Queen Charlotte Lodge - MV Driftwood

[Pippen]

Hi Guys,

I have never fished in the Charlottes before but had some buddies go up and stay on the Driftwood last year. They said the service, accomodation etc was really good (knowing they weren't expecting to stay in a posh lodge). They had a great time but being there in the first week or so of June the fishing was below average and they had to work for their springs; 3 days of fishing to get 4 springs to bring home or something like that. (pinks were everywhere and a pain)

They are going up again (it is a pretty good "staff" type deal) and I was contemplating going this year. Although it is a fairly good deal do you think it is worth spending the $$$ to fish up there in mid June? (Week of June 15th) or is it traditionally just plain and simple "early". I know last year was a "weird one" up and down the coast but just thought I would see if anyone had some experience?

Thanks.

 

[Pippen]

For some reason I can't "edit" my post. [?] I'll add that 90% of my fishing is done in and around Vancouver and the WCVI; and getting up to the Charlottes has always been on a "wish list".

 

[likwit]

its hit and miss that time of year.
you certainly get runs of fish that came through end of may early june, but its not something one can really predict or bank on. one trip might be good, and the next really slow.
that being said, if you've never been and the price is right i'd say you should give it a shot. its a great spot to fish.

 

[Dogbreath]

Pippen</u>-the Snitz forums software does not allow editing of the subject line or first post.

Anyway I wouldn't go any earlier I was @ Langara Lodge in late May last year and fishing was poor overall.

While there were some flurries fishing overall was unremarkable all over QCI all season.

I stayed on the Driftwood years ago and really enjoyed myself it's so quiet out there, in those days the generator was shut off completely @ night no idea if that's still the case.

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[sheephnter]

Have stayed and fished with QCL several times over the years- YES June is too early- will always have a "deal" in June- you can catch 10-20 Chinook- cookiecutters a day- all between 16-22 lbs. Go in Jly if you want better fish- someone will always tell you about A big one that was caught in june- but you are pretty much wasting your time and money if you want anything larger than 22-24 lbs

by the ay ask them IF they have ever gotten the hot water fixed yet in the lodge- they push hundreds of gutes through there - they are into numbers NOT fish- and if you don't get back from gishing early- you geta COLD shower- has been that was for past 10-12 years now and they are too cheap to fix it.

Driftwood is small and cramped but really not bad if you want more hours onw ater- BUT NOT IN JUNE!!!! D

The lodge is in buisness to sell itself out- like ALL Lodges- for THREE months- regardless if they have good fishing for only 4-6 weeks during that same 3 month period.

Tight Lines

Tight Lines

 

[Pippen]

Thanks guys for the input.

Dogbreath....I remember your report from last year.

Sheephntr....I will definitely look into it. I know it will be a bit of a "gamble" at that time of the year. I have been trying to convince these guys for years to do a trip up there and they spend too much time procrastinating. Thus most of my fishing trips have been with my GF to the WCVI...luckily she loves fishing and can "commit" to going!

My preference is to go later but a few of the guys have families and just can't afford the extra $$$ without leaving a testicle at home on a fork with the wife.

 

[yo mama]

I worked at the lodge for 6 years as a guide and could tell you that the fishing for numbers can be the best of the year during mid to late June. Size is not like you will find later in the season but the hails are more abundant, you generally hit only Chinook when fishing for them instead of tons of Pinks and Coho. Some of the best fishing I have had up there is in and around this time of year. Also there can be good numbers of big fish too is the year is right. The fish are usually stacked on the East side which is great if there are any of the standard SE winds

 

[happy hooker]

I went a couple years ago in the third week of June. Fishing was pretty good for the first 2 days then exploded on the 3rd day. It was unreal, my buddy and me got 40 fish that day 18 being springs. Sheephntr is dead on though they were all 20-25 pound "clones". Great day.

22' Hewescraft Searunner

 

[The Chosen one]

I've been a guide up in that area for five years and that time of year is definately hit or miss but like yo mama said i've had some of my best fishing at that time of the year. From what i've heard the fishing can be better around the Langara Island area early in the season. Just wondering if you have looked into any other lodges up there? I know after last season and with the US economy being the way it is that all lodges are having big troubles with getting bookings for this coming season. So you may be able to get a screaming deal at a big land based lodge.

 

[sheephnter]

Last post says it pretty well- Went to Sportsmens show in Pullayup yesterday- aisles EMPTY- exhibitors goroaning -t her is no on ebuying- YOU can get this mid June trip 1/2 price if you hold out- or the same 1/2 deal at other lodges up there same time. there is gonna be a fewmore going belly up- one at Hippa Island just announced this past week- thats two now before Feb- when the shows start to peter out and the books are 1/4 full- they deal or sink. sorry not being crude here- I love this industry- grew up in it- just stating facts- just like they were in 80's when 80's went belly up and turned over to new owners

SHEEP

 

[Dogbreath]

quote:Originally posted by sheephnter
.....there is gonna be a few more going belly up-one at Hippa Island just announced this past week...

Do you mean the Charlotte Queen?

http//www.salmonfishingonline.com/

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