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An updated Tofino B.C. Vancouver Island Fishing Report

PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 1:25 am
by Tofinofish
Tofino B.C. Vancouver Island Fishing Report June 2006



If you consider the combination of weather and diversity of fishing opportunities for Fresh and Saltwater options, you will understand why the month of June in the Tofino-Pacific Rim area on Vancouver Island’s west coast is favoured by many.
Late spring and early summer run Steelhead in the small to medium sized rivers of Tofino/Clayoquot Sound add to the mix of aggressive Cutthroat that are aggressively feeding on salmon fry heading downstream, as well as the Caddis that are ever present during June. A small spinner or fry pattern will evoke the desired response from the hungry Cutthroat. The lower elevation lakes of this west coast Vancouver Island area, as well as some of the smaller fly in lake options also provide some of the season’s best action for Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout.
During this time, there are often fish scattered throughout various depths of the lakes, foraging on the ample food options in the way of stickleback, caddis, leeches and chironomids. It becomes quite obvious why fly anglers are have been awaiting this month of the year, as many fly patterns will produce when properly presented.
The Saltwater fishing opportunities in the Tofino B.C. area is now prime for Chinook salmon and Halibut as a main focus. Tofino B.C.'s most productive offshore areas during this time average 6 to 8 miles from the Vancouver Island coastline, and provide ample baitfish stocks of Needlefish, Sardines and Herring that have historically urged transient salmon to hold in the area for great lengths of time. Halibut that hug the bottom contours of these same baitfish rich banks are also encouraged to hold for extended periods of time with such strong food resources. During May and June, fishing Tofino's offshore waters does provide a variety of techniques, but it is quite common to troll near the bottom with large spoons, plugs or bait to compound the opportunity of hooking either a bright Chinook Salmon in the 18-30 lb class, or tackle testing Halibut that average between 20 and 60 lbs. Glow Hoochies are always a good standby when searching for both species, and remember to always sharpen your hooks and replace old line and leaders from last season.
The protected inshore waters of Tofino/Clayoquot Sound provide a safe and productive area for Chinook salmon as well as early season Coho Salmon that are actively feeding in the generally shallow waters of the sound.
June 1st was the new opening date for Coho Salmon in the Tofino B.C. area, with an allowable retention of 2 Coho per person per day, with hatchery clipped fish only on the outside or offshore waters. Local inshore areas like Tonquin Island, Catface bar and Bartlett Island are all prime areas for to fish for Coho salmon, with either tackle or flies. These areas will provide great salmon action right through late September, and all with a short distance from Tofino harbour. A common recipe for success when fishing Coho is to troll fast at 18-30 ft deep with a small spoon 4 feet behind a red or blue flasher.
For fly anglers, try trolling bright Pink or Orange Buck tail Flies in the prop wash of the motor, or cast small Clouser minnows in the same colours.
The west coast Vancouver Island outlook for the remainder of the 2006 season is very promising, with great Salmon returns forecasted, so plan on getting out on the water soon.
For Vancouver Island salmon fishing, Vancouver Island halibut fishing,
Vancouver Island fishing charters, Tofino B.C. fishing, Tofino accommodations, fishing at Tofino B.C. with Clayoquot ventures, fishing Tofino for salmon halibut steelhead and trout, hopefully these reports are useful.

For any further info, see us at www.tofinofishing.com or call toll free at 1-888-534-7422