The big story in Vancouver is Sockeye, Sockeye and more Sockeye.  Since the recreational opening of Sockeye we have been doing very well, limiting out (4 per person) each day and loosing just as many.  We have been targeting Sockeye but managed a few Chinook in the 25-30 pound range.  Sockeye is predicted to be open for a while yet and the Chinook fishery will be getting better daily.  If you want some fish and a lot of fun, get out there, anywhere from the mile markers to the light ship.  Keep your rod tips up and line tight.

Coho fishery, just when you think it's just about finished for the season it lights up again.  Catches have been in an average size of 7,8,9,10 pound.  These sizes are reminisent of the mooching days and not the 3 pounder we later came to expect.  The hatchery program on the Capilano River is working real good. The biggest problem being all the fishing pressure all those boat in a small area, props churning away, downrigger weights bouncing the bottom kicking up the mud exciting all the Flounder and Cod, flashers clanging against the rocks on the bottom.  I's got to be spooking the Coho, spread out a bit the bite may stay on longer.  Chinook catches are increasing daily with sizes up to 28 pounds.

Water temperatures in the rivers and ocean have been alarmingly high, with the harbour temperature being close to room temperature at 65 degrees F.  This may explain why the Coho season is longer and the fish are bigger.  Sockeye are returning in numbers better than expected but a little late.  This trend may continue for the big Chinook season.  I will leave the science to the scientists but after years of trying to add 2 plus 2, I suspect the fish and their feed are staying out in deeper cooler water longer.  For me this is very alarming in one regard and positive in the fishing and catching regard for the sport fishery.  I am anticipating a long and good Chinook fishery.  Sharpen those hooks and check those leaders, we are in for some fun.

Last 2 weeks have been consistently good, with hatchery Coho.  Double and triple headers were not uncommon.  Each day was busy and exciting with many soft hits and losses.  Coho are a ferocious fish that seem to strike at our lures, just because.  I noticed with many of our catches, Coho hooked from the outside in and not the usually expected inside out.  Chinook fishery is also gaining momentum with catches from 10 to almost 30 pounds, best yet to come.  Last few days the Coho fishery off West Van seemed to have slowed down with the best time being low slack.  Full moon, maybe, fireworks shaking up the harbour, maybe or the school of Coho have made it into the river even with our lack of rain.  Shore fisherman have been doing well of the West Van beaches.  Sockeye are returning in expected and even better than anticipated numbers in some cases.  Fraser River Panel meet on Tuesday the 27th to crunch their numbers.  We expect an opening of the recreational fishery as early as Thursday, depending on the length of opening we expect the Sockeye numbers to increase daily.  Is everyone enjoying the fireworks, so cool to watch them on anchor in English Bay. ??

This past week has been good, with Coho catches being consistent and some nice size Chinooks as well.  Afternoon, evening seemed best.  Got to LOVE fish and fishing, keep us guessing all the time, just when you think you have figured it out, something changes.  This past weekend has been great for Chinook on the Gulf Islands with Saturday being the better of the two days.  Horseshoe Bay is still producing some nice size Chinooks but not in any great numbers.  One charter guy and his crew had a memorable hour Wednesday afternoon in the harbour, landing around 75 pounds of Chinook in only 3 pieces.  Good going Chris.  I still predict the Chinook fishery to be nothing short of spectacular this season.  Sockeye are showing in good numbers, we just hope that there will be a sportfishing opening.  

This week started of good with the morning fishery being best so far.