October 31, 2018

We had a surprisingly rainy September which was followed by one of the best Octobers we can remember - many consecutive sunny October days with incredible sunsets!

Normally September is dry and sunny with rivers and creeks running relatively low. This causes the schools of migrating salmon to congregate in the harbour and river mouth areas while they continue to mature and wait for the typical October rains. Heavy rains in September meant water levels were sufficient for salmon to enter local streams at any time. Nonetheless, we still had some excellent fall fishing in September through into October. Sockeye fishing remained open well into September and continued to be very good. Coho were also plentiful but often 'finicky' biters. At this time of year, salmon are no longer actively feeding but a well placed anchovy or herring will usually trigger a strike.

With that in mind, we typically use bait (herring & anchovies) almost exclusively in the final few months of the season. We had some great days near the Capilano river mouth with chinook up to 26lbs! 

Crabbing improved as we moved into late September and we managed a few limits of keeper size Dungeness crabs into October. There continue to be a few late coho around along with Chum salmon. But most of our target salmon are now in their native river systems. It's been another great season on the West Coast. Lots of great fishing stories, spectacular scenery, and great memories!