Okay here is my logic and maybe some of my secrets about the Nootka Island areas.
And I quote,
“S*xually maturing WCVI Chinook migrate to their streams of origin in late summer and fall. The peak of migration into the terminal WCVI areas is usually late August. However, a few populations, such as the Conuma River stock, run about three weeks earlier. Spawning peaks in late September to mid-October. Timing of peak spawn varies by as much as a week or two depending on water conditions and the migration rate into the river. “
“WCVI Chinook migrate northward into northern B.C. and southeastern Alaska waters to rear for two to seven years. As they become s*xually mature they migrate south to their natal rivers and streams. On average, 2 or 3 per cent mature and head south at age two, another 15 per cent mature at age three, 55 per cent at age four, and 25 per cent at age five. Less than 2 per cent are left to mature at age six. Male Chinook generally mature earlier than female Chinook. Typically, none of the mature two-year-old Chinook are female, while only 5 per cent of mature three-year-olds are female. Fifty per cent of mature four-year-olds are female, as are about 75 per cent of mature five-year-olds.”
So, in the Nootka Island area you should be targeting the Conuma Run. The Conuma River Hatchery released the following Chinook:
2,453,213 in 2003 (6 year olds) 02% of return
2,740,887 in 2004 (5 year olds) 25% of return
2,274,489 in 2005 (4 year olds) 55% of return
1,863,390 in 2006 (3 year olds) 15% of return
These fish start showing up from the last week of July (hence the July 15th closure at Ferrer to protect the Conuma 4/5 year olds) through the third week of August. Since the run has been running a little late the last couple of years and based on predicted tides, I am thinking the main run will hit Tlupana Inlet the 2nd week of August especially around the 14th/15th of August. And, since the Conuma River is at the head of Tlupana Inlet (which is where Critter Cove, Gold River Fish Camp, Hoiss Point and all the others are located), the fishing should be really good during this time frame, especially with the commercial fleet being cut by 30% this year! I also know the fish favor Hoiss Point and the “Wall” side of the inlet… that is where I would be concentrating. If you are early head out to Maquina Pt and Bojo Reef. There can be some really good fishing there!
Now if you’re staying in Esperanza, most of the Conuma fish (especially the 4/5 year olds) coming through the north end of Nootka like to hold at Ferrer down the shoreline to Frank Rocks and also over at Pin Rock. These are the areas I would be, if there is no size restriction. But, there will be! So, you need to plan to fish offshore, the “Highway”. The offshore fishery is mainly fish headed south to the tune of about 75% are actually headed to the U.S. It is a consistent fishery, but you are talking about running about 10 miles offshore. But, part of these fish is also the Conuma’s peeling off and turning into Esperanza and Nootka Sound. There are also at lot of fish that will be returning to Nitinat, Robertson, and the Frazer.
And I quote,
“Most of the larger populations can depend on some form of enhancement to complement natural spawning. Enhancement facilities include small, volunteer projects such as those on the Marble, Zeballos, Tahsis, Leiner, Gold, Burman, Tranquil and Cypre rivers. Other federally-funded community development projects exist on the Marble, San Juan, and Kennedy rivers, and at Thornton Creek. In addition, there are three major hatcheries located on the Stamp, Nitinat and Conuma rivers. These major facilities have also enhanced Chinook populations in surrounding systems, such as the Sarita, Nahmint, Tlupana and Toquart rivers, and, through close proximity and straying, in systems such as Canton Creek and Sucwoa River near the Conuma River.”
Okay, maybe I am long winded, but this might help you get the edge you are looking for.
Charlie
