chinook Archives - Queen Charlotte Lodge

Working remotely is the adventure of a lifetime.

Through the interview process and the months before departure, the anticipation and excitement builds. From the moment staff arrive at the South Terminal, to stepping onto the boat that will bring them to the red roofs and lush surroundings, the thrill of starting their next adventure runs through their veins. As everyone has the opportunity to meet and get settled, learn the ins and outs of their role, it settles in. This is real – The summer of a lifetime.

Staff life here is just as important as the guest experience, with fishing adventures, water sports and weekly events such as paint nights, beach clean ups and a variety of excursions to see the beauty that is Haida Gwaii. But it’s truly the friendships made along the way that make all the little things, the big things.

We always look for those who share our passion for delivering first class service, and the team that arrives at QCL every year to provide you, our guests, with the QCL Experience shares in this paradigm. Working off the grid for nearly four months is not for anyone, but those who accomplish it can look back on their time at QCL with fond memories.

No matter what role they’re in, each one of the QCL team plays an integral role in providing the platinum standard service we are known for. From Operations, ensuring you safely arrive and depart on the Helicopter, and maintaining our incredible infrastructure, to the Marine Mechanic team ensuring your boats are serviced and ready for your fishing adventure; the Back of House team, full of chef’s creating unique and memorable dishes for your meals, to the Front of House team providing daily housekeeping, limo service, and incredible service in our number of dining venues; the Dock team maintaining boats and preparing you for your day of fishing, to the Fishing Guides who are trained to keep you safe and guide you through the thrill of the catch.

From the warm welcome upon your arrival, to the disappointment when you have to leave, our staff love having you here to experience the magic that is QCL. It wouldn’t be possible without them, so here we are to say a huge thank you to our 2024 QCL Team. On behalf of the entire management team,, thank you for believing in what we do and providing all QCL guests with their adventure of a lifetime.

On May 17^th a collection of 125 excited crew arrived in Naden Harbour to start their summer adventure. 16 weeks working together to provide every one of our guests with a first class, QCL Experience.

We’ve officially come to the end of our season, and after saying goodbye to our final group of 2024 guests, we sent off the majority of our 2024 crew. Some are racing home to head back to classes across the country/world, many are off to travel with newfound friends and others are soon off to work at winter season resorts both here and as far as Japan and New Zealand.

Our guests go out of their way to rave about our team, and we couldn’t agree more. We are so proud of the crew we spent our 2024 season alongside – It’s been nothing short of a pleasure to work with a full compliment that understands and appreciates the culture of service and hospitality that defines everything we do.

Up here, we live by the fact that the fishing nor the weather can be controlled, but overall this season has been excellent, if not entirely normal!

More salmon catch came from waters slightly offshore, opposed to close in around the rocks, where we have found them historically. Regardless, QCL guests saw plenty of action across all five species this year, including a number of Sockeye.

Winds played more of a factor this summer, as weather patterns were a little unusual, with more sustained periods of one system or another. On more than one occasion, we had generally Southernly winds that hung around for 2-3 weeks and in August we had a full 3-week session of West and Northwesterly winds. These weather systems can affect the presence of feed and baitfish in the area and migratory salmon respond accordingly.

On the other hand, our bottom fishing has never been better, or more consistent. Reports of several “barn-door” halibut, over 200lbs, were pulled up alongside the boat before released back down to the darkness. We saw an unusually large number of Salmon Sharks this year – We were hooking up inshore along the kelp beds and offshore they were cruising among the Coho, often right at the surface. Seeing one of those 5 to 6-footers up close is something nobody forgets!

Back on land, our Hospitality teams delivered every day. Whether at the Bell Ringer, in the dining room or at one of our exclusive venues, our guests reveled in the QCL Experience.

The reason we’re here in the first place is for our guests. Over the past 34 years we’ve had the immense privilege of welcoming thousands of visitors to this slice of paradise. We know that this is a special place and we are thankful for the opportunity to share it with all of you. Fishing has been “the thing” that brings our guests to QCL for the first time but we’ve learned that it’s much more than fishing that brings them back. Delivering the QCL Experience is our passion.

To all QCL guests | Thank you for giving us the opportunity to do what we love.

To all 2024 QCL crew | Thank you for your contributions and dedication to make this summer one for the books.

The 2025 countdown has officially begun and we can’t wait to do it all again with many of you!

It is truly amazing how fast 3 months can fly by in Naden Harbour, it feels like just yesterday we were arriving for a week of training.

As we head into the final stretch of the season, big smiles are still to be found all around.

August has recently brought some sunny weather, and fishing has seen a great improvement after the extremely large tides experienced by the supermoon. During these large tides, the bite windows were smaller but anglers still managed to capitalize on opportunities, filling their boxes with both Chinook and Coho.

The majority are staying between Yahtze Bay, Bird 2 and Parker these days. It’s a welcomed change seeing boats find success at the inshore points again. Common depths inshore are between 25 and 45, depending on which spot you are at. Today a lucky angler was able to wrestle a large Chinook salmon at Parker Point and released it after being taped out to 40lbs. We love to see the big ones get to swim away!

Those fishing offshore for Coho, the Pinnacles, at common depths of 55 and 67, are working great. Even down as far as 100 can produce offshore Chinook and Coho. The odd especially big Coho, of 12+ pounds, are showing up and we’ve seen a few 14/15 pounders arrive at the Dock.

It will be sad to wrap up the 2024 season, it’s come and gone so quickly, but it’s been one for the books and even after a decade (plus) I still love every minute of it.

Can’t wait to see you all next year for more fishing first class.

QCL Lead Guide, Ryan Kelly

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.

We’re nearing the tail end of the 2024 fishing season in Area 1. Following a bout of strong Northwest winds, the final weeks have shaped up with calmer seas and a welcome touch of sunshine.

Inshore Chinook fishing has been a bit challenging, but patience and the right timing have occasionally paid off with some impressive catches. Despite the slow pace, this “Hogust” has still yielded some notable fish, including a 45-pounder, a 37-pounder, and a 36-pounder, with a few others inching towards the Tyee range.

On a brighter note, larger Coho in the 10lbs+ range are becoming more common offshore. So, while inshore action might be slow, there are still plenty of opportunities for a memorable fishing experience.

Here’s to making the most of the remainder of the 2024 season. Tight lines and cheers to a fantastic end of summer!

QCL Guide, Sebastien Archambault

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

August has burst onto the scene with a thrilling mix of sizzling weather and spectacular fishing action! The sun has been blazing in clear skies, with temperatures increasing daily. The warm air has been met with some lively Northwestern winds, making the seas a bit choppy, but these winds are beneficial for our fishing grounds. They push bait fish and salmon closer to our inshore points, igniting a salmon fishing frenzy.

As the water temperature rises, it’s not just the salmon that are active; there are semi-frequent encounters with salmon sharks that add an extra thrill to each outing. The Chinook salmon action has been nothing short of electrifying, with fast-paced bursts of bites delivering multiple fish in a short time. The trick is to be patient and stay at your hotspot, as the action comes in intense flurries. So far, the August Chinook are bigger and more abundant, living up to the legendary Hogust reputation. On August 5th, we saw four Tyees weighing 44, 42, 32, and 31 pounds.

Coho salmon are beginning to inch closer to shore, allowing you to stay inshore for those exhilarating Chinook snap bites while filling your fish box. Offshore, the Coho are still plentiful and eager, making for fantastic fishing adventures.

Halibut fishing continues to impress, with a steady stream of nice-sized chickens, some hefty overs, and even over-overs making an appearance.

Now is the perfect time to experience fishing first class at QCL.

We can’t wait to see you on the water, tight lines!

QCL Guide, Hunter Hieta

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

As Hogust looks on the horizon, we find the frequency of Chinook salmon on the slow side, though over the last few days, several of the biggest fish this year, the biggest fish in the last four years have been caught.

The tides are beginning to return to normal after a recent full moon. This has allowed anglers to target bottom fish much easier as it’s best with lower tides

Coho are quick and easy to find offshore over the pinnacles, along with Pink salmon, the occasional Chum salmon, and some elusive Sockeye salmon. Interestingly, several large Halibut have been caught recently in Hannah Bay and around Cape Naden. Additionally, several boats have had the thrill of fighting an unusually high density of salmon sharks on the grounds as even they are striking herring and fighting fishermen for as long as 2.5 hours! The coming forecast is predicting some softer winds coming from all different directions with the calmest days being Monday and Thursday.

Good luck to all incoming guests. Choose your spot and throw a couple of herring or anchovies down at your favorite point and pick up some extra-large Chinook salmon!

QCL Guide, Eric Roundhill

While you might come to QCL for the fishing, you’ll find that every additional aspect of your experience is unlike any other. And when it comes to our dining programs, there is an option for everyone.

Between the Main Lodge, Hook Bar, Bell Ringer, The Buoy and our Private Houses – our hospitality team creates dishes and experiences that leave you with just as many lifelong memories as your fishing will.

The Main Lodge offers an exceptional and unique dining program, featuring both buffet and a la carte style services, morning and night. Featuring globally inspired flavours and dishes, the QCL Chefs has created menus and treats that will have you asking for the recipe.

Not only do we have an exceptional dining program within the Main Lodge, but we also offer semi-private dining opportunities that allow you to experience something different.

The Bell Ringer

For those that are looking for something quintessentially QCL, we offer the Bell Ringer Seafood Boil. Introduced to the program some years ago, this dinner is by reservation only and always a crowd pleaser. Available at an additional cost per guest, this semi-private Bell Ringer Seafood Boil dinner is served on the Dock, an experience unlike any other. Casual, vibrant and mouth-watering.

The Buoy – A Japanese Experience.

In collaboration between several QCL departments one off-season, The Buoy emerged and swiftly became what it is today – a Japanese Inspired Experience. Offering an intimate and personalized experience, the Buoy is by reservation only, at an additional cost per guest. This venue can accommodate up to 8 guests, per seating, with seating’s offered at 7:00pm and 9:00pm exclusively. Contact the QCL Concierge Team to book your seat!

Aside from our evening dining programs, you can anticipate to indulge at multiple other venues throughout your stay! Enjoy some lunch onboard the Hook Bar Grill located on the M.V. Driftwood anchored in the middle of our fishing grounds. Or, when you return from fishing take advantage of our Après Peche programs including snacks at the Bell Ringer and a Sushi cart that is located at the front of the Main Lodge.

For those looking for the next level of hospitality offered at QCL, inquire about our private houses. Totem and Charlotte House are the perfect venue for a truly curated experience.

Although you might come to QCL for the fishing, you’ll leave knowing that it’s so much more.

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