June is here! And it feels more like August. The higher than normal temperatures have definitely increased the water temperature.
Here’s the latest fishing report:
Kootenay Lake:
The month of May was good to us. Plenty of trips and plenty of fish.
As we saw our water temperature finally hit that optimum number, the fish began to really put the feed bags on. Rainbows up to 9 Lbs and Bull Trout up to 14 Lbs were caught on some of our recent trips.
The first half of May saw a lot of Bull Trout being caught and a few Rainbows. But, as the hot weather took over, and the water temperatures climbed, we saw the Bull trout fishing drop off and the Rainbows pick up.
The lake didn’t stay in the optimum temperature range for too long. Usually we have the whole month of May and most of June before the temps increase and the fish go deep. However, the latest water temperatures are over 60 degrees and we have moved right in to summer fishing.
Summer fishing sees the fish drop down deeper to cooler water temperatures.
We have adjusted our techniques and continue to catch. Average days on the water have produced 1 or 2 Bull Trout, as well as 6 – 10 Rainbows. It seems like there is one magic day each week, where the fish are gorging themselves. And the next 6 days they are feeding sporadically. So, if you hit the magic day, you’re gonna be busy.
Either way, it doesn’t matter. Just have to be on the water.
This past month we have seen an increase in family fishing trips. These are our favourites. We always enjoy seeing the excitement of kids while reeling in a fish. Looking forward to plenty more family trips.
What are they biting on???
Typically, our bucktail flies are working on the choppy days. Lucky number 210, 221, & 226 have been best for us. However, since the fish seem to be more sub-surface, we have been having the best luck on our favourite Gibbs Croc spoons. Some days it’s the brass/fire stripe, and other days it’s the brass/fire wing that works better. Just have to keep mixing it up.
The downriggers have been producing a few more fish lately as well. Seems like 40 – 60ft depths have been most consistent. We’ve been dragging the same spoons at those depths with good results.
Water temp is over 60 degrees, so our trolling speed has been between 3.0 – 3.5 mph. If the water temp warms up too much more, the fish may become lethargic and it will be time to slow our speeds. But, until the fishing slows down, we will continue with what has worked best.
Stay tuned…….
West Coast Salmon/Halibut:
It’s that time of year when we move one of our boats out west. We continue to have 3 boats on Kootenay Lake throughout the summer, but one of us has to go chase some salmon.
Reports are sounding pretty good from our colleagues out there, so we look forward to getting out there on July 1.
As usual, our season is fully booked on the coast, however we do still have some half day trips available if you’re going to be in the neighbourhood and would like to get out.
Our half day afternoon trips are a great way to ‘get your feet wet’, so to speak. If you have never been salmon fishing, or if you have a young family who may not be able to handle a full day trip, then these afternoon trips are perfect for you. You might just like it!
Drop us a line if you’re going to be in the Tofino/Ucluelet area this summer. Would love to show you around.
We’ll keep you posted with the latest fishing reports from Kootenay and from the coast throughout the summer.
Tight Lines…..
Captain Kerry
