Cleanline Sportfishing

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Those who have been out fishing with us in the last few weeks know how spoiled we have been with such incredible weather this spring in Tofino. April has been a trigger for an abundance of change in terms of reliable fishing weather, available sunlight and sea life in our local Tofino waters. Although we are transitioning on the west coast from being obligated to fish inshore, up the sheltered inlets and fjords of Clayoquot Sound, with improving sea conditions in our offshore areas, this signals our migration to offshore waters in search of more consistent fishing opportunities.

 

Now that the halibut season is well under way, lingcod has opened as of April 15 and the chinook salmon kicking into gear, our season is well under way in terms of available fishing opportunities. With a combined influence of heavy winter storm events, upwelling essential nutrients from the deep, and those longer days with heightened available sunlight, these factors combine to create a chain-reaction of sea life in our offshore waters. How does this relate to fishing offshore? The nutrients and favorable sunlight conditions provide ideal conditions for phytoplankton and consequently, zooplankton to bloom providing the building blocks for a valuable food source for early migrating chinook salmon.

 

We have been noticing a healthy abundance of krill or small shrimp / crustaceans who rely on these early season blooms to survive. We have been catching chinook salmon lately with distended bellies, just plugged with krill! This is a good sign of a healthy ecosystem and brings in all sorts of life from grey whales, humpback whales, and plenty of early running chinook salmon in the 15 to 25 lb range!

 

Fishing deep is still a priority at this time and the usual anchovies work well to imitate still abundant needle fish or pacific sand lance. Small hoochies in army truck, or UV patterns work well in this clear, early season water to imitate krill. Troll them deep and you may encounter a nice sized halibut as well as all types of fish take advantage of this feeding frenzy offshore.

 

Once May hits, the Tofino fishing season will be kicking into high gear! We only have a few spots left during our peak season so the time is now to book your prefered dates in June, July and August. Please call us toll free at 1855.726.3828 or email us at info@cleanlinesportfishing.com for a more detailed fishing report and to book your fishing charter today.

 

Blake Klopfenstein
Owner/ Head Guide

Cleanline Sport fishing
Tofino, B.C.
“Tofino’s Ultimate Sport Fishing Experience”