There are some early Chinook opportunities in the lower staging pools of the Conuma River at first light and in the late afternoons. Keep updated on current Albacore Tuna school locations through our Facebook Page.ĭon’t forget about our upcoming Kayak Derby at Moutcha Bay Resort! We are really excited about this return – the first year of the extra fish we have funded through the Nootka Sound Watershed Society and Conuma River Hatchery! With all the migratory Coho heading by, bottomfish will come out of the deeper water to feed on the smaller weaker salmon, so there is no need to look for these fish in any water deeper than 120 to 180 feet.Ĭoho limits will double as of September 1 st inside Moutcha Bay and in the Conuma River. He noted this conservation concern in a 1930 report to the International. Look for areas with structure where the bottom is inconsistent in depth with rock and gravel up-croppings. In the 1970s and 1980s when I began fishing Barkley and Nootka Sounds in August and September it was extremely rare to see any halibut brought into the campgrounds, now they are a staple for every lodge and charter operator on the west coast of Vancouver Island. When targeting bottomfish, try to utilize the high slack through the first two hours of the ebb. 4 to 6 inch spoons (Luhr Jensen live image and cop car), 5 to 6 inch 602 and 158 Tomic plugs, flasher with glow needle fish hootchies, and flasher and anchovy are all working well both on the inside and on the outside. Early mornings until 10 am-ish, and then again in the late afternoon until early evening are the most opportune times for inside fishing. The local Conuma fish are holding in all the traditional spots Hoiss Point, Strange Island, Beer Can Bay, Camel Rock, Three Bay, and “The Wall” are all producing fish daily. Coho, Chinook, Halibut, Ling cod, and Rock fish are all readily available to those willing to put in the time and effort to target them. As the daylight hours begin to decrease and the smaller, more mellow tides of the summer settle in, boaters are enjoying easier and more consistent access to the outside bounty that awaits them. The inside fishery for local mature Conuma River Chinook and the outside both remain steady and hot for all runs of wild Pacific salmon and all species of bottom fish. The fishing and weather remain excellent as we continue to enjoy consistent angling opportunities.

Fishing report nootka sound