Hello again from Langara Island and the Clubhouse! Here we go with another update on what’s happening up here in the spectacular northern Haida Gwaii.
Since our last check-in, fishing has definitely improved. In June, we saw a lot of low to mid-teen Chinook, mostly on the east side of the island. Now, those fish are getting bigger on the west side, with some nice tyee in the mix. All boats are landing 17 to 25lb fish, and a few guides are on hot streaks out at the pleasure dome, West Bank. Brent, Issac, Simon, Paul, and several others caught notable fish in the low thirties, all using cutplug herring at 35 to 50 feet, close to shore. Other guides also had successful shifts, consistently bringing in plenty of 20 to 24 lb Chinook.
Brent, as always, is on them with a great release; I believe Paul took the shot here of a 34 lb fish. Check out that flat water. Issac, pictured below, was excited to net and release this super nice specimen, 33lbs, in the Dome. Right off my bow, Issac had a great trip guiding his group and registering two tyee. I was definitely getting out-fished!
Between bites, Lucy provided a lot of fun for my guests… luckily, lol. She always has my back when I can’t hook a fish! Finally, look at that weather – FINALLY!
After a month of wind and rain, and battling red jelly and sea snot on the lines, I managed to find a spot – not just any spot, but Lacy Island. With the WESTCO group and angler Dwayne, we scooped a nice tyee and promptly released it after several pictures. We knew we had something more than a Jack on the line; the first long, long run had me rather excited. Is the drought over on boat 4? Had I finally rediscovered how to guide a Chinook over 24lbs?
Sure enough, after a few jumps and several reverse donuts, tense moments for me haha, I saw the wake of the fish on the surface. With barbless hooks, so much can go wrong. But Dwayne slid the fish rather easily into the net, quickly placed it in the release tub on standby, promptly loaded with water. The fish registered at 42lbs, with one hook lightly hooked in the lip. It was so nice to see that fish swim off in a hurry, right back into the kelp.
We’ve found some decent halibut out west, but not as quickly as last season. Some of us are having luck trolling them up, which is always a bonus. A few were caught for sure in the obvious places, in tight, hugging the bottom structure. Careful, those rigger balls will be gone if you’re not on the ball. It’s a huge advantage having this gear on the boat, combo fishing with the Scotty electrics.
Lucy witnessed this monster off Lacy on Friday. On the salmon rod, 25lb test – well played, Jay.
All in all, things are on track, the season is moving along quickly, and the fishing is definitely picking up. Plenty of smaller Chinook at Cohoe Point, but the big boys seem to be out west. The action is packed on the east side. Until the next report, see you all soon! Lucy, the guides, and everyone up here on Langara are excited!
Mike "Screamer" Tonnesen
Head Guide, The Clubhouse
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