Summer Dreamin’
We are looking forward to opening the lodge in just a short time! June is just around the corner and we have been very busy. The lodge will be towed out to its seasonal location in two months and we couldn’t be happier.
Many guests have been calling and asking about the fishing. While we haven’t been out on the water fishing quite yet – the conditions are looking fantastic. As I write this, we are up at our winter moorage location near Bella Bella. The waters are cold, full of Herring baitfish, and the wildlife is spectacular. The whales and birds have been busy gorging themselves on hundreds of tons of Herring as they prepare their annual spawn. The kelp beds are prolific and create not only an incredible refuge for Herring, they actually spawn on the kelp on other structures. Rich in nutrients, the Herring eggs are laid upon kelp leaves, tree branches, shoreline rocks, and grasses. This annual event creates a much needed, rich source of energy for most coastal species including all types of marine life and terrestrial animals such as wolves and bears. Hemlock branches covered in herring eggs are known as y̓ák̓a to the Heiltsuk People (Bella Bella) and is harvested as a rich food source. And, rather than other commercial fisheries in Canada, which unfortunately kill the Herring, the Heiltsuk conserve the resource in their territory by letting them spawn, and live, rather than killing the resource for just the eggs. Many of our local Sport Fishing guides are from Bella Bella and participate in this annual, traditional fishery.
Learn more about this resource here:
https://hakaimagazine.com/features/of-roe-rights-and-reconciliation/
The rich baitfish populations of the Central Coast attract migrating salmon of all species! While many anglers visit King Pacific Lodge in hopes of the big “Tyee”, (Chinook over 30 pounds), the area is a rich feeding ground for fish heading as far south as California along with local rivers. We are anticipating a good return this summer and look forward to warm days and calm waters while anticipating the “bite” to come on. On a recent excursion to inspect our summer moorage at Milbanke Sound, our crew reported heavy and healthy kelp beds along the shoreline. This is critical habitat to hold both migrating salmon and baitfish – kelp beds we are looking forward to trolling along!
As in previous seasons, our Chefs have been busy too with menu creations and preparing for all of our guests. Look forward to our excellent service both on the water and at the lodge! In speaking with so many, we have an updated vision of the culinary delights hungry Anglers are looking for. Want to stay out fishing? Not a problem. Our express dinner options and lunch on the water program is sure to please those wishing to make the best of the fishing.
In a continuing effort to improve the experience at King Pacific Lodge, we have been busy! An example of the investment this year, we have had three new Northwest Aluminum Craft boats being custom made in Victoria BC. This brings to a total of 16 22ft Northwests’ and 13 of our Ironwood boats. All have been meticulously maintained with upgrades such as engines, radios, paint and navigational/safety eq
uipment.
Fisher Cuthbert had the opportunity to work with the great team at Northwest this winter and has personally welded components and structure within the boats. “Doug at Northwest builds an incredible boat and there are waitlists for people to get only one. We have sixteen!” Fisher says enthusiastically. “From my personal experience, these guys are building boats beyond any industry standard and we are lucky to have them”. If you are in the market, and would like to learn more about these boats, contact Doug at (250) 478-0410
A new yet very familiar face is joining KPL! Many of our regular guests will recognize Terry Schultz from the former West Coast Resorts. Lisa, Lorna, Jennifer and myself plus many of our fishing guides previously worked with this company. Terry brings decades of remote Sport Fishing lodge guiding, sales and management experience to KPL and we are happy to have him. Terry and I guided together in Knights Inlet (North Pacific Springs) during 1991-1993 and were both starting careers in the lodge business. Prior to this he was guiding for Lake Trout in Canada’s north country. Guests can look forward to seeing Terry at the lodge this summer as our Host. He will be a valuable part of our sales team during the year and you can contact Terry at terry@kingpacificlodge.com
Our starting month of June is just around the corner and there is plenty of time to book! Dates are still open in June and it is at this time of year we have excellent fishing for Chinook (Kings). Ocean bright fish will be rolling literally right past our doorstep and our guides will be ready! In 2024, we had three over 30 pounds the very first day! June also offers extensive fishing hours as the daylight fishing hours run from 5am to almost 10pm!
Anglers at Milbanke Sound and the Central Coast have enjoyed the excitement of great fishing. Limits for salmon remain unchanged for decades and guests may retain 8 salmon total for their trip. Chinook 2/day and 4 to take home | Other salmon also at 2/day and 4 to take home with a total of 8 total salmon in possession. Halibut has been reduced and each Angler may keep one for their trip up to about 30 pounds. Milbanke Sound is also great for Ling Cod and they are at 3/day and 6 to take home. As always, KPL custom processes your fish and vacuum packages each piece. This makes for incredible eating experience while remenicing about your favourite place to fish.
Contact us anytime should you have questions about your existing trip or are looking to plan a trip in 2025!
Kindest Regards
George
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