2014 British Columbia Salmon Fishing Predicted to be the BEST EVER!

Sharpen those Hooks!! The News Just Keeps Getting Better & Better!!!

If only a portion of what Dept. of Fish & Ocean (DFO) - Canada & Washington State Dept. of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW)- Washington State, are saying come true we are in for the 2014 SALMON FISHING SEASON TO BE THE BEST EVER.

FACTS:

-65,000 Chinook returned to Conuma River/Hatchery 2013. This season the projections are up to 80,000 Chinook. The Burman River is also projected to have a return of 10,000 Chinook.

-2013 West Coast Vancouver Island (WCVI) Coho were at their highest rating (abundant) in over 10 yrs. Result limits were increased from 2 to 4 fish per day- 8 possession on June 1st. This Yr. 2014 same thing on limits but, there is some conversation out there that DFO is considering the possibility of retention of some wild Coho outside the surfline, STAY TUNDED. Inside surfline, same as last year in our area - 4 fish per day & Coho retention can be wild or hatchery marked.

-23 million Sockeye will be returning to the Fraser River this season. For the 1st time in three years we will have a Sockeye opening for WCVI

- Last years Chinook returns were primarily made up of 3yr. old fish (15-25 lbs). 2014 returns are expected to be made up of primarily 4 & 5yr. old stocks (25- 40lbs) Lots of Tyees 30lb+

- 1.8 million Coho will return to the Columbia River & Puget Sound Rivers. This # is up substantially from last yr. Most of which will pass right in front of Nootka Sound as they move south in May – Aug. LOTS will move inside the surfline to feed & rest.

- 1.9 million Chinook will also be returning to the Columbia River & Puget Sound Rivers. This is the largest return to the Columbia since 1938 when records were first started to be kept. Same as Coho Lots of these Chinook will be available at the mouth of our inlets, inside the surfline when they move into feed, especially on flood tides & Outside the surfline May – Aug.

New Salmon Openings in Nootka Sound!

GOOD NEWS, NEW OPENINGS IN NOOTKA SOUND , AREA 25

Approved as of March 24, 2012 by DFO:

1. opening the lower portion of Tahsis Inlet around Bodega Island and Strange Island for Chinook Salmon.

2. opening an outer portion of Hanna Channel and the lower portion of Zucarte Channel for Chinook Salmon.

3. Coho – removal of a portion of the hatchery only retention area and extending the regulations from San Gertrudis Cove to Discovery Point.

INTERESTING SALMON FACTS FOR THE 2012 SEASON

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Report February 28, 2010:

· Strong returns of Columbia River Chinook Salmon (over 650,000) and good numbers of coastal Coho are projected.

What does this mean to us on the West Coast of Vancouver Island – especially here in Nootka?
· Most of our early June and July Chinook and Coho are American fish
· This means another GREAT early salmon fishery for our area catching!

FISHERY NOTICE FN0128 – RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT ACTION

Yes regulations are being tightened up to protect Fraser River Chinook.
A slot limit is in effect for the Victoria area between Cadboro Point to Sheringham from March 1 to June 15, 2012. Daily limit is 2 per day size limit of 45cm – 67cm or 67cm and over for hatchery marked fish.

How does this effect us? IT DOES NOT AT ALL for fishing in areas 25, 125, – our back yard.
ALL INDICATIONS ARE LOOKING VERY GOOD FOR 2012 SALMON FISHING

Good news for Nootka Island Lodge, click HERE for more information and to book a trip!

Nootka Island Lodge Christmas Specials

This is the year to come and fish one of British Columbia's best known fishing destination in Historical Nootka Sound.

Nootka Island Lodge is offering a special on our packages for Christmas. The packages must be booked before December 31 2011.

2011 Fishing Packages:

2 Night 3 Day Fully guided trip $1299.00 per person.
3 Night 4 Day Fully guided trip $1949.00 per person.
4 Night 5 Day Fully guided trip $2598.00 per person.

CHRISTMAS GIFT SPECIAL PRICES:

2 Night 3 Day Fully Guided Trip, buy one for $1299.00 per person
get the second one for $649.50 per person.
THIS IS A SAVINGS OF $649.50

3 Night 4 Day Fully Guided Trip, buy one for $1949.00 per person
get the second one for $974.50 per person.
THIS IS A SAVINGS OF $974.50

Trips are based on double occupancy. We require a 50% non refundable deposit to hold a reservation
and deposits are due by January 20 2012.


All packages include:
Two guests per boat with guide, all fishing gear, care of catch, room and all meals.
Round trip air fare from Gold River to the Lodge is $185.00 per person

Want to see more detail, click HERE to view Nootka Island Fishing Adventures.

October Fishing at Nootka Sound

Nootka Sound

Easily accessible by driving due west from Campbell River, the fine fishing grounds of the Nootka Sound area have brought smiles to the faces of countless sport fishermen. Resorts, lodges and guides are numerous in the area as well as lodging and services found in the nearby villages of Gold River, Tahsis and Zeballos.

Feeder Chinook up to 15 lbs. are available offshore during the winter months. Large migratory Chinook up to 40 lbs. start showing offshore in June and move inside in early July. The run will peak in August. Coho action starts in early summer and will peak in fall. September and October are the best Coho months. Nootka Sound is also an excellent producer of Rockfish, Lingcod and Halibut.

Want to go after these great Coho in the fall months, contact Fishing on Nootka Island at this link, they are a top fishing outfitter for this area and have a fabuloso lodge. http://www.fishingonnootkasound.com/