With less than 2 weeks left in the 2013 season we’re certainly happy to say that the fantastic fishery we’ve enjoyed all summer is still going strong!  Typically at this time of year we find that much of the best Chinook action moves slightly offshore; we’ll still find some of those big lunkers in along the kelp beds but the bulk of the catch happens in 120 to 200 feet of water at depths varying with conditions.  Some years we’ve fished into September and spent our most productive hours fishing tidelines 2 – 3 miles offshore!  While we’re not seeing the need to do that yet we’ve enjoyed some awesome salmon bites down 90 feet in depths of 130 – 150 these past 2 weeks.  The massive tides this week with 16 foot swings have generated serious bites off Shag Rock and off Klashwun Point in particular.  Mixed in with the Chinooks are those teen-sized Cohos that we really love to catch.  Several 13 to 15 pounders are showing up now from Green Point to Shag Rock.  Anchovies, spoons and hoochies are all producing well.

 A special toast goes out to a couple of QCL anglers releasing impressive Tyees this week.  On Tuesday evening Greg Ecker hooked up off Bird 2 while fishing with Maurice Winter and guide Ryan Winger.  The powerful fish stayed down deep and out of sight for almost an hour while it worked the anglers several hundred metres from where it was hooked.  The underwater dance continued until Ryan moved the boat off and led the salmon up top where Greg was able to bring it alongside to the net. A quick measurement and some photos were taken before the big Chinook swam away with a few broad sweeps of it tail.  The numbers worked out to 42 pounds and a silver C&R Tyee pin for Greg to celebrate this marvelous fish!  Well done guys! 

On Wednesday we fished Cape Edenshaw for the morning while a bit of snarly weather blew through.  Fishing the kelp beds off Slab Rock with guide Luke Wagner, Mark Butler teased a big one out to bite a white UV hoochie and the fun began.  After a solid battle they brought a nice Tyee to the net and taped it out to 38 pounds before reviving and releasing it.  Congratulations Mark – thanks for letting that big one go!

Looking ahead to the weekend the variable winds should continue with moderate northwest going southwest to southeast over the 3 days.  The tides have peaked now with last night’s “blue moon” and we should see moderating conditions over the next week.  Looking forward to some more great action this weekend!