelhead continue to follow the Coho which are still continuing to come into the River system daily even though their numbers are dwindling.

The summer of 2009 should see once again some spectacular fishing in the Port Alberni Inlet. In this picture are Leonard and Tom from the USA who both fished with Doug of Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing

There are still Coho and Chinook coming into the River system daily. When rainfall is high then the counters have a difficult time counting, as the clarity of the water can be very poor.

At the moment clarity is almost perfect. But a week ago it was poor and three or four days of counting was missed. The Chinook return is just over 22,000, which is 5,000 fish short of the original DFO forecast. However Robertson Creek Hatchery has its total egg count. Coho returns have been superb with almost 43,000 returning to Robertson Creek Hatchery Both species of salmon have also been dropping their eggs in the river system.

The Fall Steelhead fishing in the Stamp has been excellent. Guides have been hitting up to 12 fish per day on average during the last four or five days. Usually 30 to 45% of the fish caught are Hatchery fish so most boats are keeping 4 fish for guests per trip.

Usually November is the month when the Fall Steelhead go on a feeding frenzy. They are pounding the gravel beds and eating the freshly dropped eggs so that they fatten up for their winter stay-over. At the moment the Steelhead fishing is good in the Upper and Lower River. Since November 1st bait fishing in the Lower River or bellow “the bucket” has been allowed. Above “the bucket” or in the Upper River only artificial lures are allowed to be used. The bait ban in the Upper River is year round. At the moment the guides have been using Jenson eggs, Alaskan beads, wool, and flies that look like eggs. The Steelhead, that are in the Upper River, that swim into the hatchery will be taken by the hatchery staff. These fish will be released back into the bottom part of the Lower River and they will once again be available for Anglers. In 2007 this release happened around the 16th of November. Right now it may not matter only because there are large numbers of steelhead in the system.

At the moment we are organizing guests for fishing and an overnight stay in the lodge. The boats are set up for two guests per guide per boat. You don not need experience to fish for Steelhead. The guides who are very courteous will help you as they are very knowledgeable. Steelhead fishing in the Stamp will continue into March. Summer or Fall Steelhead can be caught until December 15th. Winter Steelhead can begin about the 20th of November and will last until the middle or end of March.

Port Alberni Inlet / Barkley Sound

Great fall Picture on the Stamp River as guide Bill and guest fish for Fall Steelhead

The Port Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound are very quiet. Salmon Fishing Charter boat operators have basically put away their boats until the new year. Salmon fishing charters and salmon fishing guides are really hoping that there will be a sockeye sport fishery in the summer of 2009. The thought is that late June or the 1st of July that there will be an opening to sport fishing for sockeye. The sockeye sport fishery is a great opportunity for people to get out and enjoy a day of fishing in a relaxed and fairly inexpensive setting. Sockeye are the number one eating salmon. They are fantastic on the barbecue and are a number one canned salmon and also great for cold smoking. The Port Alberni Inlet should see a very healthy return of Chinook and Coho in August and September. We are already gearing up for the 2009 Salmon Derby which takes place in Port Alberni on Labour Day weekend.

Barkley Sound should see some fairly significant feeder Chinook fishing beginning in late December and January. the Chinook will be constantly moving with the bait fish. Usually February is the month when the Herring spawn takes place. This spawn brings in even more feeders. Barkley Sound should also have some great fishing in June and July of 2009. The migratory fish going down the coastline of Vancouver Island is predicted to be very good during this next summer returns to the Columbia River are forecast to be very good. These fish usually come into Barkley Sound to rest and feed on the rich bait found in the area.

Ucluelet (West Coast)

This is the time of year when the weather makes it difficult to fish offshore. Of course there can be some days that we fish close to the Ucluelet Harbor or fish in the Sound or in the Mayne Bay area. Currently we are not fishing the area but will begin fishing feeder Chinook in January. We are also organizing trips for our famous Seafood Safari which we begin in March. This is a great time for all. Often there are some wonderful spring days on the open Pacific. Guests will have opportunity to fish for salmon, bottom fish, prawns, crab, and oysters.

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