From Coho to Chinook: The Many Salmon of Haida Gwaii

Photo By Owen Perry

Located on the West Coast of Canada, the Haida Gwaii of British Columbia have some of the best salmon fishing in the entire world. The reason the fishing is so good is because the island chain comes early on in the fish’s migration from the Arctic southward. Escott Lodge, which sits on the northern tip of Graham Island, is in the middle of all this frantic salmon activity, with the sportfishing season running from early May until the end of September.

Though they all pass along the BC coast, there are five different Pacific salmon species that inhabit the waters Escott trawls, and each salmon has its own season, behaviour, and appeal.

Chinook

The main salmon people come to come to Masset to land is the Chinook. Also known as the King salmon, the Chinook grows to the largest size of all the species—hence its royal nickname. These fish live the longest (up to 9 years) and can weigh in at over 100 lbs, although most average closer to the 20 lb mark. Anything over 30 lbs is classed as a “Tyee”—the ultimate trophy for any fishing trip. Chinooks start appearing around Haida Gwaii in early May and stick around until mid-August.

Coho

Another fish that lures anglers to the BC coast is the equally mighty Coho. It doesn’t match the Chinook in size, coming in at an average 10 to 15 lbs, but many prefer the more mild taste of Coho (a.k.a. Silver salmon) for eating fresh. Easy to identify by their hooked upper jaw, the acrobatic Coho are in season from early July until the end of September.

Chum, Sockeye, and Pink

Though Chinook and Coho are what many sport fishermen are after, the most abundant salmon in the Pacific are Pink, Chum, and Sockeye. Pink salmon are the smallest of the bunch (4 to 6 lbs) because they have the shortest lifespan, living 3 years maximum. Chum and Sockeye share the same long and thin profile, but while Sockeye average 7 lbs, Chum grow to up to 25 lbs.

No matter what salmon ends up on the end of your line, Escott Sportfishing will make sure it’s properly prepared for your table or released back into the ocean to continue on its way south.

Coho Salmon Fishing

Salmon Fishing with the Pros at Escott Sportfishing

The sun breaking the horizon announces a new day, and the ocean is yours to conquer. What better way to start it off other than fishing for beautiful Coho? Escott Sportfishing offers the opportunity to be part of a once in a lifetime experience.

Coho, also known as Silver Salmon or Silvers, are part of the salmon family and are very distinctive due to their color, strength and aggressiveness. Today, there are many ways to catch Silver Salmons and the Escott Sportfishing team has tried the most used methods throughout time, adapting to the surroundings to ensure the catch and a wonderful experience. That´s how we have narrowed down the methods to those we have found most effective, and today we want to dedicate some time to show them to you.

Fly Fishing

This angling method is different from normal fishing; it requires a fly rod, reel and a lightweight line that is specially designed for it. You can try casting your fly, or drifting it. Cohos are a bit temperamental. Hand tied flies resemble natural invertebrates, and lure the fish in like moths to the flame. Although it can seem complicated at first, with a day or two of practice; you’ll be a pro... or almost.

Buck Tailing

This technique is proven effective for both salmons and also large trout in lakes. All you have to do is troll your fly behind a moving boat, making sure it barely breaks the surface. The key here is the boat; it must never remain at the same speed, but it should also keep a speed that the Coho can catch up to. Luckily for you, Escott Sportfishing has experts for the job.

Trolling

Similar to the Buck Tailing, trolling, this can be done from a boat in movement, casting the lines with bait or lures to get fish more easily. The difference here is that you can also do it from a static position by drawing the lines in a specific speed in order to make fish bite. Outriggers and Downriggers are often used to keep the lines from tangling and also regulate the depth of the lures. You’ll have a blast either way when your Coho strikes your fly.

These are the methods that mold best to the location and the fish. No matter what technique you decide to use, make Escott Sportfishing your number one option to catch those Coho! Stay on the watch for upcoming blogs on this and other interesting topics.

The Island: What’s Not To Love

Photo by Owen Perry

Are you looking to plan your next father sonWell look no further than Escott Sportfishing, your premier fishing and nature spot in the Queen Charlotte Islands. Located on the northern tip of Graham Island, Escott Sportfishing is a one of a kind experience with breath-taking views, glorious fishing waters, and world-renowned nature excursions trip? Or how about a weekend trip with the guys?

The Queen Charlotte Islands, also known as the Haida Gwaii, have gained a reputation for having the most amazing scenery, true untouched nature, and a strong hold onto its First Nations culture. Within the rivers of the Haida Gwaii is some of the best quality salmon and halibut you will find anywhere. In these rivers, you can find high quality Chinook and Coho, starting as early as the first week of May. Our location serves as the starting line for the salmon’s trip upstream; therefore, we see salmon anywhere from 15 to 50 pounds and sometimes more. The largest caught salmon on record is 73 pounds and that’s no fish tale!  In addition to the salmon, many of our guests also find that they are able to catch halibut in a variety of ways. The two ways you can specifically catch halibut are either by A) while you are catching salmon or B) out in the deep water where they usually live in schools. Our halibut also have the tendency to be on the large side, as the largest halibut caught to date at the resort is 173 pounds! Can you believe it?

In addition to fishing, the island offers many other accommodations and excursions for the nature enthusiast or the island adventurer. Our lodge offers 5 star accommodations, that include, but most certainly not limited to hot tubs, cocktails, spacious rooms with beautiful water views, and private bathrooms, poker tables, etc. There are beautiful hiking trails, whale-watching excursions, biking, and a variety of beaches for you to choose from. There are five main towns on this island, along with numerous other little communities scattered throughout, each with their own culture and activities, making sure you and your group always have something to do.

So next the time you’re planning your company’s outing, or just want to get away from it all for a little, remember the 73-pound salmon. Remember the Haida Gwaii. Remember Escott Sportfishing, your premier destination in the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Salmon

Photo By Guy Kimola

Haida Gwaii is one of the best places in the world for sports fishing. Situated on the northern Pacific Ocean, this group of islands is home to a great many wonders in marine ecology. Also known as Queen Charlotte Islands, the archipelago is a great place for water sports.

Haida Gwaii are considered to have the best salmon fishing grounds in the world. This area is considered the starting line for salmon migrating southwards beginning May.

Chinook Salmon (or King Salmon) and Northern Coho Salmon (Silver) are the two types of salmons found near the islands. From May to October, thousands and millions of spawning Herrings pass through the islands. As a result, the waters around the island are brimming with salmons feeding on the Herring as they prepare their bodies to be strong enough to endure their long journey down the British Columbia coastline towards the rivers. As a result, you will find a number of salmons that are over 30lb in size. These salmons are called Tyee.

Chinook Salmon, which start arriving as early as the first week of May, feed on the abundant schools of spawning Herring right at the harbour in Masset which is just 5 minutes from the lodge.
These salmon can be anywhere between 15lb and 50lb. However, the number of fish heading south increases as June approaches, and this is when the Chinooks grow rapidly both in terms of number and size. This makes the six-month period a fantastic time for sport fishing. In June, Chinook grow enough for our sport fishing expedition to catch a 30+ Chinook Salmon, or Tyee, daily. These waters are known to have Chinook salmon of up to 90 pounds, our record is a massive 73 pounds.

Northern Coho Salmon are another salmon showing up near Masset in late June. All through the season, the size of the Coho increases at a rate which is noticeable from week to week, due to their rapid feeding on the Herring. In September, they go into a feeding spree and there are plentiful Cohos in the water, 15lb to 20 lb in size, for as late as October. These fishes are a handful as they are brimming with energy, dancing along the water, testing your skill level and are great on light tackle. You will not find a fresher and tastier fish than these chrome beauties. Our lodge record Coho is 20 pounds.

Pinks, Chum and Sockeye are also available in these waters. However, sport fishing is for the brave and strong and why aim for anything simple. So, lets prepare our lines for the catch of a lifetime, bait up, and take our salmon fishing adventures to the extreme. Your first bite may very well be a Tyee.