Equipment
Steelhead Fishing
Although the Yakoun is fairly wide open, it still calls for a short Skagit type two-handed rod. Our favorite rod to use for Queen Charlotte Rivers is the Sage 7126-4 TCX Spey with a RIO 575 Skagit Short, and RIO T-14 MOW tips. This rod has amazing power without needing much of a load. This equates to great casts with no room. If you find yourself with little to no backcast space this rod will do everything you ask of it.
- 8-10 weight single-hand rods, 9-10 feet in length
- 7-9 weight Spey rods, 12’ 6”-14 feet in length. Loaner rods can be made available if requested in advance.
- A large reel with at least 150-200 yards of backing and a good drag system (probably your most important piece of equipment).
- Floating and sinking tip lines of 150-200 grains for the single handers (Versa tips systems will certainly have you covered)
- Skagit lines with a good selection of tips, including floating intermediate, type 3 - type 8 are recommended for the Spey fishermen.
- 12-16 lb. Maxima tippet, a variety of butt material, and a good selection of 7-9 foot tapered leaders.
- Breathable Gore-Tex waders with rubber-soled boots. Rivers are not too slippery.
- Very good raincoat or wading jacket with a hood
- Wading stick if desired
- A great attitude and the desire to have a lot of fun!
Ocean Fishing
What to bring: Suggested clothing is that which can be worn in a "layered" manner. For example, a light shirt plus a sweater and jacket. You may also want to bring your favorite deck shoes, fishing hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and remember your camera, film and/or videotape. We will supply you with boots, rain gear and all the necessary saltwater fishing gear.
Haida Gwaii is truly the last frontier and the dress is very casual. Jeans, flannel shirts, T-shirts, and fabrics like cotton and wool are very popular, as are the high-tech polys that are available at most outdoor shops. Gore-Tex-type rain gear serves the double purpose of being a good windbreaker as well as good raingear.
Trout Fishing
Fly rods: You should bring at least two fly rods: a 6 or 7 wt for streamer fishing in the ocean estuaries and windier conditions, and a 4 or 5 wt for dry fly fishing in the actual rivers. We have rods at the lodge for your use if you desire.
Fly reels: Reels should be high quality, preferably disc-drag models loaded with a minimum of 80-100 yards of backing. You may want a backup reel or extra spools for your reel. Having two rods rigged, one floating and one sinking, will maximize your fishing time. (This is probably your most important piece of equipment.)
Lines: Weight forward or double taper floating lines are fine for dry fly and small streamer fishing. We recommend that you bring a 30-foot 150-250 grain fast sink line for your spare reel.
Leaders: 7 ½ to 9 foot 3x-5x leaders will suffice for most fishing. We like to use fluorocarbon for tippets for its added abrasion resistance and low light reflectivity. Bring some extra spools of tippet in the 3x – 6x range. Evening fishing in the channels near the lodge can become very technical at times.
Flies: Much of our fishing in the estuaries and river mouths is done with streamers such as Woolly Buggers, Sculpins and clausers. In the rivers, large dries work well such as big Adams, stimulators and even big foam patterns.
Waders: Breathable Gore-Tex waders are the best way to maximize your fishing experience. You can layer poly-pro or fleece underneath in cold conditions and turn them down during hot weather.
Wading shoes: Sturdy wading shoes with good rubber soles. The footing is good in most of the Queen Charlotte rivers.
Clothing: Layering is the mantra when fishing. Bring light cotton sweaters, short- and long-sleeve shirts and trousers, long underwear, windbreaker, wool socks, swim suit, gloves and heavy wool sweater (for November and April only). We recommend neutral colors. Big temperature changes can occur in a matter of hours in the mountains, so make sure you are prepared.
Rain jacket: Gore-Tex or similar. 100% rain-proof, seam-sealed and breathable, with hood.
