Recent Fishing Reports for Canada. 7/1

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[size 2]These reports are for specific areas of Canada. Please scroll down to the area that interests you and find your report for that section. There is some flyfishing information included for most of the areas as well some saltwater reports.[/size][size 1] [/size]
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Vedder River - July 1st, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=123,re"][#0000ff]Fred's Fishing Adventures[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Poor
Chilliwack/Vedder

Closed until July 1st. The water levels are looking perfect for the opening day with good visibility. Reports from the mouth of the Sumas are good. This is a good indicator that some fish are moving into the Chilliwack system. Best is casting or trolling large spoons such as #55 Kitimat or Kohos. You can also fish roe or sandshrimp on the bottom with 2 oz of weight or try using a slip float with the bait close to the bottom.

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Fraser River - July 1st, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=123,re"][#0000ff]Fred's Fishing Adventures[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Good
Water levels are up and down with the very warm weather that is melting the snow pack. For the most part the river is fishable with little debris flow. Visibility is approx 12" on most days. Bar fishing is producing but the bottom boouncers are doing better. Chinook numbers are decent and should continue for the summer. Everyone is wanting to know when sockeye opportunities will begin. It looks very likely that the fishery will open around the third week in July. Sturgeon are very active right now, the battles are most impressive due to the water temperatures warming up and the fish perform in amazing fashion. If you get a chance to get out it is a fantastic experience.

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Chilliwack Lake - July 1st, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=123,re"][#0000ff]Fred's Fishing Adventures[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Good
Most of the Fraser Valley Lakes continue to fish well, the weather has been great and this certainly makes for some great opportunity in the valley. Some of the bigger lakes are producing larger fish such as Cultus, Chilliwack and Harrison. Jones lake is fishing well, most of the smaller lakes are very worthwhile in the Chilliwack and Harrison valleys. Kawkawa Lake has been good for Kokanee. The Fraser Valley Salmon Society held the Cultus Lake Pike Minnow derby on June 19th. It was a huge success with a very large turn out. Lots of fish were caught, lots of prizes were handed out and everyone had fun. There were 929 pike minnows caught, 13 were tagged recaptures. Thanks to Fisheries for their generous support.

Interior Lakes

Weather has been good and so has the fishing. We are getting lots of great fishing reports.

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Campbell River - saltwater - July 1st, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=124,re"][#0000ff]Tyee Marine[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Good
Weather [[url "http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/forecast/city_e.html?ybl"][#0000ff]click here[/#0000ff][/url]]
Tides [[url "http://www.lau.chs-shc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/cgi-bin/tide-shc.cgi?queryType=showZone&language=english&region=1&zone=14"][#0000ff]click here[/#0000ff][/url]]

Cape Mudge; there are definitely some fish coming from the Cape Mudge area but earlier in the week was better than later. The tidal variation flattened out by the end of the week to a point where there was not much difference in height between high and low tide and this does not always make for good fishing at the light.
The Hump; the flatter tides this week have made for longer windows of opportunity to fish the Hump without fighting the current. Although many anglers fish the hump with trolling gear, it is an extremely popular location with anglers who prefer to jig.
Willow Shelter / Points; Some fish beginning to show on the west side of Discovery passage and further south into Georgia Strait. As schools of Salmon pass through the area, the fishing has heated up and cooled down several times in the past month.
Seymour Narrows- north; this end of our area is garnering the most interest right now and for good reason. Despite westerly winds making water conditions bumpy at times, the bulk of the fish being taken at this time are coming from the Greensea Bay, Chatham point area and up into the passages surrounding Sonora Island. There was an as yet unconfirmed report of a large fish being taken in Deepwater Bay.
All sorts of terminal tackle is being used depending on what each anglers preference is. Anchovies trolled behind a flasher have been producing fish as well as hoochies, small spoons and plugs. Heading north would be a good bet until the next wave of fish hits the south end of Quadra.

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Courtenay - saltwater - July 1st, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=124,re"][#0000ff]Tyee Marine[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Fair
Tides [[url "http://www.lau.chs-shc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/cgi-bin/tide-shc.cgi?queryType=showZone&language=english&region=1&zone=14"][#0000ff]click here[/#0000ff][/url]]

Courtenay Scene; The report being received at Peter’s Sports suggest that the best fishing in the Courtenay area is still the area around the south end of Denman and Hornby Islands. This has been the case for several weeks now. Anglers are using herring, anchovies, flasher hoochie combinations and small spoons like the Coyote Cop Car, Nasty Boy and Glo- Chartreuse. Freshwater fishing continues to be good in most local lakes during mornings and evenings with the middle of the day usually being a good time to take a break.

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Gold River - July 1st, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=124,re"][#0000ff]Tyee Marine[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Good
Gold River; those first, active summer Steelhead are starting to show up in the gold system, and now is the time to do some scouting. Typically most of the action is in the lower end of the Gold but some fish continue to move upstream rapidly until they decide to stop and hold in favourable pools. Summer Steelhead fishing can be a sight fishery so always be cautious about spooking fish. In pools where fish are visible, approach them from behind in order to prevent them from scattering in every direction, spoiling any chance of hooking one for several hours. Fly-fishing is a favourite method for many anglers, as these fish will come to both dry and wet flies. Some of the best patterns are Rob’s Ugli flies, bead head nymphs, Stimulators, Muddler Minnows and deer hair mouse patterns.

Salmon River; any time now, summer Steelhead bound for the White river will begin entering the Salmon River making themselves available for catching. These fish, along with Sea-Run and resident Cutthroat and Dolly Varden make the Salmon and it’s tributary the White River great places to fish during the summer.
Campbell River; The Sea-run Cutthroat fishery continues on the Campbell with the estuary being the most popular spot. Upriver, some resident rainbow are holding in pools feeding on the insect hatches happening during the mornings and evenings.

Oyster River; Sea-run Cutthroat activity continues in the estuary and upstream to the 19a bridge. The upper Oyster opens later July 1 and fishing should be excellent for the Sea-Run and resident Cutts that have migrated upstream in search of food.

Lake Scene; Good Lake fishing continues in the Campbell River area. There are 30 lakes within a 30-mile drive of Campbell River, many of which are stocked with both Cutthroat and Rainbow trout. During the heat of the Day, fishing can be a little slow but in the mornings and evenings, fishing has been excellent. Congratulations to Wade Birchard of Campbell River Doors for organizing the father’s day derby on Campbell Lake. There were over two hundred participants. Francis Drake took the top prize, a Bucks Bags Pontoon boat supplied by Tyee Marine

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Oyster River - July 1st, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=124,re"][#0000ff]Tyee Marine[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Good
Gold River; those first, active summer Steelhead are starting to show up in the gold system, and now is the time to do some scouting. Typically most of the action is in the lower end of the Gold but some fish continue to move upstream rapidly until they decide to stop and hold in favourable pools. Summer Steelhead fishing can be a sight fishery so always be cautious about spooking fish. In pools where fish are visible, approach them from behind in order to prevent them from scattering in every direction, spoiling any chance of hooking one for several hours. Fly-fishing is a favourite method for many anglers, as these fish will come to both dry and wet flies. Some of the best patterns are Rob’s Ugli flies, bead head nymphs, Stimulators, Muddler Minnows and deer hair mouse patterns.

Salmon River; any time now, summer Steelhead bound for the White river will begin entering the Salmon River making themselves available for catching. These fish, along with Sea-Run and resident Cutthroat and Dolly Varden make the Salmon and it’s tributary the White River great places to fish during the summer.
Campbell River; The Sea-run Cutthroat fishery continues on the Campbell with the estuary being the most popular spot. Upriver, some resident rainbow are holding in pools feeding on the insect hatches happening during the mornings and evenings.

Oyster River; Sea-run Cutthroat activity continues in the estuary and upstream to the 19a bridge. The upper Oyster opens later July 1 and fishing should be excellent for the Sea-Run and resident Cutts that have migrated upstream in search of food.

Lake Scene; Good Lake fishing continues in the Campbell River area. There are 30 lakes within a 30-mile drive of Campbell River, many of which are stocked with both Cutthroat and Rainbow trout. During the heat of the Day, fishing can be a little slow but in the mornings and evenings, fishing has been excellent. Congratulations to Wade Birchard of Campbell River Doors for organizing the father’s day derby on Campbell Lake. There were over two hundred participants. Francis Drake took the top prize, a Bucks Bags Pontoon boat supplied by Tyee Marine

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Miramichi River - June 26th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=71,re"][#0000ff]Fishing New Brunswick[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Good
Another week of some salmon being landed most days with the best luck still being on the White Tail Green Machine. This week, the stretch of river between Blackville and Upper Blackville has been the most productive. The Shad and Gaspereau have arrived in full force and some more Trout are travelling with the Gaspereau. Still not any great numbers of grilse to speak of in the river yet. The fishermen that are having the best luck are those that are in the right place at the right time as the salmon are on the move. The bit of rain we received yesterday is starting to bring the water up a bit as it has risen by 4 inches since yesterday and the Renous is also on the rise. We are now starting to do more of our canoeing and fishing day trips covering approx. 10 miles of water, stopping at a number of pools along the way and with salmon fishing picking up on the river, the only tough decision for our guests is choosing between our upper river tour or the lower river one.

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Chehalis River - June 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=123,re"][#0000ff]Fred's Fishing Adventures[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Fair
June 1st is opening day if you are interested in some summer run Steelhead. A few stories of some summer run Steelhead have been reported. Water levels are have been up and down. This river drops quickly after a rain so be prepared for a variety of conditions if you are headed that way.

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Harrison River - June 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=123,re"][#0000ff]Fred's Fishing Adventures[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Fair
This river has so much to offer with areas to explore on a year round basis. The combination of the beautiful scenery and some exciting Cutthroat action is worth some consideration. Water levels are dropping with the Fraser heights receding. Windy days can be challenging, but if the sun is out and the wind is quiet, it can be a piece of paradise.

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Sooke - Vancouver Island - June 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=118,re"][#0000ff]Quigley Sport Fishing[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Great
Salmon fishing was FANTASTIC on the weekend. A big run of springs arrived just in time for the Juan De Fuca Salmon Derby. On Saturday alone, 225 springs were weighed into the derby! We don’t have Sunday’s or the total count, but it was a record weekend for the numbers of big springs caught. The top 30 fish were all over 30 lbs and to get one of the 52 prizes your salmon had to be over 28 lbs! The winning fish was a 42.8 lb spring that was caught of Otter Point at 37 feet on anchovy. Secretary (Donaldson) Island, Possession Point and Otter Point were good. Some anglers said it was the best weekend that they had ever seen in Sooke for salmon fishing. Most anglers are catching the springs from 30 to 100 feet on the downrigger. Large anchovies were the most productive bait. The most successful teaser heads have been the in Glow Green and Chartreuse patterns but the new Rhys Davis Purple Haze Anchovy Special has been very effective. Spoons were catching springs as well. The best ones are the #4 Coyotes, #4 Titans or #5 Gibbs Gators in Glow /Green, Silver/Green or Black/Glow. Halibut fishing was good out to the west. Herring and octopus fished off a spreader bar is the best way to catch them.

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Becher Bay - Vancouver Island - June 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=118,re"][#0000ff]Quigley Sport Fishing[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Good
Salmon fishing was EXCELLENT on the weekend. From the marina side of Frazer Island west to the Trap Shack, big springs were caught in large numbers. At prime bite times, just about every boat had fish on! Loads of fish in the 20’s and 30’s were taken with the largest ones going just over 39 lbs. Anglers trolling large anchovies in Glo Green or Chartreuse teaser heads behind Green or Gold flashers were catching lots of salmon. Spoons were also doing well and a 39 lb spring was caught on a Green Coyote spoon right in the bay. The new Rhys Davis Purple Haze Anchovy Special has been very effective and is the hot new color. If you want to troll artificial baits, try #4 Coyotes, #4 Titans or #5 Gibbs Gators in Silver/Green and for plastics the Purple Haze or Moby Dick are good choices.

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Pedder Bay - Vancouver Island - June 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=118,re"][#0000ff]Quigley Sport Fishing[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Good
The salmon fishing was GOOD in local waters, but nothing compared to Sooke. In fract, most of the salmon coming into the marina have been from anglers launching in Pedder Bay but traveling west towards Sooke. Church Rock and Whirl Bay produced some springs into the high 20’s but not lots of fish. Trolling Anchovies is catching most most of the salmon taken. Anglers jigging for springs have also had consistent success while jigging from the Deep Hole to the RCM Blasting sign. For trollers, Green Scale or Glow Green and the new Rhys Davis Purple Haze Anchovy Special are the most productive teaser heads. The needlefish Lucky Jigs or Gibbs Minnows have been good lures to jig. If you want to troll spoons, try #4 Coyotes, #4 Titans or #5 Gibbs Gators in Green/Silver, Blue/Silver or Black/Glow. Good squirts/hootchies to use were the Purple Haze, Mint Tulip, Army Truck, and Jellyfish. HALIBUT – This past weekend was GOOD for halibut. Anglers weighed in halibut up from 39 to 74 pounds on the weekend. The 11 Fathom Reef, 27-Fathom Reef and the West Race were all good spots to fish. Extra Large Herring and Octopus fished off of a spreader bar with a 2 lb weight was the most successful combination to catch the big flatfish.

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Victoria Waterfront - Vancouver Island - June 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=118,re"][#0000ff]Quigley Sport Fishing[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Fair
Salmon fishing is still SPOTTY all along the waterfront. We’ve only heard of a couple of salmon being caught over the week. The best one was a 25-½ lb spring caught off Clover Point on a large anchovy fished in a Rhys Davis Purple Haze Anchovy Special and trolled at 80 feet. Off Constance Bank and elsewhere between Albert Head and Trial Island, the salmon fishing was very slow. Anglers jigging close to the kelp beds are reporting hitting a few fish, but not too many. If you want to troll artificial baits, try #4 Coyotes, #4 Titans or Gibbs Gypsy spoons in a silver/ green or blue/silver combinations. For plastics, use the Jellyfish, Purple Haze or Army Truck patterns in needlefish or squirts. HALIBUT – Halibut fishing at Constance Bank and Border Bank was GOOD. Anglers reported good action on halibut up to 50 pounds. Extra Large Herring or Octopus fished off of a spreader bar with a 2 lb weight is the best bet to catch the big flatfish.

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Oak Bay - Vancouver Island - June 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=118,re"][#0000ff]Quigley Sport Fishing[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Fair
Salmon fishing is still SPOTTY in Oak Bay. Some real quality springs up to 30 lbs were taken this past week on The Flats, but not many fish were caught in total. Most of the action was coming late after the end of the ebb tide and the start of the flood, or very early in the morning. Anchovy has been the most productive bait for trollers lately, especially in Green Scale teaser heads. The best patterns for squirts have been the Purple Haze, Jellyfish and the J79. If you want to troll spoons, the #4 Silver/Green or Silver/Blue Coyote or Gibbs Gypsy are good ones to try. Troll about 10-20 feet off of the bottom for best results. Closer into shore, jiggers have not been doing much better on springs. The 40 and 60 gram Gibbs Minnows or Stingers have been the best jigging lures. HALIBUT – Halibut fishing was SLOW off Oak Bay last week. Extra Large Herring combined with Octopus and fished off of a spreader bar with a 2 lb weight was the best set up for the big flatfish.

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Sidney - Vancouver Island - June 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=118,re"][#0000ff]Quigley Sport Fishing[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Fair
Salmon fishing was SLOWER this past weekend. It‘s still best at Hambley Point for springs up to 20 lbs. The Sidney Channel, the Powder Wharf and Arbutus Point have also produced some salmon, but not as consistently as Hambley Point. The salmon have been very good about striking on a wide variety of lures. The most productive bait was anchovy (any size) fished in a Green/Yellow Chrome Rhys Davis teaser head. Other favorite lures have been Tiny Strip, small Anchovy, or spoons. Use a glow in the dark teaser head with bait. The most popular spoons have been the #4 Coyotes, #4 Titans or the Gibbs Gypsy in Glow White/Green or Cop Car.

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Cowichan River - June 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=118,re"][#0000ff]Quigley Sport Fishing[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Fair
Fishing was SLOWER this past week. The amount of water being released into the river has been reduced and the water level has dropped from 0.4 meters to 0.25 meters. The river is very easily waded along its whole length. It’s way too low for drift or boats. Water clarity is good. Best success now is coming in the late evening and just after sunrise. For anglers who enjoy fishing at night, now is a good time to hit the river. Fly anglers have been reporting good success with March Brown, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear and Prince nymphs without bead heads. Black Wooly Buggers have also been good for the larger Brown trout. Some nice trout have been taken on dry lies as well. Start looking for the trout where springs feed the river, in the deep holes, and in the riffles. Spin fishermen can get some trout action on Len Thompson spoons, Roostertails, Blue Fox and Mepps spinners upstream of Skutz Falls and below the 70.2 CNR Bridge.

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Local Lake - South Vancouver Island - June 24th, 2004
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FISHING: Fair
Local Lakes

Trout fishing continues FAIR, slower than in previous weeks. Most of the action is now coming in the early mornings and evenings, with the trout being deeper in the day. However, if you fish the thermocline, you can get activity all during the day. Elk Lake continues to produce the most and largest trout on average (14-18 inches) and some rainbows up to 23 inches are still being caught. The highway side has been good as well. Langford Lake has also produced a few very large holdover rainbows lately. Prospect Lake has also been consistent for trout action. Fly anglers can stay with the old reliables (Black Leeches, Green Wooly Buggers) and expect good action. Chironomids have been good and Pheasant Tail, Halfback and Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear nymphs also work well. For trolling try #6 Len Thompson spoons, Flatfish or Wee Tads in frog patterns, red & white, or yellow with red spots. Willow Leaf Lake trolls and worms will almost always work if fished at the thermocline too. Spring stocking of trout has been completed and future stocking times for catchable rainbows are September 15-25 and October 20-30.

Bass Fishing

Bass Fishing has been GOOD for smallmouths up to 4 ½ lbs. The bass have finished spawning in most lakes and are moving into the post spawn pattern. Some of the bass though are moving into deeper water during the day. Anglers have reported good smallmouth action in Beaver, Elk, Langford and Prospect lakes while fishing close to shore. Shawnigan Lake has been outstanding and Quennel should also be good for smallmouths now. For largemouths, fish Elk or Beaver Lake. In the shallower waters try spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or soft plastics fished close to structure or docks.

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Campbell River - June 21st, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=124,re"][#0000ff]Tyee Marine[/#0000ff][/url]
FISHING: Fair
Salmon River; Pretty quiet on the Salmon River this week with Sea Run Cutthroat available in the estuary and well upstream.

Campbell River; Some Sea-Run action in the estuary and up-river. The Campbell is restricted to artificial fly only until the end of the month but Sea-Runs come willingly to a fly most of the time. Small minnow imitations are a best bet.

Oyster River; Sea-Run Cutthroat activity at the beach. Generally, anglers try no either side of the high tide. If this coincides with morning or evening, so much the better for fishing success.