Tofino Fishing Report: June

by Jay Mohl, Tofino

The month of June normally offers some of the most diverse and productive fishing opportunities of the year in the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area.

Saltwater fishing opportunities in the Tofino area are entering the high part of the season right now, with Chinook Salmon and Halibut receiving the majority of attention by local and visiting anglers. The current pattern of consistent Saltwater opportunities will most likely last into early October, with the peak happening late in June, July and August.

The offshore waters from Tofino are definitely the most productive for chrome bright Chinook salmon up in to the 40lb. Class, with many of these transient Salmon averaging 18-25lbs.

Numerous stocks of Chinook and Coho Salmon combine to enhance our great local fishery, preceding the local stocks that often return later in the summer. Many recent Chinook salmon have been caught with Anchovies trolled 6 feet behind a purple, blue or U.V. Flasher, most often trolled deep. Try large spoons or 5-6 inch Tomic plugs trolled near the bottom for a productive, light tackle approach. Needlefish and Octopus Hoochies are still a must have for your tackle selection.

For those anglers interested in the pursuit and rewards of the Pacific Halibut, the preparation of your boat and gear should be a strong consideration. Strong line, sharp hooks and fresh baits like Herring, Pilchards, Octopus or Squid all help ensure success.

Consider having some ice in your fish box for the best preservation of your catch, with further processing methods as soon as possible.

The Saltwater fly fishing in the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area has already begun, with a good season of opportunity ahead. Fly patterns for this time of the year should lean toward orange, pink, and red, or combinations of these colors. Clouser Minnows, Krystal Shrimp and small streamers in the #4 - #1 sizes should be in your saltwater fly box at this time of the year.

Watch for the sizes and numbers of Coho Salmon to increase dramatically from now through late September. Fortunately, the forecast for Coho returns to the Clayoquot area is better than last season.

Local lakes and streams are very productive right now, with smaller spoons and spinners working well for the gear anglers. Flies to consider would be the Halfback Nymph, #8 Articulate Leech or Damselfly Nymph for lake fishing in the area. As the Salmon fry continue to migrate downstream, small streamers like the like the Kiwi Muddler and other fry patterns are a standby for most streams and river estuaries.

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Jay Mohl operates Clayoquot Ventures in Tofino, a sportsfishing guide company. Visit his website for more info: www.tofinofishing.com