At Port Renfrew Marina Chinook fishing has improved. Though it is not what it usually is for this time of year and this seems to be the case almost everywhere you ask about. We saw some limit catches of nice springs, mostly from the Walbran Creek area. Fishing was best in the shallower water, close to shore. East Point has improved and should get better as the Botanical RV net pen fish show up to wait for the rains. Sockeye fishing is improving on a daily basis.The run is predicted to peak around the 15th of August. The fish are being caught in the 400 to 500 depth of water, fishing 40 to 80 feet down. Pink and purple haze hoochies are the lures of choice. As of August 12th the Sockeye arriving at the dock is increasing as the days go by.
Coho are being caught on a regular basis now. Hatchery fish up to 12 pounds are being taken by anglers fishing for Sockeye. It should be a great fall Coho year, which could predict great results for our annual Coho "Winner Take All" derby we have each fall. This year the derby falls on October 4th and 5th, a week before the marina closes for the season.
Notable Catches:
- Rob Swanson 32
- Arron Marsden 33
- Chris Ford 32.5
- Glen Clements 34
Upcoming Event: Coming up on August 30th and 31st Port Renfrew Marina is having it's 17th annual Labor Day Derby. This derby is our biggest one we hold and at the $60.00 ticket (per rod) price you get a Port Renfrew Marina custom t-shirt, dinner, beverages, and a live band on Sunday the 31st. Tickets are only available at the marina in the office and will be available about one week before the derby. This derby has many prizes, raffles, live and silent auctions. We also have a fun bullhead derby for children 12 and under on the Sunday morning at 9:00. The winners, 1 boy and 1 girl, with the most bullheads wins a trophy and prize. Goody bags are given for all who attend. Last year we had an adult bullhead derby for fun and it was a huge success, so plans are in the making for another one. What makes a derby a success, besides the people participating is the generous donations made by people and businesses so please if you are able to consider a donation or know a business you think would be willing, please contact us in the office.
Other event: Also coming up later on Oct. 4th and 5th is our annual Coho "Winner Take All" derby. Tickets for that will be $25.00 a rod with $5.00 of each ticket going to the local hatchery. Where can you go and have two days of fishing, no stress and possibly go home with a large chunk of money for a $25.00 investment?? Previous years have had winnings from $5500.00 to almost $14,000.00 with the average wins about $10,000.00!
Please remember that for any derby or stay with us you will need to know we do NOT take credit cards and you will need to bring cash with you. We are a cash business so we offer the service of an ATM in the office. It is the only one in town. Also a reminder, if you don't already know, Port Renfrew Marina is no longer a vendor for fisheries so we can not sell fishing licenses. For regulars and people that frequent the marina they know this but if you have friends or relatives that you think may be coming to the marina or anywhere to fish it would be best to let them know before they head out.
Regarding the campfire ban, so far Port Renfrew Marina is ok. We are in what they call the fog zone so until we hear differently campfires are allowed. You will need to bring your firewood with you as we are out.
Bud & Rex