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May 29, 2019 Duane Foerter0

With only a couple days left to go before we open up for the 2019 season, you can imagine that we’re a pretty busy bunch around here!  While the lodge staff and the kitchen crew are shining up their programs, it’s the guides that most people want to hear from right about now!

The weather has been stunning this past week and we’ve had boats on the water every day.  The guides are treating the staff to some quality fishing time and everybody comes out a winner.  Moderate northwesterlies come with all this sunshine so the water has been a little choppy at times.  We’ve focused on the western grounds from Cape Naden to Klashwun Point, working the inshore tacks around the rocks as well as the offshore zone…doing the Haida Drift between the two points.

Most boats are getting into a few Chinooks; feisty feeders in the mid-teens are making up the bulk of the catch.  We’ve seen a few in the twenties but haven’t found a Tyee yet!  It’s only a matter of time!  Anchovies and spoons are producing but so are the guys running herring. There was a 21 and a 25 on the dock last night so we’re finding the usual mix for this early in the season.  It’s worth noting that we have not fished any prime time, no morning or evening fishing, and only for 4-hour blocks of time in mid-day.  So the guides are keen to get started fishing full-time this weekend and really see what’s out there!

Tides will be moderate this weekend with swings of about 12 feet on the morning floods.  These westerlies will give way to just a few hours of southerly weather on Friday (showers and very light wind) before returning to moderate west for Saturday and fading out to light variable on Sunday.  Temperatures will be cool, just 12-14 degrees.  Perfect fishing weather!


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May 28, 2019 Duane Foerter0

QCL DockExciting times at Queen Charlotte Lodge!  As we near the start of the 2019 season with our guests, the excitement in the air in Naden Harbour is amazing!  With the staff arriving last week everyone is eager to learn the QCL way of service and of course do some fishing.

Sunny weather has greeted us the first few days on the water and it is great to see bent rods and big smiles once again. Being able to help many of our staff into their first ever fish reminds you why you enjoy being out there! It’s hard to top the smile after your first Chinook.

On top of all those exciting times on the water the lodge was abuzz yesterday, awaiting the arrival of our new fleet of boats. It was a beautiful sight watching them come into the harbour and into the breakwater. Not a detail was missed in the design of these boats and they look amazing, all parked at the docks. QCL new Bridgeview boats

After running many of our large aluminum boats over the past seasons I cannot wait to take these out on our grounds this summer!  In a future blog update I hope to update everyone on all the amazing features and how they are to fish out of.

We can’t wait to hear the helicopters on Friday and see more of those big smiles!!   Here’s to a great 2019 season!

Ryan Kelly

Watch the arrival of the new boats at QCL dock in Naden Harbour!


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May 5, 2019 Duane Foerter0

Global TV and QCL halibutIn case you missed it, you should check out the deliciously simple halibut presentation with QCL Hospitality Manager Jin Chong at Global TV on Saturday.  Our portion packing program ensures you can enjoy perfect fish dinner every time!  Vacuum-sealed for freshness months after your trip to the lodge, there’s no waste and this quick and easy recipe is a perfect play on fish & chips!

 

Here’s the video link to the show:  https://globalnews.ca/news/5239665/recipe-potato-crusted-halibut-with-lemon-butter-sauce/

 

Potato Crusted Halibut -Lemon Butter Sauce

 


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May 1, 2019 Duane Foerter0

Approximately 20 years ago our managing partner of Queen Charlotte Lodge, Mr. Paul Clough, fulfilled his dream of owning a fishing resort.  QCL was not just another investment, but something he had dreamed of having since 1992 when his float plane flew above QCL with his buddy Dave Bossons.

A year after the purchase of QCL in 2000, an unexpected opportunity came about for his eldest son Rob to get involved with the lodge.  Rob took on the initial role of commission sales and part time guide, which is quite different than his Senior Vice President role of today.  Sharing Paul’s passion for fishing and the lodge business, it didn’t take long for Rob to gain a loyal following among guests and crew.

Nicholas Dean OutdoorsThose who work with Paul know it is customary for him to keep a little book of notes.  One midsummer day in 2017 Rob was enjoying a rare opportunity to fish with his father on the FishFinder, trolling offshore for Chinook salmon. As is his custom, Paul liked to fish and, at the same time, review some of the items on his list.  During their conversation Paul went silent for a moment, closed his notepad and  put it in his pocket. He tightened the drag on the reel that was set up in front of him, and then turned to Rob and asked, “Is this your dream son?  Is working at QCL what you want to do?”  “I know you love fishing, but QCL is my dream, what’s yours?”

Initially shocked by the question, Rob’s reply was as usual, honest and maybe a bit blunt. “Although I am super happy and still excited to be at QCL, my dream is to own my own fishing lodge.  Something in the freshwater side of fishing.  Fishing for Steelhead and Salmon either on the fly or with light tackle.”

Nicholas Dean OutdoorsFor those who don’t know Paul, he usually knows the answer before asking the question! This time was no different.  Paul responded, “Son, I know you’ve been wanting something of your own and I’m glad you’ve finally told me.  I have an idea, why don’t we spend the next years trying to find something that fits for you and your family?”

That brings us to today and the fulfillment of another Clough fishing dream!  Rob has just completed on a deal that will have him take over as owner of Nicholas Dean Outdoors, a guiding company offering world class guided fishing adventures for steelhead and salmon on the Skeena River and its tributaries near Terrace, BC.

Please have a look at the website www.nicholasdean.com and if you have any questions please send Rob and email at rclough@queencharlottelodge.com.  You may ask  “Why does Rob still have a QCL email address?” Simple, he will always be part of the QCL family and will still be involved with QCL and Paul on a consulting basis… 19 seasons of information doesn’t just transfer overnight!

Congratulations Rob, we will miss seeing you every day at the resort. But knowing you will drop by from time to time and that you’re just a call or email away is comforting.  All the best to you with Nicholas Dean Outdoors!