CH Report: 2022, Another Year in the Books - September 28, 2022

Hello once again as we close the doors officially on the 2022 season at The Clubhouse on Langara Island. September provided once again, and supplied us with some nice sized fish and a number of tyees, so here goes with some of our last highlights.

Our fishery changed somewhat to a fall pattern, with most of the fishing back at Coho Point and up the east side. The fish were found deeper in the bait, hugging the bottom, so downriggers were invaluable for sure. Secondly, the gear fishing out performed the herring for the most part, and the guides at The Clubhouse were now pouring through their tackle sourcing blades and skirts. Some of the guides were really tuned in right out the hop and put on a show for sure. Below are a few pics of some success I had with several groups once I sorted out the go-to combinations, with the help of gear specialist, Brent.

Above is a pic of KEN M. with his 37lber that we released after a short but sweet fight, right in on the Coho Point tack. 90 feet on the rigger just off the bottom. This fish had a 27 inch girth! What a prime silver specimen and the largest on the boat at this point in the season, well done Ken.

DJ also got in on the action a day later, releasing this beauty tyee of some 38lbs; top fish on his boat for the season, guest Randy. Note the weather, this can happen in September, the sun arrived late this year. Again, look at the silver fresh color of this chinook, about perfect.

This was not the last tyee, The Clubhouse had five this trip….so although not a ton of bites to be had, there was some size passing through.The following day Tony L. grabbed top fish on my boat, one of three fish on the first day of the trip, this one measuring 40lbs and released.

What was going on, a late run of bigger fish passing by Coho Point. Again, this fish pulled off the bottom, downrigger a necessity for sure in this fisheryThe halibut limit was increased as well for September. Which surprised us, and was it ever loaded on the west side. All boats easily picked off what they desired to keep, whether it was the three under 90 cm or the one over 90 but max 133 cm.

Here is Tony again with his fishing partner and a couple of take homes. It was easy out there late season. A lot of happy guests got in on this late season halibut bonanza.

The last day of the season arrived with sun and a few chinook up and into the low twenties. Below is a photo of a successful last afternoon with Roger and Gary fishing little Coho old school. Yes the herring was back on the hooks for a last couple passes and we managed four chinook to 22 lbs.

Yes the fish were cooperating. A few other species were definitely in the mix, namely salmon sharks. Our water temps were hovering near 60f and the blue sharks were in the mix to. Lots of leaders bitten off, flashers gobbled down, rods corked over with impossible sized sharks on the hook, made for some busy times lol. Some boats really were on the sharks, hitting five or six a day. Never a dull moment out at the point.

All in all, a great end to the season. For the most part the weather held, as did the fishery. Adapting to what the fish were biting was key, and we are always learning in this fishery. Late season proved to be very productive with gear, and having the ability to use it was vital to our fleet and ultimately to our guests.

Obviously I would like to thank everyone for following the reports and fishing with us this season. Also, all the guides and staff who provide the details to make it happen. We had a very productive, fun season up at The Clubhouse and all of us look forward to making it happen again in 2023.

Of course a sign off would not be complete without thanking LUCY for her efforts on the boat in 2022, season four for her, well played Lucy!

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Until next time, tight lines!

Mike Tonnesen

Head Guide, The Clubhouse