It may be 'Storm Watching' season in Tofino, but we DO get glorious and glassy blue bird days too! Those are our favourite days to venture away from the dock and explore while the ocean is so clear, and the Hot Springs aren't as busy!
Beginning November 1, Tofino Fishing Adventures offers this unique private winter charter option. Our covered vessels depart Tofino at 9am and will have you back at the dock for 4pm. Alternate times and durations can be arranged but will affect the itinerary, which is as follows. The order of activities may be shuffled around in efforts to capitalize on tides, forecasts, wildlife sightings and passengers requests.
We begin our day with a (approximate) one hour scenic trip to Hot Springs Cove through the sheltered waters of Clayoquot Sound. We will then spend roughly three hours total at the hot springs which includes a 30-40 minute easy boardwalk hike through temperate rainforest each way and the remaining time to soak in the hot natural springs and rejuvenate yourself!
After getting changed and getting back to the boat, it will be about 30 minutes underway to our chosen fishing location, where we will have some fun trolling for winter spring salmon. On the way back to Tofino, we will be sure to stop off and retrieve our dungeness crab pots!
HOT SPRINGS COVE
While the air may be colder in the winter, the walk through the rainforest to the hot springs will keep you energized and the springs water temperature will surely warm you to the core. You may decide that staying in the hot pools for the duration of the charter is exactly what the doctor ordered – and that is just fine! Chances are, you’ll have the hot springs all to yourselves at this time of year.
WINTER CHINOOK SALMON (SPRINGS)
The first runs of winter springs arrive in November, taking up residence in both our inshore and near coastal offshore waters. These are non-spawning Chinook that have chosen feed-rich coastal waters to inhabit over the winter months. Winter spring catches can continue to be productive until May. Generally speaking, resident winter springs reside in deeper water than summer fish. While the depths do vary, we tend to target the 100-250’ depth range while trolling either bait or gear with 10.5’ mooching rods on Scotty downriggers.
If weather is calm, we may try trolling offshore, but inshore chances on sheltered waters are a great option. Winter spring fishing is gaining in popularity -and for good reason: they are great fighters on hook and line and they are fantastic on the dinner plate!
DUNGENESS & RED ROCK CRABS
As we return to Tofino, the last bit of business for the day will be to retrieve the two crab pots. Licensed anglers are able to keep a total of six crabs that can be a mix of Dungeness and red rock crab.
Winter Special Rates
NOVEMBER 1,2021 - FEBRUARY 28,2022
What To Bring
A sense of adventure and desire to leave the warmth of your resort to get out and experience the beauty of Clayoquot Sound! We suggest dress accordingly as that can make all the difference! This is winter on the west coast. Snow and freezing temperatures are not common to the coastal region, but wind and rain with temperatures ranging from 1-10˚C are often in the forecast. Having said that, we do experience many absolutely stunning, calm and sunny days over the winter months also, that will surely excite dreams of moving here for the weather. It changes fast and it changes often, so the best advice is to dress in layers. Thermal long sleeved undergarments, street clothes, fleeces or wool sweaters and an outer waterproof layer is ideal. Don’t forget the essential Canadian toque, warm footwear or gumboots and a pair of gloves as well. Staying warm and dry is the key to getting the most enjoyment out of a winters’ day on the water.
See our Rates and Booking Information page for more information.