Downtown Vancouver Salmon Fishing Report
March 17 Report
Spring is just around the corner and the fishery has been improving over the last 10 days after a lull in the action. The largest we have heard of is 34.5 pounds caught on the West side of Bowen Island! English Bay has been best around the QB marker with depths in the 100 foot to 130 foot range for the largest fish. Most of the English Bay fish seem to be Red meat Chinook with a mix of clipped and non clipped fish. West Vancouver shoreline has been very good on the flood tide using spoons and bait very close to the bottom. Punk Skunk, Cop Car, Purple Haze and glow green and white spoons have worked for us. We are starting to use Anchovy on a regular basis now as each day is different and some days they only take bait. The harbour seals are still a problem so be prepared to loose fish to these predators. For some reason they always seem to take the largest one of the day !
The West side of Bowen Island has been consistent fishery with most days producing a couple fish in the 8 to 15 pound range. But again, it's Winter fishing and you just never know. Tunstall Bay fished on the bottom with Flamin Hans, Punk Skunk, Purple Haze and Green and White glow spoons with and without flasher have done most of the damage. A few of the Howe Sounds fishers have started using bait with some good results. Hutt Island down to the waterfall is also a good place to try if Tunstall is not happening.
Standard tackle used in this fishery: Spoons, Gypsy and Gator in Punk Skunk, Flamin Hans, Purple Haze, Cop Car and Green and White have worked well for us with and without flasher. Hootchies also produce so change up your gear if you are in a slow period. Anchovy, Herring strip and whole Herring have been the ticket on some days.
We are optimistic that our healthy Winter fishery will transition into a very healthy Spring Feeder Chinook fishery in late March. Over the next few weeks we should also hear about the Horseshoe Bay area as this area seems to provide good action mid to late March and into April. We will be venturing off the South end of Bowen in no time as the the strait begins it's annual plankton blooms that mark the start of the offshore fishery. If you time it right, this can be very good 5 miles off the South side of Bowen Island. Good luck this Spring.
We now offer late Winter rates so if you want to get out at a reduced price give us a call and we will set it up for you.
Tight lines.
Evan, JohnB, Scott and Pete