Fishing Reports Archives - Queen Charlotte Lodge

Midway through the season, and there’s lots of fun to be had just outside of Naden Harbour!

Cohos are plentiful at the Pinnacles, eating hoochies 30-50 feet deep. The Halibut fishing has been fantastic, with plenty of “overs” being released. Lingcod fishing has seen the effects of many anglers harvesting trip in and trip out, but this trip alone saw 14 pin-worthy fish, largest coming in at 38lbs. Chinook fishing has been slow, but for those willing to put in the time, some anglers have been rewarded with fish in the Tyee class. The big story yesterday was a 58lbs Chinook caught at B2 after an hour long fight.

The wind has laid right down for us this past week, and should continue for this next trip. The sun has been come and go, along with some rain and fog but that doesn’t bother us. So long as the wind keeps down, we’ve got a shot at a huge Chinook salmon!

Lead Guide, Liam Longacre

The past few days we have seen light winds and the weather is supposed to remain consistent well into the week. Beautiful sunny skies, mixed with some rain are forecasted – After all, it is Haida Gwaii.

Coho numbers are up offshore and tend to be hitting up higher (37, 51) with a small spoon being most productive. Larger Chinooks have been found inshore all across the grounds, as well as many medium 10-15ib Chinooks being caught offshore deeper than the Cohos.

We were also very lucky to see the two largest Chinook salmon of the season, so far, weighing in at 39 and 41lbs. Seeing salmon like this brings an excitement to the Bell Ringer like no other fish. These two Tyees were found inshore using anchovies! It’s not always the herring bringing home the hogs.

Overall, the fishing seems to have picked up across the grounds and if you put in your time you might leave with a great story and the fish off a lifetime!

Safe travels and tight lines, looking forward to seeing you up here!

QCL Guide, Cor Van Stolk

There are days in a guide’s life that stand out, and today was one of those days.

The sun rose over a flat calm sea, casting a golden glow on the water’s surface, promising perfect conditions for a memorable day of fishing.

I decided to head to Yatze Bay, drawn by the big ebb tide that always seems to bring in the fish. The anticipation was palpable as I set up our gear. I stripped out my back rod, carefully placing the bait in the water. Before I even had the chance to get another bait ready, the reel started screaming!

The sound of the line peeling off the reel is music to any angler’s ears, and today it was especially thrilling. I quickly handed the rod to my 13-year-old guest, his eyes wide with excitement and a hint of nervousness. This was his first ever salmon, and the battle was on.

He handled the rod like a pro, despite it being his first time. The salmon put up a good fight, darting and diving in an attempt to shake the hook. But my young guest was determined. After a tense few minutes, he finally brought the fish to the boat – a beautiful 21-pounder.

QCL Guide, Darian Mant

A Northwest wind, over several days, always inspires excitement amongst the guide team as it usually indicates good things to come. Although fishing has, at times, been challenging this year, there is always something to look forward to when fishing in Area One. Wildlife spectacles have been fantastic – With numerous humpback and orca whale sightings occurring daily.

On the fishing side, Chinook feeding off shore has been relatively abundant and Coho have shown up in healthy numbers, ranging in size from 3 to 6lbs on average. Most Chinook retained by guests last week were 10-16lbs but there have definitely been some larger fish around – Especially for those willing to spend the time and patience in shore at one of our many legendary points. Encounters with large fish have been reported more frequently within recent days. Bird Rock 2 and the top side have been most notable, producing a few quality fish. When you’re trolling close to the rocks along the shoreline of Graham Island you never know what could happen. You’re one bite away from being famous amongst salmon anglers!

We look forward to seeing you soon, tightlines and let the Tyees go!

QCL Guide, Tristan O’Brian

Tides have been turning on the top side of Haida Gwaii.

With salmon migrating into our fishing grounds, whales and large pods of orcas have been spotted frequently. Life is becoming prevalent below the surface, signaling good things to come! Many boats have found some more sizeable Chinooks inshore with many coming off of quick snap bites. Things seem to be shaping up.

Coho are also starting to move inshore along with the very large tides we’ve been experiencing. Reports of many bites have come off the top portion of the water column in the past week. An example of this would be some boats finding fish along Green Point at the start of a flood tide, 75 ft of water, 37/47 on the riggers.

Whales have been feeding and are now giving off what seems to be a bit of a show at times. With both Humpbacks and Orcas around, you’re in for an incredible wildlife experience.

Bottom fishing at times this past week has been difficult due to the strong and large tides but large Halibut are definitely around.

Keep ’em tight, let ’em fight!

QCL Guide, Ryan Green

The northwest winds are finally here!

After a long couple of trips filled with southeasts, salmon fishing is slowly but surely starting to improve. We have been seeing Chinooks from offshore pinnacles, down deep, anywhere from 120ft to 150ft on the downrigger. Pink and Coho are seen more shallow using spoons, hoochies and plugs. Of course, the boats that are fishing inshore have seen some success, though not as action packed as the offshore troll but as the NW winds continue for the next few days that should shift.

Bottom fishing has been steady, with many nice Halibut and other bottom dwellers in the mix. Proof that if you work hard and jig hard, you’ll be rewarded!

Wildlife has been plentiful – Humpbacks, orcas and of course those pesky sealions. Black bears have been seen roaming the beaches regularly, so guests have been keeping their eyes peeled between bites!

Good luck to those coming these next few trips, let’s all do a fish dance!

QCL Guide, Max Hadrich

This past trip was a rare Haida Gwaii Gem, filled with relatively calm waters, sun, and an accumulating abundance of grey whales, orcas and humpbacks as the large mammals make their migration north in anticipation of one of the largest herring runs in recent years.

Despite the ample conditions, estimated returning salmon and herring numbers, onshore fishing has been tough due to a fairly constant south easterly wind causing both epipelagic and mesopelagic life to be either blown offshore or to seek shelter in deep water rock structures to find relief from the currents. This has lead to the majority of the fleet fishing out by the pinnacles for all of their needs. Despite the atypical fishing conditions there are plenty of salmon to be caught in deeper waters, but it is most certainly a numbers game that must be played in order to get the fish you want to keep.

However, there is a silver lining. As early runs of Coho are also starting to show up in the myriad of species to be caught offshore, allowing guests seeking their full limits to achieve their goals as long as they put their hours in.

Coho and Pink seem to be more common in the upper regions of the water column while Chinook are being caught as low as 150ft on the downriggers. Beyond that and some extremely aggressive halibut start being tossed into the hodgepodge of fish to be seen at the other end of your line. Some days it feels like the 71cm Halibut is the biggest aggressor in the Pacific Ocean.

Another added bonus is deep water Lingcod seem to have realized the abundance of smaller life attempting to hide down low, and have also moved in closer to our grounds, with many boats finding their Lingcod limit, and several large 30-40lb lings being caught this past trip alone.

This upcoming trip the weather looks like it is turning in our favour, as on the 15th it is projected to swing and start coming from the northwest, and will continue to do so for a few days. This is a change we are eagerly anticipating so that larger migrational Chinook can be more efficiently targeted across our points.

Anchovies and smaller spoons, replicating sandlances, or other needlefish species, seem to be working the best, with hoochies and squid taking a close second. But if the contents of the stomachs of fish being brought up from deeper waters is an indicator of what is to come, herring will soon be the go to.

QCL Guide, Jaxon Jones

The excitement is palpable as the fishing season kicks into high gear, with reels spinning and guides cheering on anglers from all over. The first few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, showcasing why we’re so passionate about our career.

The QCL fleet has been in the thick of the action, with flurries of fish making their presence known earlier in the week, especially during the serene early mornings. Chinook salmon have been the stars of the show, boasting healthy numbers and sizes ranging from 8 to 15 pounds. As May transitions into June, we welcome the varied weather conditions of sun, rain, and south easterly winds, adding an extra element of excitement to our fishing expeditions.

Despite a mid-week wind pushing us towards Cape Edenshaw for a brief period, the waters have since calmed, and the fishing remains excellent, particularly during the transition from the early ebb tide into the flood. Prime spots like Cape Naden, Cape Edenshaw, Bird Rock 2, Parker Point, and Yatze Bay continue to produce impressive results, with anglers of all skill levels reaping the rewards.

The Chinook action has been fun, with guests experiencing success at various locations around QCL. While the timing of the action has been somewhat unpredictable, sticking it out in a chosen spot has proven to be the key to success. Both herring and anchovies, along with smaller spoons and Kingcandy lures, have been effective at depths ranging from 25 to 55 feet.

As more guests arrive, the excitement only continues to build, promising even more memorable moments on the water. Stay tuned for further updates as we navigate the thrills and triumphs of the QCL fishing season!

QCL Guide, Karly Barker

The fishing scene is starting to heat up!

Chinook salmon are stealing the spotlight, ranging from 10 to 15 pounds, these beauties are keeping anglers on their toes. With the occasional 20+ pounder adding excitement to the mix and cheers in the Bell Ringer. Coho and Chum salmon are also making appearances, adding variety to the catch. Despite intermittent rain during the week, the weekend has brought clear skies and sunshine, perfect for a day out on the water.

As the annual Kingfisher Derby unfolds, anticipation is high among anglers vying for the winning hog and its coveted prize. Popular fishing points such as Klash, Eagle, Green, Naden, and Edenshaw are bustling with activity as enthusiasts try their luck. With the weather on our side and the fish biting, it’s shaping up to be a memorable season for fishing enthusiasts.

QCL Guide, Mackenzie Adam

The Kingfisher Derby is our annual fishing derby, hosted by QCL. With competition and spirits high, it always makes for a great trip at the Lodge. Inquire with our Sales Executives about 2025’s derby, entrance fee and more by calling now | 1-800-688-8959

Welcome back folks to another Kingfisher Report!

The season is flying along, already a handful of days into June.

This past weekend was windy with a series of Southeast fronts moving across the sound and fishing grounds. But anglers, Lodge wide, toughed it out and put some serious numbers up on the boards.

Solid Chinook numbers continue to hit the dock, in the 10–15-pound range, with the odd bigger one in the mix. Guests are ending their fishing days stoked and ready for what the tomorrow has in store. Cape Edenshaw, the Finger Dipper, and Green Point have all been protected points out of the weather and continue to hold fish. Bottom fishing out at the Pinnacles and the Peanut continue to be on point, with big hali and ling hitting the dock and rewarding anglers the chance to ring the Tyee bell!

As conditions persist into this week, our guests are demonstrating great determination.

We look forward to seeing you all here this 2024 season. Tight lines!

Lead Guide, Jake Hillier

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