Take home a better understanding of this wilderness paradise. We promote catch and release, sustainable fishery.

A stay at Copper Bay Lodge is ideal for the serious fisherman with a true respect for the outoors. Experience is not required, however, as your guide is a specialist in fishing instruction. We cater to the fly and conventional fisherman at all levels of experience. The only prerequisite is a desire for a truly remarkable fishing experience.

About Your Guides

Your hosts at Copper Bay Lodge share a combined 50+ years of experience guiding:

Walter Ernst

Walter Ernst is a well loved and respected man, who has for many years followed his life's passion -- the connected world of nature. Thirty seven years ago Walter discovered the Copper Bay site on the Queen Charlotte Islands after many years guiding in the Yukon. His vision, hard work and desire to live surrounded by the natural world is why Copper Bay Lodge is in existence today. (Not to mention the great cooking and support of his wife Maria Ernst)

Over the years, Walter has guided countless guests from many countries. The synergy and expertise created by this interaction is what past and future guests enjoy. Walter's increasing concern is for the wild salmon stock and its sustainable future. Walter's family and guests have all been enriched by this insightful and deep thinking man.

The Haida Gwaii rivers are ever changing. There is a combination of seasons, rainfall and ever-shifting pools that can lead to challenging fishing. Walter's many years of experience are invaluable in understanding the rivers, and that knowledge has been passed on to his grandson Sean Hart.

Sean Hart

(An early picture of sean at age 8. He's a bit taller now. The fish are larger, too.)

Sean is Walter Ernst's grandson and is continuing the family tradition of combining a keen love of the outdoors with a deep passion for fishing. Sean has been fishing almost since birth and has been guiding professionally for over 8 years. Sean will be guiding Copper Bay Lodge forward in the the next years and can be counted on to deliver a professional, courteous and fulfilling fishing experience. In addition, Sean excels at fly tying and is happy to share his specialized knowledge.

Sean is also keenly interested in exploring the smaller wilder salmon streams that are on the islands. Contact him directly for further ideas and trip planning.

Sean spends the off season away from Copper Bay Lodge guiding in Hilton Head Island, SC, during the summer and the Florida Keys and Caribbean during the winter. During his spare time, Sean loves to fish. He is an avid kayaker as well and enjoys taking people on his version of "extreme" kayak fishing!

The Seasons

September and October are prime Coho months. November through January the Lodge is closed. February through the first half of May is Steelhead time. During the summer the lodge offers bed & breakfast accomodations but no fishing. Summer is the perfect time for a sea kayak excursions in the Queen Charlottes and we often have paddlers spend a few days with us during their journey. Customized kayak instruction and excursions will soon be available.