FB-Posts-2-1200x702.jpg

February 12, 2025 Tayler Fuerst0

At QCL, we often talk about the “QCL Experience” – a unique blend of world-class fishing, incredible landscapes, and unmatched hospitality that creates memories to last a lifetime. Whether you’re reminiscing about your last trip or planning your first, there are countless reasons why QCL is the place to be.

Here are seven standout reasons that set QCL apart from anywhere else:

  1. Legendary Fishing

Our remote location gives us access to some of the world’s finest fishing grounds. The rugged shores of Virago Sound, with its rocky outcrops and hidden coves, provide the perfect environment for hungry, migrating salmon. And that’s not all – there’s also the opportunity to bottom fish. Pacific Halibut, with these giants reaching up to 400lbs!

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been fishing for years, our pristine waters and expert guides cater to all levels of anglers. Prepare for an adrenaline rush as you hear your reel scream and shout “Fish On!”

  1. The MV Driftwood Experience

One of the most unique elements of the QCL Experience is the iconic MV Driftwood. Anchored in the middle of the action, the MV Driftwood serves as our hospitality hun on the water. Offering comfortable accommodation for 12 guests and a dedicated crew, the stately wood ship is one of a kind.

Whether you’re enjoying a sunrise over Cape Edenshaw or swapping fishing stories over lunch, the Driftwood provides unforgettable moments with unparalleled views.

  1. First Class Service

The heart of our operation is, without a doubt, our exceptional team. Time and time again, QCL guests tell us that the warmth and hospitality received during their stay is what put their visit over the top. Our dedicated crew spends 100 days on property, always wearing a smile and ensuring your experience exceeds expectations.

From expert chefs and attentive housekeepers to skilled guides and helpful dock hands, every member of the QCL team is committed to delivering a first class fishing adventure. Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, or a perfect blend of both, we’re here to make it so.

  1. The Bell Ringer Tradition

Where camaraderie of fishing is celebrated, the Bell Ringer is one tradition that every angler looks forward to at QCL. After a day on the water, guests gather for our Après Peche – a time to chat about the day’s catch and incredible moments experienced, complete with hot appetizers and drinks in hand.

The ringing of the Tyee bell signals the start of good times and even better stories as everyone comes together to toast a successful day.

  1. Haida Gwaii – A Natural Paradise

From its lush forests and rugged coastlines to its abundant wildlife and rich cultural heritage, Haida Gwaii, the unspoiled paradise that is our home, offers a backdrop that is as breathtaking as it is unforgettable. Whether fishing, hiking along the shores, or simply taking in the views from the dining room, Haida Gwaii never fails to impress.

  1. Gourmet Food & Beverage Program

At QCL, we believe the food and beverage is just as important as the fishing itself. Our approach is simple, to create distinctive dishes with the freshest of ingredients in the best of settings. And it’s not just about food – our beverage program offers a selection of craft cocktails, premium spirits, and an extensive wine list to complement your experience.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment or mingling with fellow anglers, our culinary and bar offerings elevate every part of your stay.

  1. Small Luxuries, Big Impact

Although we might be located in the middle of nowhere, we don’t skimp on luxury. We’ve brought five-star amenities to Naden Harbour to ensure that your stay is comfortable, relaxing, and indulgent. After a day on the water, unwind in Lodge hot tubs, the sauna, or pamper yourself with a treatment at the Twin Creek Spa.

These thoughtful details elevate and enhance your fishing adventure. At QCL, you can embrace the rugged beauty of nature without sacrificing comfort.

While words can’t fully capture the magic, these seven reasons offer just a taste of what makes QCL so special. 

Ready to plan your next first class fishing experience? Get in touch with our Sales Executive team today, and let us help you create the trip of a lifetime!

 

 


Copy-of-Social-Banners-Photos-2-1200x635.jpg

January 13, 2025 Tayler Fuerst0

Are you dreaming of experiencing fishing first class? We’re visiting the following tradeshows, come and meet us!

These events are the perfect opportunity to learn about the QCL Experience, ask questions, and start planning your unforgettable adventure. We specialize in making memories that last a lifetime, let us begin creating yours!

Our team will be on-site to showcase what makes QCL the premier destination for anglers and adventurers alike. Here’s where you can visit us:

Each tradeshow is a chance to connect with our passionate team, see stunning visuals and videos of what to expect, and learn how we create your lasting moments. Whether you’re a seasoned guest or considering your first trip, we’d love to meet you and help bring your dream adventure to life.

Plus, we have an exclusive giveaway only for those who visit the booth and the opportunity to book your trip on the spot. Don’t miss out!

If you can’t make it to a tradeshow, no worries! Contact our sales team at 1-800-688-8950 to start planning your trip.

We can’t wait to welcome you!


FB-Posts-5-1200x732.jpg

August 28, 2024 Tayler Fuerst0

The doors close and a loud roar comes from the engine. The rotor above starts to spin. This is it, just a 10-minute ride and I am finally there. As we take off, the excitement starts to build. I had never been in a helicopter before now.

Ripping through the sky over an untouched part of the earth, and suddenly a large red roof is visible in the distance. With a friendly wave from all the staff and a firm handshake from the owners upon landing, I made it to QCL.

Down at the Dock, I was introduced to my guide and after a quick brunch, we were off.  Just a short ride to the fishing grounds, our lines were in the water. We were sitting there chatting when, out of the corner of my eye, a rod starts to move. I jumped up and pulled the rod out of the holder.

The world around me seemed to fade away as if myself and the salmon were the only ones around for miles. It runs, then I reel. It comes close to the boat, then runs again. Playing my first Chinook was a thrill and just like the fish on my line, I was hooked.

In between bites, you really start to notice the beauty of Haida Gwaii and all the wildlife that lives here. What sounded like a tire deflating really fast, came from behind us. A pod of Humpbacks had come to say hello.

Back at the Lodge, the attention to detail is very apparent. After a long day of working hard on the water, we were greeted with a smile and a hot towel. And at the Bell Ringer, where the Dock turns into a lively bar, weighed our catch while snacking on Apres Peche and cocktail.

DING! DING! DING! The bell began to ring. Someone caught a Tyee! Celebration erupted and the atmosphere couldn’t get any better.

Dinner was truly a fine dining experience. The food, the service, the ambiance was above and beyond. When at QCL, you can rest assured, you will not go hungry.

To say the Lodge exceeded expectations would be an understatement. For such a large operation it still is and feels like a family-run business. All staff worked together to give us the best trip possible. And let’s not forget all the fish coming home to share with friends and family.

The rotor is spinning again. 4 days just flew by and I can’t wait to come back. They say the QCL Experience is like nothing else, and I can attest to that after only my first visit.


FB-Posts-2-1200x700.jpg

August 18, 2024 Tayler Fuerst0

Mid-August traditionally provides some of the most “summerlike” weather that we experience here, and this past week was no exception.

Warm sunny days on the water have lots of appeal; guests and staff alike were soaking it up with giddy smiles! The clear, full moon nights haven’t appeared to affect the fishing so much either. Chinook catches have been distributed quite evenly through the day, with some great fish taken from the Pinnacles, Parker Point, Cape Naden and Bird 2.

The small tides were certainly a factor for the anglers who love their bottom fishing, with it being easier to stay on top of your lines. Bottom fishing has been exceptional, many “chicken sized” halibut caught and guides such as Nolan and Jake have been bringing in huge Lingcod hauls. By the end of the trip most guests were pretty relaxed knowing that they had all the fish they needed and were content to just enjoy the gorgeous weather.

The weekend’s forecast looks like a mixed bag, with heavy winds from the Northwest that should bring in some fish. Tides are moderating now with small changes of 7-9 feet. All in all, shaping up for some good late season fishing.

Tight lines!

QCL Guide, Alex Ayling


Copy-of-Social-Banners-Photos-27-1200x600.jpg

August 3, 2024 Tayler Fuerst0

Chinook salmon continue to be elusive but are growing larger each week. Recent updates to the regulations now allow for two Chinook per day and a total of four. Our last trip yielded several impressive Tyees, including a notable 39-pounder that was successfully released at Green Point.

For those heading offshore, Coho salmon are available and active. Fishing in deeper waters with inline flashers has been the go to this season for many anglers.

The halibut fishing has been exceptional lately. Last trip, we had numerous large halibut, including a massive 260-pounder. It’s been a fantastic time for halibut enthusiasts!

Weather this past week featured calm waters and numerous whale sightings, creating a picturesque fishing environment. However, we are prepared for a change as this week is expected to bring strong Northwest winds, which hopefully push more bait and fish into our grounds!

Tight lines, we’ll see you on the water!

QCL Guide, Alex Walker


Copy-of-Social-Banners-Photos-16-1200x615.jpg

July 15, 2024 Tayler Fuerst0

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


Copy-of-Social-Banners-Photos-13-1200x636.jpg

July 1, 2024 Tayler Fuerst0

We left at first light, heading out of the harbour with the morning sunrise peering up over the horizon.

A bit of fog laid over the fishing grounds as we ran out to the lighthouse to begin fishing for Chinook. We drop lines, begin to troll with the wind at our back and I turn on some tunes to set the vibe for the day. The first bite of the morning is a good one, taking line which then got everyone on the boat involved. I’ve got one guest holding the net and recording the fight on my GoPro while the other plays the fish. When we get it into the boat, high fives are shared all around. It’s a mid teener, a great start but we’re now looking for something bigger.

A few missed bites and some small fish released conclude the morning as we head to the Driftwood for lunch. I take the time while my guests are eating on the DW to clean the boat and plan the afternoon – We’re going bottom fishing for Halibut, Lingcod and Rockfish at the Pinnacles, where the fleet has had success recently. After getting the radio call that my guests are ready for pick up at the Driftwood, I swing by and we continue with our day!

We drop in and get a keeper Halibut right away, along with a ping pong paddle sized one we throw back. A couple of drifts later we have our two Halibut and are now focusing on Ling/Rockfish on the rocky shelf nearby.

The first drop doesn’t go as planned, with both guests hooking the rock I have to cut one of the lines while snapping the other. After a quick pep talk about what bottom feels like and how important it is to keep the lures off bottom when fishing a rocky outcropping, we start to have success. One Rockfish and a medium sized Ling were the result of some coaching and now my guests have a feel for it. We rinse and repeat 4 or 5 drifts and limit out on Lingcod, with a few Rockfish mixed in.

It’s time to finish the day offshore to find some Coho or Chum for the bonus salmon species but after two hours we’ve had enough and head in. Heads are held high knowing that we’re bringing an assortment of species back!

QCL Guide, Tommy G


Copy-of-Social-Banners-Photos-6-1200x645.jpg

June 7, 2024 Tayler Fuerst0

Welcome to the 2024 Season, It’s a Guide’s Life, blog series.

A little different than our Kingfisher Report, this blog will provide insights into what a day in the life of a guide at Queen Charlotte Lodge entails! Whether it be a big fish, amazing wildlife or just a great day with guests having fun. For this first entry I wanted to share what my favorite part of the day is and surprisingly it happens before even hitting the water.

Each morning, the excitement of every angler and guide on the dock is truly amazing – No matter the weather or the misfortune of a lost fish from the day prior.

Every day is a chance at the fish of a lifetime. The enthusiasm and optimism is what keeps bringing me back.

I look forward to seeing you all, every morning, and talking about what spot we are headed to! Keep an eye out for all the fishing tales coming your way over the course of our first class fishing season.

Lead Guide, Ryan Kelly


Copy-of-Social-Banners-Photos-4-1200x625.jpg

June 4, 2024 Tayler Fuerst0

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


Copy-of-Social-Banners-Photos-1-1200x660.jpg

May 30, 2024 Tayler Fuerst0

Things are in full swing up here in Naden Harbour!

As is typical for May, we’ve had a mixed bag of weather; sunshine, overcast and torrential downpour, sometime all within the same hour. Winds have been fairly tame out of the south east this past week, and look to be getting stronger for the upcoming week.

Guests arrived last Friday, and Chinooks, mostly in the 8-15 pound range. Anglers have been enjoying success at Cape Naden, Cape Edenshaw, Bird Rock 2 and Yatze Bay, however the timing of the action has been hard to predict, so picking a spot and sticking it out has been the key to getting into fish. Both herring and anchovies have been producing fish, as well as smaller spoons and Kingcandy lures, at depths of 25 to 55 feet.

The pinnacles have been the favourite spot for anglers targeting “chicken” halibut, but some guests have been having success by fishing their regular salmon spots a little deeper, and getting their halibut “on the troll”. The weekend trip did see two Tyees on the board, one at 36.4lbs, so there’s always the chance of a big Chinook salmon out there! Tuesday we saw our first Pink salmon of the season, which means the Coho should be showing up soon!

Lead Guide, Liam Longacre