Tofino B.C. Salmon Fishing Report June 2002
After a great early season of saltwater fishing in the Tofino-Clayoquot Sound
area, the month of June offers yet more fantastic opportunities with diversity
that caters to most coastal anglers.
Those who plan on venturing to the local offshore hotspots
like Portland Pt., Three Humps or Raphael Pt, should consider a
few new angles while searching for big transient Chinook salmon
or Halibut. With talk of bait being in short supply this season,
anglers can rely on some great new artificial alternatives.
Siver Haze and Army Truck Glow Gypsy Spoons from Gibbs/Nortac
has been producing amazingly well when fished down deep, behind
your favorite flasher.(Purple Glow, Purple Gold and Blue Silver
top my flasher list for this area)
The new Roadrunner spoon from Tomic lures has fished well when
larger bait is present.
For attracting the attention of Halibut in the Tofino area,
try adding some bait scent to the hoochie skirt on your Gibbs Mudraker,
or to your favorite heavy lead jigs. A few drops of the “Mikes
Glow Scent” in Shrimp or Anchovies flavor lasts a long time,
with noticeable results. If you are unable to find a source of
bait Herring, have your own herring/smelt jig ready to catch a
day’s supply of fresh bait. If you have already caught Salmon
before you switch to Halibut fishing for the day, try a fresh strip
of Salmon belly fished with a Gibbs spreader bar.
Fantastic numbers of Coho Salmon in the area have provided
some great early season opportunities for Saltwater Fly fishermen,
but now is the time that the masses of transient Coho Salmon show
in local waters, feeding for numerous tides before moving on down
the coast. Most of these 4-7 lb. Coho are still focused on krill,
so smaller fly patterns in orange, red or pink will often produce
the best. A 7-8 wt. med-fast action fly rod will tackle most early
season Coho. A changeable tip system loaded on a good disc drag,
machined or anodized reel are strongly recommended.
Freshwater fishing in the area often goes unnoticed, but great
results await those willing to get out to these relatively remote
areas. All local lakes are producing trout, with some great action
for Sea-run Cutthroat that are still targeting Salmon Fry migrating
downstream in most local watersheds.
June is undoubtedly the start of the “peak” season
in the Tofino area, so come out and see why everyone is talking
about Clayoquot Sound. Check us out at www.tofinofishing.com
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