DIY Haida Gwaii. when and where to go?

[bardfromedson]

I have dragged the boat out to Rupert and tofino a couple times now. was thinking of going back to Haida Gwaii. I was there about 8 years ago but we stayed on the guides boat. fished the west coast after going through the narrows. was wondering if this is a good place to go back to or is there other good options for places to fish? I remember it being fairly sheltered there and the fishing was quite good but we would have to run back through the narrows every day. is this tough to do at low tide? also, when would be good times to go? I think we went in june last time there and the Chinook fishing was good and the coho were not showing up yet in good numbers. we will be fishing out of a 23ft Sea ox cuddy.

 

[blackvelvet]

Some parts of the narrows are dry on a -0- tide. It pays to have local knowledge when traveling thru the skidegate narrows.

You can trailer across to the west side in one place thru Queen charlotte city on rough logging roads. You end up way back inside rennel sound at a small launch and rugged campsites.

I haven't done it but have talked to several locals that know about the rennel sound launch. Those that make the treck have to bring extra boat fuel, cause the closest station is back in Queen Charlotte city.


Plan on extra days for weather. I went in early July on a "5 day" trip about 4 years ago and we only got to fish a couple hours the first day and about 3 hours the last morning. The rest of the time it was blowing 50 to 75 MPH with gusts over 100......Also been on a 5 day trip where you could water ski every day. So bring fishing gear, but don't forget a cribbage board and deck of cards.

As far as when to go................Late May thru end of August is all great for big springs and tyee. Starting about 3rd week of July the big coho show up in force, but the springs are there all summer as one run after another pass down the west side of Haida Gwaii on their migratory path home.

 

[bigdogeh]

I've contemplated this trip myself... how do you get there with your boat? ferry from rupert? I've got 10 days off in august and trying to figure out where to head. I usually go to rupert but i've never fished it in august and have been told it's best in june. was thinking of maybe heading to the island... prob bamfield or maybe nootka sound. hoping to find a lodge that you can bring your own boat....
I have a 30 foot maxweld cat so the ferry trip is going to hurt... decisions, decisions...

 

[bardfromedson]

I only have a 23 foot so I would be taking the ferry. Took the ferry to Van Island last year and I think it was 500 return. Priced out the Charlotte and I think it was a little less than double

 

[bigdogeh]

ferry from vancouver? or rupert?

 

[bardfromedson]

ferry from vancouver? or rupert?

I would ferry from Rupert. im from northern alberta.

 

[Jammer]

I only have a 23 foot so I would be taking the ferry. Took the ferry to Van Island last year and I think it was 500 return. Priced out the Charlotte and I think it was a little less than double

Getting my Striper 2300 and full size truck off Haida Gwaii was just under a grand. $275.75 + extra length over 20' (30' extra x $13.74= $412.50) =$688.25 + $44.75 (driver)= $733 and I'm betting there is tax on that. That isn't return. So there and back would be about $1500+. Plus a cabin for the overnight crossing x 2($80 each way).
The ferry runs from Prince Rupert to Skidegate.

 

[blackvelvet]

I recommend just paying $4 grand each and do an all inclusive package with a lodge on the west side of the islands. If you like driving your own boat, there is a floating lodge that gives you and a friend your own boat for 5 days. Very rugged self bailing custom aluminum boats. here is a link www.salmonfishingonline.com

Gourmet chefs cater to your every need, only 12 guests at a time, each stateroom (2 persons per room) has private bathroom and shower, all your fish are professionally filleted and packaged and blast frozen. Price includes flight from Vancouver to sandspit and then helicopter or float plane to the ship and return flights with your fish as well.....This particular lodge is right smack in the middle of the west side of the island and is tucked behind Hippa island, which gives protection to stay fishing on crap weather days.....I have been to other lodges on Haida Gwaii, but IMHO this is by far the best, and only 12 guests at a time, not 60, 100 or 200 guests like some other north end lodges......Oh, I've been to hippa island over a dozen times and have fished the salt from California to Alaska, and hippa island is hands down the absolute best fishing I've ever seen.....not even a close 2nd to anything else. Kings,. coho, lings, yelloweye, halibut, huge sea bass........makes me wish I was there right now.