BC sport fishing Archives - Queen Charlotte Lodge

Most anglers have their favourite fishing gear; special vest, best rod, lucky lures, killer flies, and the list goes on. But one item that seems to be high on the list of essentials is their fishing hat. And judging by the number of hats we see at the Lodge, we can confirm that is often the case!

For as long as QCL has operated, our guests have received an annual QCL Hat. Sporting this upon stepping off the helicopter has become a welcome tradition. While this tradition is not unique to QCL, we find ourselves excited when our guests love their new fishing hat.

Now, 33 years in, we’re still cooking up new ideas and fresh looks for the QCL cap. Obviously, the logo features prominently on any design and we’ve moved through a few variations. The original logo in 1991 was a beautiful Kingfisher, styled in a Haida design by Pat Wesley. It was front and centre on all Lodge hats until 2002 when we moved to a new logo design that featured the “hooked QCL” which was later simplified to the “hooked Q” that we often use today. Colour is always important; we’ve used various hues of blue, green, chestnut brown and shades from white to black.

Coming up with a hat that appeals to everyone is a daunting task. But every winter we go on a mission to design something fresh, in hopes that most everyone will love it. Thankfully, we’ve had our share of winners – in shapes and colours that fit just right with the times – and perhaps some that were loved a little less. It’s our good fortune that most guests are pleased to receive this unique keepsake and are happy to take it home with them. There’s no feeling quite like walking down the street, or across the world, and seeing the familiar Q.

As we always say, fishing is a pastime full of story and tradition, with maybe a touch of superstition involved there too. One tradition that many of our guests may not be aware of is what to do when your new hat blows off your head while out on the water. Of course, this happens more often than you might think. Keeping it protected from the breeze as you fly over the water is a timeless trick that needs perfecting. But of course, the proper procedure to follow is that as soon as your hat leaves your head, is to immediately turn the boat around and retrieve it before it sinks! And, doing so properly means pulling the hat straight from the water and putting it right back on your head, drips and all.

Our 2024 hat is well on its way to the Office, ready to continue the loved tradition. We cannot wait to share it with you all, you’ll only have to wait a little bit longer. For now, here’s a little teaser.

The New Year is officially in full swing and we’re here to bring you another QCL Signatures Series recipe.

Straight from our Chefs to you, the Herb Crusted Halibut. This recipe is nostalgic for us, as it was featured on our Main Lodge A La Carte menu, many years ago. Who remembers it?!

Change up your weeknight dinner routine with this Herb Crusted Halibut – Pair it with your favourite side dish and a glass of white! A quick, easy and delicious meal made with your QCL catch.

Materials

4x 170g Halibut Fillets
65g Panko
20g chopped Parsley
15g chopped Dill
15g chopped chives
15ml Olive Oil
5g Lemon Zest
6g Salt
2g Ground Black Pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 375° F.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix all ingredients, except the halibut, together.
Pat dry halibut and lay out on baking sheet.
Generously spoon the bread crumb mixture fillets and lightly press.
Bake in the oven until crumb topping is lightly browned and fish flakes easily with a fork, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve and enjoy with your loved ones!

Don’t worry if you’ve moved through your delicious catch already, our Taste of B-Sea program runs year round. The finest quality fish and shellfish, these products are Ocean Wise and come from some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world using the most eco-friendly fishing methods.

To learn more and to place your order, contact us | 1-800-688-8959

The fishing industry is subject to constant changes in regulations aimed at preserving fish populations and ensuring sustainable practices. Fishing lodges play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance between anglers’ interests and environmental conservation. This article examines how a fishing lodge effectively handles fishing regulation changes, ensuring compliance, guest satisfaction, and long-term sustainability.

To effectively manage fishing regulation changes, a fishing lodge must stay well-informed. This involves establishing strong communication channels with regulatory authorities, such as fish and wildlife departments, and actively participating in industry associations. Regularly monitoring legislative updates, attending workshops, and engaging in discussions with other lodge operators help ensure QCL remains up-to-date on current and impending regulations.

QCL educates our guests about fishing regulations to foster responsible angling practices. Upon arrival, guests are provided with detailed information about local fishing rules, catch limits, size restrictions, and any recent regulatory changes. Lodge staff are knowledgeable about these regulations to answer guests’ questions accurately and help them understand the importance of adhering to the guidelines.

Establishing a cooperative relationship with regulatory authorities is crucial for our industry. By actively engaging with these entities, we can contribute to the decision-making process and provide valuable insights based on our experience in the field. Open lines of communication facilitate understanding of the lodge’s perspective and allow for our concerns to be addressed when regulations are being formulated or modified.

QCL can play a significant role in promoting catch and release practices to support sustainable fishing. By educating anglers about the benefits of releasing certain fish species, especially those in decline, the lodge can help reduce pressure on vulnerable populations. Implementing policies that incentivize catch and release, such as recognition programs and rewards for anglers who release fish, help us to encourage guests to participate willingly.

To ensure compliance with fishing regulations, QCL has implemented monitoring systems. By employing experienced guides and staff members familiar with local rules, we can monitor angling activities on the water, including catch numbers and sizes. By regularly reporting this information to regulatory authorities, the lodge can contribute to the assessment of fish populations and assist in the evaluation of the effectiveness of existing regulations.

Fishing lodges must maintain a high degree of adaptability and flexibility in response to fishing regulation changes. This involves regularly reviewing internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with updated rules. Lodge management is prepared to modify fishing programs, adjust catch limits, or introduce new practices as required. Maintaining open communication with guests about any changes and explaining the reasons behind them helps foster understanding and cooperation.

Navigating fishing regulation changes can be a complex task. By staying informed, educating our guests, collaborating with regulatory authorities, encouraging catch and release, implementing monitoring systems, remaining adaptable, and engaging in conservation initiatives, we can effectively handle regulatory changes. This approach ensures the sustainable enjoyment of fishing for guests, the conservation of fish populations, and the overall success of our operation in the long run. By balancing the interests of anglers and environmental conservation, QCL can serve as responsible custodians of the marine resources.

As a note to all of our guests, we appreciate your assistance and understanding when it comes to maintaining all DFO regulations. Together, we can ensure continuity for all of us that love the adventure that is ocean fishing! Should you at any point have any questions, please reach out to our team and we will give you the most up to date information.

^{These past few days of fishing have been fantastic.}

^{With fish being caught at every point by both anglers, mammals, and birds alike. The waters, still calming down from the rough seas a week before, were rife with bait as the wind and currents pushed schools of herring, needlefish, and clouds of krill onto our grounds. In the distance tail slaps rang out as Humpbacks and Gray whales celebrated full bellies at the surface, and Eagles could be seen swooping down between boats saving daring Coho from anglers’ lines. Towards the end of day, on Sunday, a pod of Orcas was spotted moving into our grounds, off of the face of Bird 2, along with several Humpback whales that were bubble feeding; making it tough for all to leave the grounds despite the chop that was being whipped up by the strong gusts of winds, still swirling off the coast as a new pressure systems pushed its way in.}

^{Despite challenging waters, and large tides, giant sea creatures of all shapes and sizes were being pulled up from the depths, with several large Halibut releases being called out over the radio as well as more than a few large Lingcod brought to the dock. For those that stuck it out onshore, battling through the constant flood of coho, and smaller chinook, large chrome hogs could be found from 20-40 feet on the downrigger.}

^{Suffice to say that there were a few extra dents added to the bell hanging in the Bell Ringer this past trip.}

^{Towards the end of day Sunday, with multiple hook ups on every pass, one such hog named Walter would bless the end of my line, off of Cape Naden, as we tucked our bow behind the point, right in the strike zone. Peeling out line, he raced against the rushing flood, out towards Bird One, only to be expertly brought near the boat several times. Full of energy, this continued for nearly twenty minutes until the fish decided he had had enough of teasing us, poked its head up out of the water, looked us in the eye, and spat our hooks directly back into the boat as if to remind us why we call it fishing, and not catching. While the pain of losing such a fish is palpable, witnessing it’s beauty and knowing it is still swimming out there to be caught tomorrow has me counting down the minutes until I can get back off the dock tomorrow.}

^{Tight Lines!}

^{Guide, Jaxon Jones}

The countdown to the 2023 season started as soon as the 2022 season wrapped and as this summer draws nearer (less than 8 weeks to go now!), our excitement grows daily.

Personalized 2023 Trip and Travel Information packets are being sent out, and you’ll soon know you’re your packing potential is limited to 25lbs. This limit is possible because our team works hard to make your trip as simple as possible – We have many of the items that you would normally consider travelling with, already at the Lodge.

We understand that visiting somewhere for the first time, and knowing how to pack, can be intimidating. What is the weather like? What will I need on the water? What is the dress code for dinner? These are all questions that pop into mind when planning for a new adventure. Worry no more, we’ve got you covered.

When it comes to fishing, each guest is provided a rainsuit, fleece sweater, boots, personal flotation devices, fishing gear and tackle. We strongly recommend you bring clothing that can be layered. The weather on the water can fluctuate throughout the day. We recommend a good base layer, our favourites being Mon Royale or Icebreaker, underneath sweatpants or fleece pants. We encourage each guest to bring wool socks (we recommend Kombi), a toque (or a beanie for our American friends), and light gloves for comfort. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and your sunglasses; they are a must!

For your time spent off the water, we recommend bringing what you are comfortable in. Casual pants or jeans, shirts, and shoes. Evenings can cool so a warmer sweater and/or windbreaker is ideal to pack. With amenities such as hot tubs, saunas, and a fitness center, you’ll do well also bringing a bathing suit and workout gear.

While each room features amenities such as shampoo/conditioner, soap and hairdryers, you should bring all other personal items – toiletries, prescription medications, etc. If it interests you, bring a camera to capture your catch, the wildlife and well, all the QCL memories you’ll be making!

Don’t forget, meals are included and an incredible selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, sundries and of course, souvenirs, are available for purchase at the Lodge.

Get those bags packed and ready to go! We’ll see you at QCL soon enough!

Everyone’s reasons for taking a vacation or quick getaway vary. However, we recognize that over the last several years there are certainly common themes we can all relate to. From isolating due to the pandemic, long work hours, refreshed desire to try new things or simply because living in a connected world leaves no time to truly disconnect and reunite with our passions.

There are so many options for one to consider when planning a getaway. Everyone’s reason why and what they define as a dream trip is unique but maybe QCL will tick a few of those required boxes of interest.

Each year, thousands of guests venture to the remote Lodge that is QCL, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world – Haida Gwaii. The Lodge and associated fishing grounds have attracted anglers for over 32 years.

While QCL previously attracted fisherman and women from across the globe for a world-class fishing experience, QCL is now being recognized for so much more. Located in the lush oasis of Haida Gwaii, this archipelago is sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of the North – A destination for nature lovers to take in the natural beauty of the rugged coastline and exceptional wildlife. Our guests have the opportunity to experience this all with friends and family, creating endless memories and enhancing a sense of connection.

Imagine watching the sunrise over Naden Harbour while hearing the screech of bald eagles as they feast on their freshly caught fish. Heading out to the fishing grounds with a coffee in hand and seeing a humpback whale breach in the distance. Picture your crew yelling “Fish On!” before you set the hook and play the salmon of your dreams. Think of returning from your day on the water and being met with a hot towel before joining the crowd celebrating their day in the Bell Ringer. All before relaxing in the hot tub as you watch the local deer graze and ending your day around the dinner table indulging in an exceptional menu.

The QCL Experience, wilderness, and wildlife of Haida Gwaii provides memories one will treasure forever.

From the moment you step off the helicopter upon arrival, to waving goodbye, you will feel that whatever decision brought you to QCL was the right one. Peace, exhilaration, or connection – no matter the feeling you were searching for, we hope to provide it for you. Maybe QCL can be your Perfect Adventure.

The beginning of a new calendar year always feels like something new is about to happen. Whether that’s true or not, it’s always a little bit exciting.

Here at QCL it creates a buzz; but it’s not like at the start of a race… it’s more like the final leg! We’ve been working on our 2023 season since September; a lot of plans have been made, and now it’s time to execute. Opening Day is officially in sight!

We have some practice at this… it will be our 33rd season! And over those years, how things have changed! In the early days of fishing lodges on BC’s north coast, it really was all about the fish. Transportation was a challenge, comforts were few, food was often basic, but the fishing was good! Potential guests would tell us: “As long as I have a good boat and lots of bait, I would sleep in a tent!” The success of their trip was mostly defined by the number of pounds in their box. But as word spread and more folks wanted to check it out, we soon discovered that they would be much happier in a well-appointed log cabin with a warm fireplace! So, that’s where we started.

Over time, we’ve made many changes and have come a long way. New and varied accommodations have created a range of venues offering something for everyone; from the extraordinary opportunity to stay right on the fishing grounds aboard the MV Driftwood, to enjoying the convenience of a comfortable room in the Main Lodge to private, tailor-made luxury in the Totem House. We’re constantly upgrading our boat fleet to provide the best on-the-water experience for our guests and offering more and improved options in fish processing. On the hospitality side, we now offer dining in at least seven different venues and work with several BC suppliers to deliver top quality groceries to our QCL kitchens every week.

Huge strides in our transportation program let us deliver a full complement of guests from Vancouver to the Lodge in less than 4 hours and have them out fishing within 30 minutes of arrival (if they like)!

While the scale and scope of QCL has certainly grown and evolved over the past 30+ years, we’ve worked very hard to retain the most important ingredient in our recipe. Back when we had only 48 guests and half that many staff, we always regarded visitors to the Lodge as our guests. They were never customers or clients. They were our guests in our house and every one of our staff understood that, treating them accordingly. If there is one rule that dictates our relationship with our clientele, that is it. These days we certainly have more guests and ample more staff but that connection between them is paramount. It has grown and evolved to create something that we call the QCL Experience, a very exceptional combination of friendship, adventure, wilderness, comfort, and fun in a truly unique and magical part of the world. Many people first come here for the fishing, but it’s the QCL Experience that brings them back.

And the fishing is still a big deal! Being in the gateway to the north Pacific always has the unique benefits of favourable ocean currents, abundant food supply, major migration routes for salmon and year-round habitat for groundfish. QCL anglers continue to enjoy excellent angling opportunities and most always go home with as much fish as they want.

However, we recognize that the earth is in a state of constant change that affects everything we do. The health of the oceans and of the lands adjacent are part of a delicate balancing act that we all have a part in. In recent years we’ve seen increased awareness and interest among our guests, who have come to love these places immensely and are concerned about them. We have many more conversations about the food chain, ecosystems, the life cycles of salmon, and the abundance of whales and herring. It’s great to see this engagement in what’s so important to us all. We encourage our guests and staff to learn more, to get involved and support organizations working to preserve habitat and rehabilitate species. The local Haida people are also engaged in this area, and we will be working with them more in the future to learn, to educate and practice good stewardship of the local ecosystems and environment. Raising awareness among people who have been part of the QCL Experience is the best first step in preserving it. Remember, we’re all in this together!

We look forward to seeing you back in Haida Gwaii this summer. The countdown to opening day is on!

July 3^rd Report

And here we are! So excited to be in Naden Harbour and be open for our 31^st season! With all the uncertainty of the past 15 months it certainly feels wonderful to open the doors and welcome our friends back the The Lodge. We want to send out a huge wave of thanks and appreciation to our guests and friends who have demonstrated amazing support and patience throughout that time. We know that this pandemic has been a shocking and sobering experience for many on so many levels. But if people are now able to venture back out into the world to enjoy some of their favourite things, we feel very fortunate that so many want to get back up here!

With opening day as a moving target, our whole staff enjoyed the benefit of a full two-week training period! But Wow! What a great two weeks it was! The level of excitement on Opening Day was off the charts as our first guests arrived and everyone fell into their roles so well. And our guests? They are just so thrilled to finally be here… we know it’s going to be an awesome season, already!

July 10^thReport

One week in and I gotta say, it’s so great to be back! We’ve had a few days of nice sunny weather and the usual northwesterlies that come with it, but the fishing has been on fire. Through most of the past week we’ve been fishing the prime stretch of water from Klashwun Point down to Cape Naden. But a lot of our guests love working the quiet water around Brown’s Pile down to the Mazzaredos. Loaded with a healthy mix of Chinook and Coho, anglers have enjoyed terrific action inshore. Average Chinooks right now are generally in the mid-teens, mixed with a good dose of 20-somethings and enough Tyees to keep everybody really interested every time the reel goes off!

Often in midsummer the Coho are feeding offshore but these days we’re finding lots of them in close, swimming with the Chinook. And they’re feeding aggressively on both needlefish and herring in the middle of the water column. Coho size has bumped up in the past couple of days and we’re seeing some 9 and 10-pounders, but the bulk of them are still 6 to 8…beautiful feisty fish all the same.

The NW winds settled back to light variable in the past 3 days, giving easy access to the rest of the fishing grounds. Many of our guides love fishing Cape Edenshaw and they were not disappointed when they finally got over there this weekend. The steady push of several days of westerlies tends to move a lot of bait in that direction and that brings in the salmon. It’s a favourite place to hunt for the big ones!

But Bird 2 and Parker Point have been rewarding dedicated anglers with some great action and some spectacular fish. We’ve welcomed our first new member of the 50-Pounder Club for 2021 already this week when Brian M brought a stunning fish to the boat that taped out to 56-pounds before it was carefully released from a cradle by guide Marcus M. Ellen D and her husband Patrick teased a big beauty out of the kelp at Cape Naden on Tuesday that got everyone at the Bell Ringer super excited when it tipped the scale at 38-pounds. Nice work!

Guide Marcus was at it again on Friday, with new guest Daniel N, who showed his fishing skills, reeling a big chrome beauty to the boat. It was quickly taped out to 44-pounds in the cradle before revival and release back to the wild. Congratulations all! Wonderful fishing experiences and precious salmon filets add up to memories to savour for a lifetime.

Flat calm days like today are a treat for those who love to fish the deep water. Off the north shore we find some spectacular underwater terrain that holds massive stocks of halibut and lingcod. Anglers have done very well out there this week, bringing impressive catches back to the Bell Ringer. Of course, every day there are some fish caught that are simply too big to bring back. On the last trip, Craig A, fishing with Ray P out at HaliWood, pulled a huge halibut up alongside the boat that they were able to measure out to 74-inches in length for a weight score of 215 pounds! Seth K released one at 128 lb., Chuck H and Sean G each measured giant “butts” out to 121 pounds! Happily, they all managed to find some nice keepers in the 20-30 pound class.

This weekend, QCL anglers have been exploring the full breadth of the fishing grounds, enjoying perfect conditions on the water and catching some very nice fish to take home and share with friends and family. They’ve been thrilled by the presence of several humpback whales feeding in the area, especially when they decide to launch themselves from the depths and breach the surface with a massive splash. All these moments add up to create amazing stories that our guests go home with – to share with their friends. It’s our privilege to play some small part in that and we all look forward to doing it again and again!

The tides of August have been generous so far and QCL anglers have certainly enjoyed the benefits! The salmon action has been outstanding, particularly for beautiful strong Chinooks in the 15-25-pound class. We’re getting them inshore in all the favourite places too. Coho action has been productive but more widespread, with anglers generally targeting waters a little farther offshore in 150-225 feet, fishing from the surface down to around 60-feet. The numbers are there but the bulk of Coho are still averaging under 10-pounds, a little lighter than normal for this time of the season. But no one is complaining with these chrome-silver bullets providing tons of exciting action wherever we find them! Down at the Bell Ringer, the sound of the Tyee Bell is pretty common each evening with a few over-30’s being either reported or weighed-in every trip.

This week our two largest Chinooks, both scoring out at 42-pounds, were released. Fishing with veteran QCL guide Tegan Baxter, Ray P turned back a stunning fish on Monday and on Thursday an equally impressive Tyee was released by Odon D and his guide Kyle Bell. Great work guys and thanks for choosing to release those amazing fish!

With only 5 trips left to go for the 2019 season we’re super-thrilled to see such consistent fishing and particularly good weather! There’s no space left this year but we’d certainly encourage anyone hoping to come up next summer to make plans now as most everyone is talking about their return trip in 2020!

It’s another beautiful June day in Haida Gwaii and guests David, Ariel and myself have formulated our game plan for the day. We’re headed to Bird Rock One excited to ‘stick and stay and make it pay’. As we run out to the fishing grounds the blue sky pokes its head through the clouds, weather is warm, drinks are cold and we’re excited. Dropping in on the west side of Bird One to fish the eddy forming in the bay we look around to see we are the only boat; however we are not quite alone as we are greeted by a big black bear combing the beach beside us. While watching the bear enjoy the beautiful beaches along the fishing grounds we drop our gear and begin trolling. First pass through and we hook into our first fish of the day, a nice 15 pound chinook! The boys get the gear back in the water quickly and we drop in for another pass. Shortly after working along we hook into our second fish of the day. This time we were able to land a nice and very scrappy 25 pounder! Spirits and excitement are even higher now as we drop in again to troll between Bird Rock One and Cape Naden. This time it takes a little longer but the fish hits and takes off running! After peeling 100 feet of line three separate times we are able to get this fish closer to the boat and get a look at it… and it’s a good one! Dave keeps his cool playing the fish as Ariel and I look at each other with excitement. After a long and well fought 10 minute battle, the fish is in the net and the Tyee beers are being cracked in celebration of this beautiful 32 pound Chinook!

As the tide begins to slack off we decide to go out halibut fishing and head off shore. After some hard work jigging at a few hundred feet the boys land two nice halibut and it’s off to the Driftwood for lunch. They’d worked up quite the appetite! Once refuelled and recharged we head out hunting for that last chinook. Working along the face of Parker Point we are able to get a couple bites but nothing stuck right away. However, we resort back to our stick and stay plan and after an hour land our fourth and final Chinook. Next stop was back to the Bell Ringer to celebrate another great day out on the water full of many laughs and some great fish! While there’s no such thing as a bad day out on the waters of Haida Gwaii, this one was definitely a day to remember!

Tight lines,

Dayna

Older Posts

The QCL Hat

QCL Signatures Series | Herb Crusted Halibut

Adapting to Regulation Changes | A Fishing Lodge Approach

Kingfisher Report | July 10, 2023

^{Suffice to say that there were a few extra dents added to the bell hanging in the Bell Ringer this past trip.}

Packing for QCL

The Perfect Adventure

Where We Started + Where We Are

Kingfisher Report for July 10th, 2021

Kingfisher Report for August 16th

It’s a Guide’s Life – June 23rd

QCL Signatures Series | Ginger Soy Lingcod

World Water Day

Curating the QCL Experience

QCL Signatures Series | Chili Crab

Beyond the Tides | Bird Watching