A winter or spring steelheading trip to Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) is unlike any other; it’s one of the most unique and challenging venues we have found. These remote islands, located 60 miles offshore from the mouth of the Skeena River, receive more than 200 inches of rain per year and offer an abundance of little-known wild winter steelhead streams. These rivers are known for their extremely bright, hard fighting fish, lots of woody debris, tannin-stained waters, and challenging casting due to lots of low hanging branches. For experienced anglers that like fisheries where technical skills are rewarded, this may be the ultimate venue.

Anglers will often fish four separate systems during their week-long stay and move between both Morseby and Graham Islands by ferry. While these rivers rise and fall quickly, the system’s varying nature makes it so that when one river is too high another might just be hitting its sweet spot. Accordingly, this is a very flexible program that morphs in accordance with the prevailing conditions. With three very experienced guides typically serving four anglers, this is a hands-on, physical, and rewarding trip.

Fishing Haida Gwaii is a unique steelhead experience that cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. Over a seven day trip, you will have the opportunity to fish four or five steelhead streams each offering unique challenges and rewards. Guests will roll cast or Spey cast 100 percent of the time, often with short Spey rods or best yet an 8 wt. switch rod. Due to the small size of the streams, anglers tend to fish one or two per guide; few other anglers will be encountered in this remote location. The majority of the fishing is done on foot with a fair amount of hiking.

Each morning anglers will depart by truck with their guide and fellow anglers. At times the drives are long and include a ferry ride. Other times you can be on prime water in ten minutes. Once at the river, virtually all beats are reached by hiking. Hikes vary in length but all the regional terrain features fallen trees, mud, and at times snow, making it suited for anglers who are good on their feet. Cleats are mandatory due to the slippery nature of the woody debris.

Copper Bay Lodge is a 2,000 square-foot facility that overlooks a large, pristine, and seemingly private section of beach south of the town of Sandspit. The lodge has two single-occupancy guest bedrooms and one double-occupancy guest bedroom. There are two shared bathrooms. Delicious and thoughtfully prepared meals are served in the main dining area which is adjacent a comfortable living room where appetizers are served each evening. Anglers are also able to overnight in the town of Tlell on Graham Island. These accommodations are simpler but considerably closer to systems like the Yakoun, Tlell, and Mamin. Here, guides prepare meals with the option for guests to pitch in.

2025 Rate: Per person based on single occupancy and shared guiding

• 7 night/6½ day package: $7,160

Included: Accommodations and meals, wine and beer with dinner, guided fishing, transfers between the airport and the lodge, BC taxes

Not Included: Airfare to/from Queen Charlotte Islands, fishing license, hard alcohol, guide gratuities, fly-out fishing

Species: Steelhead

Season: January - March

Capacity: 3 to 5 anglers