Other Fish

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!

Haida Gwaii’s Eerie Fish

October 28, 2022

Whether it is a monster green Lingcod or ghostly Rat Fish, Haida Gwaii has plenty of spooktacular eerie fish in the water that are a blast to catch and eat!

Did you know that the maximum age for some species of Rockfish is 115 years old? Rockfish are slow growing and cannot start to reproduce until they are 15-20 years old. British Columbia Rockfish come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. These striped, spiky, and spiny creatures are favorites for anglers and naturalists!

The spotted Rat Fish is related to sharks, has a skeleton made completely of cartilage, and has a venomous spine. Rat fish usually live in deeper waters but have been spotted near the shores of Haida Gwaii. Scuba divers claim that they are beautiful to see underwater at night because they glow. Because of this cool feature and their close relation to sharks, they are also known as “Ghost Sharks.” Rat fish have been around for a very long time. In fact, the oldest fossil found of this fish was dated to about 280 million years ago!

Sharks in the dogfish family are so named because fishermen have observed these species chasing down smaller fish in dog-like packs. The Spiny Dogfish, also known as the “Mud Shark”, is one of the most abundant species of dogfish and can be found all over the world including Haida Gwaii. They can grow to 130 cm and can live to be 80 years old! Dogfish have five gills on each side of their heads, but do not have gill covers like bony fish. Although they may be fun to catch, they are a protected species and must be released.

Have you ever looked inside a Lingcod’s mouth?

If you did, you might be shocked to see the rows and rows of needle-sharp teeth. Lingcod have over 500 teeth and grow and lose up to 20 teeth a day! All these teeth aid these predators in hunting and eating their prey.

In July of 2019 Dennis Smith landed two green Lingcod! It is a rarity to land these Lings, especially two in one day! The cause of this rare greenish-blue color is due to bile pigment called biliverdin, which turns the blood serum that freakishly odd color. But don’t worry, the meat of these ghoulish critters cook and taste the same as a typically colored Lingcod!

Whether it’s the spooky months or the middle of Summer, there are plenty of creepy crawly fish that would be sure to give you a fright if you caught one! Join us for the catch of a lifetime! Contact us today!

Pacific Halibut Fishing In Canada Is Unique

February 8, 2021

Searching for a truly unique fishing experience? Don’t overlook the opportunities of Pacific halibut fishing at British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii area.

Pacific Halibut Fishing

Halibut is part of the flounder family, the largest flatfish in the Pacific. Pacific halibut fishing is one of the most exciting adventures for any angler, and it doesn’t take years of experience to appreciate.

The Pacific halibut is truly a whopper, weighing up to 200 pounds and more than eight feet long. The best table-fair halibut is under 100 pounds. That’s almost twice the size of the legendary Chinook salmon, which runs just shy of six feet long.

Canada is known for its outstanding salmon runs – but record Pacific halibut catches also take place here every year. British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii archipelago is a truly unique halibut habitat. If you’ve heard big things about Alaska halibut fishing, you simply can’t miss the chance to see what Haida Gwaii has to offer.

Three of the biggest reasons halibut fishing in Haida Gwaii Canada stands out

Canada’s Haida Gwaii Gives Alaskan Halibut Season a Run for Its Money

Halibut season in Alaska runs about five months from mid-May to mid-September, but only July and August offer peak fishing. On the other hand, Haida Gwai will delight you with brisk fishing for halibut, ling cod, yellow eye, and bottom fish all through the season. There’s virtually no downtime from morning to night!

Sport fishing regulations in Alaska limit catches per day, especially for non-residents. Even if you find the best spot around – and it’s not too crowded – you will often be done for the day in just a few hours. Try halibut fishing in Haida Gwaii and it’s not unusual to bring home 50 pounds of catch a day.

Haida Gwaii Halibut Fishing is Friendly for Vacation Travelers

In the summer months, Haida Gwaii is a few crucial degrees warmer than the most popular halibut fishing villages in Alaska. Plus, fish are highly active along our coastal pinnacles and reefs, so you will spend a lot less time getting to and from fishing spots and a lot more time landing the day’s Pacific halibut catch.

When you choose Haida Gwaii fishing with Queen Charlotte Safaris, you can enjoy a rich and varied landscape like nothing you’ve ever seen. You’ll spend comfortable nights and luxurious mornings at our cedarwood lodge right on beautiful Shingle Bay. Far beyond any usual Alaska hotel, our guests make memories that last a lifetime.

Canada’s Pacific Halibut Fishing Means Delicious Meals

Pacific halibut fishing isn’t just about fish stories – it also means mouthwatering meals for a fitting end to a day full of adventure. Pacific halibut is the ultimate fish for anyone who doesn’t like a “fishy taste”: It’s mild and sweet while remaining satisfyingly thick and firm, ideal with bold citrus and herb seasonings.

With Queen Charlotte Safaris, visitors to Haida Gwaii will enjoy spectacular seafood delights. In addition to halibut, our guests feast on a full selection of crab, lobster, steak, and indigenous fish with all the trimmings. You will go to bed happy and wake up raring to go for another invigorating day out on the water.

Nothing Compares to Halibut Fishing in Canada – Let Us Show You Why

Don’t let Pacific halibut fishing pass you by. Alaska is classic, but British Columbia is unique. The team at Queen Charlotte Safaris is professional, sincere, and always ready to meet new friends. We’ll be delighted to show you all Haida Gwai holds in store so you can see for yourself what keeps anglers coming back.