Hi all,
I am literally the new guy on the block. We have just moved to the island (French Creek) from Alberta and I will be picking up my boat on Friday from the states. Not a new vessel but it is a 24 foot Searay in really good condition. I know nothing about salmon fishing in BC but fully intend to learn. Boating is not new to me , I was raised on the Atlantic ocean and was brought up with and on boats. I know that when not in the position to own a boat I was always looking to get a ride where and when I could. I am now offering this to anybody that would like to join me, some fishing experience in area would be a plus but if you know as much as me (nothing) then you would still be more than welcome. Other than that any directions to useful web sites, publications or good old fashioned tips will be greatly appreciated!

Oldman

You dont happen to live in nanoose do you? French creek is really easy to fish. Drive straight out of the marina until you hit 200 feet then troll north along that contour. Try moving in and out to find the fish. I normally hit all my fish right on bottom but some get them as shallow as 100feet. Green/white coyote spoons 5 ft leader and various hootchies on 40 inch hootchie trolling around 2 knots.

Cheers Kelly,

Thanks for the info Kelly, but could you speak a bit slower as I am trying to write it all down!

WELCOME OLDMAN! Listening to Kelly would be a great place to start as he fishes that area regularly and has consistent success.

Welcome to the Island! Enjoy

BT

welcome!
Most of us can be found on 88A in the Nanaimo area. Give us a call when out, we will definitely share info. By the way, green spatterback hootchie has been a consistent performer.
cheers

Hi Oldman 137,
Welcome to the area!
And all along I thought that I was the Oldman.
I leve in Parksville, and fish French Creek all the time. Like Kelly says, follow the 200ft contour, and like most contours, it wanders around, but generally speaking, when the depth starts to increase significantly, if you head straight out towards Lasquity Island about 1/2 mile, you should pick up another shoal which runs almost straight east/west, at a depth of about 200ft.
This shoal isn`t shown very good on the charts, but can be a fairly productive area.
Supprisingly, French Creek can be a pretty good area, despite the fact that there is litterally no structure as such, which Chinook tend to like.
This is a very economical area to fish, if fishing can be economical, as the bottom is very forgiving, and you can litterally drag the cannon balls on the bottom with-out hanging up.
Lots of luck and again, welcome.
You may see me out there, My boat is called Reel`y Living.
Lure-washer

Thank you all for the welcome and the tips. See you on the water!

OM