September is the nicest time of year to be fishing off Sooke and Port Renfrew. Although halibut is closed as of Sept. 5, much to the displeasure of local anglers, chinook action should continue to be strong and the big northern coho should start showing. Anglers are still reporting good catches of chinooks, pinks, sockeye and coho in all the local hot spots. The springs are a little smaller lately in the 15-20 lb. range. Anglers should start seeing some big white springs. These big chinooks range from 25- 45 lbs. and should start showing off Sooke. They bite soft most of the time not even breaking the gear of the downrigger clip but when they do the fight’s on. Sooke River chinooks should also start showing, try fishing the Sooke Bluffs close to the bottom in 100’ of water for best results and of course anchovies are the bait of choice. When catching coho it’s a good idea to have a look at the fish prior to netting to see if it has its adipose fin intact, if the fin is not present then scoop it up. Otherwise it has to be released. Anglers will be allowed to keep wild coho as of Oct. 1.
The Port Renfrew Marina fishing derby was another success with over 200 anglers taking part. First place, Matt Wiley with a 35-pounder; second, Bill Cooper with a 33; third, Ryan Chamberland with 32.3. Everybody had a good time and all the proceeds go to the San Juan Hatchery for fish for the future.
Until next time keep your rod tip up!
If you want to go coho fishing off Sooke call 250-686-0738.