Rivers Inlet BC

[OzAngler]

Hello everyone,

I plan on travelling from Australia to Rivers Inlet BC in the hope of catching a large King Salmon next July (2011). This will be my first time to Rivers Inlet and there appears to be a few operators in that area. I have been in touch with a couple of lodges and was hoping that I could ask for any recommendations/comments from my fellow fisherman as to who is a good lodge to go through? Im hoping to get some advice from locals or fisherman who have been to Rivers Inlet in the past. I have been impressed with what I have heard from Legacy Lodge in particular? Any advice or reviews from any Lodge in the Rivers Inlet area would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bananas]

Have a look at good hope canery i've heard some good things.

 

[Dogbreath]

Is there some reason you're choosing Rivers specifically?

Because fishing there has been marginal these past few seasons (some would say as much as 10 years) and July isn't optimal time.

You're much better off fishing the west coast of Vancouver Island or the Queen Charlottes/Langara.

If you have the flexibility consider carefully-Rivers is living on past glories and I personally would never fish there again.

 

[spring time]

i though it was second to third week of augest was optimal time. they did get some good fish there last year (a couple in the seventy's )

 

[richmake]

I think most of us that know the area can agree that catching a 50+ in Rivers at anytime is a pretty rare feat at anytime these day's.
The large ones are around at times but actually catching one is a needle in a hay stack.
Timing is everything up there and if it were me...mid-third week of August up at the head would be the best in most cases.
if your looking for pure fishing opportunities and most consistant fishing....wow...we could name a ton of places on the coast.


www.coastwidesportsfishing.com

http://ca.video.yahoo.com/watch/4726988?fr=yvmtf

 

[bananas]

end of july and the first 2weeks of aug were good last year one of there best in awhile but your rite it's all about timing there all or nothing.

 

[Deewar25]

yeah, think the criticism about Rivers isn't quite justified. I watched the action there a bit last year as Duncanby Lodge donated a package for our derby so I took an interest in the area. There were 3 or 4 over 70 pounds, and at least 2 lodges reported 10-15 over 40 pounds, another 20 or so 30-40lbs. 2008 was even better with many in the 60s and 70s. Of course its a far cry from glory days, but hell, so is the whole coast - what, we had 3 reported over 40lb in the whole south VI? I'd still love to go there if I had a chance!

As said, perhaps the timing isn't best for the big boys (unless u are later July), but they sure as heck still go through there.

Keep in mind some of these lodges just send you out with their boats, no guide - you will need to pay extra for a guided trip. May want to check if you'd rather that be the case to make sure its part of the package.

 

[OzAngler]

Thanks everyone! I wasn't expecting this much feedback and valuable information. The websites/brochures for some of these places give you the impression that people are pulling Hogs galore out of Rivers Inlet. It was really good to get some objective advice. Thanks again.

 

[Red Monster]

quote:Originally posted by Deewar25

- what, we had 3 reported over 40lb in the whole south VI?

I guess my 51 pounder out of Renny was one of those three?

Remember, it's called "fishing," not "catching."

 

[Deewar25]

quote:Originally posted by Red Monster

quote:Originally posted by Deewar25

- what, we had 3 reported over 40lb in the whole south VI?

I guess my 51 pounder out of Renny was one of those three?

Remember, it's called "fishing," not "catching."

Well, if ure name is Mark and you caught it at East Point, the answer is yes..lol...as I said...reported - just based on the island outfitters leaderboard - I'm sure there were a few more hogs not reported

 

[Charlie]

Oh, I think… I would have to say the fishery at Rivers Inlet would be very worth a visit around the middle or third week of August! That fishery is coming back very nicely, so nicely… don’t be surprised to find me up there!

The main run of Wannock tyees start showing in late July and continue on through to September. The fishery has been greatly enhanced through Chinook hatchery projects located at Shotbolt Bay, Snootli Creek, and the Oweekeno Nation. The Rivers Inlet/Hakai Pass Sport Fishing Association has been releasing an early return Chinook there for quite a few years to add to their fishery. I believe that is working? Can’t say for sure… as I don’t fish it! And, I agree I would go after those Wannock around the third week!

Sorry, I just can’t pass this one up! That fishery collapsed in 1999. You can blame logging, commercial overfishing, mismanagement by DFO, all the above. DFO (bless their hearts) saw their error coming and ran away-wiped their of that whole area in 1992. I believe there was some “very” nice work from the Oweekeno Fisheries, Rivers Inet Restoration Society, Rivers Inlet/Hakai Pass Sport Fishing Association! Very interesting article here:
www.sfu.ca/cstudies/science/resources/salmon/salmon.doc

 

[HDBJR]

I fish rivers for the last five years with a guy who has been going up for the past 20 years so my input is go the first week in August. We have always had at least 3 fish in the high 50s. The good thing about rivers is it's inside water and is calm most of the mornings.

 

[Maybz]

In July 2010 my son and I caught 2 50+ off the Wall. There was plenty of Coho all summer so not sure why you wouldn't want to return this area. We enjoyed the stay @ Black Gold Lodge and the fact that we had whales in the inlet who put on quite a good show was a bonus.

 

[PurgedTT]

Oh, I think… I would have to say the fishery at Rivers Inlet would be very worth a visit around the middle or third week of August! That fishery is coming back very nicely, so nicely… don’t be surprised to find me up there!

The main run of Wannock tyees start showing in late July and continue on through to September. The fishery has been greatly enhanced through Chinook hatchery projects located at Shotbolt Bay, Snootli Creek, and the Oweekeno Nation. The Rivers Inlet/Hakai Pass Sport Fishing Association has been releasing an early return Chinook there for quite a few years to add to their fishery. I believe that is working? Can’t say for sure… as I don’t fish it! And, I agree I would go after those Wannock around the third week!

Sorry, I just can’t pass this one up! That fishery collapsed in 1999. You can blame logging, commercial overfishing, mismanagement by DFO, all the above. DFO (bless their hearts) saw their error coming and ran away-wiped their of that whole area in 1992. I believe there was some “very” nice work from the Oweekeno Fisheries, Rivers Inet Restoration Society, Rivers Inlet/Hakai Pass Sport Fishing Association! Very interesting article here:
www.sfu.ca/cstudies/science/resources/salmon/salmon.doc

Typical DFO, took sample sets and saw that there was inadequate amount of sockeye to justify a commercial opening and still let them fish the run, no wonder they only had 3,600 spawners.

Good read though glad that there is a society out there willing to take the time, effort, and money to help re-create a once healthy run of sockeye, chinook and chum there. Can't believe that happened in 1999 though thought there would've been a little more uproar from the public or the first nations that reside and fish that area about the decimation of those runs that was going on there.

 

[SerengetiGuide]

yeah, think the criticism about Rivers isn't quite justified. I watched the action there a bit last year as Duncanby Lodge donated a package for our derby so I took an interest in the area. There were 3 or 4 over 70 pounds, and at least 2 lodges reported 10-15 over 40 pounds, another 20 or so 30-40lbs. 2008 was even better with many in the 60s and 70s. Of course its a far cry from glory days, but hell, so is the whole coast - what, we had 3 reported over 40lb in the whole south VI? I'd still love to go there if I had a chance!

As said, perhaps the timing isn't best for the big boys (unless u are later July), but they sure as heck still go through there.

Keep in mind some of these lodges just send you out with their boats, no guide - you will need to pay extra for a guided trip. May want to check if you'd rather that be the case to make sure its part of the package.

So far this year between 2 boats we've caught 7 over 40lbs, and those lodges have several boats, the Rivers fishery has definitely died off, and I use the same channel as some of the lodges up there and with a strong radio can hear them chatter, literally hear "2 coho in tub" (and its 1pm), "we have 5 coho, nailed the salmon today", "1 spring, 4 coho, great day"....to me thats not a good day, and if it is then says something about the area. It's not like this is just one day, its almost everyday I hear the same thing. Definitely better places, although the scenery up there is pretty amazing, but I mean from fishing perspective.

 

[Bifmalibu]

I have fished Rivers from Black Gold 3 of the last 4 summers. Always second or third week of August. In one word, it has been ******. I've yet to catch a keeper Spring there and the group of 4 boats I go with has taken 3 springs over 30lbs in the 3 years I've been there. Tons of very hefty Coho, but no 'Nooks. And that is not just our group being a bunch of lousy fishermen, the lodge board speaks for itself. Sad indeed. Although they do still grab the odd monster that rolls through.

 

[BearCove]

Better luck hitting up a lodge in Haki, they are no where near as many boats, they are all guided and run to where the fish are. Like Serengeti said, for money spend and quality of fish there are better places to fish. You can spend top dollar and fish out of a 17 Whaler wearing a big orange monkey suit sitting out in the elements or spend a little less and fish on a 25 Grady or a 30 Pursuit, hit up the local wateriing hole after a hard day of dragging in salmon.

 

[jsam]

The question you really need to ask yourself is what experience are you trying to have? I guided out of Rivers for a number of years and the fishing there offers a different experience than that of different areas in Canada (I've also guided up in the Queen Charlotte Islands).

Good Hope Cannery (formerly Salmon King Lodge) offers the best boats and a unique experience in staying in a 100+ year old part of Canadian history.

On to the fishing. If you want non-stop action (for salmon) and if you base your fishing experience on how many fish you catch, my friend do not go to Rivers Inlet. If you want the potential to catch a couple big Spring (50-60+ lbs) and that is enough for you, then this might be the spot for you (not to mention glass calm waters). Also, if you decide to stay at Good Hope they have the boats to get you out into some pretty excellent halibut grounds (whereas other lodges in the inlet only offer little bathtubs to fish in that you have to stay pretty close to home).

JSAM

 

[Bifmalibu]

The question you really need to ask yourself is what experience are you trying to have? I guided out of Rivers for a number of years and the fishing there offers a different experience than that of different areas in Canada (I've also guided up in the Queen Charlotte Islands).

Good Hope Cannery (formerly Salmon King Lodge) offers the best boats and a unique experience in staying in a 100+ year old part of Canadian history.

On to the fishing. If you want non-stop action (for salmon) and if you base your fishing experience on how many fish you catch, my friend do not go to Rivers Inlet. If you want the potential to catch a couple big Spring (50-60+ lbs) and that is enough for you, then this might be the spot for you (not to mention glass calm waters). Also, if you decide to stay at Good Hope they have the boats to get you out into some pretty excellent halibut grounds (whereas other lodges in the inlet only offer little bathtubs to fish in that you have to stay pretty close to home).

JSAM

Where is the glass calm water in R.I? I've had a couple very early mornings of near "glass" but I have found it to be more sporty than not in August when I've been there.

 

[Fins -n- Skins]

Well said Jsam.. Those Ironwood boats GH use are awesome..