BC Coho Report (and question)

[Bruce Davidson]

Got back from the annual trip to an island not far from Prince Rupert, BC. Fishing, while not nearly as good as last year, was still very fun, with between 2 and 12 cohos (plus pinks) each day. And man did I need that break from work! But, the reason I'm writing this is not to brag, or complain, about this year's fishing, but to relay a couple of observations that may (or may not) be relevant to WA returning coho prospects.

One interesting point was that this year, contrary to previous years, an island to the west of where we stayed where we normally encounter many many more fish, was simply devoid of coho. Not sure what to make of that, but interesting.

Second point, I contacted WeighWest in Tofino to see how the season was going and whether it might be worth a trip up there in the coming weeks. The report was basically that coho fishing has been spotty (couple days with a few fish boated, couple days with virtually nothing, etc.). And the boats out in the ocean aren't finding coho, either. In addition, reports from the Charlottes are not good - coho basically not there.

From what little I've found out about Neah Bay and the strait is not much happening either. I was hoping for a little Puget Sound fishing this or next month, but I'm puzzled by what I'm hearing. Anyone have another piece of this puzzle?

Bruce

[Stonefish]

I'll put my two cents in on this. I've been fishing Area 9 since it opened July 16th. It has been extremely slow this year compared to past years. Tons of baitfish yet not alot of fish caught from the beaches. My friends who fish gear are experiencing the same thing. A few good days mixed in with lots of slow days. It seems there are currently more fish in Area 10 then in other marine areas. Westport & Ilwaco also have been slow for this time of year.

I personally think the fish are just late showing up this year. Just a guess, but it likely has something to do with ocean conditions (water temps, etc). The Columbia River Springers were late as were the Lk Washington Sockeye.
We are just now getting into prime time for Puget Sound beach fishing. If thet aren't here in decent numbers by the end of August, then it should be of some concern.
We've also had very little rain in the past month and a half. A good shot of rain should turn things around quickly.
Good luck,
Brian

[alpinetrout]

Somebody told 'em I was waiting for them, so they all decided not to take any chances and spawn in Russia this year instead.

[Zen Piscator]

Russia, the place to be:thumb:
http://www.comic-trust.com/Images/Engl/Hist_e.jpg

[Smalma]

hatman -
Remember that there were terrible ocean conditions last summer with warmer than normal temps and little food. I would not be surprised that the smolts heading last spring found poor feeding conditions and had below par survivals. That is support by what I felt was a lack of coho Jacks last fall. Usually in late August and early Sept my incidental catch of Jacks (those 12 to 18 male coho) while throwing flies in the central sound is in double digits daily and last year it was probably less than 1/day. So I have been expecting a below average coho runs this year.

On the good side of the ledger it appears that some ocean fish have began filtering in the central sound as much as two weeks ago. And those fish have been on the chunky side. I would not be surprised that we will be hearing of a few fish in the upper teens/low twenties in Sept.

Have my fingers crossed and will be out thrashing away over the few weeks. Some years the fishing is less dependent on the numbers of the fish (there always are quite a few) but rather they are willing to bite.

Tight lines
Curt