Tofino Fishing Report July 2002

by Jay Mohl, Tofino

The month of July provides fantastic and diverse fishing opportunities in the Tofino area.

Tofino's offshore waters that have been bountiful through the past months continue to provide great action for most species of Salmon, Halibut and various bottom fish. The scattered islands and reefs that form the outer coastline of Clayoquot Sound, now become feeding habitat for mixed stocks of Chinook and Coho Salmon. The combination of aggressively feeding Salmon along the coastline, with relative protection and close proximity to the harbour, offers Saltwater anglers great opportunities for some of the best Salmon action on the coast. Consider these local areas around Tofino to produce well on your next trip: Blunden Island, Bartlett Island, Kutcous Point and Plover Reefs.

The number of Coho in the Tofino area is astonishing, with the average size of these aggressive feeders admirable, increasing substantially as the season progresses. These increases create great options for all gear types, with Fly anglers and other light tackle fishermen possibly benefiting the most. Due to the relatively shallow waters of the sound, along with an abundance of baitfish triggering aggressive feeding habits, Coho Salmon will often strike gear that is trolled fast and flies that are retrieved quickly and often erratically. Gear fishermen in Tofino can rely on trolling small spoons like Gibbs Gypsy, Needlefish or Plankton Hoochies behind a mini flasher. Jig fishermen can expect success with a variety of Buzz Bombs, small Reef Raiders and Gibbs Minnows.

Fly casters love this time of the year as most everything in the saltwater box can potentially entice a violent strike from feeding Coho. Flies with a proven track record include Orange/White or Chartreuse/ White Clousers, sparsely tied Needlefish streamers in different shades of green, various Deceivers, and Bucktails in shades of Green, Orange, Pink and Purple. Remember that a little bit of Krystal Flash or Glow Flashabou really livens up your fly patterns, often making a big difference.

Anglers targeting Chinook Salmon in these same near-shore areas of Tofino should rely on Anchovies, medium Herring and Needlefish Hoochies. Watch for baitfish on your sonar as well as surface activity and bird action. This month provides unrestricted options for fishing your favourite area, and then August 1st will be the start of the slot limit for 1 Chinook Salmon over 77cm and 1 under 77cm.

Tofino freshwater fishing opportunities are excellent, with great options through late October. Please take a kid fishing as often as possible, to see the smile it brings to their faces, and to keep the interest and energy thriving in our world class sport fishery in Tofino on Vancouver Island.