People who are in search of a fishing destination should visit Haida Gwaii. Fishing is a universal sport in Haida Gwaii. The place, which was formerly known as Queen Charlotte Island, is excellent for fishing all year round. Haida Gwaii is an archipelago located in Northern British Columbia, Canada. The migratory path of fishes such as chum, coho, Pacific salmon crosses this landmass first while traveling from Arctic feeding grounds to Pacific Northwest. Haida Gwaii offers both saltwater and freshwater fishing to their tourist.
The Haida people are one of the oldest traceable people who are living there for around 11000 to 13000 years. Salmon fishing is seasonal, but one can visit the place to catch other fishes all year. Some of the fishes that one can catch are rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, or Dolly Varden inland. One can also go to the ocean to catch halibut, lingcod, and red snapper. Many anglers often fill their small boats with water to catch a halibut. These fishes are enormous, so be very careful while fishing.
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is a known place among Canadian people. The Haida National government and the Canadian government maintain this park. This is the only place in Canada that is protected from seafloor to mountaintop, holistically. The site has over 20 species of whales and dolphins, 750000 seabirds and various endemic land mammals such as North America’s largest black bear. Haida Gwaii also has a very rich history.
Tourists who want to visit the place should know that it has no roads and trails. The only way to go around the park is by sea, which makes it attract very few travelers. Although there are sailboats available, people who want to experience the wilderness should opt for kayaking and camping.
How to reach Haida Gwaii?
To visit this fishing destination, one has to take a flight from Vancouver’s South Terminal Airport to the Masset’s on Haida Gwaii. Then one has to take a 15-minute helicopter ride to the lodge. This helicopter ride will make you witness a stunning view.
Weather and Rainfall
Compared to other countries, Haida Gwaii has a moderately cold temperate all year with 7-degree Celsius. The place is known to witness a lot of rainfall annually. The rainfall is around 1578mm. Make sure you carry proper clothes and gear to protect yourself from the rain and cold. Canada is known to have powerful winds that can make Haida’s wakes reach a height of 35 meters.
Where to stay and what to do?
There are various hotels, cabins, and lodges available in Haida Gwaii. But people who want to stay in a fishing resort should opt for Queen Charlotte Lodge in the Naden harbor. This place is fantastic to stay with fishing buddies or family. They provide excellent facilities and accommodation to their customers.
Apart from fishing in the Pacific, Haida Gwaii also has other things to offer. There are many hiking trails, kayaking, camping, and many tours are conducted to learn about Haida’s history and culture.
Should I carry my equipment?
Traveling thousands of miles to go fishing can be a tough job if you have to carry your equipment. Queen Charlotte Lodge has a vast fleet of boats available for the tourists to hire. They also provide various fishing reels and rods. There are two types of packages available, guided and self-guided.
Highly trained staff make sure that all the anglers are working correctly for people who choose self-guide. There is a “fishing master” that keeps track of people who go fishing on their own with Zodiac’s help. Although you are supposed to have more adventure when you choose a self-guided tour, they are less likely to catch fishes.
On the other hand, people who opt for guided tours go straight to the Pacific with some of the most experienced salmon fishermen. Every season these fishermen spend about 1000 hours on the water that makes them skillful. You are more likely to catch fishes when you take a guided tour.
Which places should I visit?
Many people are not aware of Cape Freeman. This place is very remote, and hardly people visit the beach. Although fishermen suggest that one should only stay for an hour or else, they could get stuck because of the weather and tide. Just over the horizon lays Japan that seems closer than Canada.
SGang Gwaay is a UNESCO work heritage site that is protected by Haida watchman. If you are lucky, then you can taste the delicious halibut prepared by the locals.
When is the best time to visit?
In May, June, and July, the place has 18 to 20 hours sunlight, and between July and mid-August, the temperature stays between 60 to 70 degrees.
Can I get wildlife spotting?
People can witness as many as 20 species of whale and dolphins in this area. Sea lions and otters are prevalent, and one can observe them playing in the water. The famous Haida’s black bear can also be seen in this place.
Haida Gwaii is a bird watcher’s paradise. There are over 750000 birds here that one can see. But most rare of them all, Haida Gwaii northern goshawk lives here. But according to a survey, only 20 adult birds are alive. Visit this place if you are wildlife enthusiasts and want to take some of the best photographs.
Haida Gwaii only allows 12 people at a time to step onshore. The locals are very protective of their land, and they respect the rich historical background. Tourists who are very much interested in fishing should go there and book a guided tour. This is the best fishing destination for all fishing enthusiasts. Make sure to book and plan your trip six months to a year prior. Also, try to do as much study about the place before visiting. This will help you find the best place to say when to visit and cover other essential factors.
