OP Report - The First Tyee of The Season at The Outpost! - June 13, 2022

The season is in full swing at The Outpost, with the first few sets of guests having already experienced the supernatural west side of Graham Island. Returning lodge manager Shawn Crawford started his first report by looking back on the pre season.

The staff arrived at Port Louis eager to begin preparing The Outpost for the 2022 season. In their free time, they took to the boats to test the waters and found moderate success throughout the month of May, all culminating in the first staff derby of the season. It was a great success with lots of opportunities at fish out on the water. A large pod of orcas seemed to be equally as interested, with some fish being taken off the lines close to the boats. We had some first-time anglers, and a few of our staff had never experienced orcas in the wild before, it was a treat for them and the rest of the staff. There was no shortage of fun on the boats and great times watching the whale show.With a very strong crew, Shawn and his team were anxious to welcome their first guests of the season. The staff were eager to show off the lodge and the hard work that they put into making it guest ready.

Guests and staff are excited to be back at The Outpost this season! The first week at The Outpost finished with both groups going home with big smiles all around. The opening group found their way here from all the way down under in search of what The Outpost had to offer – safe to say, they were not disappointed. Apart from fishing, these guests took advantage of all opportunities to get out on the water by taking the kayaks and paddleboards out for a spin.

One thing's for sure, the kayaks and paddle boards were put to good use this week.

Guests taking advantage of beautiful conditions in early June. These groups stayed busy off the water as well, partaking in some games around the lodge and lots of good food of course!

Looks like a pretty intense game out on the deck!

The Outpost dining room is the perfect location for a delicious meal after a full day of fishing.

Executive Chef Stjepan Balen has made himself at home in The Outpost kitchen, and it looks like the outcome is delicious! .

If you weren't hungry before, I'm sure you are now! Who doesn't love fish n' chips? A fan favorite game will of course be making a return to the OP this year, none other than Krud – if you know, you know. The game originated in the Royal Canadian Airforce, and somehow found its way to Port Louis; it is now a longstanding tradition at The Outpost, where all guests come together to battle for the win. For those of you yet to experience Krud at The Outpost, prepare yourself for some good times – and a new favorite game on the billiards table.We also need to take a moment to appreciate some of the lovely weather days we've been seeing on the west side of Graham island!

A sight for sore eyes, our Outpost boats running to the fishing grounds.

These two were enjoying the calm seas and windows of blue sky on the paddleboards.

Now that's a nice view, Port Louis is the prefect safe haven from the rugged shore of Haida Gwaii's west coast.  

Soft winds and calm seas greeted our first group of anglers at The Outpost.

This guest made sure to take in not only some fish, but also the beautiful landscape of Haida Gwaii.  Now, what you all came for, the fishing!

As we all know, a tyee can be illusive, however the first group of the season managed to bring in the first Tyee of the season in early June – congratulations to Graham (guide Colin) for landing a beautiful 30lb Chinook! Solid Chinook in the 16-21lb range have been common, with some larger fish making their way into the mix. For those interested in bottom fishing, we’ve seen lingcod in good numbers with weight in the mid-high teens, and halibut ranging in weight from the teens all the way to the forties. All guests have had opportunities at salmon and halibut with occasional double headers of both.

That's one happy fisherman.

Guest Gerard B. (Guide Brady) displaying his nice Chinook - great job Gerard!

Take a peak at that tight line. . . and the new Yeti coolers!

All smiles back on the dock for Doug A. and his fishing partner!

Look at happy faces! Guest Graham A. (Guide Mike) hooked a beauty chinook.

‍That’s all for now, check back soon for another update from Shawn and the gang in Port Louis!

‍

Tight Lines,

The West Coast Fishing Club