The beautiful
village of Tofino
located at the southern border of Clayoquot Sound (approximately a 3 hour
drive from Nanaimo)
is a mecca for west coast tourists. Abundant sea life such as whales,
sea lions and seals draw nature lovers and photographers from all over
the world (See Wildlife
Viewing). Other recreational activities include golf,
sea-kayaking, and beachcombing
along the white sands of Long Beach in Pacific Rim Park.
Clayoquot Sound also offers great sport fishing for both small and large boat anglers.
Unlike Barkley Sound where much of the angling is done in open offshore water, this area offers large protected water that is suitable
for smaller open boats.
Best Times
While feeder springs are available in the inshore waters during winter
the main run of migratory Chinook salmon up to 25 lbs. will start appearing
in small numbers offshore in early April. By late May fishing is starting
to get good and by July, large Chinook up to 50 lbs. are being reported
in the protected inshore waters. Chinook fishing will peak in August.
Small Bluebacks show offshore in May and by early June, Coho in the 10
lb. range are reported inshore. Large Northern Coho are found in the area
during September, peaking by mid-October. Offshore Halibut is best during
May and June. Rockfish and Lingcod are plentiful in the inshore water.
Sport Fishing Tahsis & Zeballos, Nootka Sound
Easily accessible
by driving due west from Campbell River, the fine fishing grounds of the Nootka Sound area have brought
smiles to the faces of countless sport fishermen. Resorts, lodges and
guides are numerous in the area as well as lodging and services found
in the nearby villages of Gold River, Tahsis
and Zeballos.
Best Times
Feeder
Chinook up to 15 lbs. are available offshore during the winter months.
Large migratory Chinook up to 40 lbs. start showing offshore in June and
move inside in early July. The run will peak in August. Coho action starts
in early summer and will peak in fall. September and October are the best
Coho months. Nootka Sound is also an excellent producer of Rockfish, Lingcod
and Halibut.
Kyuquot Sound
Rugged West Coast beauty, where albatross glide inches above the ocean swells and
sea otters anchored in kelp float lazily on their backs eating sea urchins.
This is Kyuquot Sound, a spectacular natural setting, and home to some
of Vancouver Island's best
Chinook. Along with Quatsino Sound to the north, Kyuquot is situated
perfectly to intercept migratory Chinook runs heading south for Nootka Sound, Clayoquot Sound, Barkley Sound, as well as the Fraser River and
many more southerly U.S. home rivers.
Best Times
The
best Chinook angling is during the months of June, July, and August. While
late August marks the end of good Chinook, large Coho action is
just starting to heat up and can be often taken on the fly. Most angling
in Kyuquot Sound is done near shore, however don't be fooled in thinking
this is small boat country. This is an area of large swells, rocks, and
kelp beds and it is strongly advised to either hire a guide or travel
with someone who has fished and knows the area well. Kyuquot is a west
coast gem. There are a couple of resorts situated in the
area, as well as the small village of Kyuquot. You will definitely not
be angling in a crowd as you might in the more easily accessible southern
west coast areas. In fact you will probably see more sea-kayakers than
fishermen. But hey! that's what it's all about - fantastic scenery, abundant
wildlife and great angling! (See
Game Fish of BC)
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