FISHING REPORT BARKLEY SOUND, PORT ALBERNI INLET UCLUELET SOMASS-STAMP RIVER

Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing

May 9^th 2007

Fishing Report

Port Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound

     The Port Alberni Inlet currently does not have a fishery.  Most years the first fishing begins in mid June for sockeye.  Fisheries Canada is now expecting a low return on sockeye that return to Sproat and Great Central Lakes.  Fisheries however has not, as of yet, determined closures but it is expected that there will not be a sport fishery in the inlet or a net fishery in the river for sockeye during the month of June.  June is often the time that many of the healthiest of sockeye return.  It is expected that the waters of the river will remain cool and it is hoped that there will be a high return of early sockeye.  If returns during the month look promising and testing in the inlet looks good there is a very good possibility of a sport fishery beginning in early July.  If the sockeye sport fishery is completely cancelled then fishing in the Inlet will not begin until early August.  Early August often sees the first of the Robertson Creek Hatchery chinook salmon come into the inlet.  The run count of chinook this year is expected to be just over 100,000 while coho returns are 80,000.

      Barkley Sound fishing has been spotty over the past week.  Wind and heavy rain showers by the hour have not helped.  Sail Rock and Mayne Bay have had some nice chinook in the 20 pound range.  Swale Rock and Vernon Bay have had a number of fish in the 8 to 11 pound range.  The fish have been hitting white and green hootchie and various coyote spoons.  Guide Jon had 4 chinook close to twenty pounds last Tuesday.  The white AORL 12 hootchie plus the green spadder back, which are always very good choices, were working well. Leader length was 42 to 44 inches behind a green or red hotspot flasher.  Those fishing Sail Rock were having success using anchovy behind a clear Rhys Davis Anchovy holder.  The best coyote spoon was a 4 inch watermelon.  It seems that watermelon spoon has been an excellent choice not only in this area but other areas of the west coast all winter and spring.

      We are now into May and Barkley Sound salmon fishing should really become quite good, especially in those areas along the surf line.  Meares Bluff and often Austin in May and June have traditionally been excellent fishing locations.  The first of the migrating salmon traveling down the coastline of Vancouver Island come into these two named areas to feed on the rich bait fish before making their journey to their spawning grounds.  Sometimes these fish have come in as far as Samatao and Diplock.

      The Barkley Sound area will be rather remarkable this summer in relation to size of fish.  Fisheries Canada has forecast most of the returning chinook to be 4, 5, and 6 year olds. The chinook will range 20 plus pound to just over 40 pounds on average.  We are very excited about this, plus the fact that there will be a healthy return of coho mixed in with the chinook later in August.  If you are bringing your own boat please do not delay moorage and accommodation as much of this is drying up.  If you are requiring guided trips and accommodation please call soon as August and September will be fabulous months.  Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing Phone 250 724 2502, e mail dlindy@shaw.ca

Ucluelet (West Coast)

     The early season summer chinook fishing has been very good.  The weather has not helped as it seems that when the water calms for 40 minutes another squall and another big shower hit.  We are expecting a high pressure system to come in by mid-week.  Hopefully this system will remain for some time.  Guide Bob and Al did well with guests over the weekend and last week just outside the Ucluelet Harbor.  Fortunately the fishing has been close to shore and clients have been limiting out on 15 to 22 pound chinook.  We have tried halibut fishing but they seem to be out at the Big Bank and have not yet moved in closer.  Sail Rock, Big Bear, and Mara Rock have been producing some nice fish, which have been in 70 to 110 feet of water.  Anchovy on a clear Rhys Davis Teaser Head has been working as well as various white and clear hootchies.  All coyote spoons in the 4 inch variety with silver have been working very well also.

     Because of the poor weather we have not gone out to the big bank but have fished Southbank and picked up a few small halibut.  May and June often find the halibut further out and this seems to be true at the moment.

     The Ling cod opened on April 15^th and they are abundant.  They are nailing anything that one puts out bait or lure, as long as they are in the area.  Guide Mike trolled for two hours on Saturday and hit 5 beauties on white hootchie.

      The SEAFOOD SAFARI is currently on and doing well.  There are plenty of prawns and crabs and bottom fish. Throw in a couple of salmon and a small halibut and what a seafood delight.  Phone us for information on this fun fishery.  We will continue into June.

Somass-Stamp River

      The Winter Steelhead fishing is all but over.  There are a number of kelt making their way down the river into the harbour, inlet, and Barkley Sound before heading out into the Pacific.  These fish will feed for 9 monhs and become healhy and fairly heavy before making their way back to spawn once again.  The next probable fishery in the Stamp will be fly-fishing coho and chinook.  This will be a fabulous fishery this September and October.  There should be a surplus of coho and chinook.  The best fishing is on drift or jets boats to get one in the correct areas where the fish are.

Port Alberni Labour Day Derby

       The Port Alberni Fishing Derby will occur during the Labout Day weekend.  This is always exciting as anglers all believe that they will catch the daily big fish or the biggest fish of the derby.  This year big chinook are expected.  Derby Headquarters this year is again at Clutesi Haven Marina on River Road.  Come and experience a very West Coast weekend full of fun and activity.

For More Information

Contact

Doug Lindores

Slivers Charters Salmon Sport Fishing

www.catchsalmon-ca.com

www.catchsalmon.ca

250 724 2502

dlindy@shaw.ca