Find out what’s working and what’s not when fishing in the Sooke area on Southern Vancouver Island. Tips, best practices, places and the go-to lures are just a sample of what you’ll find in our fishing report.
Sooke Marine Weather Forecast
Sooke Fishing Report
Sooke Fishing Regulations Area 20
September – October 2024 Fishing Report
The into-fall fishing is very exciting for Sooke locals and visitors alike. There are fewer crowds in general, but especially on the fishing grounds. The boats are usually a lot farther apart, and many of them are starting to look for coho salmon.
I can recall several very large Chinook over the years being caught as late as the first week of October. Some of them were caught while people were fishing for Northern coho. My favourite coho baits include trolled anchovy or a green/white or pink hoochie, trolled shallow (35′ to 65′ on the downrigger) and closer to the boat than for Chinook. I like a fast troll in the open water between the Sooke Harbour entrance and Otter Point. Coho are bright red-fleshed salmon and are considered very lean. Regulations are usually generous in the Sooke area for these salmon at this time of year.
Crabbing has been excellent this season and is very worthwhile for the short time it takes to bait and drop traps near the spit on the way out of the harbour. In 26 seasons of guiding here, I’ve seen some of the largest Dungeness crabs I have ever seen caught locally this year.
Halibut is quickly becoming an option, so many anglers start to visit the halibut spots as the dogfish (sharks) diminish. With spawned salmon carcasses floating down the Sooke River and out of the harbour into the Strait, the harbour mouth is a favourite anchoring spot.
As for amenities, Sooke is fully intact after the nearby summer forest fire, and there are no road closures. Only the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park remains closed. All marinas and restaurants are operating, as is the Prestige Hotel. It’s great news that the Sooke Harbour House is finally open again after extensive renovations over the last few years. It’s a must to check out!
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
August 2024 Sooke Fishing Report
Finally! It’s spring/Chinook fishing season in Sooke. The beautiful warm weather is here, the wind is down, and it’s time to get serious about harvesting some gorgeous, chrome dinner-table salmon. I have been fishing this area for 30 years, and I still get excited about fishing for Chinook. The large, hard strike on the rod, tremendous fight, and huge reward of landing these beauties are unforgettable.
One of the benefits of fishing Sooke is the proximity to the fishing grounds— guests are always surprised by how short we run the boat to get to our spots. Boats can start trolling literally 5 to 7 minutes from the dock! I like to start at the harbour mouth and fish Possession Point or the Bluffs. Sometimes I’ll troll all the way to Otter Point, and many times I limit out on salmon before even arriving there. In Sooke, August means early mornings or late afternoons at Otter Point—it’s definitely one of the most productive and busiest spots in the area. When the bite is on at Otter, everyone hooks up; it’s like nowhere I have ever seen. No fishing trip to Sooke would be complete without fishing Otter Point at least once.
The Chinook/spring are of course the largest of the salmon species on the West Coast, and with halibut, they share the top two most productive recreational fisheries here. August also has great coho, rockfish, lingcod, and, of course, crab fishing.
Come out and enjoy the sportfishing in Sooke, and enjoy and support our local businesses by visiting places like the Westcoast Grill at the Prestige Hotel— you won’t regret it. Take your time here; there’s too much to see. Check out the public dock and connect with one of the local charter operators. Enjoy your summer. Please check regulations before heading out, as they can change annually and even mid-season.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
July 2024 Sooke Fishing Report
July fishing opportunities in Sooke are plentiful. The weather is terrific, with lots of sunshine and calm waters in the Salish Sea/Strait of Juan de Fuca. There are spring/Chinook and coho salmon in the area, so please check regulations as part of your trip planning. More and more boats have been targeting salmon in the usual hotspots, reporting good catches of Chinooks. Otter Point, Sooke Bluffs, and the Trap Shack have been popular.
As usual, coho salmon have been found shallow, anywhere from 45′ to 60′ on the downrigger, and offshore in 250′ to 500′ of water. Our boat has been targeting a lot of bottom fish, including rockfish and halibut, this season. Halibut fishing has been exceptional, but you must contend with the dogfish/sharks when fishing with bait like salmon bellies, herring, or octopus. The volume of halibut is up from previous years, which means that chances are good that everyone on the boat will get a chance to land a fish.
Crab fishing in the harbour has been great this year and continues to be very worthwhile—our boat has been averaging six or seven keepers per trip.
This year has proven to be a very busy tourist season in Sooke, so plan your travel timing wisely. Try not to come into Sooke during the week between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., as traffic can be very heavy. Plan on arriving early or later in the day. Pre-booking ferries from the mainland is a must now; gone are the days of showing up at the terminal and driving onto the ferry without a reservation.
Have fun and enjoy the sunshine. Drop me a line if you’d like tips on dropping a line in spectacular Sooke.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
June 2024 Sooke Fishing Report
June signals the start of a new season of Sooke salmon fishing. This is traditionally when catching large spring/Chinook salmon becomes more consistent. June is many anglers’ favourite month as it brings great warm weather and the infamous night bite. The longest days of the year allow those fishing for large Chinook salmon the opportunity to fish high evening tides well after the business day. Many locals will take advantage of the later daylight and troll for salmon after work.
June also usually marks the beginning of coho salmon fishing season. My crews and I get the first real sightings of finning coho on the surface while halibut fishing on anchor. That means it’s time to ready the small red or pink hoochies or squirts and prepare to troll back from the anchoring spot rather than running the big motor. Over the last couple of years I have found the coho very close to the surface—maybe 25′ or 30′ on the downrigger—and out somewhere into the 200′ to 400′ depth range.
Halibut fishing continues to be popular and productive this year, and with cod opening on May 1, many boats have been adding these tasty fish to the fish box. Halibut seem to have worked their way closer to the Sooke Harbour mouth from spots farther out west which are still also producing well.
Crabbing has been excellent this year with good consistency and of course some great hauls. There’s much more to do and fish for this June in Sooke. Need tips? Drop me a line and I’ll help you drop yours.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
May 2024 Sooke Fishing Report
Halibut fishing has been very popular this season, with some exciting catches coming in from coastline spots west of the harbour mouth. My herring bait from Finest at Sea in Victoria is working awesome. It’s vacuum-packed and comes out of the freezer very fresh: halibut love fresh. I let it thaw in one of the fish boxes on the ride out to my spots, and it’s never a problem refreezing leftover bait if you don’t let it get warm.
Salmon fishing is good, with large Chinook in the area. Please check new regulations for non-retention zones, as it can be confusing. This time of year I watch for coho salmon rising to the surface so we can troll for them on the way back in after halibut fishing. Try trolling lightly coloured Bubble Gum Pink squirts behind green or red flashers. Fish shallow, 25′ or 35′ on the downrigger for these early season coho.
Rockfish and lingcod are also around. These delicious white-fleshed fish can be lots of fun for kids to go after, and they add great variety to the fish box. I like to troll rock cod, which takes less time and gets your boat and crew onto fishing for other species quicker.
If you are planning to fish Sooke in your own boat, Jock’s Dock at 6947 Westcoast Rd. has moorage, and the Crab Shack sells fresh seafood and some fishing tackle. Jock’s is only minutes
from boat access to the Salish Sea/ Strait of Juan De Fuca fishing grounds. Sooke Marine Center, located just blocks away, has boat service, parts, and gear, and Silver Streak Boats across the street also has some marine parts. Fields in the center of town has a decent selection of terminal tackle like flashers, lures, and crabbing gear. You also can get an early breakfast and lunch to go at the Uptown Eatery.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
April 2024 Sooke Fishing Report
Early spring is exciting for saltwater anglers in our area: There are great fishing
opportunities. Salmon, halibut, and crab are usually here in good numbers, and with temperatures rising, anglers are getting boats ready for the season.
Marina operators are cleaning up docks, local boat shops are open and ready to service your rig, and many anglers are already out trolling for winter-run Chinook salmon. I try to source as much gear, bait, tackle, and marine parts and services locally as possible. I usually find it saves time and money while contributing to our local economy.
Salmon fishing can be excellent in March and April as the larger winter-run Chinook are still around and early summer fish are coming into the area. I usually continue to troll the bottom with green/white and Green Glow spoons on 3′ to 4′ leaders behind bright green flashers. Crabbing in the harbour usually picks up in the spring. Drop some traps on the way out, and see what you get on the way back in.
Halibut fishing is the talk of the Sooke fishing community this time of year. We’ve got the “hat trick:” weather, close spots with feed, and regulations. When halibut opens, locals will be eager to get on the popular spots. Our area usually holds weather patterns for only two or three days, so there’s always good halibut opportunities. Fresh herring, salmon bellies or heads, octopus, squid, and mackerel are favorite baits. Anchoring the boat is definitely the most popular method of fishing for “white gold” in our area. Come and check out what Sooke has to offer in 2024. If you plan on dropping some lines, drop me a line for the latest reports and advice.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
September 2023
September is here, and Chinook and coho salmon fishing are at their best in Sooke! Steady rains may come soon, so this is the last chance for many anglers to fish for large Chinook. At this time of year, the east side of Otter Point, Trailer Park, the Bluffs, and the south reef off Secretary Island are some favourite spots to find some large end-of-the-season Chinook.
September can have great weather, with calm water and sunny skies. There are excellent opportunities for coho fishing, as they have been feeding all season and are averaging 8 to 12 lbs, with even larger ones coming in. A couple local favourite spots to look for coho are the deeper water off the south tip of Secretary Island and directly south of the harbour mouth in 200′ to 300′ of water.
Trolling green and white or pink squirts or hoochies on short leaders—12″ to 15″ behind the boat—usually finds the coho. Halibut fishing never really stopped this season, and many fishing boats kept targeting the flat fish right through the summer. After the initial schools of dogfish (sharks) came through, the sharks were not much of a problem. Many anglers have learned to avoid sharks by fishing shallower and using salmon heads as bait. The beginning of September marks the last month of fishing for rockfish and lingcod in the Sooke area. One of my favourite fish to One of my favourite fish to eat, rockfish can be found by trolling or jigging the bottom in front of the Sooke Bluffs.
Anglers should check regulations and stay out of the Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs). For many anglers, crabbing is a large part of a Sooke fishing trip. Dropping the traps in the harbour before heading out into the strait to fish and picking them up on the way back in is common for many local sports and charter anglers.
Whether using fish or chicken as bait, many are rewarded with consistent good catches of large male Dungeness crab.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
August 2023
Chinook salmon fishing is at its peak in August in the Sooke area. The weather is at its best, and at no time of year are there more species of salmon here (sockeye, coho, pink, and Chinook) all at the same time.
Even though the spiny dogfish are around in big numbers, you can still catch halibut if you know which baits to use to keep the mud sharks away. There are also good opportunities for rockfish and lingcod, and of course, crabbing in the harbour.
The big news is the return of the large spring salmon (Chinook) to Sooke waters. Many anglers have been waiting for an opportunity to fish and retain these desirable, tasty salmon. The runs of these largest of all salmon (called “Kings” by our American friends) have been steadily improving as local enhancement efforts have been in place for many years. Sockeye salmon pass through Sooke on their way to the Fraser River at the beginning of August; locals often boast about the size of Sooke sockeye as they are considerably larger than many of the smaller river runs, even though they are not really Sooke fish at all. Other salmon runs also have been good this year, including the pink and coho runs; these salmon swim higher in the water column and often are found in tidal “rips” and tide lines, slightly offshore. If you are trolling, you can easily access these salmon without having to join the boats close to shore at some of the Chinook hot spots.
If you are interested in trying for halibut at this time of year in Sooke, be prepared to battle dogfish. There are a couple techniques to keep them somewhat away from your gear. Anchoring shallower can help. Fish with salmon heads as bait; it slows the sharks down as they can’t get the entire head in their mouth—but a halibut can. Try baiting with the long fins that are cut off the halibut during filleting, as dogfish don’t seem to like halibut much.
If you see me out there, be sure to wave! Never hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
July 2023
I have been saltwater fishing in and around Sooke for almost 30 years. I love this area because of the short runs to a variety of different fishing grounds. It’s a variety that includes rockfish and many other species of bottom fish such as halibut, crab, and of course the five species of salmon that pass through at different times of the year. Sooke is conveniently located an hour from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal connecting Vancouver Island to the mainland, and its location in the Strait of Juan De Fuca (part of the Salish Sea) allows for access to saltwater fishing year-round. The semi-protected waters away from the open ocean produce fairly calm waters year-round.
July offers an excellent opportunity to set aside the halibut gear and turn to targeting some summertime salmon. Pinks and coho are in the area and are fairly easy to catch. Most saltwater anglers in Sooke troll for their salmon, as there is almost always some tidal and wind movement. Trolling allows for the most consistent method of presenting your bait or lures. Both pink and coho typically congregate in the same depths and areas, so you will probably hook into both species while out fishing.
I like to troll bright green flashers and pink squirts or hoochies for these fish. They are not fussy, so you can run the gear 12′ to 15′ behind the downrigger ball. You may need to experiment a little with trolling depth at the beginning, as some years the coho can be extremely shallow on the downrigger.
Be sure to check the regulations, as different species have differing catch limits and there is a maximum number of combined species of salmon you are allowed per licence. Remember, you don’t need to hug the shoreline and rocky points for these salmon.
Troll away from the crowds and enjoy searching off Secretary Island or Otter Point—you can find these fish anywhere.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
June 2023
June in Sooke historically has been the beginning of the best Chinook salmon fishing of the season. All the local hotspots begin to heat up with bright, beautiful, hard-hitting Spring/ Chinook salmon. These fish are, of course, much larger than the wintering salmon that the locals and charters have been fishing for, and they will be here in better numbers.
Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina and Jocks Dock start to fill up with sportfishing boats ready for the season, so make your moorage or charter inquiries soon, as spots book up quickly. There is also public boat launching at the Prestige Hotel. All of these properties are located in the 6900 block area of Westcoast Road in Sooke.
When planning a fishing adventure in Sooke, be sure to research some supportive businesses that can make your stay more enjoyable. Note phone or email contacts for places like Sooke Marine Centre and Barry Marine that stock an assortment of essential marine parts. Take note of restaurants and their hours, as businesses close in the early evening in Sooke—I have had many guests struggle to find somewhere to eat after hours. Plan ahead and avoid disappointment. Cathy’s Corner Cafe opens early morning, so get their number and order breakfast ahead of time. There is also a McDonald’s, Subway, and an A&W in town, and many other restaurants for dinner cuisine.
The only 24-hour business in Sooke is the Chevron gas station at Church and Sooke Road, where you can get last-minute coffee and snacks anytime.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
May 2023
Welcome to May saltwater fishing in Sooke! Halibut has been a huge focus for locals for the last few months and will continue to be so for a couple more. It has been very consistent since it opened in February, with lots of smaller, very manageable “chickens” (smaller halibut) around. Now is a great time to get out on the water in Sooke to try for your share of “white gold.”
Whether you take your own boat or hire a charter, the warming weather and easy access to the fishing grounds make Sooke a superb choice for a halibut fishing adventure. Sooke is just a short drive from Victoria, making it a very popular angling destination, especially for those from Vancouver and even the US. I take many families with young children, seniors, and seasoned anglers who are looking for shorter boat rides to the halibut grounds. Some of my spots are as close as a 7- to 10-minute run from the dock, which is unique for a West Coast Vancouver Island open water experience. Also, because spiny dogfish (small sharks) that devour halibut bait move in later in the season, May is a great time for an easier, more successful halibut fishing experience.
On the salmon scene, there are decent- sized Chinooks (8 – 18 lbs) lurking near the shoreline. Coho and pink salmon should be showing up offshore soon; I favour pink squirts (small hoochies) on short leaders behind green flashers trolled shallow (25′ to 50′ on the downriggers) out into the Juan de Fuca Strait. Usually, offshore schools of coho and pinks are found shallower in the water column and are simply a great sportfishing experience on light gear.
Crab fishing in the harbour is usually excellent at this time of year and can be a part of your fishing excursion in Sooke. Many anglers drop traps with fresh fish heads and trimmings in the harbour on their way out to the strait and pick them up on the way back in. Please be sure to check for fishing regulation changes before heading out on the water.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
March/April 2023
Welcome to saltwater fishing in Sooke 2023!
March and April are very good months to fish halibut in our area. You see many anglers gearing up and getting on the water as the weather warms up after the chilly winter months. For me, halibut fishing begins with almost constant tidal, current, and weather checks. Having an idea of what the water and weather are going to do has a large impact on how your halibut fishing trip is going to turn out—or if it will happen at all. Almost all of this kind of information can be found online. I also like to prepare for any kind of weather pattern change on the morning of the trip, switching from a planned halibut trip to fishing salmon if the conditions are not right. It can be invaluable to be geared and ready to fish another species.
I also like to prepare for any kind of weather pattern change on the morning of the trip, switching from a planned halibut trip to fishing salmon if the conditions are not right.
Popular halibut baits in Sooke include herring, mackerel, salmon bellies, small salmon heads, and octopus. The small salmon heads are very effective at keeping dogfish/small sharks from getting hooked—they are too big for sharks to eat, but small enough for halibut to swallow whole.
Most Sooke saltwater halibut anglers anchor near shore in around 200′ of water and drop spreader bar rigs with monofilament leaders and “J” hooks. Use your chart plotter to look for ledges to anchor on, so the current will take the scent of the bait out into the deeper water and draw the halibut in.
Recently, halibut regulations have been generous, so make sure to check the regs for how many fish you are allowed.
There are many support services for anglers in Sooke, and it’s a great idea to know where they are and support our local small businesses: The Crabshack at Jock’s Dock (6947 Westcoast Rd.) carries bait, some fishing tackle, crabbing gear, fresh crab, and even fresh frozen fish depending on seasonal availability. Also available are a launch, moorage, and local charters like mine. Located between two popular hotel resorts—both of which have ramps and accommodations—the Crabshack is definitely worth a visit during any fishing excursion to the Sooke area.
Be sure to tell them Ron sent you!
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
September 2022
Fall and winter salmon and halibut fishing in Sooke are some of my personal favorite fisheries. There are some incredibly calm days in the Strait of Juan De Fuca for trolling for late Chinook or larger coho. We get a good couple of weeks at the beginning of September when Chinook are still in the area and can be located at local hot spots including Otter Point, Possession Point, and Secretary Island. The reef off the south side of Secretary Island, and West across the harbour mouth are also very popular.
I spend a lot of time trolling glow white, green, and white and pink patterned hoochies east to west across the reefs on the south side of Secretary Island. Trolling due south from the island until coho strike, then turning around and heading back to the island, is a great way to locate schools of coho.
As the season progresses to November and December, I drop the downrigger to 120′ for winter Chinook in front of the harbour mouth and Possession Point. This fishery is very consistent, providing months of exciting, productive fishing. Another popular fishery is trolling in front of the Sooke Bluffs for rockfish, lingcod, or greenlings. These bottom fish close at the end of September, are simple to catch, and make excellent table fare. Set your oldest beat-up flashers and glow hoochies on short leaders only a few feet behind the downrigger balls, and troll them slowly very close to the bottom. The gear will bottom bounce and scrape (which is why you want to use old gear). With some practice, you will find you can produce good cod catches in almost any tide/current and weather conditions.
Fall halibut fishing in Sooke can also be excellent. The spiny dogfish have moved on, and now anglers can safely drop fresh herring, mackerel, salmon bellies, or octopus. Many halibut anglers look at harbour mouth locations as good places to anchor up. Halibut might be there feeding on spawned-out salmon carcasses. Wherever you decide to fish for halibut, make sure to use fresh bait and carefully check weather conditions to keep fishing fun and safe.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
August 2022
With its warm weather and welcoming community, Sooke is an incredible tourist destination in August. Whether you’re a local or a visiting angler, you won’t find a better experience anywhere on the island.
Chinook are here, and in volume. Large Chinook are typically close to shore and high up in the water column first thing in the morning and again at tide change, even if it is mid-day. Fish increasingly deeper as the morning goes on until you are trolling your gear within 10′ of the bottom by the time the sun is high in the sky. Local favourite spots (for good reason) include The Trap Shack, Secretary Island, Possession Point, The Bluffs, and Otter Point.
If you are in an area where seals are actively patrolling and grabbing fish that boats are hooking into, it’s best to move on to another spot. Seals do not like spots where they have nowhere to hide from predators. For instance, you will rarely see them taking fish off gear at Secretary or Otter Point.
I hope to see you visiting Sooke this month. It’s amazing!
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
July 2022
Another great fishing season is here in Sooke! Boats are filling the marinas, and tourists are busily checking out local nature viewing sites like the pier at Ed McGregor Park, the public launch at the Prestige Hotel, and the walk to the lighthouse at Whiffin Spit.
Chinook are here in good numbers and can be found trolling Secretary Island, or Otter Point at 70′ to 90′ on the downriggers, over 100′ to 120′ of water (10′ to 20′ off the bottom for Otter).
I like to troll green glow spoon combinations, but many anglers choose baits like herring or anchovy in multicolored bait heads (teaser heads). We have been catching Chinook/springs while looking for coho (schools of coho often are found offshore this time of year). I like to troll with the gear shallow, like 25′ to 45′ on the downrigger, especially early morning when looking for coho. Troll due south towards the shipping lanes, and watch your rods go off.
Ample rock cod and lingcod are trolled easily around and can be found in more than 70′ of water off the Sooke Bluffs; they can be easily trolled near the bottom or jigged up. There is a rockfish conservation area in less than 70′ of water, so be careful not to fish there.
Halibut fishing is still good, although the dogfish are here and will use up a lot of your bait. A variety of baits is a good idea, as you will usually find a couple the sharks don’t like as much as others. The most serious halibut anglers in Sooke anchor up for these fish. If you are unfamiliar with local halibut spots, Muir Creek area can be great—the flat sandy bottom is good anchorage, and there are fish there in 120′ to 220′ of water. Be careful not to anchor too closely to other boats and enjoy your day. Also, always check the regulations before you go out fishing.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
June 2022
June Chinook fishing in Sooke can be amazing! They started to show up in April and May, but by now they are passing through in good numbers. Larger Chinook are swimming in the shallow water in the wee hours of the morning and moving deeper as the sun comes up, so troll tight to shore first thing in the morning and move out to the deeper water when the sun says hello.
As the price of baitfish has increased and its availability has decreased, many anglers are using alternatives like hoochies and spoons. As our area experiences continued conservation measures, there are more people fishing Chinook “catch and release” and targeting other species of fish that are open to retention, like coho, cod, crab, and halibut.
The docks to visit in Sooke Harbour are near the Prestige Hotel, Jock’s Dock, and the Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina. This area is the launching spot for a lot of the fishing action in Sooke— a great place to meet other anglers and guides like myself who may be willing to share a tip or two. The crabbing in Sooke continues to be good, and you can easily drop your traps in the harbour before heading out, and pick them up on the way back.
June typically has much warmer temperatures, and longer days allow for an afternoon trolling session at Otter Point or Secretary Island, a couple of the local hot spots. Halibut has become an extremely popular fishery due to changes in the salmon fishing regulations over the last few years. Many of the charter operators in Sooke now offer halibut fishing opportunities, and many local anglers are dropping anchor on weather-friendly days more regularly, and with good success. A fish box full of halibut and crab is a great alternative to salmon fishing, until Chinook salmon opens again later in the year.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
May 2022
Sooke is located about 40 km northwest of Victoria, about an hour’s drive from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. The area is well-known in the fishing community for its world- class salmon and halibut fishing. Fishing for salmon around Sooke has been getting better, as the local net pen and hatchery programs have now been in place for years. Some of the best salmon opportunities are now over the winter season when Chinook retention is two salmon per person.
There is an outstanding range of accommodation opportunities for families, groups, or even solo trips. The center of the fishing action in town happens near the Sooke public boat launch site at 6269 Westcoast Rd. The Prestige Hotel, Jocks Dock and Tackle Shop, and Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina are all next to each other in this area, where you can find accommodations, moorage, launching, and dining at the Westcoast Grill. The government dock and Wild Mountain Restaurant are also within short walking distance from this fishing hub. Down the street, Cathy’s Corner Cafe is open early for breakfast and takeout lunches for your boating day on the water. There is so much to see in Sooke, and its proximity to Victoria makes for wonderful vacations for people from off island as well as islanders.
Halibut, crab, and soft fin cod are open for fishing, and trust me when I tell you that May is prime for halibut fishing. If you’ve never had a halibut experience, Sooke is the way to go—there’s no need to travel to remote locations like other areas on the island. Warmer weather also brings better anchoring opportunities for these tasty flatfish.
When planning a halibut fishing trip to Sooke, it’s a good idea to take two or three days rather than one. Weather can change very quickly, shutting down your plans for anchoring one day and calming down the next. You can fish for salmon, crab, and cod, and you can explore on the days when anchoring isn’t in the cards. However, I always bring halibut bait and gear onboard, just in case weather conditions change for the better.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
March/April 2022
Fishing in Sooke at this time of year is all about the halibut. There are winter Chinook and Dungeness crab in the area as well, but the real draw is the “white gold.”
Most anglers are anchoring in favourite spots: near the harbour mouth, off The Bluffs, near the bump off the Tin Shed, or anywhere in 150′ to 200′ off Muir Creek. Fish-N-Map Co. produces a series of waterproof blue paper maps that can help a lot with sourcing some great halibut spots.
Most halibut fishers here like to see a tide change during their time on anchor, and it’s even better if the tide change occurs during mid-day when the sun is highest in the sky. Low winds can also make anchoring and travel to and from the spot a lot easier. Some wind and tide combinations will simply not work for many people. We usually watch the wind websites as our halibut day approaches and use that information to decide on a safe, comfortable spot to fish. We always make sure to bring lots of bait to account for dogfish (sharks). A lot of boaters also drop crab traps in the harbour, which can make a good day even better.
Longer days offer the opportunity to make a couple of passes trolling for salmon at the Bluffs or Otter Point before heading off to anchor up for halibut. Please be sure to check on fishing regulations before heading out.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
Fall/Winter 2021
As the weather cools off heading into the fall and winter seasons, the fishing opportunities in Sooke change. First, anglers can target large Chinook salmon along the shorelines at the usual hot spots, and then the end of September and beginning of October is prime coho salmon season. Finally, by mid-October, trollers are thinking about winter Chinook and halibut fishing, which usually carries us through to the springtime.
The large Chinooks should still be around during the first couple of weeks of September. Regulations usually ease off, and there is a real opportunity to get into some larger salmon. Otter Point, the Sooke Bluffs, and Secretary Island are the areas to try at this time of year. Some large end-of-season springs come from these areas, and many of them take the pink hoochies that anglers present for coho. The larger “Northern” coho will be in the area until early November. Regulations also usually ease off on these salmon October 1, allowing fishers to keep a wild coho and more hatchery- clipped fish. This is a very productive fishery in the Sooke area, with a long history which used to involve a few great derbies and lots of fishing. Pink hoochies, spoons, and bait will work well for the coho, which can be found just offshore—try in 200′ to 300′ of water off Secretary Island or the Sooke Bluffs.
Halibut fishers start to get excited as the coho slow down, and November can be excellent hali fishing. With no dogfish sharks around you can conserve your bait supply, and when you get a strike, it’s the real thing, a feisty halibut on the line. November through to April is not only good for halibut, but also for solid winter Chinook fishing. This is also a consistent, productive fishery that can be had close to Sooke Harbour, saving on
Please check regulations before heading out or even take out a guided trip before bringing your own boat to an area. Many guides will be happy to book a trip and show you the area so you can then try things out in your own boat.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
August 2021
With August here, the Sooke fishing season is finally in full swing, and five popular species of sport fish are available to target and harvest. Chinook, coho, and pinks are minutes from the harbour mouth, and halibut and can be found further out.
Coho and pinks can be located in a little deeper water straight out of the harbour mouth, trolling small pink hoochies/squirts starting at 50′ to 60′ in the morning and working deeper if they stop biting. Usually I would start in 150′ of water and troll south toward deeper water and see what happens, turning around when the action gets heavy.
The coho and pinks are usually mixed together, so be careful to identify what you are putting in the fish box if you are keeping the salmon.
If you are having trouble finding the salmon, head for the south side of Secretary Island. There will be boats there, and you can gauge whether other anglers are having any luck. The rock formations off the island also typically hold fish. Chinook will be in this area, and don’t be surprised if they take your small pink hoochie meant for a smaller salmon. Generally, Chinooks will be found closer to shore in shallower water. Many trollers prefer bait like anchovy or herring as opposed to hoochies and spoons for Chinooks. I find they all work at certain times and in specific colour combinations. One common factor seems to be the Sooke colour combinations of white, green, glow, and chartreuse. The Chinook are close to shore and shallow in the early morning, moving out and deeper as the day goes on. Popular fishing spots for the large Chinooks are the harbour mouth, Possession Point, Secretary Island, Trap Shack, and Otter Point.
Halibut and cod are also on the list of available species for those enjoying the whitefish. Halibut fishing is a little more challenging in August because of the large numbers of dogfish sharks around. These sharks love to take any fresh bait set down for halibut, and this leads to a huge increase in time baiting hooks and cost in lost bait. But the halibut are still there and can be targeted by using salmon heads, which dogfish can’t easily fit in their mouths. They also last much longer on the hooks than other softer baits like herring. Cod can be found in front of the Sooke Bluffs and around Secretary Island. At the Sooke Bluffs, anglers must be careful to stay away from the Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA). You must fish in 70′ of water or more to be out of the RCA.
Many local and visiting fishers wait all year to fish Sooke waters in August because of the large numbers of salmon and the variety of fish. Weekends can be busy on the water, and foggy conditions can be challenging for inexperienced mariners, so always keep safety in mind.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
July 2021
Fishing the saltwater in Sooke in July offers a lot of possibilities and variety. A good number of species are in the area this year, and so far the fish have been biting. July will offer good large Chinook, coho, and pink salmon, as well as halibut, rockfish, lingcod, and crab fishing. Please check the regulations before heading out.
Large Chinook salmon are accessible by even the smallest sport boats outside of Sooke Harbour on calm days, amd there are spots quite close to the harbour mouth like the Bluffs and Possession Point. Secretary Island is a great spot that is often overlooked and has a lot of open water room for trolling off its southern side. There is a reef that shallows depending on how close you troll to the Island, and this is what holds the fish to the area. An east-to-west troll works best, shallow on the downrigger in the morning getting and deeper as the sun gets higher.
The Sooke area gets pink salmon on the odd-numbered years, so 2021 is on for pinks. These pinks are much different than those you may find entering the rivers on the mainland. They are typically larger, brighter, and firmer. Kept cold immediately after landing and cleaning, these can be great fresh table fish. Pinks don’t typically do well in the freezer for long periods, so pickling or smoking can be delicious options. Coho are also in the area in July, usually higher in the water column (shallower on the downrigger). Pinks and coho will usually take small pink squirts or hoochies and can be found by trolling south offshore towards the middle of the Strait.
The coho usually ranked second to the larger Chinooks for terrific eating and should be in the 5- to 10-lb range at this time of year. Halibut fishing continues to be productive, but dogfish (small sharks) will be in the area, so be sure to bring extra bait to account for the bothersome sharks.
Halibut fishing is always subject to weather and sometimes tides, so be prepared to target other species. Rockfish and lingcod are easily found just outside the Sooke Harbour mouth to the right or starboard side near the Sooke Bluffs. Remember that this is a Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA), and you must be in at least 70′ of water to be outside the closed area. Cod can be easily jigged or trolled up in this area.
A wide variety of species are available in July, so it’s good idea to take one to two full days of just fishing if visiting the area to try for a few different fish. Finally, it’s always a good idea to drop crab traps in the harbour while out fishing.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
June 2021
Fishing Sooke in June can be great with the availability of more species as we get into the summer months.
You can fish for cod, halibut, and coho, pink, and Chinook salmon. The Sooke public launch is located beside the Prestige Hotel in Sooke, where there is a small bait shack, and two marinas nearby. There are ample accommodations, ramping, and moorage all within walking distance to the town core.
The run out to the Strait fishing grounds is 5 to 15 minutes, depending where you would like to go. Most anglers drop crab traps inside the harbour before heading out fishing. The salmon fishing can begin as close as the harbour mouth; Possession Point and the Bluffs are the closest hotspots. Find 80′ to 100′ of water and you can begin trolling for salmon. Early morning trollers will typically run the gear shallow, maybe 40′ to 50′ on the downrigger, going deeper as the sun comes up higher. Big Chinook will be in the area and will be ready to feed.
I like long coastal trolls for salmon at this time of year, starting just west of the harbour mouth, and heading west you can troll for cod along the Bluffs, being sure to stay out of the Rockfish Conservation Area. After landing your cod, change up to trolling gear and continue to fish into deeper water for the various species of salmon starting to show up. A long coastal troll can be fun and productive, getting your vessel and crew away from the crowds fishing the hotspots. The different species of salmon swim at slightly varying depths—target coho and pinks shallower and Chinooks deeper on the downrigger.
As you head to Otter Point, you can see if anglers are catching fish, and you may decide to stay and concentrate on that area. Otter Point is known for holding all species of salmon, but especially large Chinooks, so fishing the remainder of the day at Otter is often a good decision.
Halibut fishing is still good and can be an option given decent weather and tides. Dogfish (sharks) will be feeding in the area, so bring along more bait than usual. If your fishing day includes a tide change close to noon, moving from salmon to halibut fishing in late morning could prove very productive. Muir Creek is a great location for halibut fishing, as it has a gradually changing sandy bottom that is safe for jigging and anchoring. Remember to check regulations before heading out, be courteous, and try not to fish close to others. Plan to have a fun day!
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
May 2021
Spring saltwater fishing in Sooke continues to be consistently good, and sportfishers are catching both salmon and halibut daily. As weather becomes better—with winds calming down, air temperatures warming, and more sunshine—Sooke anglers are gearing up for the heart of the salmon fishing season.
Soon small summer-run coho and pink salmon will start showing up in the area. I usually find the first of these salmon by trolling offshore out into the Strait with pink hoochies. You can experiment with depth on the downrigger, but the coho and pinks will usually be at shallower depths (40′ or 50′) in the morning and deeper to 120′ in the afternoon. The Chinook will usually be found closer to shore, for those interested in playing and releasing a larger fighting fish. The first of the large spring salmon can usually be found at the Trap Shack and Otter Point. Trolling the bottom 1/3 of the water column is usually a good choice, with green or chartreuse flashers and anchovies or spoons.
Halibut fishing has been open since February 15 and has been good so far. Check out the new regulations, as they have changed from last year. Anchoring is definitely the method of choice for halibut fishing in the Sooke area. This method allows fishers to stay in an area frequented by halibut, baited and ready for when the fish show up. Most, but not all, halibut strikes occur at tide change. Anchoring up through the entire tide is recommended for optimal results. Favorite baits for halibut include whole herring, mackerel, salmon bellies, octopus, and squid. Make sure to check baits often, as many good halibut areas also have crab and, later in the season, spiny dogfish. Please be sure to check regulations, as cod—including rockfish and lingcod—do not usually open until later in the season. Be sure to check your boating safety equipment, and dress warmly no matter the forecast—it’s always cooler than you think.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
March 2021
Saltwater fishing in Sooke traditionally focuses on winter and early-run Chinook and halibut. After January and February, fishers are eager to get out for halibut in March, given some good tides and weather. The salmon are usually getting into the 10-lb range and and heavier, with some early spawners in the 20- to 30-lb range also passing through. Typically, sport fishers begin trolling the Sooke hotspots closer to shore in search of these larger Chinooks, but don’t stray too far from the depths where they have been catching feeder springs all winter long. Sooke Bluffs, Trap Shack, Otter Point, and points west are good places to start looking. The whole coastline east and west from the Sooke harbour mouth is good trolling for salmon. Many prefer the west, because of the forgiving, hazard-free, sandy bottom. Local trollers also know that if a strong springtime westerly wind comes up around noon, it is much easier to ride the weather back to the harbour mouth.
It’s a good idea to vary depths at this time of year. I like to troll deep and usually keep the gear 20′ to 30′ off the bottom, though many troll shallower, looking for bigger fish. I like to stay in the zone for feeder springs and the odd halibut. A good strategy is to start out at the 120′ ledge. If that’s not producing, then try other depths until you hit what you are looking for.
Leader length should increase from winter salmon fishing by a couple of feet to 5′ or 6′, though I know many fishers who troll much longer leaders, depending on rod length, experience level, deck space, length of net handle, etc. Take these factors into consideration, and tie accordingly.
A shorter leader will usually make it easier to land large salmon. The best colors for salmon in Sooke are traditionally bright green flashers and green/glow bait heads, glow white hoochies, or green/glow spoons. There are many great hoochies and spoons on the market, and most work very well. I find the 3.5″ Coyote Live Image green or blue works well this time of year. Frozen anchovies are one of the best baits going.
Halibut fishing is usually very good at this time of year. Most anglers will say the challenge is to find the right mix of good weather, tides, and location. Of those three, tide is the least important. If you are fishing very deep, then the tides make a big difference, but in the shallows (60′ to 100′), the tide is more forgiving. Try anchoring shallower when the current is faster than you might like—you may be surprised. Good halibut baits include herring, mackerel, and salmon.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
September 2020
The fall/winter season brings some excellent Chinook, coho, and halibut fishing opportunities to the Sooke area. Coho are very popular mid- September through to mid-October, depending on how much it rains. These fish are larger than the summer-run coho and are easily targeted with bait, spoons, or hoochies in green/glow or green/white combinations. Small pink hoochies on short leaders behind green flashers are my favorite. There are Chinook salmon mixed in with the coho, and they will often also take the same lures.
Downrigger depths range from 50′ first thing in the morning to 80′ or 90′ at midday. Sometimes the fish can be found as deep as 120′ to 130′ on the downrigger when the shallower depths are not producing. If the coho can’t be located in shallow depths near shore, then troll out into deeper water to find them. Once the rains come in October and the coho have gone into the rivers, many trollers’ attention switches to winter Chinook and Halibut fishing.
Shore fishers head to the Sooke River, casting gear downstream of the highway bridge. The regulations in this area are the same as the saltwater regulations. Coho are the target species here, as most of the Chinooks have gone upstream. Weighted spoons, Buzz Bombs, Zingers, and Spinnows can be cast from shore with single hooks to try to entice the salmon to strike. Use caution, as there are bears in the area, often sighted patrolling the river bank. Many anglers report good success on fresh coho coming into the river on an incoming tide.
Out in the strait, the trollers are running their gear on the bottom later in the season, looking for winter Chinook salmon. White/green/glow hoochies, anchovies, or spoons trolled behind bright green flashers on shortened 3′ leaders work well for the these feeding salmon. Trolling the 120′ contour line in front of the Sooke Harbour mouth, look for signs of bait on the sounder or on the surface for winter Chinook. They usually feed around tide change.
Halibut fishing picks up in the fall and winter months, as there are no dogfish (small sharks) around taking the bait. Popular baits include herring, mackerel, salmon bellies, octopus, and squid, rigged on double hookup leaders attached to spreader bars. Most halibut fishers will agree your bait must be fresh and oily or bloody—this is a scent fishery, and the bait quality is crucial. Look for days with slower tides, where you can present your bait on the bottom for longer periods, and make sure to fish through the entire switch or change of the tide if possible. The Halibut are deeper in the winter months, try 180′ to 250′ or deeper. Many fishers interested in learning halibut skills will go out on guided trips before gearing their boats for fishing for the flat ones.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
August 2020
Saltwater fishing in Sooke continues to be good. Despite some of the season’s challenges, anglers are getting out on the water and finding great fishing opportunities for salmon, ground fish, and crab. Coho have been open and in the area since June 1, feeding on small needlefish and growing steadily. They are hitting just about anywhere from 50′ to 75′ on the downrigger, and from 100′ to 500′ in the Strait. Many people trolling are using small Coho Killer spoons or pink hoochies behind silver/red flashers to target the coho.
Spring salmon are finally open to retention and are being found at the usual hotspots—Otter Point, Possession Point, Secretary Island, Trap Shack, and the Bluffs. The Chinook (or spring salmon) are close to shore and high in the water column, especially in the early morning. Try starting at 35′ or 45′ on the downrigger in 60′ or 75′ of water and gradually go deeper from there.
Many local Sooke anglers prefer fishing for springs with bait (anchovies) in a variety of coloured teaser heads. Glow/ white and glow/green bait heads are standard fare. This is also the time of year to maximize the leader length— 5′ to 7’—and the distance from the downrigger ball to the flasher, usually a boat length or longer.
Of course, there are many great spoons and hoochies that also work very well for these fish. Halibut continues to be consistent on the shallow ledges west of Otter Point, using herring or salmon bellies. Rockfish and lingcod are also open and provide some excellent table fare for those who prefer whitefish. Crabbing is very popular in the Sooke harbour, and many boaters drop a trap or two when they head out fishing and pick them up on the way in. Please check the fishing regulations before heading out for any in-season changes.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
July 2020
For saltwater fishing in the Sooke area, July offers a great opportunity for halibut, cod, crab, and salmon. There are lots of dungeness crab in the harbour; many boaters are dropping traps before heading out into the Strait to target fin fish. Cod can be found in front of the Sooke Bluffs in 70′ to 80′ of water, and can be trolled or jigged up with spoons, hoochies, or Buzz Bomb, Zinger, or Spinnow jigs. There are plenty of rock cod in this area—be sure to only harvest one per person (check the current regulations) and stay clear of the Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA), which is in 70′ or less of water off the Bluffs.
Halibut have been found in shallower water as we get closer to midsummer. Halibut are now being landed in 70′ to 80′ of water, especially in spots farther west of Sooke Harbour. Herring, octopus, mackerel, and salmon are all great baits for halibut in our area. Be sure to plan your halibut trips during weaker tides and lower winds to make fishing safe and enjoyable.
Chinook salmon can be found at all the local hotspots now including Trap Shack, Secretary Island, Possession Point, and Otter Point. Green and glow bait heads, spoons, and hoochies are always a local favourite. Typically, large Chinook are found closer to shore this time of year, especially early in the morning.
Looking for coho usually involves trolling out from the shallows south into the Strait until you locate a school, then (of course) trying to stay with it. When the action stops, try the north-to-south troll again until you find them. I like to use small pink hoochies or green/ glow spoons for coho with bright green flashers, starting out shallow, 30′ to 40′ on the downrigger and never really going deeper than 80′ to 90′. The Prestige Hotel has a public launch facility, and be sure to get there early to get a decent parking spot.
Contact me directly, visit Island Fisherman magazine’s fishing report section, or visit the DFO website for up-to-date regulations.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
June 2020
Saltwater fishing Sooke in June can be very exciting. Large Chinook are moving through the Georgia Strait headed for their respective rivers to finally spawn in the fall. Secretary Island can be a great place to troll for these large spring/Chinook salmon early in the season; it has a shallow reef structure and lots of deeper water all around it. Try starting out early morning, running east/west trolling patterns on the south side of the island, with the gear shallow—25′ or 30′ on the downriggers. Remember to lengthen your leaders and the distance from the boat to the flasher; this is summer fishing.
Bring out your green gear, spoons, anchovy holders, and hoochies, and the brightest green flashers you can find. Manufacturers usually have a newer brighter green/yellow flasher every year—grab that one. As the morning goes by, drop the gear lower and gauge your results. Possession Point is very close, so keep an eye on boats fishing there as well. If you notice boats going sideways and nets coming out, you can easily troll a few hundred yards over there.
Halibut fishing is good, usually with more and more dogfish or sharks around. That means the fishing is busier, but the halibut are still there. Most serious halibut fishers in Sooke anchor for their flat fish, but they can be drifted as well. The area between Otter Point and Sheringham Point in 140′ to 200′ is a prime halibut fishing ground. The sandy bottom allows for trouble-free anchoring most of the time. Watch for anchoring too close to other boats and commercial crab lines. I find those fishers who put the time in for halibut produce, while many who show up just for the slack tide or the “turn” can come up with nothing. Bring out lots of different baits; many times, the bait makes the difference between getting a bite or not, and you never want to run out of bait.
Please check the regulations before fishing any new area, or even in your regular spot. Fisheries may have made in-season changes, depending on fish abundance.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
Sooke Fishing Report Archives
May 2020
May is traditionally a very exciting time to fish for salmon and halibut in our area. Some really nice-sized, first-of-the-season salmon are moving through the area and provide excellent sport when trolling medium or light gear. The wind turns mostly westerly, bringing warmer breezes and fresh sea air. Many anglers are now seriously gearing their boats for salmon and halibut, fishing for salmon closer to shore and higher in the water column.
This is when most fishers start to lengthen leaders and gear distance behind the trolling weight. Many believe longer the better, but remember to take into account the length of your net handle and fish fighting room in the boat when tying those long leaders. I like 30′ behind the boat and 6′ leaders when using bait, and bring it in closer for spoons and hoochies.
Trolling close to shore in shallower water first thing in the morning can be super productive in the Trap Shack or at Otter Point, and many local boats can be seen returning to the harbour by 7 or 8 a.m., when lots of anglers are just heading out. Like many areas, salmon concentration is higher at early morning, late evening, and the tide changes. Popular colors change slightly each year, but some proven standards always seem to work in Sooke. Green, Glow Green, and White Glow work well in bait heads, hoochies and spoons. Chrome series bait heads are also popular. Small spoons like the Coho Killer and G Force series typically work very well in our waters.
Halibut fishing was slightly slowed this spring by poor weather during the opening weeks of the season. Now things should be better, with warmer weather and more bait fish around to draw the halibut into the shallows.
There are many good halibut fishing spots in Sooke, both shallow and deep. Most fishers like the slack portion of the tide, but I find they will bite in current if you work on bait presentation and make it roll or flash in the moving water. Halibut like fresh bleeding bait and are drawn in by scent. Most serious hali anglers in Sooke have an anchor system for this type of fishing, but you can drift fish the area between Otter Point and Sheringham Point with success. The bot- tom is sandy and fairly free of snags, but stay away from commercial crab fishing floats. Please check the regulations before fishing the area, and ensure you are aware of the marine weather reports for the day.
Ron Neitsch
2 Reel Fishing Adventures
(250) 213-5472
www.2reel.ca
September 2019
September brings Chinook fishing to an end, and coho fishing begins to heat up. Anglers are allowed 2 hatchery coho per person until October 1. The remaining spring or Chinook salmon can be found close to shore in 50 to 80 ft of water in spots like the Sooke Harbour mouth, Otter Point, and Muir Creek.
Locals have success trolling long leaders behind bright green flashers in the bottom third of water for these last of the season’s Chinooks. The coho can be found farther from shore but not necessarily deeper on the downrigger—running the gear at 50 to 75 ft is quite common. Coho can usually be located by trolling south out of the Sooke Harbour mouth across the strait until you start getting bites. Once you’ve established the depth of water, you can troll parallel to shore or do circles to stay with the fish. Popular lures include anchovy, hoochies, and spoons in glow white and green colour patterns. I find that small red/pink hoochies or squirts tied on short 18-in leaders behind green flashers works well, trolled only 10 or 12 ft behind the downrigger ball.
After the coho have moved on by the end of October, it’s time to target winter Chinook and halibut. The Chinooks are usually found close to the harbour mouth and right on the bottom in 110 to 160 ft of water. They will strike a short 3-ft leader baited again with anchovy, hoochies, or spoons behind bright green flashers.
The halibut take a little more work to figure out but are definitely in the area. Most local fishers anchor for Halibut in 150 to 350 ft of water. Herring, mackerel, octopus, and salmon bellies all work very well placed on spreader bar systems tied with double-J hooks.
February 2019
The best location to fish for winter springs is near Secretary Island. Most of the salmon are close to the bottom in 100 to 140 feet. The most productive lure combo has been a white hootchy fished behind a Red/Gold flasher. Hootchies in White, Glow/Green and Purple Haze are the top choices in plastic baits. Spoons such as Skinny G’s, Coho Killers and 3.5” G Force spoons have been good. Anchovies are still the most popular choice for those fishing bait. Good choices for teaser head colors are Army Truck, Bloody Nose and Purple Haze. For flashers, Red/Gold Hot Spots, the Delta Guide Series UV Moon Jelly, Madi and the Lemon Lime Chartreuse are popular.
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