Rivers Lodge is tucked into a sheltered cove (known locally as Sleepy Bay) on the north shore of Rivers Inlet. Rivers Inlet is 260 air miles from Vancouver and is accessible only by float-equipped aircraft or large boats. We have our own charter flights from Vancouver to Rivers Lodge on amphibious aircraft .. a 2-hour scenic experience. There is also daily service between Vancouver International Airport and Port Hardy, with connecting flights from Port Hardy to Rivers Lodge, approximately 70 air miles across Queen Charlotte Sound.
When is sport fishing best?
From mid June to the beginning of October. There are two runs of large chinook into Rivers Inlet, a run of big Northern coho as well as a large population of resident feeding salmon that will be spawning in future years - these non spawning fish will often go up to 35 lbs.
In mid June the first run of chinook comes into the inlet. These are predominantly white meat salmon and are under very little fishing pressure. The first run lasts until the second week of July. The second run, the run Rivers Inlet is famous for, starts appearing in mid July. These are red meat chinook, the largest sport caught being 82 lbs. and commercially caught up to 105 lbs. This run peaks during the first three weeks of August, with large fish still caught regularly into the first week of September.
The coho, which are known for their spectacular fight, start appearing in large numbers in early July. These voraciously feeding salmon will double their weight in the last 6 months before spawning in October. The largest coho caught in Rivers Inlet was 28 lbs. Both the chinook salmon runs and the coho salmon runs are wild fish stocks - undoubtedly the finest wild fish sport on the B.C. coast.
How far from the lodge is the sport fishing?
Most of the sport fishing we do is within 15 minutes of the lodge. Our boats are fast, comfortable and stable fishing machines which can whisk you to the fishing areas. If things are a bit slow or if fishermen wish a change of scenery, it is only 20 minutes from the lodge across the inlet, or 45 minutes to the permit area near the head of the inlet.
What tackle and bait is used?
Over the years herring has proven to be the winner for all sports salmon species. We use a 7"-8" herring with the head cut off at an angle to give a slow rolling action (cut plug) with 2 #4/0 single hooks on a 60" 20 lb. mainline. We have single action mooching reels or stardrag type reels with 300-400 yards of line on 8-9 foot very limber rods. We provide all bait, tackle, hookups, etc. We have various spoons and flys available for those who wish to experiment. We just ask that you pay for anything lost or broken (except leaders).
Are fishing licences necessary?
Yes, saltwater angling licences are required, and are available at the lodge.
Are there trout lakes in the Rivers Inlet area?
Yes. Depending on the effort one wants to spend, there are several mountain lakes containing cutthroat that are within 1/4 mile to 3 miles from the ocean. However the hiking is very strenuous, therefore it is best to arrange to fly in to the lake or to an interior lake for a day or more of unsurpassed rainbow fishing.
Is a guide necessary?
No. Our sport fishing techniques are very straight forward. We give a thorough seminar the first day covering herring hookups, netting techniques, salmon striking habits, etc. and then will guide the fishermen to the fishing area pointing out landmarks for reference points. At the fishing grounds we will give further instructions on fishing that particular area. Two fishermen fish from their own boat. All boats are equipped with area charts, radio, digital depthsounders and compasses. For those with very little fishing experience, guides are available if requested when making reservations. There is an additional charge of $40.00 per hour for a guide per two fishermen.
Will salmon take a fly?
Yes. Coho often take a bucktail fly which is trolled in the boat's wake. At other times pink salmon, or humpies will take a cast fly. Humpies are an exciting fish on light tackle. They average 4 to 6 lbs. and are most prominent during the last week of July and all of August.
What other fish are available in Rivers Inlet?
The area abounds in fish. There are countless types of delicious rock fish; there are red snapper, ling cod to 60 lbs. halibut over 200 lbs. and flounder and sole; there are also dungeness crab and prawns.
What are the salmon catch limits?
In Rivers Inlet fishermen are allowed: 1 days catch of 4 salmon, 2 of which can be chinook: and a possession limit of 8 salmon, 4 of which can be chinook. Chinook must be 26" or over.
What is there for the non-fishermen?
How much time do you have? There are miles of isolated beaches to explore, beachcombing for glass balls, colourful shells or unusual pieces of driftwood perhaps from the Orient. There are crabs to catch; tidal rapids to raft; whales, eagles, seal and sea lions to watch and photograph; antiques to dig at any of the 14 cannery ruins; snorkeling (bring you own wet suit) or water skiing, and more. If that's all too strenuous then there couldn't be anywhere better for just relaxing - no TV, no telephones, no traffic, and no decisions to be made. Sit back in our salt water spa and watch the eagles soar overhead. There are no extra charges for any of the activities.
What should a person bring?
Please travel light, preferably use a soft sided duffle type bag. To allow room for your fish leaving with you all luggage must be kept to a maximum of 25 lbs. We have all you salmon fishing tackle here. If you have a favourite rod and reel then bring them along. Bring a good sweater, a good wind breaker, a hat and perhaps gloves. We have rain gear and waterproof footwear here for your use.
Don't forget your camera!
