It is kind of pretty though. Apparently the algae bloom is surface oriented, so down where your gear is working it’s life as normal. That said, I would think that there may be less light getting through. It actually isn’t a biological disaster or an event that is caused by climate change. It’s actually a natural event that does happen in stages every summer. This one just happens to be pretty dynamic.
Does it affect the fishing to any degree? It certainly hasn’t affected mine that much. It has slowed down some the past week but there are fish out there and the bite does come on. You gotta have gear in the water, at the right time in the right place, trolling the right gear at the right speed and depth. Can’t offer much help with more analysis of the algae bloom, but I can help you with the rest!
Let’s start with finding some willing springs. As per previous reports I keep stating that the best chinook fishing will be on the perimeter of the Sound in early season. We are still in early July so this theory remains true. Explore the water in places like Austin and Cree, Sail Rock, Cape Beale and Little Beale. Harbour Entrance, Swale Rock and Kirby have also had their moments as have Sanford and the Wall. Depths can vary but we’ve been trolling depths at the following places:
- Little Beale, I like tight to structure at 44 – 49 feet
- Austin and Cree, 55 to 65 feet is a good place to start but 90 to 100 also produces
- Sail Rock, 40 – 70 feet
- Harbour Entrance to Sawle, 60 – 90 feet
- Kirby, I like fishing tight to structure at 40 – 60 feet. I’ll go deeper if it’s quiet.
- Sandford, 40 – 60 feet
- The Wall, 50 – 90 feet.
Ok – we have the depths sorted out. Now before I get all kinds of responses sayin “hey Coach, you’re nuts! I caught all my fish at 150 feet!” these are only suggestions.There will be fish caught from the surface to the bottom but these depths have worked well for me over the years.
As for gear? I’m still going to suggest matching the hatch. Small spoons and white hoochies are my go to’s. I have been having particular success with Amundson Irish Cream and Bon Chovy Skinny G knock offs, along with West Coast Tackle’s Skinny G knock offs. Great paint jobs on these spoons with decent hooks that stand up to larger fish. You can’t go wrong trolling glow white hoochies either, although the annual squid spawn does not seem nearly as prolific this year.
I should mention that although I haven’t run any yet this year, guys are having decent success with anchovies. I usually wait till August to roll bait but I have talked to quite a few fishermen having great success with bait early in the season.
I do think when trolling metal and plastic it’s important to keep up your speed from 2.7 to 3.2 mph. Trolling faster is a better move than slower. Try it. You’ll be rewarded.
As for coho? Same story as usual. Here one day gone the next. Tha said, it seems Kirby, Harbour Entrance and Swale are holding a higher percentage of coho than most other spots. Changing up your gear to target them from chinook isn’t really necessary. IF the coho are around? they’ll attack your gear. Once again trolling somewhat faster would be beneficial.
Halibut fishing has been fabulous. If you have access to a safe anchor system then get offshore, find a hump that comes anywhere from 150 to 200 feet. Fish in and around it. Salmon bellies on spreader bars work very well. We have been using16 oz paddle tail jigs after we put down our bellies. The jigs have been very productive. It’s a ton of fun to feel hali hit with the rod in your hands!
July is still a very quiet month in Bamfield. I can’t suggest July enough to my guests. The fishing can be and has been fantastic! Low boat traffic to boot. I often have popular spots all to myself. If you can? get here! There are rooms available at the lodge, moorage too!
Visit our website and call Brenda ASAP at 250-728-3330 !
To quote the great wrestling announcer, Ed Whalen, “In the meantime and in between time”, Coach is out! (out fishin of course!)