Skip to content

Winter Fishing

Winter salmon fishing in Sooke is GOOD. Halibut fishing is GREAT!
9808sookeJustfortheHalibut_Web
Just for the Halibut

Winter salmon fishing in Sooke is GOOD. We have had reports of lots of action on winter spring salmon in front of the Sooke Harbour mouth, the bluffs, and west of Otter Point. We have been experiencing some better weather with lower winds, and more boats have been getting out for salmon and halibut fishing. Most anglers are reporting catching salmon very close to the bottom in 100 to 200ft of water. Hootchies, spoons, and anchovies are usually the most popular winter fishing baits, trolled 10 or 12 feet behind the downrigger ball for more action. Regulations remain at two salmon per person per day in our area. Halibut fishing has been GREAT, as long as you find the good tides and low winds that allow you to anchor or drift with your gear on the bottom. Herring has been working for us and most anglers I have been speaking with, but salmon bellies, octopus, and squid are very good options. Sitting through the tide change seems to increase your chances of landing a nice halibut. We caught one of our biggest halibut of the season on Nov.27th at 55lbs, and 133cm long; right on the legal limit! We are nearing the end of the halibut season, and it’s tempting to stay on the anchor through rougher weather for the reward. Please know your limits and pull the anchor before it’s too late. The Coast Guard Auxiliary Sooke unit 37 has already had one halibut fishing related call this season. Be careful! Crabbing in Sooke Harbour remains slower than normal, but there are still crab to be caught. Moving your traps around to different spots in the harbour may help.

Ron Neitsch

2 Reel Fishing Adventures