salmon Archives - Queen Charlotte Lodge

There’s something about sharing a meal with those you love, especially if you’ve prepared it yourself. Now pair that with this incredible seared scallop recipe, and it makes for an amazing dinner to send off the summer.

Materials

Romesco

60g Raw Hazelnuts
54g Slivered Almonds
1 small can | Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes, drained
1 small jar | Roasted Red Peppers, drained
3 Garlic Cloves
30ml Sherry Vinegar or Red Wine Vinegar
2g Smoked Paprika
2g Kosher Salt
75ml Olive Oil

Scallops

10 large Scallops, of choice
Few knobs of Butter for basting
Salt + Pepper, to taste

Method

Toast nuts in dry pan
Place toasted nuts and remaining romesco ingredients in a food processor, pulse until smooth
In a hot skillet, sear scallops on both sides
After a hard sear, place butter in pan and baste scallops
Nicely smear the romesco on your plate, top with warm scallops
Enjoy!

Working remotely is the adventure of a lifetime.

Through the interview process and the months before departure, the anticipation and excitement builds. From the moment staff arrive at the South Terminal, to stepping onto the boat that will bring them to the red roofs and lush surroundings, the thrill of starting their next adventure runs through their veins. As everyone has the opportunity to meet and get settled, learn the ins and outs of their role, it settles in. This is real – The summer of a lifetime.

Staff life here is just as important as the guest experience, with fishing adventures, water sports and weekly events such as paint nights, beach clean ups and a variety of excursions to see the beauty that is Haida Gwaii. But it’s truly the friendships made along the way that make all the little things, the big things.

We always look for those who share our passion for delivering first class service, and the team that arrives at QCL every year to provide you, our guests, with the QCL Experience shares in this paradigm. Working off the grid for nearly four months is not for anyone, but those who accomplish it can look back on their time at QCL with fond memories.

No matter what role they’re in, each one of the QCL team plays an integral role in providing the platinum standard service we are known for. From Operations, ensuring you safely arrive and depart on the Helicopter, and maintaining our incredible infrastructure, to the Marine Mechanic team ensuring your boats are serviced and ready for your fishing adventure; the Back of House team, full of chef’s creating unique and memorable dishes for your meals, to the Front of House team providing daily housekeeping, limo service, and incredible service in our number of dining venues; the Dock team maintaining boats and preparing you for your day of fishing, to the Fishing Guides who are trained to keep you safe and guide you through the thrill of the catch.

From the warm welcome upon your arrival, to the disappointment when you have to leave, our staff love having you here to experience the magic that is QCL. It wouldn’t be possible without them, so here we are to say a huge thank you to our 2024 QCL Team. On behalf of the entire management team,, thank you for believing in what we do and providing all QCL guests with their adventure of a lifetime.

With only a few weeks left in our 2024 season, fishing has been pretty exciting for the fleet of boats at QCL.

Over the past week we have had a large amount of pink salmon invade the grounds. But not to worry, we have also been seeing a slight increase in numbers of Chinook the past few days, varying in all sizes. A number of Chinook over 30lbs (what is known as a Tyee) have been found tight into shore – Hot spots such as Cape Naden and Parker Pt. seem to have the fishiest activity during a good ebb tide. Herring behind a daisy chain and anchovy behind a green dummy flashed rig have been my go-to’s!

Lots of bait has been pushed in with the flood, condensing at Bird 2 or Naden.

The weather has been awesome, days lately filled with mostly clear, sunny skies. We are in Haida Gwaii after all though, so don’t forget to pack your rain gear! Variable wind speeds coming out of the NW seem to be what we’re going to experience for the next little bit.

Whales are always around, we were pleasantly surprised by a large Grey Whale going from point to point down the west side the other day! Smaller pods of resident Orcas have been seen kicking around the 150ft line off Shag.

Tight Lines!

QCL Guide, Markus Egeland

As Hogust looks on the horizon, we find the frequency of Chinook salmon on the slow side, though over the last few days, several of the biggest fish this year, the biggest fish in the last four years have been caught.

The tides are beginning to return to normal after a recent full moon. This has allowed anglers to target bottom fish much easier as it’s best with lower tides

Coho are quick and easy to find offshore over the pinnacles, along with Pink salmon, the occasional Chum salmon, and some elusive Sockeye salmon. Interestingly, several large Halibut have been caught recently in Hannah Bay and around Cape Naden. Additionally, several boats have had the thrill of fighting an unusually high density of salmon sharks on the grounds as even they are striking herring and fighting fishermen for as long as 2.5 hours! The coming forecast is predicting some softer winds coming from all different directions with the calmest days being Monday and Thursday.

Good luck to all incoming guests. Choose your spot and throw a couple of herring or anchovies down at your favorite point and pick up some extra-large Chinook salmon!

QCL Guide, Eric Roundhill

While you might come to QCL for the fishing, you’ll find that every additional aspect of your experience is unlike any other. And when it comes to our dining programs, there is an option for everyone.

Between the Main Lodge, Hook Bar, Bell Ringer, The Buoy and our Private Houses – our hospitality team creates dishes and experiences that leave you with just as many lifelong memories as your fishing will.

The Main Lodge offers an exceptional and unique dining program, featuring both buffet and a la carte style services, morning and night. Featuring globally inspired flavours and dishes, the QCL Chefs has created menus and treats that will have you asking for the recipe.

Not only do we have an exceptional dining program within the Main Lodge, but we also offer semi-private dining opportunities that allow you to experience something different.

The Bell Ringer

For those that are looking for something quintessentially QCL, we offer the Bell Ringer Seafood Boil. Introduced to the program some years ago, this dinner is by reservation only and always a crowd pleaser. Available at an additional cost per guest, this semi-private Bell Ringer Seafood Boil dinner is served on the Dock, an experience unlike any other. Casual, vibrant and mouth-watering.

The Buoy – A Japanese Experience.

In collaboration between several QCL departments one off-season, The Buoy emerged and swiftly became what it is today – a Japanese Inspired Experience. Offering an intimate and personalized experience, the Buoy is by reservation only, at an additional cost per guest. This venue can accommodate up to 8 guests, per seating, with seating’s offered at 7:00pm and 9:00pm exclusively. Contact the QCL Concierge Team to book your seat!

Aside from our evening dining programs, you can anticipate to indulge at multiple other venues throughout your stay! Enjoy some lunch onboard the Hook Bar Grill located on the M.V. Driftwood anchored in the middle of our fishing grounds. Or, when you return from fishing take advantage of our Après Peche programs including snacks at the Bell Ringer and a Sushi cart that is located at the front of the Main Lodge.

For those looking for the next level of hospitality offered at QCL, inquire about our private houses. Totem and Charlotte House are the perfect venue for a truly curated experience.

Although you might come to QCL for the fishing, you’ll leave knowing that it’s so much more.

It’s hard to believe we’re already almost halfway through the 2024 season! If you’ve placed a Taste of B-Sea order for Spot Prawns give this recipe a try – Pairs perfectly with a glass of wine and a sun-filled patio!

Materials

500g Spot Prawns
45ml Coconut Flour
x3 Large Eggs
440ml Coconut Flakes, Unsweetened
2g Garlic Powder
2g Smoked Paprika
2g Kosher Salt
1g Black Pepper

Method

Prepare 3 bowels for dredging prawns. One with whisked egg, one with Coconut Flakes, and the last with a mixture of the Coconut flour, Garlic powder, Smoked Paprika, and Salt + Pepper.
Dredge each Prawn in flour, then dip in egg, shake off the extra and finish by pressing in the Coconut Flakes.
Cook with your desire method, until golden brown
1. Air fry for 2-4 minutes
2. Deep fry for 2-4 minutes
3. Oven bake for 4-5 per side in an oven that has been preheated to 200 degrees.
Serve and 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

For a month now guests have been arriving for the first class fishing adventure of their dreams – The 2024 season is in full swing! If you have joined us at the Lodge before, we can’t wait to see you again, and if it’s your first time, we’re excited to introduce you to the QCL experience!

In anticipation of your trip, our Concierge team will be, or has been, in contact with you to plan the finer details of your stay.

UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES

There will be no shortage of food during your trip, but we do have two optional dining hot spots available for our guests this summer, both available by reservation only. Don’t miss out and be sure to book your spot in advance! For those of you who have joined us before, don’t worry our chef’s have worked hard to reimagine these unique dinners.

{Reimagined!} The Buoy, a Japanese-Inspired Experience | This space is a perfect opportunity for guests looking for a one-of-a-kind special experience. Sit back and enjoy not only amazing eats and first-class service, but amazing forest views. Inspired by Teppanyaki, this semi-private dinner features our chef’s take on the traditional Teppanyaki meal with a West Coast twist.

The Bell Ringer Seafood Boil | Where East and West coast mix, the Bell Ringer Seafood Boil is our popular social dining experience on the dock. Indulge in an abundance of seafood including Lobster Tail and Dungeness Crab accompanied by our Prime Rib Bones and all the fixings. Enjoy dinner with a backdrop of the Lodge and Naden Harbour with a upbeat, lively atmosphere.

TWIN CREEK SPA + FITNESS CENTRE

Did you know that fishing can be relaxing to the mind and soul, but taxing on the body? Treat yourself, or your guest, to a relaxing treatment at our Twin Creek Spa; the perfect way to complete your fishing and adventure package!

Twin Creek Spa has limited availability each day and books quickly. We strongly urge that you book an appointment prior to your arrival. You can do so online at QCL Twin Creek Spa.

Should a visit to our Fitness Centre for a quick workout or our hot tub and sauna be top of mind – don’t forget your running shoes and swimsuit to take advantage of these amazing amenities.

PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE

Whether you are visiting with family, friends or treating employees or clients to a fishing adventure, there are many opportunities offered to go above and beyond for them. From meeting spaces, private dinners and events, fishing derbies, celebrations, to custom apparel, our hospitality team looks forward to adding these details into your stay.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today to review your trip and any special requests that you might have.

This past trip was a rare Haida Gwaii Gem, filled with relatively calm waters, sun, and an accumulating abundance of grey whales, orcas and humpbacks as the large mammals make their migration north in anticipation of one of the largest herring runs in recent years.

Despite the ample conditions, estimated returning salmon and herring numbers, onshore fishing has been tough due to a fairly constant south easterly wind causing both epipelagic and mesopelagic life to be either blown offshore or to seek shelter in deep water rock structures to find relief from the currents. This has lead to the majority of the fleet fishing out by the pinnacles for all of their needs. Despite the atypical fishing conditions there are plenty of salmon to be caught in deeper waters, but it is most certainly a numbers game that must be played in order to get the fish you want to keep.

However, there is a silver lining. As early runs of Coho are also starting to show up in the myriad of species to be caught offshore, allowing guests seeking their full limits to achieve their goals as long as they put their hours in.

Coho and Pink seem to be more common in the upper regions of the water column while Chinook are being caught as low as 150ft on the downriggers. Beyond that and some extremely aggressive halibut start being tossed into the hodgepodge of fish to be seen at the other end of your line. Some days it feels like the 71cm Halibut is the biggest aggressor in the Pacific Ocean.

Another added bonus is deep water Lingcod seem to have realized the abundance of smaller life attempting to hide down low, and have also moved in closer to our grounds, with many boats finding their Lingcod limit, and several large 30-40lb lings being caught this past trip alone.

This upcoming trip the weather looks like it is turning in our favour, as on the 15th it is projected to swing and start coming from the northwest, and will continue to do so for a few days. This is a change we are eagerly anticipating so that larger migrational Chinook can be more efficiently targeted across our points.

Anchovies and smaller spoons, replicating sandlances, or other needlefish species, seem to be working the best, with hoochies and squid taking a close second. But if the contents of the stomachs of fish being brought up from deeper waters is an indicator of what is to come, herring will soon be the go to.

QCL Guide, Jaxon Jones

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!

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

The fishing scene is starting to heat up!

Chinook salmon are stealing the spotlight, ranging from 10 to 15 pounds, these beauties are keeping anglers on their toes. With the occasional 20+ pounder adding excitement to the mix and cheers in the Bell Ringer. Coho and Chum salmon are also making appearances, adding variety to the catch. Despite intermittent rain during the week, the weekend has brought clear skies and sunshine, perfect for a day out on the water.

As the annual Kingfisher Derby unfolds, anticipation is high among anglers vying for the winning hog and its coveted prize. Popular fishing points such as Klash, Eagle, Green, Naden, and Edenshaw are bustling with activity as enthusiasts try their luck. With the weather on our side and the fish biting, it’s shaping up to be a memorable season for fishing enthusiasts.

QCL Guide, Mackenzie Adam

The Kingfisher Derby is our annual fishing derby, hosted by QCL. With competition and spirits high, it always makes for a great trip at the Lodge. Inquire with our Sales Executives about 2025’s derby, entrance fee and more by calling now | 1-800-688-8959

Older Posts

QCL Signatures Series | Seared Scallops with Romesco

Thank You | QCL Crew

Kingfisher Report | August 12, 2024

Kingfisher Report | July 29, 2024

Providing Dining, First Class

QCL Signature Series | Coconut Spot Prawns

The Little Things

Kingfisher Report | June 16, 2024

QCL Signatures Series | Salmon Burgers

Kingfisher Report | June 9, 2024

Happy Holidays!

QCL Signatures Series | Tom Yum Baked Lingcod

QCL Signatures Series | Seared Scallops with Romesco

Thank You | QCL Crew

A Wrap on 2024