2007 Tofino Vancouver Island B.C. Fishing Outlook
Before outlining details of the new fishing season in 2007, we can't help but reflect back on the "Season of Extremes" in 2006. Relentless winter storms gave way to really nice spring time conditions, which helped start off another great year for Salmon and Halibut fishing in the Tofino B.C. area. Halibut fishing on the west coast of Vancouver Island near Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. stayed very consistent, turning out as the best season we have experienced in many years. Chinook Salmon fishing was very good as well, but fishing for Coho Salmon was unfortunately the slowest, and lowest return we have seen in many years for the Tofino B.C. region. Summer weather patterns were so nice, that it lead to the driest summer in many years, and eventually a severe lack of water in local rivers and reservoirs. Imagine living in a rainforest and you run short of water?,,it happened in the Tofino area last year When the rains returned in the fall, nature's water tap was opened full blast, coinciding with some of the nastiest wind storms to hit the B.C. coast in years. More than one storm on Vancouver Island's west coast reached "Hurricane" force winds, causing damage that is still very noticeable when you drive the Pacific Rim highway that leads west to Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. Similar rain patterns have been quite consistent leading into 2007, meaning there is definitely no shortage of water for Tofino, but it has also created a positive snow pack in the coastal mountains of Vancouver Island. The abundant snow will undoubtedly help our young Salmon in the rivers throughout the spring and early summer, as well as the freshwater needs of the community to host our many guests throughout the season.
For the 2007 fishing season, our early season Chinook salmon fishing has already been very good, supporting the outlook of a consistent season ahead for the west coast of Vancouver Island. Consistent catches of Chinook in the 6-18 lb. range have been caught in the protected inlet waters of Clayoquot Sound, as well as the offshore waters from Tofino and Ucluelet. A highlight for Chinook Salmon fishing opportunities in the Tofino area are for an abundance of 4 year old Hatchery origin Chinook Salmon in August and early September. Coho Salmon numbers are forecasted to be better than last year for sure, supporting our inshore fly and light tackle opportunities. The 2007 season will again be a high cycle year for literally millions of Pink Salmon that pass by the Tofino coastline, adding to the action of your day. For anglers interested in Halibut, the Halibut biomass is considered strong and stable, so we anticipate another great season for these powerful and tasty flatfish in the offshore waters from Tofino. Last season we experienced fantastic Halibut fishing on Tofino's near shore banks, out as far as 16 miles. This season should provide a very similar Halibut fishery in these same areas. Our remote freshwater fishing excursions will continue to provide great action, along with a very memorable wilderness experience for our guests while they pursue Steelhead and Trout in the pristine mountain lakes and streams of Clayoquot Sound. Using primarily float plane access, these unique excursions are enjoyed by many who want their own space while enjoying some great Steelhead and Trout action in a temperate rainforest environment.
Along with being highlighted in various magazine features during the past season, Jay enjoyed hosting the T.V. Fishing Show "Fishing Alberta and Beyond" with host Scott Rawlings and repeat guest angler Rhett Warrener from the Calgary Flames Hockey Club. While fishing and filming, the group literally broke in Clayoquot Ventures' newest vessel, "The Right Hook" on its maiden voyage in the Pacific, after acquiring the 26ft. Seapro from South Carolina earlier in the spring. Numerous Chinook salmon and Halibut co-operated for the camera, as did many great Rainbow Trout while filming the second show in Jay's favourite Fly in Mountain Lake. Great weather, fishing, seafood and stories filled the days for the crew while filming a two episodes in the Tofino area.
Clayoquot Ventures is excited and fortunate to have our guide team returning again for 2007, with Graham Rawlins being a welcome addition. Graham is experienced with guiding Tofino B.C. area waters, Campbell River area waters, and also brings 3 years experience working in Fly & Tackle retail on Vancouver Island. A quick congrats to Clayoquot Ventures guide Conor MacKenzie for finishing his degree in Political Science this past fall from the University of Victoria.
Although great fishing opportunities are plentiful from early May to mid October in the Tofino B.C. area, the months of July and August tend to be the busiest for Tofino, which can make accommodations difficult to find during these two months. We encourage you to book your fishing excursions with Clayoquot Ventures as soon as possible, and to strongly consider our shoulder season rate specials, with several packages using our private guest suites. Our team of professional guides look forward to showing you more great fishing in the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound area in 2007. For further details, or to secure your 2007 bookings, please call 1-888-543-7422 e-mail jay@tofinofishing.com or find us on-line at http://www.tofinofishing.com/
