chinook Archives - Page 3 of 21 - Queen Charlotte Lodge

Summer is almost upon us, and with summer comes first class fishing trips and fish you can turn into delicacies. The warm weather of the summer calls for our chef’s salmon burgers, to be enjoyed on the patio with friends. Don’t forget to tell them how you brought this one into the boat, among your other fishing tales!

Materials

650g of skinless salmon *This is a great way to use salmon scraps
2 shallots, finely diced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 egg
50g Breadcrumbs
10g Pickles, chopped
15g Capers, chopped
2g Fresh Dill, chopped
5ml Worcestershire sauce
5ml Tabasco sauce
S+P to taste

Method

Place salmon in a food processor or chop by hand. Pieces should be small, but not fine as you want to have chunks.
Mix chopped salmon and all other ingredients together in large bowl.
Scoop small spoonful of mixture in small pan with a few drops of oil and cook to taste, adjust seasoning and taste again
Form salmon patties on small squares of parchment paper to ease transfer to cooking pan
Heat large pan with natural oil of choice, sear both sides, and cook salmon patties until desired doneness.
Serve on warmed bun with topping and sides of choice.
Enjoy!

Don’t worry if you’ve moved through your supply of QCL caught fish already, our Taste of B-Sea program runs year round. The finest quality fish and shellfish, these products are Ocean Wise and come from some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world using the most eco-friendly fishing methods.

To learn more and to place your order, contact us | 1-800-688-8959

Welcome to the 2024 Season, It’s a Guide’s Life, blog series.

A little different than our Kingfisher Report, this blog will provide insights into what a day in the life of a guide at Queen Charlotte Lodge entails! Whether it be a big fish, amazing wildlife or just a great day with guests having fun. For this first entry I wanted to share what my favorite part of the day is and surprisingly it happens before even hitting the water.

Each morning, the excitement of every angler and guide on the dock is truly amazing – No matter the weather or the misfortune of a lost fish from the day prior.

Every day is a chance at the fish of a lifetime. The enthusiasm and optimism is what keeps bringing me back.

I look forward to seeing you all, every morning, and talking about what spot we are headed to! Keep an eye out for all the fishing tales coming your way over the course of our first class fishing season.

Lead Guide, Ryan Kelly

Welcome back folks to another Kingfisher Report!

The season is flying along, already a handful of days into June.

This past weekend was windy with a series of Southeast fronts moving across the sound and fishing grounds. But anglers, Lodge wide, toughed it out and put some serious numbers up on the boards.

Solid Chinook numbers continue to hit the dock, in the 10–15-pound range, with the odd bigger one in the mix. Guests are ending their fishing days stoked and ready for what the tomorrow has in store. Cape Edenshaw, the Finger Dipper, and Green Point have all been protected points out of the weather and continue to hold fish. Bottom fishing out at the Pinnacles and the Peanut continue to be on point, with big hali and ling hitting the dock and rewarding anglers the chance to ring the Tyee bell!

As conditions persist into this week, our guests are demonstrating great determination.

We look forward to seeing you all here this 2024 season. Tight lines!

Lead Guide, Jake Hillier

After welcoming staff mid-May to get things ready for our first round of guests, we finally made it! We’ve been saying it for months now, and though we’re only one week into the 34^th season here at QCL, it truly is turning out to be the best season yet.

The Lodge has been filled with energy and already many exciting moments that won’t soon be forgotten. From the Northern Lights putting on a splendid show for the crew during “rig up”, to the Orcas visiting the dock on the first trip, the magic of the QCL Experience is in full force.

In typical Haida Gwaii fashion, the weather has provided a full range of conditions. The sun has shined, the rain has hit and when we’re sick of the grey, the sun does its thing and a rainbow appears just beyond the dock.

We have been fortunate to see favorable fishing conditions. Chinook fishing has been productive, with the majority of our guests experiencing multiple opportunities at some fresh and strong fish. The average size of Chinooks have ranged from 10 to 15lbs but we have seen some lucky anglers catching in the high 20s! Our biggest Chinooks of the season, so far, came a couple days apart from one another, both weighing in at 36lbs. Lastly, our bottom fishing has been productive with halibut and lingcod ranging from all sizes – Most notable being a 260lbs halibut and 47lbs lingcod. We are loving the exciting early fishery and look forward to seeing more as the season continues.

But fishing is not the only thing that makes your QCL Experience, all that it is. Each of our venues have come to life with guests enjoying the delicacies that our incredible team of chef’s create daily. The team in the Bell Ringer had a blast welcoming each guest as they return to the dock with stories of their day, kelp bongs have been flowing and the echo of the Tyee bell ringing has been almost daily. The Angler’s Club Lounge remains a favourite meeting place for most to grab a cocktail and warm up next to the crackling fireplace. The hot tub and sauna have also seen their fair share of use with even some brave souls taking cold plunges in Naden Harbour.

It’s hard to believe we’re only one week in. We cannot wait for you to arrive and experience this place we call home each summer. Here’s to many more incredible moments to come!

Things are in full swing up here in Naden Harbour!

As is typical for May, we’ve had a mixed bag of weather; sunshine, overcast and torrential downpour, sometime all within the same hour. Winds have been fairly tame out of the south east this past week, and look to be getting stronger for the upcoming week.

Guests arrived last Friday, and Chinooks, mostly in the 8-15 pound range. Anglers have been enjoying success at Cape Naden, Cape Edenshaw, Bird Rock 2 and Yatze Bay, however the timing of the action has been hard to predict, so picking a spot and sticking it out has been the key to getting into fish. Both herring and anchovies have been producing fish, as well as smaller spoons and Kingcandy lures, at depths of 25 to 55 feet.

The pinnacles have been the favourite spot for anglers targeting “chicken” halibut, but some guests have been having success by fishing their regular salmon spots a little deeper, and getting their halibut “on the troll”. The weekend trip did see two Tyees on the board, one at 36.4lbs, so there’s always the chance of a big Chinook salmon out there! Tuesday we saw our first Pink salmon of the season, which means the Coho should be showing up soon!

Lead Guide, Liam Longacre

We’re only a few weeks away from another season of first class fishing! Which means that soon enough you’ll be bringing your catch home to enjoy while sharing stories of your time on the water.

Prepare your Halibut with this Signature Series recipe before your trip, or after. Our chef’s have crafted this to enjoy at any point of the year, with your favourite side dishes.

Materials

4x 170g Halibut Fillets
2g Garlic Powder
2g Paprika
4g Salt
1g Ground Black Pepper
30ml Neutral Cooking Oil
225g Butter
1x Medium Lemon, cut in half

Method

Mix spices together and use to season halibut fillets
In large saute pan place halibut fillets down and sear both sides until both are golden brown, cook 2-4 minutes on each side.
Remove fish from pan once ready, add butter into the hot pan and melt.
Simmer butter for 1-2 minutes and then add juice of lemon.
Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes while stirring often.
Plate the fish alongside your preferred sides and drizzle lemon butter over top of the Halibut.
Serve and enjoy!

To learn more and to place your order, contact us | 1-800-688-8959

The 34^th season of operation for QCL is swiftly approaching and soon the doors will be open, reels will be screaming and smiles will be plenty.

Every season we welcome guests from around the world for the fishing adventure of a lifetime. From opening day to closing, our guests are in constant awe of the thought and consideration that goes into their vacation. Beyond the rich waters, that offer some of the best fishing grounds in the world, QCL is known for incredible hospitality.

With May 24^th just around the corner now, the months of working behind the scenes, both in our Richmond Office and on-site at the Lodge, will soon come to an end. Like every year, our team has been implementing your suggestions and bringing continued improvements to life.

We’re excited to share with you a few updates taking place at the Lodge – new boats, exciting programs (new and revised), and on-going upgrades to our infrastructure.

In 2023 we saw the addition of 10 boats to our fleet, and this year will see an additional 3! Partnering with Bridgeview, we have added to our premium vessel class with one 26” Cabin boat, and two 22” Centre Consoles.

As a testament to the high standard of client care and satisfaction that our guides provide on the water, this year will also see our largest guide team to date!

Without a doubt, one of the most exciting program additions this year is the introduction of our new Tyee Release Club! Designed to promote sustainable fishing by encouraging our guests to engage in salmon conservation, QCL will make a donation towards Salmon Enhancement for each Tyee released.

With our on-water program only a portion of your QCL Experience, the Lodge has seen updates across property.

Continuing to put an emphasis on sustainable choices across the whole property, don’t forget to pop your head into the Kingfisher Gallery or Pro Shop to see the new additions to our retail program. Our team has worked hard to partner with sustainable brands that continue to offer the best in the industry.

Now in the final push, Operations is in the midst of refinishing logs, replacing walkways, and updating finishings. Among these smaller projects, we have also seen completed larger projects – namely replacing the roof on the Main Lodge, and cosmetic changes to select guest rooms. Whether these changes are small or large, the Operations team works alongside the Hospitality team, ensuring guest rooms are well-appointed and comfortable after a full day of being on the water.

Although, these are only a handful of the noticeable updates happening at QCL this year there are plenty that we are anxiously awaiting to share. Together, we are certain that this season will be the best season yet.

With just under a month until Opening Day, we cannot wait until your helicopter lands.

We’re back with another Signatures Series recipe to wow your family or your guests. Our Back of House team has done an excellent job creating dishes that are easy to prepare and worth adding to your dinner lineup. This Ginger Soy Lingcod is a great addition to any plate.

Materials

Lingcod Fillets | 4 x 170g
Ginger Slices | x4
Cooking Oil | 60ml
Honey | 30ml
Shallot, finely minced | x1
Garlic clove, finely minced | x1
Soy Sauce | 125ml
Fresh cracked black pepper

Method

In a wok, heat oil.
Add ginger slices to the wok, lightly fry then discard.
Place Lingcod in the same wok and sear for 5 minutes on each side. Remove the fish and keep warm.
Add shallots and garlic to the same wok and saute slightly. Add honey and soy sauce and reduce until syrup. Pour over fish.
Pour the sauce over the fish, paired with your choice of sides. Serve and enjoy!

To learn more and to place your order, contact us | 1-800-688-8959

Last year, on World Water Day, we announced a new conservation initiative for 2023 – The Guest Water Bottle program.

Each guest was gifted a QCL water bottle for their use at the Lodge, and on the water, with the intention of reducing our plastic consumption. Paired with this was the addition of water bottle refill stations across the property. This program was developed, as most of ours are, by listening to our guests’ needs and suggestions.

There is no doubt that the creation of plastic bottles has a significant impact on our environment. With plenty of natural resources consumed, and pollution produced, we agreed that our consumption was out of balance with our values.

Proud to continue this initiative into 2024, we are excited to share with you the impact we saw in the 2023 season and adjustments we’ve made to better our conservation efforts this upcoming summer.

With 20oz bottle, our collective usage, by both guests and staff, saw a reduction in plastic bottles by over 65%!

Looking to better this number, we have increased the Guest Water Bottle size to 25oz. Additionally, you’ll notice that when on land, we no longer offer plastic bottles but rather will provide a glass or jug of water for your use.

We appreciate each of you in supporting our initiatives to better support the environment we all know and love.

We are looking forward to another exciting season of providing you continued excellence, known only as the QCL Experience.

We specialize in special moments. In making memories last a lifetime.

The QCL Experience is a simple way of describing a feeling so unique that it’s nearly indescribable. Every guest is different and whether your trip is a celebration, annual tradition, bucket list or simply a new adventure, we understand that every guests’ idea of the perfect trip varies. From the moment you call our office, to your arrival at the Lodge and beyond, our team works to tailor make your QCL Experience.

Our team strives to deliver unmatched hospitality by helping create treasured memories, throughout the entirety of your stay. With programs carefully designed to take full advantage of the unrivaled fishing opportunities, highlight the local flavours, and offer peace away from the busy world, the promise of a first class fishing experience awaits.

We work diligently for 8 months of the year to prepare for each season. Taking into consideration guest comments, reviewing previous season programs, and working towards what will make your next stay unforgettable. As we approach Opening Day, our Concierge Team is connecting with group leads to provide an overview of Lodge services and opportunities. They are available to plan the finer details of your trip, from unique dining options and custom apparel to spa treatments and more. All before you arrive at the Lodge!

And when the time comes, and you’re finally at QCL, we strive to deliver a sense of awe. Tucked away amongst the old growth and a short boat ride from the rugged coastline and incredible fishing. A place where modern-day travelers can revel in a taste of wilderness adventure that is perfectly blended with our warm, attentive hospitality that is delivered by our QCL team. Sharing a passion for delivering your first class fishing trip in a remote paradise. Each member of our team brings a piece of your QCL Experience to life.

The QCL Experience, a simple way to describe that distinctive feeling you get when you think about your first class fishing trip; the recognizable sense of home upon your return. It is our passion to ensure each of our guests leave having experienced memories that you want to share for a lifetime.