fishing on Haida Gwaii

[YTproV]

Hey Everyone, Im planning a trip down to Haida Gwaii for 10 days next July from the Yukon. Im driving down and was wondering if it is worth bringing my 20ft Hewes craft Pro V, or if there are lots of spots you can land fish for salmon and its not worth hauling it.

Also another couple questions.

- How much do slips usually go for the week
- Can you troll pretty close to land for salmon without having to go out super far
- What side of the island would be better to stay at for fishing.
Any information would be great, thank you.

Here are some fishing pictures from looking thanks.

 

[EstevanPoint]

You'd be crazy not to bring the boat! You're on the doorstep to one of the best fisheries on the coast, and the land-based options are almost nil. I'm not too sure about moorage costs, but it will be worth it for sure! Trolling is mostly done close to shore in all locations. There is no need to run miles offshore, but you may be running miles to get to the spot.

Masset is on the north side of the island. Fantastic stretch of water with relatively few boats, until you go far enough west to hit the QCL fleet (Cape Edenshaw and further west). Great fishing for all species there. Generally calmer water than the west side, but if a NW starts to blow, you're a little limited. Fishing in 20-60ft of water along the shore, generally speaking.

Charlotte City or Sandspit would provide access to the west side of the island through Skidegate narrows. The west side can be prolific! But you run the risk of some gnarly exposed water. You'll have an opportunity for all species and potentially in very high numbers. Again, fishing here is generally pretty tight to structure, but sometimes a little more "offshore" than the north coast.

You could also look at booking a guide for a couple of days in all locations. I imagine the cost of trailering the boat onto the ferry might cover a couple of days of guided trips, or at least close. Just depends if you want the excitement of doing it on your own, or the excitement of going with a pro!

 

[YTproV]

You'd be crazy not to bring the boat! You're on the doorstep to one of the best fisheries on the coast, and the land-based options are almost nil. I'm not too sure about moorage costs, but it will be worth it for sure! Trolling is mostly done close to shore in all locations. There is no need to run miles offshore, but you may be running miles to get to the spot.

Masset is on the north side of the island. Fantastic stretch of water with relatively few boats, until you go far enough west to hit the QCL fleet (Cape Edenshaw and further west). Great fishing for all species there. Generally calmer water than the west side, but if a NW starts to blow, you're a little limited. Fishing in 20-60ft of water along the shore, generally speaking.

Charlotte City or Sandspit would provide access to the west side of the island through Skidegate narrows. The west side can be prolific! But you run the risk of some gnarly exposed water. You'll have an opportunity for all species and potentially in very high numbers. Again, fishing here is generally pretty tight to structure, but sometimes a little more "offshore" than the north coast.

You could also look at booking a guide for a couple of days in all locations. I imagine the cost of trailering the boat onto the ferry might cover a couple of days of guided trips, or at least close. Just depends if you want the excitement of doing it on your own, or the excitement of going with a pro!

Thanks, I sent you a PM

 

[Flashman]

Take the boat! Read this book.

Boat Camping Haida Gwaii : A Small Vessel Guide

DescriptionWith information on ancient native settlements, hidden campsites and everything in between, Boat Camping Haida Gwaii is a fascinating and comprehensive guide to this wild and beautiful archipelago, written especially for kayakers and other small vessel operators. The book has a wide...

harbourpublishing.com

Use the Sandspit marina. It's cheap, has fuel, showers etc. Been a few years since I've been there, but it's always been where I base out of.

https://sandspitharbour.ca/

West side of Moresby and the southern half of Graham are my favourite places on the coast. There is amazing scenery, not many boats.

Most if not all the salmon fishing is within a kilometer of shore. A lot is within a couple hundred meters. Personally, I would stay in Sandspit and run to the west coast through Skidegate narrows to fish, or camp overnight on the west side and run back to drop fish off for processing. There used to be a lodge in Sandspit that processed and froze fish. They were fully licensed.

 

[YTproV]

Take the boat! Read this book.

Boat Camping Haida Gwaii : A Small Vessel Guide

DescriptionWith information on ancient native settlements, hidden campsites and everything in between, Boat Camping Haida Gwaii is a fascinating and comprehensive guide to this wild and beautiful archipelago, written especially for kayakers and other small vessel operators. The book has a wide...

harbourpublishing.com

Use the Sandspit marina. It's cheap, has fuel, showers etc. Been a few years since I've been there, but it's always been where I base out of.

https://sandspitharbour.ca/

West side of Moresby and the southern half of Graham are my favourite places on the coast. There is amazing scenery, not many boats.

Most if not all the salmon fishing is within a kilometer of shore. A lot is within a couple hundred meters. Personally, I would stay in Sandspit and run to the west coast through Skidegate narrows to fish, or camp overnight on the west side and run back to drop fish off for processing. There used to be a lodge in Sandspit that processed and froze fish. They were fully licensed.

Thank you.