Grant from Alberta showing off after a day out with Jolly Rogers
It is now officially Fall, but there’s still decent fishing to be had in Port Renfrew. The fishing lately has been hot and cold, with some very good days and some slow days.
John from Jolly Rogers Fishing Charters reports: “Salmon fishing continues to be productive for large Cohos up to 20 lbs and quality halibut are still being caught. Springs are mostly gone up the river but we are still getting nice-sized feeder springs into the teens offshore at Swiftsure Bank.” John reports he’s been having lots of fun targeting the coho with fly fishing gear, to better experience the fight these acrobatic fish can offer.
Kelly from Last Chance Fishing Charters adds: “Fishing in Renfrew has been good on the bank for Halibut, with limits coming quickly anywhere along the north side east of the 170FT reef. Coho have been hit or miss, with the best action coming from chrome teaser heads with anchovies and longer leaders then usual. Baitrix strip has been working as well. The trick is to find a school of fish and stay with them, which can be hard with triple headers. The other trick that has worked for me is to stay out of the brown algea water, run in and out untill you get out of it, it’s a definate bite killer. Fishing was fair last time I was out in the San Juan bay.”
Triple headers you say? Hmm, that doesn’t sound too bad after all…
There’s a whole bunch of people fishing off the San Juan bridge for salmon. Downriver, the saltwater rules apply — cannot keep spring salmon, but can keep 4 coho with up to 2 wild. Upriver, the freshwater rules apply, it is closed for retention, catch and release only. Remember that intentionally snagging salmon is not allowed and is not sporting! See the published freshwater fishing regulations and in-season updates for more info.
Have fun out there!