Ron Neitsch
Contributed
Fishing in Sooke waters has slowed down somewhat due to most coho entering the river and fierce weather systems moving through the area.
The good news is the river levels last weekend has risen due to rains near the source of the Sooke River system.
Fish have now been spotted in the Charters Creek tributaries farther up the river, and can be easily viewed from the path on the Sooke side of the Charters Creek bridge.
The fish that have been milling around the river mouth can now venture further up the river closer to spawning grounds away from the seals and other predators.
There are still coho being caught in the salt water. Winter spring salmon should be better soon and on calmer days halibut fishing has been productive.
Try trolling the gear deeper, down to 120 feet on the downrigger where you will be targeting winter springs, some remaining coho, and maybe even a halibut.
Crabbing in the harbour continues to get better as we get closer to spawning season, and already some planned salmon trips have turned into crabbing adventures as boats have been restricted to the harbour due to poor weather.
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Ron Neitsch is the owner of 2 Reel Fishing Adventures, based in Sooke.