Many boaters took advantage of the excellent weather on the weekend and ventured down the Douglas Channel. The herring are spawning through out the Douglas Channel. Usually when the herring are spawning it is productive for both feeder Chinook and halibut.
"Hey Ron, Went to Fish Trap. Myself, dad, Walter and my good friend Doug Spend all of Friday on the water We jigged with spreader bars and herring at 200 ft. Hooked 4 Halibut landed 2 a 21lb and a 12 lb. Lost one that would have been much bigger probably 40 or 50lbs. I'll never know. Also landed one small rock fish, not sure the species name. Loads and loads of Dungeness out there right now. Nice size ones too. Basically anywhere in front of some fresh water. Got our limit in 2 sets in about 30 mins 60 ft. No king crab. Couple huge box crabs while looking for some king crab. I personally think its a good time for halibut right now. Stay close to shore and try and find the herring that are spawning. This time of year they are finishing up spawning and heading into the shallows to feed on the massive amounts of herring that are spawning along the shore (kelp and seaweed patches)......thats just a personal theory that i have. Not sure if it is true but I have had success for halis this early closer to shore then usual.
Kevin
Mar 18
Rory and Cole Smith are fishing with their father, Curtis were fishing off the dock at Mk Bay. They caught a few on Sunday but they said it was a lot better the day before.
Congratulations to the Smith family. Sometimes it is only about catching fish that is important, it is just precious to share the experience with family.
Summary
Many boaters report excellent catches of Dungeness crab. King Crab has been slow but there has been no lack of trying.
There have been many reports of an excellent return of herring to the Douglas Channel this season. This is an excellent indicator of things to come. When the bait fish stocks are healthy usually the rest of the fishing season is also very good.
Time will tell. Stay tuned!
Thank You to everyone for submitting info and photos to this Fishing Report.
Anyone wishing to book a Douglas Channel Saltwater Charter, a Jet Boat Trip or a Kitimat River Driftboat trip please contact Ron
wakita@telus.net.
Life is Short! Fish Lots!
Good health and Good Fishing!
Sincerely