Rockin Johnny
Member
Heading to winter in 2 weeks, sounds like fishing is good out there, I am super stoked to say the least. Is salt ice still available at the gov dock? Any insight is appreciated. So sorry to hear about Mike. Man!!
2023 Winter Harbour Reports
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Tydey
Active Member
There should be ice available at qualicum rivers and/or mickeys
Captain PartyMarty
Crew Member
Us too but I am pretty sure his is not Salt ice
Just back this morning from a week at WH. Fishing at Cliff and Kaines really died after last weekend. Big southeast blow last Monday. Fish offshore were deep 200 to 240. Difficult to keep pinks off at times. Not lights out but limits of slot size springs if you worked for them. Ling Fishing was great as usual. Maybe that milky blue water is an issue for the salmon.
Tydey
Active Member
Anyone know what was the cause of that milky blue water? First time I’ve seen it like that up there that I can remember.
Gong Show
Well-Known Member
Are you sure? There was salt residue in my cooler after, of course I am on salt water, so there is another possible source, but it sure shovelled like salt ice.
Captain PartyMarty
Crew Member
Positive it wasn’t salt ice last year but maybe he upgraded. I will ask next week
Captain PartyMarty
Crew Member
Looks like start of some tuna water of brooks! Might have to give it a try next week
saddlemaker
Member
heading to winter harbour in 10 days. Is it worth while taking crab traps?
spring fever
Well-Known Member
Only if you are putting in at Cole harbour and don't mind leaving them alone for however long you are at WH. If that is a yes PM me and I will tell you where to set. Make sure you have at least 200 feet of rope on your traps. You need to set deep because of sea otters.
redman210
Active Member
I will be there starting tommorow for 5 days.... white Hewescraft Alaskan 270. Captain Ron on the radio... does look like water is over 61 degrees... would be interested in heading out for sure especially with another boat..... keep an eye out for me tommorow afternoon.
Captain PartyMarty
Crew Member
I am going be in WH starting next Sunday for 4 weeks can’t wait!
Macdeep
Active Member
Wondering what the judges and jury have to say about which month is "best" at Winter Harbour for salmon and ground fish?
June? Seems like the weather can be spotty (Juneuary conditions can persist)- this year was exceptional on the North Island with little to no rain and no major wind issues. Looked like salmon was hot and I assume the ground fish are more plentiful at that start of the season than at the end...
July? This is the only month I've fished out of WH. Inside at spots like Cliffe and Kains, it seems like the salmon can be hit and miss, but if you hit the right day it can be exceptional. Otherwise outside is pretty consistent. Ground fish within the 5 mile halo around Kains seem pretty picked over and longer runs seem necessary to have good consistent days. This year it seemed like the fishing in July was exceptional relative to the last few years, though the experienced ones might say that this year was just a decent year compared to what it used to be...
August? Seems like this is the time for bigger fish most places, but it also seems like Marble fish have already passed for the most part. But bigger coho are always fun, and I imagine that the off shore salmon troll is still good for all species. Wonder if the fog becomes a persistent issue like it is on the East side around Hardy and McNeill.
What month would you choose for WH and why?
June? Seems like the weather can be spotty (Juneuary conditions can persist)- this year was exceptional on the North Island with little to no rain and no major wind issues. Looked like salmon was hot and I assume the ground fish are more plentiful at that start of the season than at the end...
July? This is the only month I've fished out of WH. Inside at spots like Cliffe and Kains, it seems like the salmon can be hit and miss, but if you hit the right day it can be exceptional. Otherwise outside is pretty consistent. Ground fish within the 5 mile halo around Kains seem pretty picked over and longer runs seem necessary to have good consistent days. This year it seemed like the fishing in July was exceptional relative to the last few years, though the experienced ones might say that this year was just a decent year compared to what it used to be...
August? Seems like this is the time for bigger fish most places, but it also seems like Marble fish have already passed for the most part. But bigger coho are always fun, and I imagine that the off shore salmon troll is still good for all species. Wonder if the fog becomes a persistent issue like it is on the East side around Hardy and McNeill.
What month would you choose for WH and why?
Gong Show
Well-Known Member
Our crew have been having this same discussion for years.
It seems to always come down to weather.
One year was a full moon and the chinook were scarce.
One year had big tides during the day, so hard to get a hali.
Most years had a couple of windy days, so that limits where you can fish.
The only answer we can agree on is that we need more time at WH to fish so we can hit some spots and see what the action is for that year!
It seems to always come down to weather.
One year was a full moon and the chinook were scarce.
One year had big tides during the day, so hard to get a hali.
Most years had a couple of windy days, so that limits where you can fish.
The only answer we can agree on is that we need more time at WH to fish so we can hit some spots and see what the action is for that year!
adanac
Well-Known Member
It’s hot off winter , will be up in hardy with our grady 330 from Sunday - Sunday . Contemplating a run around the horn but not sure . If anyone is going to be fishing tuna next week out of winter let me know , experienced ex guide with lots of gas money to blow!
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tidal shot
Crew Member
Any reports on if the Springs still kicking around? We will be hitting coal harbour Tuesday morning for our first trip back in years.
Be out in a red Hewescraft hard top with a black roof rack, if you see us give us a wave!
Be out in a red Hewescraft hard top with a black roof rack, if you see us give us a wave!
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