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Esperanza Inlet Fishing Report

Find out what’s working and what’s not when fishing in the Esperanza Inlet area on North Central Vancouver Island. Tips, best practices, places and the go-to lures are just a sample of what you’ll find in our fishing report.

Esperanza Inlet Marine Map

 


Esperanza Inlet Marine Weather Forecast


Esperanza Inlet Fishing Report

Click Here For Area 25/125 Current Regulations

 

September 2023

The Salmon Highway is on fire! The 300′ depth contour from southeast Alaska to far south into the US has been known to hold massive schools of salmon travelling south to their spawning grounds. Huge schools of bait gather to gorge on microscopic feed, which in turn support the fingerlings (mostly herring) that the salmon are feeding on. Yes, it’s a jungle down there, with bigger fish feeding on smaller fish.

The action really came on as the outside water of Esperanza opened on July 15. Since then, it has gotten even better. Yes, it is a bit of a run out there, but once you are there, limiting out the entire boat on two Chinook each per day is happening in less than 2 hours. Nice fish—15 to 28 lbs, bright silver, and very feisty!

The Salmon Highway is closer to the shoreline between the Kyuquot and the Esperanza Canyons than anywhere else on the west coast. It’s 13 to 15 miles offshore and very doable in most vessels fishing Esperanza. Drop your Scotty downriggers between 150′ and 250′, and get ready for fish ON!!! Depth varies daily with the depth of the bait, so keep an eye on your finder. Many who have fished the Highway for years have attested to seeing more fish this season than ever before. Hoochies, Skinny Gs, and anchovies are working best.

While you are near or returning from the Highway, halibut and lingcod are on most all pinnacle and reef upswellings nearby. Places like the Whale’s Tail, The Potato, The Guitar, and Six Mile are all holding these delicious white meat fish in good numbers. The Westcoast Fishing Tackle jigging lure in 10 oz, 12 oz, and 16 oz are new, and they are working well for these bottom feeders. Going to the Highway for a morning and returning with a fish box full of salmon, halibut, and lingcod by lunch time is a common experience this season. It’s like going to a fresh fish market, but a lot more fun!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


August 2023

We are now well into the “peak of the peak” of the fishing season. The cleaning tables are jam-packed from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Westview Marina and Lodge daily.

Chinook/kings/springs in the 18- to 28-lb range are the majority of what we’re seeing, with lingcod, halibut, and other bottom fish completing the catch. About every third day a Tyee comes in, with the largest to date being a 34.5-lb fish caught by Chris Zobel from Vancouver.

Most of the salmon remain onshore from the top of Grassy Island to Ferrer Point, and inside to the Garden Point area. There continue to be lots of huge schools of small herring keeping the salmon around in good numbers.

Jigging, a technique that pre-dates downriggers, is becoming very popular again. Trolling and jigging in the same locations rarely works out well, but people jigging can catch productively where trolling isn’t an option. Places like the rock piles outside of the Honey Hole in front of Catala Island, inner Black Rock, and the backside of Pin Rocks all are hot spots for jigging. Buzz Bombs, Max Deeps, Zzingers, and Pt. Wilson Darts are all good bets. Glow and “sparkly” work best.

Another trend is to use saltwater spinning rods and jigs while anchored and waiting for halibut to move into your chum bag’s scent stream. Drop a jig down, jig it about halfway from the bottom, then let it flutter back down.

A few up and down pulls; then it’s “Fish On!” You never really know what you are going to hook into, but it is always fun! On August 25 and 26 we have the Tahsis Salmon Enhancement Fishing Derby, a big party with big prizes and lots of fun, and, “It’s ALL About the Fish!!”

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


July 2023

Fishing/catching has been excellent through June, but it is really ramping up now. Large schools of bait fish are literally everywhere. Anglers who have been fishing this area for a long time haven’t seen this much bait in years! Massive bait balls have been reported from the top of Grassy Island to Ferrer Point and all the way inside to Garden Point.

Most of the bait is small, so the Skinny G, Wee G in 3.5″-4″ Coyote are hot. West- coast Fishing Tackle Little Phat-e spoons and Peetz Hammer all work well at simulating small anchovies and herring. Of course, small herring and anchovies work best! The key words here are “small” and “glow.” Another tip is that if you’re fishing deep on the 120′ line in the “mud” off Grassy or Low Rock, you will also be rewarded with halibut and lingcod hookups. This massive amount of bait onshore has also attracted lots of hump and gray whale activity to view while you fill your fish box.

Set up a 6′ Seagar Fluorocarbon 30- to 50-lb leader behind your flasher, or a dummy flasher (see article on dummy flashers in Island Fisherman’s May issue). Dummy flashers work, and it’s lots more fun bringing in your fish without the flasher drag. Trolling with one of the aforementioned lures at approx. 2.5 mph will score big-time.

Mark your calendar for the largest privately operated fishing derby on all of Vancouver Island. Every entry gets a prize, including large prizes like downriggers, smokers, large BBQ, power tools, helicopter and sea plane trips, Seahawks tickets, and much more. The $50,000+ raised annually puts more than 2 million extra fingerling salmon in the water yearly. This is one of the many reasons why fishing/catching is so good in the Esperanza-Nootka area, with full limits. Come join the fun, food, and live music August 25 and 26—“It Really is ALL About the FISH.”

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


June 2023

This month should be the start of the salmon seasons as predicted by the DFO, which has projected the best Chinook and coho returns in years. These fish are already moving down the shoreline of the northwest coast to many of the natural fish traps in and around the Esperanza Inlet Area. Black Rock right in front/middle of the mouth of Esperanza is one of the hottest spots in the first two weeks of June. Fish the slot deep 4′ to 6′ off the bottom and you will not only hookup with spring Chinook, but halibut and lingcod will also be there feeding on the huge schools of needlefish. Match the hatch with 3″ to 4.5″ thin lures with lots of glow or 5″ anchovies.

Just north of Tatch Point on the north side of Esperanza is the Sandstone Point to lower Grassy Island fish trap called the Inside Passage. The entire area is fishy with schools of sand lance and spawning squid. Troll the 25′ to 30′ line near the kelp beds and on the outside
of Grassy Island at the 120′ line and get ready for “Fish On!” The inside areas are primarily a slack tide bite, while the outside is all day.

Don’t forget the world-famous Ferrer Pt. area just south of Esperanza. When the fish are feeding there is no better place to be on all the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. Locals know to fish the inside on rising tides around Magic Rock and the kelp beds. On ebbing tides, fish Double Rock. There is only one rock, ut it is renowned for double hookups. The Donut and the Wall are also good bets on ebbing tides. Very close to all these hotspots are halibut and ling holes. Check your charts for pinnacles and depressions near these fish traps. Mark your calendar for the 19th Annual Salmon Enhancement Derby in Tahsis at Westview Marina & Lodge August 25 & 26. It is the largest and longest running derby in the region.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


May 2023

May is one of the months that all the local anglers and early season guides really like! The weather usually cooperates with warming trends, there’s little or no wind, and there’s plenty of bait around. As most experienced anglers know, “Find the bait and you will find the fish.”

So where do you find the bait in Esperanza Inlet in May? The mouth of Esperanza Inlet, Ferrer Point, and just north of Tatchu Point, at Sandstone are all natural “fish traps.” Those three spots are spawning areas for sand lance and needlefish and later on, squid. Bait draws salmon, lingcod, and even halibut to these areas. The beauty of these places is that the fish you are targeting will remain in the bays (fish traps) as long the bait is there. So once you find them, returning the next day is usually very rewarding.

Within the fish trap, the bait and your targeted fish will move with the tides. This all seems simple enough, but we can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard at Westview’s tackle shop, “They were there yesterday but gone today!” Here’s a true story from May 2022: At Ferrer Pt., two boats found the bait and the fish at midday on a Saturday. They both filled their fish boxes with spring/ Chinook/king salmon and one chicken halibut on an ebb low tide at The Wall, Doughnut Rock, and Double Rock. Sunday, they arrived early hoping to repeat the excitement with a double header. Boat 1 goes to the same location fished the day before. Boat 2 moves further into the bay along the kelp bed, Magic Rock, and the 35′ line just off the kelp. Boat 1 reports no fish. Boat 2 unloads their catch at the fuel dock and fills the fish tote with limits of Chinook, 1 lingcod, and 2 halibut. Both boats could see each other while fishing 400 metres apart. Boat 2 moved farther into the bay with the tide, the bait, and the fish!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


March/April 2023

March and April often present great surprise to early season visitors who plan their time with the weather. Westview Marina & Lodge opens annually on March 15. Traditionally, it is the earliest fishing operation to open in the spring, serving the halibut, lingcod, and spot prawn fishers. Why so early? It is very simple: Commercial herring harvesting has been curtailed for years on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Result: Thousands of herring are spawning close to shore, inside Esperanza, behind Catala Island, in the Rolling Roadstead, and throughout the Nuchatlitz Islands.

In all these places, you can catch halibut, lingcod, and many other species of bottom fish feeding on the herring in 25′ to 60′ depths.

Each year a portion of the mature spawning herring die. This, in turn, usually causes a feeding frenzy to occur. It’s fast, furious, and fun fishing—your fish box will fill in a hurry. There are also lots of winter springs in and around these same areas. Most are 6- to 16-lb fin-clipped hatchery fish from down the coast in the US.

Most anglers drop prawn traps in the morning on the way out to the fishing grounds and then check their pots on the way back in. Spot Prawning in our area can be very productive. Use pellets with fish oil or canned cat food for bait. Limits are 100 prawns per day, per license, with a 200 per trip possession limit.

Because it sells out early, I recommend considering the 19th Annual Tahsis Salmon Enhancement Derby, which will take place on Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26 this year. There will be thousands of dollars in prizes, live entertainment, over 100 door prizes, and a terrific awards banquet. All funds go to regional volunteer salmon enhancement and river rehabilitation.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


September 2022

The fall rains will begin soon, moving the thousands of salmon up the hundreds of local rivers and streams to their final destinations on the spawning beds where millions
of eggs will be laid and fertilized to produce the next generation of salmon.

We can talk about catching these magnificent fish again and again, but these next few months are the most important time for the regeneration of the species—not only the birth of new, but also the passing of the parents who then fertilize the waters for their offspring and so many other creatures. Western Canada’s rainforest remains one of the world’s ecological wonders. To see it in the fall/winter evolution is an ecological miracle as it gives birth to a new generation of salmon, then cleanses itself with the winter rain storms moving in off the Pacific Ocean.

As winter progress, the young salmon will emerge from the gravel spawning bed to begin the cycle of life that draws so many of us to these western shores of British Columbia.

Tahsis is known as the birthplace of British Columbia, because of its discovery by Europeans in the late 1700s, but its true contribution continues annually in the birth of generation after generation of its many salmon species. And the fishing/ catching will continue to be strong here for years to come if we continue to protect this gorgeous environment that exists here at the end of the road in Tahsis.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


August 2022

Now’s the time when the Chinook of the inside waters of Esperanza and Nootka Sound are plentiful!

These fish are staging and picking their partners before moving up the many streams and rivers to spawn when the rains show up in late August and September. Inside Chinook tend to be less aggressive and very much tuned to the bite at first light and on tide changes. Pro tips: Slow your troll to 1.6 – 1.8 mph, and fish deeper in the water column, about 75% of the way down. For instance, in 50′ of water, around 37′ is the strike zone. Where 75′ is the bottom, the strike zone is near 56′.

Anchovies work best, and since demand is greater than supply this year, it’s a good idea to bring some with you if you can. Otherwise, take any gear that resembles an anchovy and slather it up with some herring oil scent.

Coho are plentiful this season. Limits are 2/day everywhere inside Area 25— hatchery-marked or wild. For Tlupana Inlet in Nootka Sound, the limit is 4/day, and only 2 can be non-marked. Daily possession limit is 8. Always double- check regulations when you go out.

Big coho in and around Centre Island? Yes, August is the month for 15- to 24-lb silvers inside Esperanza Inlet. There are multiple inlets that support large runs of these strong fighting, tail-walking salmon! Port Eliza, Espinosa, Zeballos, Tahsis Inlets, Park River, and Owossitsa Creek are major contributors to this fantastic and fun fishery. The interesting part of these many different coho runs is they all come into Esperanza Inlet at about the same time, and they school around Centre Island waiting for the fall rains to freshen their spawning grounds. Schooled up like this, they are easily caught by trolling fast at 2 – 2.4 mph at 15′ to 30′ with Coho Killer, Skinny G, or Peetz lures—all produce amazing results. If you see rolling fish on the surface, go there and hold on because “FISH ON!”

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


July 2022

July is finally here in all its sunny glory, and so are the salmon, halibut, lingcod, and more! Huge schools of migrating spring/Chinook/ kings and coho/silvers are moving in and around Esperanza and Nootka. The question is not, “Will you catch salmon?” The question is, “Will you limit out?” Area 25/125 has a reputation which is second to none for world-class fishing/catching.

Stewardship of local rivers, streams, and estuaries; multiple volunteer hatcheries, and the federal hatchery are the reasons for this phenomenon. Lodging, camping, restaurants/coffee shops, tackle/fuel shops, moorage, and good boat launches make Esperanza and Nootka gateways to Vancouver Island’s fantastic west coast wilderness, and its amazing angling. The equipment and bait that is successful for catching salmon here is pretty much the same as most places in the northwest, but the difference is there are lots more fish here to catch. A wise angler once told me, “The trick to catching lots of fish is to be where they are.”

As of early June, we are at full limits of 2 Chinook and 2 coho per day with a 4-fish possession limit (always check area 25/125 regulations for details and announcements). Ground fish such as halibut, lingcod, and 14 types of rockfish have terrific retention limits here as well. You can always check the regulations on- line, or ask at Westview Marina’s tackle/ fuel shop for details and fishing tips. Halibut and lingcod do get caught when trolling for salmon here, but jigging is often much more productive. Use herring on a 12-oz bullet jig. Increase the number of fish in your cooler by injecting your bait with Bloody Tune Juice for extra scent—boy, it works! Increase your fun at slack tide by dropping a 6- to 8-oz jig downrigged the same way on medium/heavy spinning rod and hold on! What a great way to keep everyone on the boat engaged … fish ON!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


June 2022

If May was any indication of what this summer is going to be like, we are in for a great fishing/catching season!

The abundance of winter springs averaging 10 lbs, and early 2022 returning Chinook up to 23 lbs are just a hint at what we will see in June. We are fortunate this year; all projections are for a better than the 5-year average return on springs/Chinook/kings for the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. This good fortune carries over to Chinook limits of 2 per person and 4 in possession with no slot limits. Always check your area regs before your day on the water in any area.)

June tends to be the best on the inside and close outside waters. Places like Wash and Maquinna Rocks, Bajo Reef, and Beano Creek area in Nootka all are holding bait. Garden Point, Rosa Harbour, Pen Rocks, Ferrer Point, and the kelp beds at Sandstone Beach in Esperanza are also holding bait and salmon. Fish are feeding on sand lance (needlefish), which are spawning in large numbers in these places. These bait fish run on the small size, so match the hatch: hoochies, Coho Killers, small PEETZ lures, and anchovies in teaser heads are all working well.

We are very lucky to have a vigorous volunteer and federal salmon enhancement program here. June will also see the first coho enter Area 25/125 (Esperanza and Nootka). The June/July coho run is usually the more abundant of the two runs that populate our area with perfect table fish in the 6 to 12-lb range. The second run in August/September is fewer in numbers but bigger in size (10 lbs to 20+ lbs). Halibut have started to move slowly out of the inlets to deeper water, but they still can be caught in 60′ to 90′ of water in the mouth of Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound and around pinnacles within 1 mile of the shoreline. Lingcod and other ground fish are abundant, and are in many cases preferred table fare.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


May 2022

As many of you know, British Columbia’s streams and rivers make up the world’s most valuable salmon habitat, particularly the Fraser River and some of its tributaries, which were deeply impacted by 2021’s extreme climate events like floods, wildfires, and drought. However, the majority of Vancouver Island’s rivers and streams were unaffected by environmental disasters.

In particular, the Conuma River (site of the Federal Hatchery) and four volunteer management rivers (Tahsis, Leiner, Burman, and Gold River) were unaffected by severe climate events. Also, these rivers are short—there are no flat-lane rivers on the Northwest side of Vancouver Island. In terms of habitat and climate, these factors play a significant role as to why fishing (and catching) is strong in the Esperanza and Nootka area.

As far as the 2022 season is concerned, the outlook is excellent—DFO is predicting returns above the 5-year average. All Chinook regulations are predicted to stay as they have been since 2019, with full retention limits.

Our recreation allocation is up significantly for halibut along with the biomass for both halibut and lingcod. Look at the last issue of IFM to see where & how to catch these plentiful tasty white fish. We are commonly asked, “What should I use, and where do I go to catch more?’ The answer is “Bait is boss!” For May and early June, use smaller 4-5″ anchovy and herring. As the season progresses, move up in bait size and (here’s your pro tip): increase your speed with larger bait—try 2 mph for small bait, then 2.75-3 mph for larger. Think about it: Every lure is attempting to imitate bait, even with scents.

I promise you, if you get the right roll on your bait, it will outfish your best lure. Try bait on one side and your magic lure on the other.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


March/April 2022

CPU is the DFO term for Catch Per Unit of effort of fishing, and the highest CPU ratings on the west coast are Area 25, and in particular, Esperanza Inlet and its surrounding areas. Why? Lots of bait, and the fact that it’s geographically something of a fish trap. From early spring to early summer, bait spawning occurs around the mouth of Esperanza Inlet in volumes not seen in many other areas. It begins with a huge herring spawn (March- April) that has been protected on the west coast of Vancouver Island from commercial harvest for more than 8 years. The end of the herring spawn dovetails nicely with the beginning
of the needlefish/sand lance spawn (April-May). The next spawn is squid (May-June), and all of this bait attracts salmon, halibut, and lingcod, and holds them close inshore.

A few spots are better than others. After you have limited on springs at Pin Rocks (in the mouth of Esperanza Inlet), move less than 50 m to the west on a set of pinnacles to load up on halibut on the edges, and lingcod on top. Or try some world-famous salmon fishing/catching at Ferrer Pt., then move 100 m south- west to a pile of rocks easily ID’d on your GPS/sounder and slow troll swim baits or drop 8- to 12-oz lead weight lure with a bit of herring bait or scent on it and HOLD ON! Finally, Tatchu Rocks to Mushroom Point offers some of the best salmon grounds just north of Esperanza Inlet and will produce great Chinook/ king fishing. Then move to 50′ to 90′ of water directly west of Tatchu Point at the northern side of the mouth of Esperanza Inlet and load up on all your ground fish!

Westview Marina & Lodge is located at the heart of Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet at the top end of Tahsis Inlet in the Village of Tahsis, a 2.5-hr drive from Campbell River. The marina officially opens on Tuesday March 15. This early season opening supports the exceptionally good spot prawn, halibut, lingcod, and winter spring/Chinook fishery in Esperanza Inlet and surrounding areas. Pick your weather window, set your prawn traps in 200′to 300′ of water in channels on your way out to the fishing grounds near the mouth of Esperanza Inlet. Return from fishing/catching and check your traps. Normal results are a full fish box and a bucket of prawns.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com


Fall/Winter 2021

September may be one of the most productive and FUN times to fish/ catch in Nootka Sound & Esperanza Inlet. The northern coho come in around Centre Island in Esperanza and at the Lighthouse in Nootka. These fish run in the 16- 22-lb range and fight like few other salmon. You will think you have hooked a steelhead with all the top action and tail walking. There are also still some Chinook around, so don’t be too surprised if you boat a late season Tyee in the middle of all the activity when the bite comes on!

There is a very good chance that the albacore tuna will still show up in big numbers this season. The Terrafin SST shots are indicating good conditions for catching these exciting fish. Here in Areas 125 and 126, it is not so much about 30+ miles offshore, but rather 15–20 miles offshore from the Esperanza Canyon and up to and under Brooks Pinnacle. One of the hottest tuna grounds is at the south Brooks weather buoy and the waters inshore from the buoy. There was an excellent article in last month’s Island Fisherman about how to fish and catch these beauties. Check it out.

This year’s salmon fishing/catching season exceeded the 5-year average by a lot. This trend is expected to continue through the 2022 and 2023 seasons. There is already lots of interest in next season, so I recommend you make reservations at your favorite marina soon for next year.

Have a great winter.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 27 years


August 2021

August is when the BIG fish (Chinook) show up in good numbers in Nootka Sound and Esperanza. It doesn’t get any more exciting!

The majority of these Chinook/kings/ springs are headed to the Conuma River Federal Hatchery or the many community volunteer hatcheries located in the Tahsis, Leiner, Burman, and Gold Rivers areas. Literally thousands of these salmon are stacked at most points throughout the inlet and sound, positioning themselves to feed heavily before entering their home rivers and streams for the final push to the spawning grounds.

You’ll hear the shouts of “Fish on!” echoing over the water from most boats in the area. It’s almost like a song with everyone joining in.

The bait of choice, and usually the most productive, is an anchovy in a green header. Spoons and hoochies that are designed to look like anchovies also work well when fished correctly.

Around Esperanza, you’ll find the Chinook just north of the mouth of the inlet at Sandstone Point, Jurassic Point, Point, on the south side Pin Rocks.

For the Nootka area, try the Wash Rocks, McKay Passage, CooPointe Point, Hoiss Point, Beer Can Bay, Bligh Island on the north/west wall just south of San Carlos Point, and Camel Rock. Also, try fishing Argonaut Point, south along the wall.

Yo ho coho! We are seeing the largest runs of these salmon in years. Some fishers are cursing these fish because you must drop the cannon quickly to get through them to the Chinook; these fish tend to be in the top 25′ of the water.

A tight fast roll to the bait usually wins the day. In Area 25, limits are two per day, with the exception of Tlupana Inlet, where the limits are four per day. In both cases, only one can be a wild coho, and the remainder must be hatchery clipped.

Albacore tuna are here in huge numbers. We have been seeing sunfish, blue shark, and lots of jellyfish since mid-July—clear indicators that the tuna would be here in our area this season.

Tuna can be found relatively close to shore (only 15 to 25 miles off the coastline) when compared to locations further south on Vancouver Island. The most productive fishing/catching locations are Esperanza, Kyuquot, Crowther Canyons, and around the Brooks SW weather buoy. See the article on how to catch Albacore tuna in this issue, because tuna fishing is the most fun you can have in a boat with your clothes on!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 27 years


July 2021

We are at the peak of the peak of the salmon fishing/catching season. This season’s projected increased returns of Chinook/king/spring and coho/silver salmon is upon us. Limits of two salmon per day and possession of four salmon per angler are commonplace.

Our area really has two fishing seasons in July. During the first two weeks of the month, salmon retention is generally open from the inner estuary areas all the way out to 1 mile off the shoreline (outer beaches). Fishing at the “World Famous Ferrer Point” is open off Esperanza, as well as all the excellent shoreline catching locations of Low Rock, Jurassic Point, Gregoire Point, Kapoose Point and Mushroom Point up and down our coast near Esperanza Inlet.

In the Nootka area, the most productive catching locations are Friendly Cove (Yuquot) and Burdwood Point, then outward along the beaches. Specific hotspots in Nootka during the first two weeks of July are Wash Rock, Maquinna Point, Beano Creek, Escalante Point, and Bajo Reef.

The second half of July is the start of a completely different fishery. In Nootka, the salmon headed for the federal hatchery at the Conuma River start moving inside along with the many thousands of other salmon heading for the smaller volunteer hatcheries in the Esperanza area. At this same time, the outside water of Area 125 (offshore) is open for salmon retention. Yes, you have many more choices in late July— all good, and often weather-dependent. If the winds are down and the sea calm, the offshore fishery on the “Salmon Highway” lights up.

The Highway is the offshore break where the water drops in depth to between 100′ and 300′. This contour line holds a ton of baitfish and is the pathway for salmon migrating south. The highway is accessible from both Esperanza and Nootka. Safety comes first in all boating, but going offshore to the Highway requires extra vigilance regarding weather, winds, fuel consumption, time of day, and much more. Be careful, and it is recommended to go in groups of vessels. The Ferrer Point area closes on July 15, but with all the other options for catching open, it’s wise to leave these needed protected fish alone.

The inside water of both Nootka and Esperanza get very productive after July 15, as the many salmon runs move toward their final destinations in the hundreds of spawning streams and rivers throughout Area 25. Hot spots inside Nootka are McKay Passage, Boston Point, Coopte Point, Fidalgo Passage, Hoiss Point, Argonaut Point Wall, Camel Rock, Anderson Point & Muchalat Inlet, near the confluence of the Gold & Burman Rivers. Hot spots for inside waters of Esperanza are Middle and Inner Black Rocks, Rosa Harbour, Double and Otter Islands, between Centre Island and Garden Point, Salter Bay, and the west side of Steamer Point. As always, find the bait, and you’ll catch the fish!

Add to all the above the opening up of internal Canadian restrictions for recreational travel, and we are looking at a much more robust summer fishing season this year. Enjoy our Canada!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 27 years


June 2021

June kicks off of our salmon fishing/ catching season. Sure, we have been catching winter springs (6 to 8 lbs) with the odd 20-pounder since late April, but now is when we start seeing the first of the large schools of migrating Chinook/kings/springs in the 20- to 30-lb range.

Most of these large schools of salmon are hugging the shoreline moving south. Many of these fish stop to feed on the large schools of sand lances/needlefish (baitfish) that are at the mouths of both Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound. Depths to catch these carnivorous fish vary with the location you are fishing but, the bait and method of catching remain the same.

Remember these fish are primarily feeding on needle bait fish. So—match the hatch applies as status quo.

Let’s talk lures: Skinny Gs, Wee Gs, Coho Killers, and 3.5″ & 4″ Coyote spoons all work as well, as do 4.5″ or smaller hoochies. As you can tell, size does matter, and in this case, small is the best. Colours also matter: greens, glow white, silver and glow cream all work, as do any combination of these colours. Also remember that all the above baits are attempting to look like a wounded anchovy. So your best bait is likely an anchovy in a green or glow header, rolled properly.

In this early season, speed also is important here, and I recommend 2.5 to 3 mph. These salmon are triggered to attack tasty fast-moving needles.

Halibut, lingcod and many other types of ground fish remain abundant and inshore, also feeding on these huge schools of needlefish. Halibut can be caught at less than 100′ and lingcod at an average of 50′.

And there’s great news on all these above species! Limits here in Area 25/125—from 1 mile off the shoreline in—are 2 Chinook per day/4 in possession; 3 lingcod per day/6 in possession; 2 halibut under 90 cm per day, or 1 over 90 cm up to 133 cm. A 133-cm hali can easily weigh up to 80 lbs. That is a lot of fish per licence holder. Come see us at Westview Marina & Lodge tackle shop. We are the only full-service tackle and marine shop in the Nootka & Esperanza area. We will take pictures of your catch if you like, and feature you on the internet. We also can point you to tackle that works and will help you catch more fish while you are here. We are only one hour from Nootka and two hours to Esperanza from Campbell River.

Come Join the FUN and Catching!!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 27 years


May 2021

There’s good fishing/catching news in Esperanza Inlet, Nootka Sound Area 25, and offshore Area 125!
The largest halibut you could keep in recent years was 126 cm long. On April 1, that got bumped up to 133 cm. That size fish could be pushing 90 lbs— that is a big fish! A flatty over 100 lbs is most always a female laying thousands of eggs annually, and we need to continue protecting those beauties. Also, in years past you had a possession limit of two halibut under 90 cm, but still could only get one per day. Late in the 2020 season, the limit was bumped up to two under 90 cm per day. That will remain the same for 2021, and in August the under-90 cm limit will be reevaluated. The daily limit for under 90 cm fish may well jump up to three per day, so stay tuned.

The lingcod season opened on April 1, and the daily limit went up from two per day to three per day, with a possession limit of six.
It won’t be long for coho, as the fishery opens May 31. Coho are such fun, and excellent eating. Our area spots some of the best limits on the entire coast thanks to the efforts of the Conuma River hatchery.

As for Chinook, in Area 25, there are plenty of winter springs around in the 6-10 lb range, but don’t be surprised if you bump into 20-lb or larger fish—they are out there! Also, migrating Chinook ranging from 15 to 30 lbs (and larger) that typically start showing up in June through September could be here anytime. Get ready!

At the time of writing, Chinook in Area 125 (offshore) is scheduled to open July 15, in accordance with the interim 2021- 2022 regulations.
That’s a lot of big fish! We are very fortunate to be located where we are. Few—if any—Fraser River salmon of concern are in our area. We also have a very heathy population of more than 300 Northern Killer Whales.

Come enjoy the fun filling your fish box!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 27 years


March 2021

As we all know, the last 12 months have been some of the most interesting any of us have experienced. Now it’s time to explore the light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s bright: We are likely looking at the best Chinook and coho returns since 2013. Years of salmon enhancement and stream/river rehabilitation have certainly helped with the cycles of spawning, and successful returns are on the upswing for 2021.

The northwest coast of Vancouver Island stands alone as mostly buffered from all the strenuous restrictions related to the Fraser River salmon stocks. We remain at full limits and a healthy fishery.

We are very fortunate to be strategically located directly in the migratory path of so many different runs including those heading for Nootka/Esperanza, and southbound salmon with spawning destinations in both Canada and the U.S.

Our season starts in mid-March as the weather starts to straighten up with excellent local winter Chinook catching. There are also some very good bonus opportunities this time of year, with some of the best west coast spot prawn and crab spots in all of BC. Drop the traps on the way out in the morning and check them on your return trip to the dock in the afternoon. With limits of 100 prawns and 4 legal-size male Dungeness and/or rock crab per day—and possession of twice those amounts— prawning and crabbing can be very productive from March 15 to early May. Keep in mind that lingcod and halibut are in good abundance and easily harvestable in April as the huge herring spawns occur in the mouths of both Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet. You’ll find them in 60′ to 90′, along with winter and early migratory spring salmon from March 15 to early April.

Join the early season fun! The coffee is hot & the beer is cold. Come see us, and let’s do some fishing!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 27 years


September 2020

In September, albacore tuna are still showing strong inside of the south Brooks Peninsula weather buoy. The pinnacles and the highway edges near Crowther and Kyuquot Canyons are holding significant numbers of large schools of tuna. These albacore are inside of 15 miles offshore. There is no other place on the west coast of Vancouver Island where these fish are so close to shore. Pound for pound, albacore are the strongest fighting fish in these Pacific waters. Fresh tuna is delicious grilled or raw (sashimi). Catching albacore is so exciting because most hookups are doubles, triples, quads, or all the lines—FISH ON!!!

As the local tuna fishers say, “It is the most fun you can have in a boat with your clothes on!”

As for coho, the large rain events that push the salmon up to their spawning grounds are a bit late this year. As a result, considerable numbers of schools of coho are milling around both in Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet.

In Esperanza, the areas all around Centre Island, Fairway Island, Double Island, Otter Island, and Saltery Bay are plugged with coho. You’ll find fish in Nootka on the north side of the inlet at the Light House and Wash Rock, and on the south side of the inlet, Escalante Rocks and Point are both holding fish. Inside of Tlupana Inlet is also a hot spot, mainly along the shorelines. Small lures like Coho Killers, Wee Gs, and anchovies are scoring well.

There are still a few Chinook around, near the approaches to most of the spawning rivers. All of these rivers have protection zones at and near their mouths to protect stocks. Anchovies work best on these fish.

In October and beyond, weather and regulations will determine the viability of fishing halibut, lingcod, and prawns.

This year, lots of Canadians discovered the abundance of fish in Esperanza/ Nootka, which has the best possession limits of all areas in Western Canada. Likely, the U.S./Canada border will be open for the 2021 season, and so there will be a robust return of both Canadian and United States anglers for the 2021 season. So make your reservations early for camping, lodging, moorage, charters, etc., before there is no room at the inn. Unfortunately, we have lost a few regional operators due to COVID-19, and that means less overall capacity.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years


August 2020

August maybe the best time to fish in our area. The reasons are many, but most importantly we have four volunteer salmon hatcheries and one federal salmon hatchery here. Together, these facilities put more than 4 million Chinook fingerlings and 1.5 million coho in our local waters annually. The result of this salmon production is that in August, more than 50,000 Chinook and more than 20,000 coho return to our inside water to spawn.

That means we have some of the most productive inside water catching areas on the west coast. These fish do not return all at once, though. Throughout August, the salmon continue to move into the many streams and rivers where they are heading to spawn. Most seasons, the return stretches into and past Labour Day, when the large rain events pull the fish up into the spawning grounds. Additionally, we are the rare area (25/125) on the BC coast that remains at limits of two Chinook per day with four in possession, and four coho per day with eight in possession. Additionally, the abundance of our local halibut, lingcod, and many other types of bottom fish gives anglers a real opportunity to fill their fish boxes.

Check with the DFO website for specific local details, or stop by our Westview Marina & Lodge in Tahsis for DFO charts, regs, and details about hotspots. The best catching baits for salmon have been 5.5″ anchovy with green/glow and other glow headers. Lookalike lures like the Coyote, Coho Killer, Yo-Zuri Turd, Skinny G, and Wee G in the various glow patterns all are working well. Bottom fishing has shown increasing returns when trolling deep with the newer swim bait with a bit of Bloody Tuna scent and the blinking LED bottom-bouncing lures with a chunk of herring on the hook.

As for Tyee, this has been the best year for large Chinook since 2012. One reason is that there is no commercial fishing for Chinook north of our area all the

One reason is that there is no commercial fishing for Chinook north of our area all the way up to Alaksa. Tyee from 30 to 33 lbs started showing up on the cleaning tables weekly in June. In July, we saw 30- to 35.5-lb fish two to three times a week. We expect this trend to continue well into August. In fact, the last two weeks in August usually produce the largest Chinook of the season, especially up in Esperanza Inlet.

This is the season to enjoy our local British Columbia saltwater, and you will not find any better fishing and limits than Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet. Keep in mind that every outing on our waters is also a wildlife trip with whales, bears, sea lions, eagles, and much more.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years


July 2020

The “peak of the peak” is about to hit the saltwater fishing grounds. Yes, both Chinook and coho are at their most abundant in July. We will be catching the mid-season returning Puget Sound Salmon as they move down our Vancouver Island coast, as well as the heart of Vancouver Island’s returning salmon runs.

It is all about location, location, location. Salmon from all runs come down island off the Brooks Peninsula heading south. About 50% go offshore from there, following the world-famous “Salmon Highway.” The Highway is the 250′ to 300′ contour that moves south all the way down to the United States’ salmon fishing grounds. Lots of bait fish also travel the route, attracting large schools of salmon from the entire west coast of southern BC, Washington, Oregon, and California. In years past, the Highway has been the stomping grounds of the only the commercial trolling fleet, but in recent years during good weather conditions, the sporty fleet has found this very productive fishery and done well fishing deep for these migrating fish. However, the most popular, and most productive salmon fishing areas remain within one mile of the shoreline, where the other 50% of the salmon are traveling south to their spawning areas. The advantages of the inside water fishery are many. There’s less concern about sea conditions, and the fish tend to find pockets of bait on the shoreline and hang there, gorging themselves for days. So if you fish the same spots over several days, the fish usually will still be there, and you’ll spend far less fuel and travel time.

You might think that it is necessary to go offshore for halibut, lingcod, and other bottom feeders. Well, yes and no. Pockets of bait often attract bottom feeders. After catching your salmon, troll deeper or bottom-bounce bait in the same general areas, and you will produce a bounty of white meat fish.

Properly rolling anchovies and look- alike lures will produce well for salmon. A piece of herring on a bottom-bouncing lure or using scents like Pro-Cure Butt Juice will greatly increase your production on bottom fish.

This is the season to get out of your home and enjoy the bounty & beauty of BC waters!!! Fish ON!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years


June 2020

This June is different than any we have seen in the past. The salmon fishing is better than ever. This is the 17th season in a row that salmon enhancement programs have been active in stream and river restoration the Esperanza/Nootka region. Six rivers in the area have five volunteer salmon enhancement projects, and there is also the federal hatchery at Conuma River. We are now into the fourth full cycle of adding an annual average of five million salmon to our local waters—primarily Chinook, but also coho and chum.
Do the math: With just a 3% return annually, building over 16 years, the compound number of returning schools of local salmon is huge!

The other reason this year is different is the lower pressure on these enormous schools of salmon. Because of the inter- national pandemic, there will be far fewer international fishers pursuing these massive numbers of fish. And because of our location on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island and the minimal effect of Fraser River salmon returns, our re- tention limits are better than most areas on the west coast of British Columbia.

Here are the possession limits: four Chinook, eight coho, four chum, two halibut, four lingcod, six other ground fish, 20 Albacore tuna, 250 spot prawns, eight Dungeness crab, eight rock crab, and much more. That is a lot of seafood! But always check DFO regulations to make sure you’re OK.

June is also the month when thousands of United States Chinook/spring/king salmon are moving down the island on their way to the Columbia River & Puget Sound. Because of the earlier large herring spawns in the mouths of both Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet, and the spawn of sea lances/needlefish, the dinner bell has been rung! Large schools of Chinook are drawn in, to feast on the

bounty of baitfish. Halibut, lingcod, and a multitude of other ground fish also are gorging themselves.

The bottom line is that it’s the right place and right time for world-class fishing, with a 50% reduction in competition on the water. Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound will fulfill your pent-up desire to be on the saltwater. Expect far less worry about crossed lines and far more screams of “Fish on!” echoing across the water.

See you soon!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years


May 2020

Winter springs are at their highest numbers in Esperanza and Nootka in May. These salmon are generally American hatchery-marked Chinook that stop to feed in our baitfish-rich waters. They will remain in our area until mid-June, when they begin their migration back to their home rivers, as far south as San Francisco.

Finding the baitfish is the key to locating fish in general, but with these aggressive winter spring it is very localized and generally quite deep. One good hunting area is in Nootka on the 65′ line that starts at the Nootka Lighthouse and wiggles its way out all the way to the outside of Maquinna Rocks. Take a few minutes of extra time at Wash Rock. There have been reports of 15- to 20-lb fish already being boated there this season. The salmon are holding right off the outside just as it breaks off into the 65′ trench.

In Esperanza, good spots for hookup action include the steep drops on the south side of Double Island, the south and east sides of Centre Island, and between Garden Point and Centre Island. Again, troll near the bottom and close to the steep dropoffs. Lures or hoochies work equally well as long as they are white, glow, or double glow and have good action. Small anchovies with headers in the same colours also are working well. Get ready to drop that cup of hot coffee and set the hook!

This May, the halibut are still close in because of the excellent herring spawn in the entire area. These hali are being caught in 60′ to 90′ of water at the inside of Whale’s Tail and just off Pin Rocks in 100′ of water in Esperanza.

In Nootka, the herring spawn was from the Nootka Lighthouse north to Marvinas Bay. Halibut are being boated in good numbers in the two narrow trenches 60′ and 120′ just off the south end of the lighthouse. Herring is working best, as are lead/wiggle jigs with good action, soaked in herring oil.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years


March/April 2020

Location, habitat rehabilitation, and salmon stock enhancement are the reasons why the 2020 fishing will be over-the-top good in Esperanza and Nootka. We are out of the mainstream where salmon of concern are located, and so we have little to no new restric­tions on limits and areas where we can retain salmon. Two volunteer groups—Nootka Sound Watershed Society and Tahsis Salmon Enhancement Society—are largely responsible for this very positive position.

Trolling with a downrigger has become the most popular method for catching salmon, and it is often the best solution for loading up on fish. But let’s not forget another tried-and-true method: jigging. The best jigging occurs where you usu­ally cannot troll, in kelp beds and rocks. There are places all around Nootka and Esperanza that hold lots of bait and salmon that are ignored because they cannot be effectively trolled. One of the best examples of this situation is Pin Rocks in Esperanza Inlet. There is excellent trolling on the north and west side of the Pins, but it gets very tricky if you venture behind the rock into the kelp. The bait (needlefish/sand lance/small herring) are usually stacked in the kelp behind the rocks where jigging is the most effective way to hook up. When the trolling slows down, a quick change to jigging gear in the kelp really ups the productivity.

Jigging is an art: Start with the rod tip almost touching the water, then lift it smoothly two to three feet—don’t jerk it—then drop the tip down quickly. When the line goes slack the lure drops, rotating erratically as it sinks. This action simulates baitfish when a salmon slashes through a school—first, the bait shooting up to avoid the striking salmon, then the falling, fluttering, and erratic dropping of a wounded or dead bait fish. Fish moving under the school of bait see what looks like an easy meal and strikes. It can be bone-jarring when they try to rip the rod from your hand at the slight­est hesitation in the lure dropping. But set the hook and hold on! In areas like Pin Rocks the waters are dominated by salmon, but bottom fish like quillback, lingcod, and other bottom fish will be caught.

As for the jig itself, try 2- to 6-oz jigs depending on water depth and tide movement. Lots of rigs will work; the keys are colour and action that simulate the wounded baitfish. Greens, glows, and holographic lures work best. For the action, go for rotation or erratic flutter.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years

Esperanza Inlet Archives

September 2019

This September has been one of the most interesting and fun months of the entire 2019 season.

Yes, the huge schools of coho/silvers showed up both in Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound.

In Esperanza, all around Center Island large (12- to 22-lb) coho milled around, poised to return to their spawning rivers and streams in Port Eliza, Espinosa Inlet, and Owossitsa Creek. Further into the inlet, Saltery Bay was on fire, with coho schooling to go up Zeballos Inlet. The same goes for Nootka, with large runs of coho showing up on both sides of the mouth of the sound—on the north side at Wash Rocks as well as the Lighthouse area, and on the south side at Escalante Rocks/Point preparing to enter Escalante River. The largest schools of coho in Nootka were in the Tlupana Inlet area.

These are mostly Conuma River Hatchery stock. There are thousands of them, and like all coho/silver at this time of the season, they are easily caught. A Coho Killer, Wee G, 3-3.5 Coyote, or Skinny G trolled in the top 20 ft of water at 2.5 to 3.5 mph will load your fish box. Tail Waggers and Coho Flies also are working well on the surface for these aggressive fish. Limits are very generous throughout Esperanza and Nootka—4 per day (only 2 of which can be wild) with a total of 8 in possession. That is a lot of salmon to take home!

Yes, the Chinook/king/springs and the coho/silvers have returned to Esperanza and Nootka rivers and streams in good number. The returning salmon more than met the needs for all the volunteer and Conuma hatcheries to fill their incubation egg traces to near capacity. It took lots of energy and effort by many volunteers as well as hatchery staff to get the job done. Thank you to all who participated.

There were sufficient quantities of salmon for acceptable river and stream escapement for natural spawning in most watersheds. Standing back and looking at the big picture for Chinook and coho, all user groups should be optimistic about the salmon fishing/catching in local Esperanza and Nootka waters for next season and beyond.

Westview Marina & Lodge opens March 15, 2020 for winter springs, halibut, ling, and prawn openings.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years

August 2019

I have fished this area for more than 30 years, and we have operated Westview Marina & Lodge for over 20 years, and I can honestly say this is the best fishing/catching season in 25 years. 2019 is over-the-top good across the board for all species, but especially for salmon. Boats are limiting out on salmon before noon, with 20 spring/Chinook/king to the boat in a morning being the norm. Coho/silvers are also showing in good numbers—11.5 lbs tops the board as of this writing, but they’re bigger every day.

There are huge schools of herring and sand lance bait on the 30+/- meter contour, which runs from Grassi Island/McQuarrie Island on the north side of Esperanza Inlet down to outer Black Rock at the mouth of Esperanza, as well as around Ferrer Point. The great fishing/catching continues south to Beano Creek and Bajo Reef just outside of Nootka Sound. Salmon are moving into both Esperanza and Nootka in good numbers. In Esperanza, in normally calm water, you will find salmon at the Glory Hole at Catala Island, Double Island, Rosa Harbour, Pin Rocks & Garden Point in Nootka, Maquinna Point, Wash Rocks, the Lighthouse, Boston Point, Coopte Point, and Hoiss Point.

‘Match the hatch’ is an old but accurate fishing slogan!! Lures that are working well include Skinny G No Bananas, Peetz Hammer 3.25-in Chartreuse, Coyote 3.5 & 4 Glow/Green/Chartreuse & Live Image/Neon/Green, and King Kandy Candlefish Watermelon. Any and all of these lures work very well running behind a Highliner Guide Series No Bananas flasher. All the above lures are imitating anchovies, so never leave the dock without a good supply of brined bait. Bait usually outfishes hardware.

Halibut and lingcod pile up on the cleaning table daily here at Westview Marina & Lodge. The new rule of one 126-cm/50-in hali in possession is very popular. A 126-cm halibut can be up to 60 lb of great eating flaky white fish n chips. Lingcod to 30 lb are also regularly boated in the bountiful water in Esperanza and Nootka.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years

July 2019

The middle of the peak of the peak season is here! There’s lots of activity on the cleaning tables every day this time of year—you’ll find anglers filleting salmon, halibut, lingcod, and much more. You’ll also find big smiles, cold beverages, and lots of sharing where, what, and how those fish ended up on the dock.

There is a yellow hazard sign at Westview Marina & Lodge that says “Rubber Boots are Mandatory—Fish Stories told HERE.” Contagious laughter is part of the vibe, one of the many reasons why anglers come to Tahsis. Another is because Nootka, Esperanza, and their offshore areas are some of the most productive fishing salt water on the entire west coast. There seems to be two distinct categories of successful anglers—offshore and inshore.

Blind Reef in Esperanza Inlet and Bajo Reef in Nootka Sound are prime examples: these reefs are just off the mouths of these two bodies of water. Both have prime catching waters for salmon just off the edges of the reefs, both have very productive halibut catching areas in the sandy/gravel shoals just off the reefs, and both have abundant lingcod and many other bottom fish areas up on the reefs. You can literally limit out on all these species within an area the size of a football field.

Offshore is the famous Salmon Highway, the 250 to 300 ft line. It is located 8-14 miles out depending on where you start from. The Highway is exactly what it sounds like—where salmon move south to their final destinations.

Why are they there? Food! The steep upswelling of the ocean contour attracts hundreds of schools of bait fish, and the primary rule of fishing is, “Where there is feed, there will usually be lots of fish.”

Along the Highway there are many contours that come up to 120 to 90 ft. These are prime areas for halibut, lingcod, and all types of bottom fish. It is very common for offshore anglers to come back to the cleaning tables with fish boxes full of salmon as well as bottom fish. Stop by Westview’s tackle shop and we will put you on to in- and offshore GPS spots to improve your catching.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years

June 2019

This 2019 June will be the BEST on many levels.

Salmon

For Chinook, all of Area 25 (Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet) inside waters from one nautical mile offshore all the way into the inside inlets are open for full Chinook limits—2 per day with 4 in possession. That means the hot spots in Nootka—Yuquot Point (the Lighthouse area),Wash Rocks, Maquinna Rocks & Point, Burdwood, Bajo Reef, Beano Point, and much more—are wide open! The hot spots in Esperanza—Outer Black Rocks, Half Tide Rocks on the outside of Catala Island, Rosa Harbour, Tatchu Rocks & Point, McQuarrie & Grassy Island, as well as the world-famous Ferrer Poing area—are also open.

Anchovies with a green header and 5-ft leader with an O‘Ki Moon Jelly Guide Series flasher seem to be the ticket for filling the fish box. Troll at around 2 mph.

For coho, in Area 25 (Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet) you can retain 4 per day and 8 in possession, only 2 of which can be wild. We are anticipating a hatchery run of more than 15,000 coho returning here this season. DFO wants these fish caught, and they are available to catch in both Esperanza and Nootka. Do you want to help? Area 25 coho fishing also extends out to the one mile off the shoreline.

Anchovies are your best bet for coho, too, in a tight spin. Use 3″ to 4″ lures like The Hammer by Peetz in Chartreuse, Coho Killer Double Glow, and Coyote Glow/Green chartreuse. Halibut, Lingcod, and other Bottomfish.

We are very fortunate in that all bottomfish in Areas 25/125 remain in good abundance and are relatively easy to catch. Stop by Westview ‘s tackle shop for coffee & to discuss local gear and where these tasty white fish can be caught. See you soon!

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years

May 2019

Lots is happening in the way of regulation changes for the upcoming season. The very good news is that inside water is open, 1 nautical mile (1nm) from the surf line extending in to the terminal areas for all of Area 25. All inside Chinook salmon regulations will remain the same in 2019 as they were in 2018, with retention of two Chinook per day, hatchery-marked or non-marked, and a four Chinook possession limit. Hot spots like Bajo Reef, Beano Creek, Ferrer Point, and Grassy Island will all remain open.

Even better, coho limits in Area 24-4 & 5 (Tlupana Inlet) last season were increased four per day (only two of which could be wild), with an eight coho possession limit. For 2019, the coho limits will remain the same, but the catch area will include all of Area 25, and a mile out off the shoreline.

Anglers who know the Area 25 well know that a large share of all Conuma Hatchery Salmon (Chinook & coho) enter into the area by way of Esperanza Inlet. These salmon travel deep into the usually calm waters of Esperanza and are catchable all the way into Stemmer Point. The salmon continue their migration moving south through Tahsis Inlet into Nootka Sound. Around mid-July most years, there are large schools of Chinook stacked up at Coopte Point, where Tahsis Inlet dumps into Nootka Sound.

Pull up a tide flow chart of the Tahsis Inlet and Coopte Pt. area on your computer, and you will understand very well why these hatchery salmon stack up there. In 2018, anglers in the Esperanza area saw a huge jump in the hatchery-marked coho move in mid-July, and they continue moving through well into September. In fact, it was near impossible to catch an unmarked coho in Esperanza Inlet.
Get ready for a great fun-filled 2019 fishing season!!

Lots more fish and shellfish regulations changes are in the works. Check it out before you fish/harvest: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years

March 2019

2019 will be one of the best seasons on record for Nootka and Esperanza, because of the 14 years of salmon enhancement in six local rivers by volunteers and the Conuma River Federal Hatchery. Together they are all putting four to five million salmon fry in the water annually, on top of the natural spawn for the hundreds of area rivers and streams. Plus, Esperanza and Nootka will be one of the few areas that will have no limit restrictions on salmon.

As we roll into April, openings in regulations and weather for lingcod, halibut, prawns, and winter springs will bring a significant increase in on-water activity. As each high pressure system moves in, the number of boats on the water increases. Winter spring and spot prawns are the early target species. Dropping the prawn traps in the morning on the way to Chinook feeding grounds and picking them up on the way back in is the usual formula for success. Make sure there is plenty of oiled-up bait in the traps for the daylong soak.

Winter spring are plentiful in April and May. In Esperanza, if you see any bird activity around Cee Pee Cee, put the lines in the water; the same thing applies to Steamer Point, Garden Point, and around Centre Island. In Nootka, check out San Carlos, Coopte Point, and Anderson Point. These fish are feeding on small sand lance and herring, so 4-inch anchovies, Coho Killer, or 3.5- to 4-inch Coyote spoons are good bets for loading the fish box.

Bottom fish remain a huge attraction for our area. Halibut, lingcod, and every species of rockfish are abundant, and it is typical for everybody in the crew to limit out in a day’s outing. Large to medium herring on a weighted lure will hook up regularly.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years

Sept-Dec 2018

As the season winds down, we usually see the largest Chinook of the year appear on the cleaning tables. It all happens just before a large rain event that beckons thousands of salmon up to the rivers and streams for spawning at their final destination.

The local Conuma Hatchery employees and many volunteers are also at the rivers, gathering millions of eggs to raise future generations of salmon for Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound.

Fall Halibut Fishery

Pick your weather window carefully and go to Port Eliza and Espinosa Inlet in Esperanza Inlet, as well as Escalante River and just off Wash Rocks in Nootka Sound. As the carcasses of the spawned out salmon are flushed out of the river some of the best inside water halibut fishing is available. Yes, 25- to 70-lb halibut at 40 ft—and lots of them—will be there chowing down on the spent fish. Fish them the same way you do in season, with large herring or salmon bellies just off the bottom. Work the areas just off the dropoffs from the river delta. Halibut will be there picking off the salmon carcasses.

Winter Spring/Chinook/King

December offers some of the better winter spring fishing on the inside waters. Large schools of American Chinook find our area as they move north on their migration path. They stop and feed, and many never go any further north because of the abundance of bait here. Again, pick your weather days carefully. In Nootka, fish the Camel Rock, Hoiss Point, Canal Island, and San Carlos areas. In Esperanza, fish Cee Pee Cee, the mouth of McBride Bay, Saltery Bay, the log dump at Brodick Creek, Garden Point, and the northeast side of Centre Island. Find the bait and you will find these feisty, delicious, red-meat Chinook.

Cop Car is always the ticket this time of year, and you’ll also have luck with Coho Killers, Coyote 3.5” & 4” spoons, Glow hoochies with Black Horizontally Striped— or the best, Black Glow Scale—anchovy header with a properly rolling anchovy.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years

August 2018

The best of the best fishing for salmon is upon us!! Yes, all the efforts of the federal hatchery at Conuma River and the many volunteer hatchery efforts at the Burman, Gold, and Canton Rivers in Nootka Sound and the Tahsis, Leiner and Zeballos Rivers in Esperanza Inlet are paying off big time. With more than four million Chinook/spring/king fry and two million coho/silver fry being released annually, an average of 84,000 salmon are returning. Come get your share!

Before the first fall rains arrive these fish will be stacked up and hungry at all the usual places. In Esperanza, the sweet spots are between Catala Island and Double Island, Rosa Harbour, and Pin Rocks, while at Nootka they’re at Coopte Pt., Fidalgo Passage, and Camel Rock. All of these areas are basically inside water fishing. While the outside waters of Esperanza and Nootka remain productive, it is usually not necessary to go outside to fill your fish box. For the inside waters, the best gear is Flasher Hi Vis, UV reflective, and Glow patterns; the best baits are Rapala Flash Flys, Double Glow hoochies, Glow Cop Car Coho Killers, and Glow Dark Green Lighthouse lures, and the same colors with Glow Coyote spoons will all get the job done. Have you noticed the theme? Whatever you use, make it glow or double glow.

As always, all of the aforementioned baits are imitating anchovies and needlefish bait. A properly rolling anchovy will normally outfish most artificial baits. The trick is getting it to roll properly. Most of the anchovy headers out there will help with this. Again, Cop Car Glow scale pattern or Green Glow headers work well. Read and follow the instructions on the package, then hold on–FISH ON!

The depth and speed for trolling your bait off your downrigger varies with location, time of day, and tides, but generally you want to fish just above the bait you will be seeing on your sounder–about 30 to 50 ft. at 2.5 mph +/- .5mph.

For bottom fishing, 2018 has proven to one of the best years ever for 35 to 55-lb halibut and 15- to 35-lb lingcod.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
(800) 992-3252 – Toll-Free
(250) 934-7672 – Cell
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years

July 2018

July is the merge month, the tail end of the U.S. salmon moving south and the beginning of the west coast Vancouver Island salmon moving down the shoreline and entering the mouths of the inlets and sounds to feed on the massive schools of bait. It’s also the start of local Chinook runs moving into Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet to feed and ready themselves to complete their journey to the river or stream of their birth. And there will be lots of salmon around to catch. The long cool winter has provided all the necessary elements to make for active feeding salmon all summer long.

Where to Fish

Esperanza Inlet is the sweet spot between the south side of Catala Island and Double Island on an incoming tide. In the area from the outer Black Rock/Low Rock area to outer High Rocks on 75- to 90-ft contour line, fish deep just off the bottom for the best results. The world-famous Ferrer Point is red hot in early July, and Rosa Harbor area and the north side of Centre Island over to Garden Point are always good options, especially on those windy days.

On Nootka Sound in early July, Beano Creek and outer Bajo Reef will produce well. The salmon move into the outer and middle sound from mid-July to early August. Nootka Lighthouse to Coopte and Hoiss Points–and every point in between–will be holding Chinook on the west side of the sound. On the east side Burdwood Point, Fidalgo Passage, San Carlos Point, and Camel Rocks are all hot spots.

How to Fish

Small anchovies, Coho Killers and Coyote Spoons, and Flash Fly and Glow/Pearl/Green hoochies all work well. Trolling deep at 10 feet off the bottom often will load you up on halibut, lingcod, and salmon. When you find suspended schools of bait, run your gear about 10 feet above them. Hold on–fish on!

Bottom fishing/catching is very good in our area, with generous limits. A mixed daily bag would fill your fish box with halibut, greenling, cabezon, lingcod and more! Our guides have been using large durable swimbaits in glow colours for best results recently. Large herring and jigs also work well. If you are fishing out on your own boat, stop by the Westview Marina Tackle Shop, and we will get the charts out with GPS coordinates to help you find the bottom fish hotspots. When bottom fishing, have a descender device in your boat to save these long-lived fish, which you return to the water.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
250-934-7672 or 800-992-3252
WestviewMarina.com
Successfully Serving the Fishing Public for 26 years

June 2018

In June, at the mouth of Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound you will find large schools of traveling springs feeding on the massive bait balls. These sandlance/needle fish start showing up in late May and linger well into July. With that much bait activity the salmon stop to rest and feed.

In Esperanza

Low Rock to Half-Tide Reef is an excellent troll. Blind Reef, which is often called ‘The Pins’, is a great spot for these holding/feeding Chinook. The world-famous Ferrer Point is second to none for large schools of salmon. On an incoming tide the fish usually are near the shoreline contours and kelp beds from Double Rock well into Hospital Bay. Remember, you are fishing one of the best spots on the west coast of Vancouver Island so the action is usually fast and productive. When you hook up, pull out of the trolling pattern if possible. Double Rock always lives up to its other name, ‘Double Hookups!’

In Nootka

Beano Creek holds salmon at the tip of the reef at the creek and out front of the caves just off the kelp. Maquinna Point to San Miguel is another excellent troll. Look at your chart or GPS, and you will see a narrow trough (about 40- to 120-feet deep) that runs from off shore in.

Get in it. The fish are usually 60 to 90 feet down. Watch your sounder, you will see the bait. Fish 10 feet above the bait. Then hold on. ‘Fish On!’

Bait

Keep it small. Use four- to five-inch spoons; Tomic, Coyote, Titan, and Coho Killers.

Colours that work well are Glow/Green, Glow Army Truck, Green Image, or Envy; also Hoochie-Yamashita/Goldstar, Lighthouse LED, Yo-Zuri, North Pacific, and the Jensen Flash Fly; and all with variations of Glow or Double Glow, Splatter Green, Speckled Turds, Confetti, and Oil Slick Glow. As always, the best bait is what all the above are imitating. Yes, a five-inch anchovy in an Anchovy Special, Bulletroll, or Krippled Head. It will roll perfectly at two to three mph behind your favorite flasher and usually out-fish the imitations.

Bottom fishing/catching in the area for halibut, lingcod, and much more is excellent.

Stop by the Westview Marina tackle shop and we will get out the chart and GPS coordinates to the local hot spots for you. We also have the preferred gear–Lighthouse LED nine-inch Flash Green jigs, the new 10-inch Supper Tuf Glow swim baits, Triple Glow B2 Squid 12 ounce jigs, and Large/XL Herring.

John Falavolito
Owner Operators
Westview Marina and Lodge, Tahsis
250-934-7672 or 800-992-3252
WestviewMarina.com

May 2018

May and early June is the best time to fish here. Why? The Columbia River and its many tributaries’ Chinook runs come right to our doorstep in the mouth of Esperanza Inlet and Beano Creek to feed on the enormous schools of herring.

This year’s herring spawn is going to be best in the last 10 years. And this year’s run of Chinook/king/spring is expected to be from 700,000 to one million-plus for the Columbia and other Washington and Oregon coastal rivers. Add to that our usual crop of winter springs, and there is a lot of opportunity.

Where to fish

The mouths of Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet are both excellent bets.

These areas are on inside and outside waters. For Esperanza inside waters fish all of Hecate Channel. It is especially hot fishing at CeePeeCee, at the mouth of Mc- Bride Bay, Steamer Point and out to Centre Island. Outside waters to fish are Pin Rocks, Low Rock, Catala Island and the world famous Ferrer Point. For Nootka inside waters fish Anderson Point, Marvinas, Burdwood to Escalante and Nootka light area. On the outside fish Maquinna Rocks, Bajo Reef and Beano Creek.

Baits that work

It is all about matching the hatch. Medium size this year—herring, larger anchovies, Coho Killers and five-inch Coyote spoons, Flash Fly and glow/pearl/green hootchies all work well. Trolling deep at 10 feet off the bottom often will load you up on halibut, ling cod and salmon. When you find suspended schools of bait, run your gear about 10 feet above them.

Bottom fishing is very good with generous limits. A mixed daily bag would fill your fish box with halibut, yelloweye, greenling, cabezon, lingcod and more. Our guides have been using large Durable Swimbaits in glow colours for best results in recent spring and early summer. Large herring and jigs also work well. If you are fishing out of your own boat stop by the Westview Marina’s Tackle Shop and we will get the charts out with GPS coordinates to help you find the bottom fish hot spots.

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John Falavolito
Owner/Operator
Westview Marina & Lodge
[email protected]
(800) 992-3252 Toll Free
www.westviewmarine.com

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