Quatsino Lodge
Licensed & Insured

The ultimate experience
in Sportfishing
and kayaking on
Vancouver Island,
B.C. Canada

Phone/Fax
(250) 338 7473
Toll Free
1-866-279-5061

OCEAN FISHING

There are many locations to choose from when you ocean fish from Quatsino Lodge and we always have the option of fishing in protected, calm waters if the weather is rough.

All our charters are fully guided by experienced guides who will ensure you experience the best sport fishing British Columbia has to offer.

Salmon Fishing

When we go salmon fishing off the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, we'll be fishing Springs (otherwise known as Chinook or King Salmon) as well as Coho or Silver Salmon. Other species abound but we don’t target Sockeye. Pinks are there briefly but not all summer and the Chum show up later in the season.

Where we are located in Quatsino Sound near Port Hardy, our season begins in April targeting Chinook salmon ranging anywhere from 15-25 lbs with the ever present possibility of a tyee. Coho are legal starting June 1. Late September and October see in the run of Chum Salmon, otherwise known as Dog Salmon. They weigh in between 10 and 16 pounds. Halibut and cod are also target species at this time.

The only hindrance to a long winter salmon fishery on Vancouver Island, BC is the weather, which usually changes for the worse in late October. No need to put your fishing tackle away all winter, though. We start our winter fishery usually Christmas Day and there is always a salmon to bring home for dinner. You'll find us on the water from January to April when the weather allows, going after the winter Springs. Winter Spring Salmon fishing is catching on for good reasons: the fish are terrific battlers and fine eaters. Springs, Coho, Chum... they're all salmon. They're all fun.

Bottom fishing for Halibut

Our guides love to fish for, and eat halibut. If you want to target the best Pacific halibut fishing, plan to come after April 1st.

Did you know that Halibut can be aged like a tree? It has growth rings in its inner ear. I'm not kidding. You can age your halibut by counting these rings. And did you know that a halibut lives over 30 years? The oldest one on record is 55 years. In fact, mature female halibut begin breeding at age 12 and males at age 8 and continue breeding each year for the rest of their lives (over 30 years). Each female lays between 200,000 and 500,000 eggs. That's a minimum of 4,000,000 halibut eggs released by one of these big spawners. A female halibut can reach the unbelievable size of 9 feet and weigh 700 lbs whereas the males don't usually grow above 40 lbs.

The best tasting size of halibut is between 15 and 30 lbs. This size of halibut is frequently called "chicken of the sea". We prefer to target the "chickens" for two reasons: one, they taste the best, and because we want to preserve our future breeding stock. A large halibut (over 60 lbs) is a great trophy but difficult to cook, they're just too darn thick! Remember, the longer they live in the ocean the more bad stuff they pick up and you eat so stick with the chickens for flavour and health.

Tuna Fishing

Yes you heard it right. It is one of the most unique fishing experiences on the coast and best kept secret. And also one of the shortest seasons. With a window for success at most mid-late August - late September we don’t speak of it too loudly. They fight like a racehorse and the sizes range between 18 - 32 lbs. Much bigger than that and the gear is gone. Totally. You have to be patient and be prepared to hunt them for hours. Sometimes it all comes on at once. And it costs more in fuel so there is a surcharge. But it really is a trophy experience. If you want more details give Blondy a call.

Ling Cod

We have a very plentiful crop of ling cod in our waters all year long. The season opens mid April and closes Mid october. Ling Cod are my favourite white fish. I should warn you though they take way longer to cook than a halibut and they have a tendency to stink up a small house while cooking. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. But the taste is worth it! Sooooooo delish.