Thanks for the pat on the back FG!
From one guide to another, that was Truly Appreciated, and right classy of you Buddy! THANKS!



There is a lot of fairly protected 'inside' waters out of Ukee. Many find the areas of Great Bear - Alley Rocks to be comfortable when the outside is kicking it up. And, with access directly to Barkley Sound, one can pretty much always find flat waters to work.



Fishing usually does start out of Ukee in June. Most years the early targets are still feeder springs and halibut (often on the inside banks in the early season). That said, the past two seasons we have seen a pretty good handful of the larger returning (spawners) springs being taken by mid to late June. Likely going to be the same for next year I would hazard a guess.

Not to side-track, but where in Idaho do you hunt birds? My Ma and Pa run an excellent Greater Musterlander (first in all local field trials this year!) each fall. Their main target is pheasants, and they do very well. Their current home is in Idaho Falls. Coincidence were you to happen to wander across my Folks!



Marty, there is always a LOT to learn when wandering into a new-to-you area, and I think your decision to engage a guide to walk you through the start is a very good one! That said, I would caution you not to wait too long if you are serious about engaging a guide of the highest caliber. Most are well booked in advance of the season. Certainly by the time the spring rolls around, The Best will have but limited wiggle room to incorporate your timing into. Best to try and nail down something well before hand, or else risk having your preferred dates already secured by another party. Just a head's up here...

Regardless of where you choose, next season is already looking pretty good from a Crystal Ball point of view. I rather expect that you, and all those who who will get to enjoy the pleasure that fishing off the WCVI can bring, can look forward to yet more Amazing FUN! Although a fair ways off, I am already looking forward to being well immersed in The Madness once again!

ENJOY!

Cheers,
Nog

Yes right in front of the harbour-as long as the swell isn't too big


You'll need some local contacts re:storage but I'm sure it can be done-be sure to contact Iron Noggin in that regard.

Also a place like Mussel Beach might suit-it is a dry campground though.

Two more to investigate

Surf Junction

Ucluelet Campground


Some claim June is best of all-most/fastest action.

Cheers,

I store my 30' motorhome at Pacific Rim Charters (talk to Glen/or Debbie) when I am not using it. He is a guide but also has the most extensive storage facility in Ucluelet and a great guy for information too!

There is a wealth of talent and information on this site and your determination to explore your options already points out that you will be successful. Cheers!

Hey Marty

I don't know when you fished in Tofino but the inside waters around Tofino are closed to the retention to Chinooks staring August 1st until the end of the season. This really limits the options as you can only keep Cohos then. In June the Salmon are offshore with the inside waters are a desert until July. Also the flights with Orca air are ridiculously expensive - you can fly to Mexico from Vancouver for the same price. If you fished out of Sooke you are close to Victoria's International airport with more competition.

Hi Marty,

I am a Vancouver Island resident and have "Gypsy fished" both coasts of the Island for 15 yrs. Having spent numerous days on the water in many locations, this year I chose to park my truck camper at Ucluelet Campground at a monthly rate and moor my Grady at the Ucluelet Boat Basin docks. Both are reasonably priced.

I first arrived in Ukee May 4th and immediately set to work fishing. While the Chinooks were not huge at that time, they were plentiful and lots of fun (not to mention great eating size) and only 4-10 miles offshore. lMid-late June through to early September was intense Spring (chinook) fishing with 30 pounders being the norm rather than the exception in July and August. Brought home quite a few halibut, ling cod and snapper as well.

Whales of all kinds were everywhere. Several trips showed dozens of whales including humpbacks, greys and Orcas putting on aerial displays.
I was sad to leave Ukee this past weekend and all the great people I had met on the docks and at the campground.

I fully intend to return to the same locations next year for another 4-5 months and have no problem recommending Ukee to anyone.

Cheers,
Doug

Next year you'll have to stop by and say Howdy Doug!

Cheers,
Nog

Does Mussel Beach still hold their three day rave in the middle of July.Two years go I fished that weekend out of Salmon Beach and the music could be heard from there.It went on 24 hours a day.The road in was pretty brutal as well.
The Ucluelet Campground is pretty nice.Islands West Marina has camping, launching and moorage but it's getting pretty pricey.
Dave