Hi All,
No, I am not dead nor have I fled the country. It has been way to long since I filed a report.
It’s been crazy busy here as per usual and I had to make a quick trip back to Vancouver. And…in all honesty I’ve been avoiding writing the truth. And the truth is… it’s been awful fishing, folks. Yes, there had been some who have managed to limit out here and there but for most it’s long days on the water for a few fish if you are lucky.
This report then is going to be short and perhaps not so sweet.
Typically July is very solid here in Barkely Sound. We take full advantage of Washington State, Oregon and Northern Californian fish passing by on their way south. The squid spawn in May, June and early July pulls these fish into the Sound then typically, after the squid spawn wraps up, needle fish and immature herring become the food source for salmon in the Sound. In my opinion, that just didn’t happen in July. The typical bait that haunts all our local spots just hasn’t shown up as per usual and when that happens there is no reason for salmon migrating past to stop in and feed. Barkley Sound or Robertson Creek fish haven’t shown up in any numbers as of yet so we are sitting high and dry. This should all change by early August as these fish will be showing up bait nor no bait. until then it’s a tough slog on the water.
What are my suggestions? If you find bait, stay on it. Glow white flash flys and hootchies are still producing if fish are around, as are Skinny Gs. Beale, Kirby, Ohiat, Flemming, Edward King are still your best bets at 45 – 60 feet on your riggers. If the south easterlies stop blowing then Austin and Cree are a good option but fish deeper here, 80 to 100 feet.
Off shore is good but ti’s a long way to go for sub 1 80 cm fish.
Just a reminder of the Bamfield Fire Department Derby this long weekend. Gordie Hawkins at Breaker’s Marine is a huge sponsor and does a fabulos job organizing this great community event. Get your tickets asap here in Port Alberni at Breakers Marine or here in Bamfield at Harbouside Lodge or at Bamfield Marine Boat Center.
I promise I will update you after the weekend. Stay tuned.
In the meantime and in between time,
Coach is out…