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Trip to China Creek

Sockey boats in Alberni Inlet

sockeye hoochie with glitter
Sockeye Hoochie with Glitter

Typically, sockeye fishing is thriving by the third week of June and lasting into July. The sockeye season is beginning early and we have a great sockeye prediction and sockeye fishing as China Creek has another great potential this year.

Sockeye tip – Add glitter sparkles to your lure and you will catch more sockeye!

What a special day when Sandy McRuer and his wife Patti joined Gerry and I on our shakedown fishing trip for sockeye. Sandy, a Vancouver Island eco tour guide and bird specialist of many years, has a light, happy and informative style. That, along with the easy manner Patti’s humour, filled the Oracle with infectious joy and excitement.

We cast off Harbour Quay Marina at 5:30 am and headed past log mills and Cous Creek toward China Creek. Old-timer commercial fishermen will tell you if you can’t keep your hat on your head its time to get off of the ocean. Well the wind was howling at China Creek and there were about 30 boats in sight. By 7 am we had 2 sockeye in the box.

With the other boats leaving and the wind increasing, we decided to get out of the wind and shut off the Oracle while Gerry made breakfast. Floating peacefully, the wind pushed us towards Port Alberni as we enjoyed our breakfast in style, Alberni Charters style!

Sandy is available for eco tours of old growth and tours through God’s country into breathless beauty, and will be happy to share these places with you. Sandy McRuer (250) 731-7015.