Please choose one of the following topics related
to the Queen Charlotte Islands:
Two significant factors contribute to an angler’s success
in the Queen Charlottes. Firstly, due to its geographical
placement, the Queen Charlotte Islands has long been known
as one of the first points of land that salmon reach during
their migration eastward, after spending up to 2 to 3 years
in the open ocean. Upon reaching the Queen Charlotte Islands,
these salmon are in prime, chrome bright condition with weights
exceeding the 70 lbs. mark. Secondly, due to the vast concentration
of bait fish to be found here, the Queen Charlottes produce
consistent returns of chinook (Spring, King) salmon for the
angler. As these bright ocean feeders make their first landfall
here upon returning from the open Pacific Ocean, they feed
ravenously on the abundant herring schools along the West
and North Coast of the archipelago.
This is the one area on the coast where a predominant number
of the fish returning to West Coast rivers pass by, affording
a consistent Chinook (Spring, King) salmon fishery throughout
the season.
The Queen Charlotte Islands produce all five species of salmon,
with May and June yielding primarily Chinook salmon. These
months are considered to be the prime months to catch these
salmon. Through July, August, and September, the other four
species begin to show, while the fishing for Chinook salmon
remains exceptional. By early to mid-August, the fishery is
highlighted by the presence of the electrifying "Northern"
Coho salmon. These acrobatic Coho salmon can attain weights
of over 20 lbs., and are considered the most feisty of all
the salmon species, frequently breaching the surface by two
to three feet.
Also found in the waters of the Queen Charlotte Islands are
Pacific Halibut (often referred to as "barn doors"). These
intriguing and highly sought after sport fish have been known
to attain weights of 300+ lbs., and have been known to wrestle
the angler for up to 2 hours. The smaller, more prolific "chicken"
Halibut, have been known to provide the angler with non-stop
action once located. Other species in abundance are Ling Cod,
Red Snapper (Yellow Eye Rockfish), and a numerous variety
of Rockfish.
This magnificent area is host to a variety of marine life.
Sightings of Orcas, Humpback, Gray, Porpoise, Sea Lions, Seals
and other marine mammals are common to the visitor. Other
common wildlife include White Tail Deer, Black Bear, Peregrine
Falcons, River Otters, Blue Heron, and Bald Eagles by the
thousands.
For visitors interested in Aboriginal culture, the islands
are home to many historical Native villages, where rare totem
poles and long houses still stand as a monument to the extraordinarily
advanced Haida culture.
Langara Island, on the very northwest point of the Queen
Charlottes Islands, is the sight of several World Class Lodges,
as is Naden harbour, located at the very northern point of
the Queen Charlotte Islands. Most lodges are accessed by air
from Vancouver, B.C., and include those flights in their packages.
The lodges have a host of amenities and services to chose
from, allowing the visitor to customize their fishing adventures.
Floating resorts are also positioned at several prime areas
along the West Coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands. There
are also numerous charter operators throughout the Queen Charlotte
Islands, many of which based in Sandspit and Masset. The Queen
Charlotte Islands are truly one of the last "great frontiers"
to experience and fish.
|
