Tofino Fishing Report: Spring 2004
For the small coastal community of Tofino, fishing has always
been a major attraction, with fish and seafood stocks creating
the backbone for the area's growth years ago. These rich aquatic
resources continue to attract Sport Fishermen from all over
the world, with this season showing as much popularity as ever.
Whether it is due to the conservation regime that has been adhered
to by the Salmon fishers of the B.C. Coast, or just a natural
"cycle" of better ocean survival conditions, the Pacific Salmon
stocks are rebuilding more and more each year. With the positive
turn in Salmon stocks coast wide, Vancouver Island's Pacific
Rim region boasts some of the best year-round fishing opportunities
in the Province.
Along with the building
stocks of Chinook and Coho Salmon, other diverse fisheries in
the Tofino area continue to thrive as well. Jay and his guides
have been consistently producing more and more Halibut each
season, and are continually the area's top producers. Jay has
also invented a hot new Halibut lure that should hit the market
in 2005. LingCod and Rockfish are always a great option - as
a focus or as a by-catch.
With Tofino continually
labeled as the premier destination for the rapidly growing Saltwater
Fly Fishery, Jay's Clayoquot Ventures has kept stride with these
progressive changes with two customized fly fishing vessels,
and offering top of the line equipment, both onboard, and for
sale at Jay's Fly & Tackle. Flagship products like Sage and
G. Loomis Rods, Islander Reels, Rio and S.A. Mastery Lines are
examples of the quality gear available. Through Jay's continually
expanding selection of fly patterns and tying materials, specialty
clothing by Patagonia, as well as the most effective terminal
tackle on the market, Jay's Fly & Tackle covers all needs of
local and visiting anglers.
For the Freshwater enthusiasts,
Jay's guided options are as good as ever. Starting in the spring,
the excursion of choice is the pursuit of Native Steelhead in
the remote and pristine systems of Clayoquot Sound. A favorite
of many is the unique multi-day drift from a mountain lake to
the tidal waters of the Sound. By the month of May, the fly-in
access lakes start to produce great action as the hungry trout
pull out of their winter dormancy. For the remainder of the
year, numerous Cutthroat Trout reward our efforts, while a select
few lakes provide unprecedented action for Rainbows, like no
other on Vancouver Island. Some of these trophies have easily
broken the 10 lb. range, most often on 5-6 wt. fly rods. To
keep these options unique and robust, we release all fish on
our freshwater excursions.
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