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.

How to Dress for Sport Fishing

Photo By Guy Kimola

When you come to Masset to go salmon fishing with Escott Sportfishing, you’ll be spending every day, all day, out on the water. While we provide rain gear, rain boots, a fishing hat, and a toque for each guest, you’ll need to pack the right clothes for your fishing trip.

For those who don’t already have their own “fishing wardrobe,” there are a few basic things to keep in mind.

Like your parents always told you, the key for dressing for the outdoors is layers. Although the temperatures in Haida Gwaii stay between 0°C and 20°C year round, the weather can be unpredictable. So, whether you’re fishing in the height of summer or as winter begins to creep up, layers will allow you to regulate your temperature.

Your fishing outfit should consist of three layers: a base layer, a midlayer, and your fishing bib.

The base layer is there to keep you dry. There’s no getting around sweat when you’re out fishing for the mighty Tyee, and a breathable base layer will eliminate excess moisture. If you’re fishing adventure is booked for a colder season, then this layer will also provide extra warmth. Ideally go for a synthetic and stay away from cotton or wool; although they are warm, they hold onto moisture, which just makes you colder.

The midlayer is there to keep you warm. The air trapped between the base layer and midlayer plays a major role in this, but so does the material. Stay away from jeans and other stiff materials and go for something less restrictive, like sweatpants or cargo pants. A T-shirt or fleece on top, depending on the season, is good for up top.

You’ll also want to keep your feet warm and, more importantly, dry. Wear sport-specific socks, not regular old tube socks—your toes will thank you. Another essential item is a pair of sunglasses. Polarized is best, to help cut the glare coming off the water, but above all make sure they stick on your face, otherwise they might end up overboard.

With the right clothes, you’ll make sure you can concentrate on reeling in the fish and not on being uncomfortable.

INSIDE FISHERMEN: BUZZ RAMSEY

Four o’clock in the morning, and while the world is sleeping you’re loading your equipment and supplies and getting ready for another fishing day. A moment later, you’re watching the sunrise in the front row. All calm and quiet around you. Preparing the bait while the breeze hits your face and after a short (or long) wait, you have a beautiful salmon in your hands. What better way to spend your life than doing what you love?

Salmon. / Source: Escott Sport Fishing Instagram account @escottsportfishing.

The Pacific Northwest region is one of the best places in the world for fishing. It offers an extraordinarily rich and nurturing location for salmon, but you can find many more species while enjoying the most beautiful sunrise and is the favorite location for recognized salmon anglers like Buzz Ramsey.

Ramsey has been the image of Northwest salmon and steelhead fishing for many years. Born in Toledo, Oregon, raised in Portland and being a Fisherman´s son, he has spent a lifetime fishing and you actually can watch him upstream and downstream the West Coast all year round.

Buzz Ramsey at the Tiller. / Source: Outdoorlife.com

Buzz is a cold-water sport fishing expert specializing in sport fishing for steelhead and salmon. Also he’s a regular columnist in Salmon Trout Steelheader, Northwest Sportsman and Alaska Sporting Journal’s magazines. Throughout his career, Buzz has conceived and authored several  how-to-fish fishing reports offered by companies like Luhr Jensen and Pure Fishing, and the more recent Know How Reports offered by Yakima Bait Company of which he is Brand Manager.

He has helped design and market many fishing baits and related products and is now a brand himself. Among many others, The "Buzz Ramsey" name and image have been used to promote and brand the Berkley's Buzz Ramsey designed Air IM-8 Graphite fishing rods, the Luhr Jensen K-11 X Kwikfish, the Berkley Gulp! Sand Shrimp, and the Gulp! Salmon Egg Cluster. Lures design and testing are a large part in Ramsey’s legacy.

Fishermen use many methods to catch salmon, but Buzz offers many tips and additional tricks to salmon anglers. From his experience and years in the water, he has come up with his Basics for Buoy 10 (one of the most productive salmon fisheries in Oregon).

Buzz is also a hall-of-famer for The Association of Northwest Steelheaders and The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. His lures are among the most popular in the market, and are incredibly fun to use.

We get excited when people come to Haida Gwaii just to try one of his renowned techniques for fishing silvers. We must thank all of our local fishing celebs for their continual support of our beautiful sport.

Dreams come true. So if yours (like mine) is fishing, find a rod and bait and go ahead!