There are still some nice chinooks around Sooke waters. This past weekend reported good fishing at the Trap Shack and Secretary Island. Fishing close to the bottom is working the best. These fish are soft biters at this time of year but once hooked up the fight is on.
Sunday was the last day of halibut fishing on the West Coast. Anglers heading out on the water for a last kick at halibut before closing for the year experienced good water and decent fishing.
Looks like Little Barons and its crew picked up some nice ones fishing out west. Now that halibut is closed locals will be targeting the bigger coho that are staring to enter the Juan de Fuca Strait. Best places to catch are off the Sooke Bluffs or out on the tide lines to the middle of the strait. Some of the best ones can be taken right on the surface out in the middle of the strait. Squirts Hootchies, Spoons Anchovies and herring all work well. Local tackle shops can steer you in the right direction on how to catch these awesome fish. Try fishing the surface to 120 feet for best results.
In Port Renfrew anglers are still catching a few chinook and with the closing of halibut are starting to target coho. With the opportunity to catch two wild coho in the Port San Juan, many are trolling the beach close to shore at the mouth of the San Juan River with good success. Fishing right in front of the new dock at the Pacific Gateway Marine has been great with coho up to 20 pounds and chinook up to 35 pounds. Take note that chinook have to be released as they are almost ready to spawn in the San Juan River.
The Renny coho derby is coming up on Sept. 29 and 30. Always a good time with lots of anglers taking part with the chance at winning the winner-take-all event.
Until next time keep your rod tip up.