More Than a Toothbrush, But No Need For a Tuxedo

What to Bring

When is the best time to come fishing in B.C.?

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TV / Wi-Fi

There is no TV, but in-lodge wifi internet access is provided.

Private Rooms

Each private room has a queen and single bed plus a shower-equipped bathroom.

Weather

What We Provide

Optional Items

The lodge’s maximum capacity is 4-6 adult guests

Morning mist in Cramer Pass – the view from our deck

Fishing in British Columbia 

A little about our weather: Our climate is typical of a coastal marine environment. You can expect wet weather and cool temperatures almost any time of the year. Spring, summer, and early fall high temperatures average in the high 50’s to low 60’s (14-18 C). Low temperatures are in the mid 40’s to low 50’s (7-12 C). Even though the waters are generally calm and sheltered, you should bring warm clothes, hats, gloves, and rain gear. Those 5 AM rides when going fishing for British Columbia king salmon are cool, even on a warm summer day.

Of course, when the sun does come out, you should have plenty of sun protection. Polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a billed hat are good to have in almost any weather. Shorts are rarely worn, even in summer, but they’re nice to have if you’re just hanging out at the lodge. Warm and waterproof footgear is recommended.

Fly fishing rods and reels for our guests’ use

What We Provide

Saltwater Fishing Gear: The lodge has salmon fishing and halibut gear for our guests. Our typical setup is a 9’ mooching rod with a single action (a.k.a. “knucklebuster”) reel. If you’re more comfortable with a level wind or your own gear, feel free to bring it.

Fly-Fishing Gear: We have a selection of 5, 6, and 8-wt. rods and reels with both floating/sinktip and sinking lines. We provide flies and fly-tying materials. We have a selection of waders and boots for most sizes.

If you have a very large or small foot or body size, please let us know well in advance. Depending on how large or small the foot or wader size is, we may or may not be able to provide properly fitted waders/boots.

Conventional Fishing Gear: We have a selection of spinning rods and lures for our guests’ use. As with fly-fishing, we have waders and boots in various sizes.

Optional Items You Can Also Bring

Fly-Fishing: If you’re bringing your own tackle, a 5-wt. or 6-wt. rod is good for trout, or an 8-wt. for coho. If possible, bring a spool loaded with floating line and one with a good sink tip. A medium to fast sinker (type III or higher) is highly recommended.

A casting lesson

Good British Columbia fly patterns include muddler minnow, woolly bugger, clouser minnow, and for coho, marauder, tyrant, general practitioner, and polly wog-all in bright colors-work well. Use a #2 or #4 size hook for salmon and #8 or #10 for trout.

Because of the 12kg/25 lb. luggage limit on the floatplane flights, most guests prefer to use our waders and boots. However, you’re welcome to bring your own.

Conventional Freshwater Fishing: If you’re bringing your own gear for trout and/or silver salmon, a good light-to-medium-weight spinning or casting setup is recommended (on the heavier side for salmon).

As far as lures, a good lure selection of sizes and colors is suggested. Bright pink, red, and chartreuse are popular with the fish. Spinners in #2-4 (Mepps/Roostertail type) sizes are good. Only lures with single, barbless hooks may be used. If your lures have a barbed hook, the barbs may be clipped or pinched down.

Fly-rods at rest in the afternoon shade

Miscellaneous: Please note that for travel to fishing lodges BC, full passports (not cards) are required for ALL guests traveling by air from Seattle to Blackfish Lodge. As mentioned, we provide flotation suits, so you don’t need to bring life vests or the like. Do bring your favorite reading materials, toiletries, and adequate changes of clothing. Because we’re in a remote location, your cellphone will NOT work. The lodge has wifi internet access for guest use, so feel free to bring your laptop or tablet.

Mealtimes are very informal. If you’re bringing any liquor to the lodge from the U.S., Canadian customs regulations allow 40 oz (1.14 liters) of hard liquor or 52 oz. (1.5 liters) of wine per person.

One final thing to note when you’re packing is that, if you’re arriving from the Seattle area via floatplane, Northwest Seaplanes has a strict baggage weight limit of 25 lbs. (12 kg) per person. Northwest Seaplanes will bring up to 80 lbs. of fish back to Seattle at no charge.

Amenities

Limited Party Size

Parties of 4-6 may have exclusive use of the lodge. The lodge’s maximum capacity is 4-6 adult guests.

Sauna

We’re pleased to offer our guests the use of our lovely sauna.

Upright piano

Upright piano for those who like music during their time at the lodge.

CD's

We have a widely varied collection of CDs, You’re also welcome to bring your own music CDs.

Wheelchair Accessible

Additionally, the lodge is wheelchair accessible (be sure to coordinate with any air or boat travel).

Family-style Meals

Meals are served and cooked family-style.

All-day Fishing Meals

We’ll make sure that there is a generous supply of food and hot and cold drinks on the boat.

Quality Food & Drink

We believe that providing ample, high quality, and delicious food adds to the overall pleasure of your visit.

Trip Advisor

What People are Saying

  • star rating  Scottie Jon and JC September 2024  - A return trip after fifteen years and the fishing, food and experience were still as fabulous as ever.
    For Chris - “Fricken Blackfish Lodge! Fricken Fishing, Fricken Amazing, you’d... read more

    avatar thumb Catherine G
    September 17, 2024

    star rating  Best Kept Secret Family Run Fishing Lodge in British Columbia  - Blackfish lodge is truly a family run fishing lodge with guides and staff that make you part of the family immediately. The food is unbelievable and prepared fresh daily... read more

    avatar thumb Patrick L
    August 1, 2024
  • star rating  Best Fly In Fish Lodge!  - Wow, wow, and wowza!!!
    Giant King Salmon, expert captained boats, phenomenal food, perfect accommodations, and the hosts were beyond great.
    That’s not mentioning the great wildlife you witness... read more

    avatar thumb Mike P
    July 1, 2024

    star rating  A little piece of heaven and a truly unforgettable experience  - An unforgettable once in a life-time off-grid experience. I highly recommend Blackfish Lodge BC to anyone that is looking for a 5-star fishing experience with an incredibly experienced family led... read more

    avatar thumb Sarah C
    August 1, 2023
  • star rating  Bucket list trip!  - Our journey to Blackfish lodge started with a fabulous sea plane flight from Port Hardy, the views are spectacular with a network of little islands and piercing blue water, we... read more

    avatar thumb Stevefurnitureman
    July 1, 2023

    star rating  Wonderful time at Blackfish Lodge!  - ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING! This is a must-do (and for us, a must-repeat) adventure. From the initial booking to departure from this wonderful floating lodge everything exceeded our expectations!... read more

    avatar thumb Rich P
    July 1, 2023
  • star rating  Fabulous Off the Grid Getaway in Gorgeous Surroundings  - Oh my goodness--what a wonderful time we had at Blackfish Lodge! Chris and Hannah are the most gracious hosts. In addition, Chris is a wonderful guide and a... read more

    avatar thumb Janet N
    July 1, 2023

    star rating  After a long pandemic absence, I was able to return to Blackfish. I've missed my annual visit and wanted to share it with my youngest brother. It was a great... read more

    Steve P
    August 11, 2022
  • star rating  This was my fishing trip to Canada with my son, and the experience was nothing short of amazing! Chris and Hannah, the owners of Blackfish Lodge, were some of... read more

    chriswK9297ZR
    July 25, 2022

    star rating  Fun family fishing trip. We had so much fun, My 7 year old grandson caught his 1st fish. He was pretty happy catching it was right off the dock.... read more

    13lauriew
    July 13, 2022
  • star rating  1st Fish 🙂  - Fun family fishing trip. We had so much fun, My 7 year old grandson caught his 1st fish. He was pretty happy catching it was right off the dock.... read more

    avatar thumb Laurie W
    July 1, 2022

    star rating  Amazing time and can't wait to go again!  - This was my fishing trip to Canada with my son, and the experience was nothing short of amazing! Chris and Hannah, the owners of Blackfish Lodge, were some of... read more

    avatar thumb Chris W
    July 1, 2022
  • star rating  My dad and I stayed at blackfish lodge for a week and had an amazing experience!

    Chris was really attentive to the list of things we wanted to accomplish... read more

    colleenrH4693RJ
    September 1, 2021

    star rating  Staff and fishing guides were absolutely wonderful. Food was excellent. This was a great family trip with teenagers. Wifi available but we were so busy enjoying the... read more

    676somers
    August 21, 2019
  • star rating  My wife and I wanted to take our two grown daughters and two oldest grandsons (ages 10 & 9 respectively) on a unique family vacation that would hopefully provide them... read more

    MT1
    August 17, 2019

    star rating  Chris and Hannah and their staff and guides made our stay a real pleasure, we particularly appreciated Chris's patience, kindness and expertise. A wonderful secluded location, delicious fresh meals, lovely... read more

    Michael W
    August 15, 2019

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