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A Day in the Life at Haida Gwaii Safaris

June 26, 2025

Morning — Arrival & Lodge Welcome

Your day begins the moment you step off the plane in Sandspit. Once you have landed in Sandspit, we will pick you up in our exclusive shuttle and whisk you to the lodge. You will enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, our friendly staff and their attention to detail. Enjoy a modern facility with comfortable rooms, private baths, and hearty chef-prepared meals included.

Pre-dawn Prep & Boarding

From 5:00-6:00am, you’re greeted with a hearty breakfast—preparing you for your day on the water. At around 6:30 am, you board a heated, covered fishing boat fully equipped with GPS, sounders, premium reels, tackle, bait, and Helly Hansen all-weather gear—all part of your all-inclusive trip.

Out on the Water

Your guide takes you to nutrient-rich grounds—prime habitat for Chinook salmon, halibut, and more… Chinooks arrive to Haida Gwaii Islands early, with continuous runs all season. Later, Coho appear averaging 6–13lb. Bottom fishing yields halibut, rockfish, and lingcod through September.

Midday Break & On-Boat Meal

After reeling in your catch, enjoy a lunch break—right on the water, with fresh custom-made lunches and snacks prepared for the fishing adventure. The comfortable pace ensures you spend more time fishing and less time waiting.

Afternoon Push & Wildlife Encounters

The afternoon brings continued chances for quality salmon and halibut. Guides expertly read the tides and rips, maximizing hook-ups. Along the way, keep an eye out for bald eagles, marine life, puffins, and whales—nature comes alive around every bend.

Evening — Catch Care & Culinary Delights

Back at the lodge by late afternoon, your catch is expertly cared for. While our professional processing team manages the day’s catch, unwind with a daily special soup with homemade bread, and drink of preference. Dinner time is always a highlight for our guests after an exciting day of fishing. We proudly serve many dishes indigenous to the islands prepared by our seasoned chef. Our chef-prepared dinner—often seafood-focused, showcasing your own catch alongside gourmet sides. After dinner step outside onto our spacious, relaxing deck and watch the eagles soar above you. Evenings might include storytelling or guide-led bonfire chats under the stars.

Why It’s Exceptional

All-inclusive comfort: lodging, meals, gear, and guided transport via our private shuttle come standard.
Prime fishing spots: nutrient-rich kelp beds yield bountiful Chinook, Coho, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish.
Top-tier guides: expert-led days on the water – ensure both safety and success.
Uncrowded & pristine: limited, seasonal (May–Sept) bookings keep waters peaceful and exclusive.

Best Time to Book

Prime Chinook action starts May–September, averaging 19-35lbs.
Coho peaks July–September, averaging 6–13 lb and often hitting surface spots
Bottom-fishing for halibut and lingcod remains excellent through all season!

Booking Tips: Trips are limited to maintain exclusivity—book early for best dates and guide options .

Ready for your own day on deck?

Let Haida Gwaii Safaris guide you through an unforgettable fishing adventure in Haida Gwaii—book now to secure your spot for 2025 or even 2026!

Opening Season at Haida Gwaii Safaris

June 17, 2025

Quality Fish, Fresh Air, and Unforgettable Moments of Opening Season

The wait is over! Haida Gwaii Safaris has officially kicked off the 2025 fishing season, and what a start it has been. The air is crisp, the water is clear, and the fish are biting with enthusiasm that has our guides grinning ear to ear.

Opening Season Highlights:

Guests arrived to perfect conditions for an unforgettable start to the season. Our lodge team welcomed returning guests and first-time adventurers alike with warm hospitality, home-cooked meals, and the unbeatable charm of the wild.

Fishing Report – June 2025:

Chinook salmon have made a strong early appearance, with multiple catches in the 19-26 lb range already recorded. Herring and anchovy rigs are performing well, with early morning tides producing the most consistent action.

Lodge Life:

Beyond the rods and reels, the Haida Gwaii Safaris experience is all about connection—to nature, to each other, and to the moment. Evenings are spent swapping stories around the fire pit, sampling wines, and taking in the stunning ocean views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Join Us This Season:

Whether you’re chasing bountiful salmon or just looking for a break from the ordinary, there’s no better time to experience Haida Gwaii. With strong fish numbers and pristine scenery, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of our best yet! Contact Us Today!

Tight lines, and we hope to see you at the lodge soon!

Another Thrilled Guest:

“I had lots of fun this past week visiting and fishing with you and your staff. I especially enjoyed meeting your other guests. Aubrey was a terrific tour guide and the short walk was filled with beautiful scenery. Thanks for being so organized, I really had a great time!” – Bruce Collins

Discover Haida Gwaii: A Premier Fishing Destination – As Featured in Pacific Coast Sportfishing

April 23, 2025

Haida Gwaii Safaris is Proudly Featured in Pacific Coast Sportfishing

Discover Haida Gwaii as featured in the November/December 2024 issue of Pacific Coast Sportfishing. The article highlights our lodge, incredible fishing, and the wild beauty of Haida Gwaii. It confirms what our guests already know—this is one of the best fishing destinations on Earth.

Why Anglers Love Haida Gwaii

Writer Bill DePriest highlights the unmatched fishing in Haida Gwaii. The action kicks off with the first cast. Chinook (King) and Coho (Silver) salmon rule these waters, delivering hard-fighting, high-energy battles. And it doesn’t stop there—halibut, lingcod, and rockfish keep rods bending throughout the day. Anglers often reel in multiple catches, making every outing packed with excitement.

Beyond the Rod: Wild Beauty and Wildlife

Fishing is just part of the experience. Haida Gwaii’s scenery and wildlife make every trip special. While on the water, guests often spot black bears, deer, and bald eagles. On land, hiking trails and cultural sites offer more ways to explore this remote paradise.

Comfort and Care at the Lodge

After a full day on the water, guests return to our cozy lodge. Bill DePriest called it the perfect place to relax. Spacious rooms, warm service, and modern comforts make it easy to unwind. With private boats, expert guides, and premium gear, we focus on giving you the best possible experience.

A Proud Moment: Halle on the Cover

We’re thrilled to share a deeply personal and meaningful moment from this edition of the magazine. Halle, the youngest daughter of our owner, Valerie Hoperich, graces the cover—a young woman many of our longtime guests remember as the bright-eyed girl running along the docks or helping out in the lodge with a beaming smile.

Over the years, Halle embraced the rhythms of life at Haida Gwaii Safaris. She grew up surrounded by wilderness, ocean, and a close-knit community of adventurers who became like extended family. Her upbringing at the lodge shaped her into the capable, compassionate, and talented person she is today.

This May, Halle will graduate from high school—a major milestone not just for her, but for all of us who’ve watched her grow and thrive in this unique and beautiful place. We’ve seen her bait hooks, lend a hand wherever needed, and grow into a young woman who’s become an essential part of our story.

We proudly celebrate this special chapter and share it with our guests and followers—many of whom helped shape her journey. Seeing her confidently on the magazine cover reminds us of the deep bonds created here and the memories still to come.

As Halle prepares to begin her next adventure at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), we feel an overwhelming sense of pride, gratitude, and excitement for all that lies ahead.

Plan Your Haida Gwaii Fishing Trip

We’re honored to be featured in Pacific Coast Sportfishing and invite you to experience it for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, Haida Gwaii Safaris offers the fishing adventure of a lifetime.

Book your trip now or call (866) 601-6646.

Exploring Pacific Halibut Fishing with Haida Gwaii Safaris

April 22, 2025

Looking for the ultimate Pacific halibut fishing experience? Haida Gwaii Safaris offers world-class opportunities to catch one of the most coveted fish in the Pacific Ocean: the Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, fishing for halibut in the pristine waters of Haida Gwaii is an adventure you won’t forget.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Pacific halibut fishing, including key facts about these incredible fish, the best fishing techniques, and why Haida Gwaii Safaris is the best choice for your next fishing trip.

What is a Pacific Halibut?

The Pacific halibut is a massive flatfish species found in the North Pacific and Bering Sea. Known for their impressive size, these fish can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh over 500 pounds. However, most anglers target halibut between 20-60 pounds, which provide both an exciting fight and excellent table fare.

Physical Appearance: Pacific halibut have a unique, flat body that helps them blend seamlessly into the ocean floor. They are typically dark brown or olive on their top side and pale white on the underside.
Habitat: Halibut are bottom-dwelling fish, typically found at depths of 100 to 300 feet in cold, nutrient-rich waters. Their ability to stay near the seafloor makes them accessible for anglers using bottom fishing techniques.

Why Haida Gwaii is a Premier Destination for Halibut Fishing

Haida Gwaii, located off the coast of British Columbia, is one of the best places in the world to fish for Pacific halibut. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding this archipelago create the perfect habitat for these massive fish.

Here’s why Haida Gwaii is the ideal location for halibut fishing:

Abundant Halibut Population: The waters of Haida Gwaii are teeming with Pacific halibut. These rich fishing grounds attract anglers from around the world looking to catch these trophy fish.
Breathtaking Scenery: Haida Gwaii is known for its natural beauty, offering stunning ocean views, dense forests, and rugged coastline. When you fish here, you’re not only pursuing halibut—you’re immersed in one of the most pristine environments on Earth.
Optimal Fishing Seasons: The best time to fish for halibut in Haida Gwaii is from April to September. During this period, halibut are actively feeding, making it the perfect time for a successful fishing trip.

Pacific Halibut Fishing Techniques

Fishing for halibut requires specific techniques, equipment, and knowledge. Here’s a quick overview of the best methods to catch Pacific halibut:

Bottom Fishing: Since halibut are bottom-dwellers, bottom fishing is the most effective method. This technique involves dropping baited hooks to the seafloor, where halibut are feeding. You’ll need strong rods and heavy-duty reels to handle these large fish.
Live Baiting: Halibut are attracted to live bait, such as herring, squid, or other fish. The movement of the bait makes it more enticing to halibut, increasing your chances of getting a bite.
Trolling: While bottom fishing is the most common technique, trolling can also be effective. This involves dragging bait along the seafloor while the boat moves slowly, covering more ground to find active halibut.
Sonar Technology: Using sonar and fish finders, our expert guides can help you pinpoint the most productive fishing spots, ensuring you’re fishing in the right areas where halibut are most abundant.

The Thrill of Halibut Fishing

Catching a Pacific halibut is no small feat. These fish put up an incredible fight, using their size and strength to resist capture. The battle can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the fish. Once you reel in your halibut, you’ll experience the thrill of landing one of the ocean’s largest and most powerful fish.

Why Choose Haida Gwaii Safaris for Your Fishing Adventure?

At Haida Gwaii Safaris, we’re dedicated to providing an unforgettable fishing experience. Here’s what makes us the best choice for your halibut fishing trip:

Experienced Guides: Our guides are experts in halibut fishing. They have extensive knowledge of the local waters, fishing techniques, and where to find the biggest halibut. They’ll ensure you have the best chance of success.
Top-Quality Equipment: We provide high-quality fishing gear, including heavy-duty rods, reels, and bait. Our boats are fully equipped with the latest sonar technology to help you locate halibut quickly.
Scenic and Comfortable Boats: Enjoy fishing in comfort on our spacious and well-maintained boats, designed for your safety and convenience during long fishing excursions.
Memorable Experiences: Beyond halibut fishing, our trips offer a chance to explore Haida Gwaii’s natural beauty. From spotting wildlife to enjoying the stunning ocean views, your trip will be an adventure from start to finish.

Client Testimonials

Our guests consistently rave about their halibut fishing experiences with Haida Gwaii Safaris:

“The best fishing trip we’ve ever had! The guides were fantastic, the equipment was top-notch, and we caught some massive halibut. The scenery was breathtaking, and we can’t wait to return!” – John M.

Book Your Fishing Trip Today!

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Haida Gwaii Safaris offers a world-class fishing experience where you can target Pacific halibut in some of the most pristine waters in the world. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, we’ve got the perfect fishing trip for you.

Contact us today to book your halibut fishing adventure with Haida Gwaii Safaris and start planning your unforgettable fishing experience in Haida Gwaii!

Chinook vs Coho Salmon

April 21, 2025

At Haida Gwaii Safaris, we offer unforgettable fishing adventures, including chances to catch top salmon species like Chinook and Coho.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, knowing the difference between these two salmon can improve your success.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key traits of each species to help you identify and target them on your next trip to the stunning waters of Haida Gwaii.

Chinook vs. Coho Salmon: Key Differences

Physical Characteristics of Chinook vs. Coho Salmon

Size and Weight

Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are the largest Pacific salmon species. They typically weigh between 25 to 30 pounds, with some growing over 50 pounds, making them a prized catch for sport fishers.
Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) are smaller, averaging 12 to 15 pounds, but can reach up to 20 pounds. Their lighter weight makes them ideal for anglers seeking a more active and fast-paced fishing experience.

Coloration

During spawning season, Chinook males develop a hooked jaw, sharp teeth, and turn maroon or dark olive-brown.
Coho males, in contrast, display a bright red body with a dark head, making them easier to identify during the spawning run.

Tail Fin and Anal Fin Features

One of the easiest ways to tell them apart is by looking at the anal fin rays.
Coho salmon have longer rays that extend over two-thirds of the fin’s base.
Chinook salmon also have long anal fin rays, but they do not exceed two-thirds of the base.
Additionally, running your fingernail along the tail fin rays can help:

Coho: You’ll feel distinct bone segments.
Chinook: The rays feel smooth with no bony ridges.

Gum Line Color

Check the gum line inside the mouth for a quick ID:

- Chinook salmon have a dark, black, or graphite-colored gum line.
- Coho salmon show a light gray or white gum line.

For a visual guide on distinguishing between Chinook and Coho salmon, you might find this video helpful: Fish ID Lesson: Chinook vs. Coho

Habitat and Behavior of Chinook vs. Coho Salmon

Both Chinook and Coho salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they spend most of their adult lives in the ocean and return to freshwater rivers to spawn. While they share this life cycle, their habitats and behavior differ in a few key ways.

Chinook Salmon Habitat

Chinook salmon prefer large river systems and are commonly found in major rivers and deep lakes along the Pacific Coast. They are strong migrators, known to travel long distances and inhabit deeper ocean waters, which allows them to grow to their impressive size.

Coho Salmon Habitat

Coho salmon also live in coastal waters, but they are more commonly found in smaller rivers, streams, and tributaries. These fish are known for their strong swimming ability and aggressive behavior when hooked—qualities that provide a more action-packed fishing experience for anglers.

Fishing Considerations

When fishing for Chinook or Coho salmon, understanding their behavior is key to a successful catch.

Chinook salmon are known for their large size and strength. They require patience, skill, and the right technique to reel in, making them ideal for anglers looking for a serious challenge.

Coho salmon, on the other hand, are smaller but incredibly energetic. They’re famous for their acrobatic jumps and fast runs, offering a fun, action-packed experience—especially for those who enjoy a more dynamic fight.

To catch either species, it’s important to fish in the right location at the right time:

Chinooks are usually found in deep waters and large river systems.
Cohos tend to stay in shallower waters and smaller streams.

Fishing techniques may vary depending on the species and setting. At Haida Gwaii Safaris, our expert guides will equip you with the proper gear, timing, and strategy to successfully target both Chinook and Coho salmon.

Why Choose Haida Gwaii Safaris for Your Salmon Fishing Adventure?

At Haida Gwaii Safaris, we offer exceptional fishing experiences in some of the most scenic and productive fishing locations. Whether you’re targeting Chinook vs Coho Salmon, our team of experienced guides is dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable adventure. Here’s why Haida Gwaii Safaris stands out:

Expert Guides:
Our guides are experts in salmon fishing, with extensive knowledge of local waters and techniques to help you land the perfect catch.
Tailored Experiences:
We offer personalized trips based on your preferences, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler. Our fishing experiences are designed to ensure you have the best possible time on the water.
Premier Locations:
Haida Gwaii Safaris operates in some of the most desirable fishing destinations. Our trips are designed to take you to the best spots for targeting Chinook and Coho salmon, among other fish species.
Comprehensive Equipment:
We provide all the necessary equipment and tackle, so you can focus on enjoying your time fishing. Our guides ensure you have the right gear to increase your chances of success.

Book Your Salmon Fishing Trip with Haida Gwaii Safaris

Ready to experience world-class salmon fishing? Whether you’re interested in Chinook salmon for their size or Coho salmon for their thrilling fight, Haida Gwaii Safaris provides the perfect setting for your next fishing adventure. Our expert guides, beautiful locations, and comprehensive service make us the best choice for anglers seeking a top-tier fishing experience.