Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Haida Gwaii Sits Right in the Middle of the Best Annual Salmon Migration on the Planet

By Stephen Daniels


If you dream of the perfect king salmon fishing trip, welcome to your dream come true at Canada's Queen Charlotte Islands - or as the Haida (the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest) named it, Haida Gwaii, Islands of the People. This 200-mile-long archipelago of 150 islands is 60 miles off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, and acts as a gigantic fishing net to catch migrating fish on their way south each year.

The Japanese current washes over the continental shelf, bringing with it rich nutrients to feed vast schools of "bait" fish for the Chinooks; Kings; and bottom fish, such as Halibut, Rockfish and Lingcod. Eager to return to their rivers of origin all along the West Coast of North America, the big fish must make their way through the islands, feeding as they go. When you book a Queen Charlotte salmon fishing trip, you put yourself in a great position to take advantage of this vast flow of marine life and to enjoy the greatest fishing trip ever.

The islands are remote, with no roads connecting their east coasts, where most residents live, and their west coasts, where all the fishing lodges are clustered. The only ways in and out are by air or sea. Ferries run from the mainland, and some Queen Charlotte salmon fishing outfits fly their customers directly from various Canadian cities to their lodges. The ferry trips provide stunning views of fiords in the Inside Passage, with sightings of Orcas, Bald Eagles or Humpbacks munching on Krill along the way.

There are no crowds of tourists to contend with; the air is pure and bracing and the salmon fishing charters offer boats outfitted with good food, restroom facilities and various beverages of your choice. High-quality raingear is also provided --and did we mention - there's great fishing?

Peak season is May to September and it is wise to book your trip well in advance. Your stay can be in a land-based or floating lodge. After a thrilling day of fishing, guests can relax with cocktails and enjoy stunning mountain and ocean views while their guides clean their fish. If time permits, other attractions can include hiking, parks, beaches, kayaking, even exploring old abandoned Haida villages and totem poles.

If your preference is to kick back after your strenuous day, many of the lodges feature hot tubs and game rooms for your comfort and entertainment.

So, make your fishing dreams come true (and also gather some good fish stories!), go ahead and book your Queen Charlotte Islands salmon charter!

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