Lodge News
Mar 9, 2010 - New dates open in August
Hello Everyone:
Thanks to all who sent emails to us about the Vancouver Olympics-what a show eh?
Wendy in California, who comes to fish at the lodge regularly with her husband Jon, and hails from New Zealand, wore her Canada shirt & cheered on the Canadian hockey team to gold on the closing day, Sunday. Of course, Jon was not very pleased as he was cheering for the USA team & they ended up with silver. It was an edge of the seat game, and all the athletes should be very satisfied that they did their best-congratulations to all of them. Jon & Wendy, we look forward to seeing you arrive on the docks in the summer, wreathed in smiles as usual.
Alissa from our housekeeping staff is now back to the grind at college in Victoria & preparing to graduate in April. She had a marvelous experience working at the Olympics, so don't forget to ask her about it when you see her at the lodge this summer.
It's not always easy to set fishing dates with family, friends & co-workers who are on the go and busy. Occasionally, we are able to move bookings to different dates to accommodate changes (space available). Please call us for the latest booking availability.
So, if you have not booked your trip for 2010, call now and take advantage of these dates & the $400 discount per trip being offered. We look forward to hearing from you.
Hoping all is well,
Barbara, Simon & Cathy
Feb 23, 2010 - Olympic Update
Oh no! Did you see that the USA team beat the Canadian Olympics hockey team yesterday?
Olympic Hockey Gold is becoming more elusive for Canada.
As we mentioned in our last email, Alissa (housekeeping) is there at the Olympics. You'll see her here in a photo along with the Olympic torch.
Some of you missed Alissa last year at the lodge as she was at college in the summer. This year, she'll be on the dock to greet you.
Feb 1, 2010 - Gift idea for Valentine's Day
Hello Everyone, Valentine’s Day is approaching and we have a gift idea made for two.
Make a promise this year to spoil your 'special someone' and go on an adventure like no other. Enjoy a romantic dinner in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. Visit the fine areas of Robson Street, Gas Town & Granville Island, before you set off for a fishing adventure at picturesque Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club.
You will definitely be a hero/heroine when you are fine dining, shopping on famous Robson Street, and reeling in a west coast trophy salmon.
Gift certificates available for Valentine’s Day, call us for more information.
Happy Valentine’s Day,
From Simon, Cathy, & Barbara at The Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club
Jan 21, 2010 - Live Chat
Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club is test launching a new live chat feature.
Cathy in our Campbell River office will be available to answer any questions you may have. Click the Live Chat button on the left.
When you see this image - we are here live, click to chat with us.
When you see this image - click to leave us a message.
Jan 21, 2010 - Trade Shows
Hello Anglers,
A reminder, we will not be attending any trade shows in 2010 as we are focusing on sales from our offices instead. This will help keep our costs down and our prices affordable during these difficult economic times.
As a result, the savings are being passed along to our valued customers. We are offering $400 off the regular trip price per person, as seen on our website.
So, if you were planning on dropping by our booth please remember we will not be there. However, we would be happy to hear from you.
Call us toll-free at 1-800-663-2644 or send us an email.
Sincerely,
Barbara & Simon
Jan 14, 2010 - Happy New Year
Dec 17, 2009 - Merry Christmas
Nov 26, 2009 - Happy Thanksgiving
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We all cherish the time spent with our family and friends. |
Cathy, Barbara and I hope that our American friends have a wonderful time on this Thanksgiving Holiday.
Hopefully, you will be able to take some time to treasure the precious moments with family and friends and have fun.
Enjoy these photos of families at the Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club in 2009.
Regards - Simon Kelly.
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Nov 4, 2009 - Fishing Report 2009
As I sift through the photos from the 2009 season my mind quickly goes back to the Sportsman's Club and the AMAZING fishing we had all summer long. From our opening in early July right up until the season finished in September the waves of salmon just kept passing through the waters of Rivers Inlet and on to our guests' lines. The catching was unbelievable, some of the best we have seen in our 26 seasons of operation. |
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The chinook/king salmon were found consistently at the Wall and the other known “hot spots” only minutes from the lodge. Those anglers with the discipline to put their time in working the locations where the mighty chinook salmon lurk, were handsomely rewarded. We made a few trips up to the head of Rivers Inlet this summer. As usual it was hit and miss, but we did have a couple of fabulous mornings. We were also humbled several times when after the 35 mile/hour long trek we didn't get a bite! This reminded us why we rarely go up there, opting instead to stay close to the lodge and the consistent fishing spots nearby. We had some truly awesome fishing this summer with double digit chinook catches some days. The largest chinook salmon of the season was caught by long-time guest Mike Bethell, and it tipped the scales a 52¼ lbs. Mike's fish was a classic Rivers Inlet “slab”, the kind that makes our trophy fishing lodge world famous! |
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As for the bottom fishing, those who spent the time had some great results. However, the salmon fishing was so red hot that angler effort on halibut, ling cod and various other tasty bottom dwellers was down substantially. The largest halibut of 62 lbs. was caught by another long-time guest, Vance Pearcy, and it was quite a fish story. The hook flew out of the feisty beast as it hit the deck and went straight into Vance's hand. Luckily some of our neighbours in Rivers Inlet are paramedics, and after a bit of minor surgery & a 24 pack of Kokanee Beer (as a thank you) Vance was back fishing one handed. |
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If you have a fishing story from this summer we would LOVE to hear it? Please email it to me with your pictures & we will post them on our website. There are prizes for the best ones. Thanks to all of you who joined us at the Sportsman's Club this summer. For those of you who missed the fabulous fishing, we look forward to seeing you along with our return guests in 2010. CONTACT US TODAY TO MAKE YOUR FISHING PLANS |
October 8, 2009
Hello Everyone,
Thanks to all who participated in the 2009 season-it was a whopper!
Some of you have been asking where the emails are. Well, it’s been a busy fishing season so there was lots to do – extra planes to arrange for the big loads of fish to go out of the lodge, guests deciding to take yet another trip, & the usual contacting suppliers and Pacific Coastal on the charter planes’ manifests etc.
Simon did lots of guiding, so that took him away from the docks and the emails, phones etc. Cathy and I took up the slack for him. Now, we are all back in the ‘real world’ and preparing for the next fishing season.
Many of you have booked your dates for 2010, so some of the Thurs-Sun or Sun-Thurs spots are full or getting quite full. Do not delay in planning your next trip to the Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club Trophy Fishing Lodge with your family, friends and/or business associates. I know that some of you are lobbying your corporate headquarters to earmark monies in the 2010 budget for the fishing trips. It’s never too early to do this, or to book. Just call Cathy at 250.923.2689 or email info@riversinlet.com. Look out for more lodge news coming soon.
Take a look at the incredible photos below which were taken during the 2009 season at Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club. Thank you Kerry Veach of Destin, FL. for sharing these awesome photos with us.
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September 16, 2009 - A Roaring Success
The 2009 fishing season was a roaring success-great fishing, guests, staff etc. This quote from a recent guest probably says it all...
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| Lodge Owner Barbara Kelly & Son Simon |
My group could not imagine a better time and all of us want to thank you for putting together a terrific organization and fishing experience.
As for fishing, what can I say-FANTASTIC! We only had one slow day but we caught some really nice salmon which is being eaten rather quickly by family and friends. We are all talking up Rivers Inlet to our fishing friends and we will be encouraging others to come up there next year''
... Our staff are all back to their individual activities. Some are in school, others plan to travel, a few are back to their regular off-season employment. For a 2010 fishing trip booking, now is the time to call us at 1 (800) 663 2644 or contact us by clicking here.
Hoping all is well,
Barbara
August 28, 2009 - Highlights Our 2009 Fishing Season
We're winding down our season here at Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club, and have posted some photo highlights of the 2009 fishing season for you. Click on the image below, or Photo Gallery button on the left.
May 31, 2009 - U.S.-Canada Border Crossing NEW Regulations
On Monday, June 1, 2009, the modern-day imperatives of homeland security will require Canadians and Americans alike to carry a passport (or some other form of security enhanced, U.S.-approved documentation) in order to cross the 9,000-kilometre frontier and enter the United States.After four years of false starts and some minor concessions to opponents, the U.S. Government Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative officially kicks in June 1, affecting travellers age 16 years and over in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda, and Americans returning from other countries. All of these travellers will now be required to have a passport (usually with six months left before the expiry date), or some other form of security enhanced, U.S.-approved documentation.
Most Americans don't hold passports — an estimated 70 per cent of them, according to U.S. State Department figures for 2008. The alternatives to passports are:
- Passport card from the U.S. State Department for U.S. citizens. These are wallet-sized IDs which are cheaper to obtain than regular passport “books” (although not valid for air travel)
- NEXUS Canada-U.S. border-crossing cards
- State, security enhanced drivers’ licenses
For more information click here (The Embassy of the United States of America - Canada)
May 20, 2009 - Have fun with family and friends
Hello Everyone:
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The 2009 season is shaping up to be an exciting one. There have been several reports indicating that the expected returns of salmon to Rivers Inlet should be good.
Here you will see photos taken in 2004 showing a father and son (Rod & Dave), Simon and a friend (David), and the family.
Katrina (my son Dominic's daughter) and Shayna (Simon) are so grown up now, five years later. Times together at Rivers Inlet are precious memories.
Don't let the years go by without doing what you enjoy with family & friends.
Why not give Simon a call at 1 (800) 663 2644 and book a trip with him.
We built all new accommodations in 2005 and 2006, and they are first class.
Hoping all is well,
Barbara
May 16, 2009 - A place to concentrate on the moment
Hello Everyone:
In this tough economic climate, it's hard to find quality time to spend with relatives and friends. Why not change this and book a trip with us to the Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club?
It's a place to concentrate on the moment while dangling the line in the water.
Father's Day will be here soon, as well as graduations from school and college - an all-inclusive fishing trip would be the perfect gift that will never be forgotten.
Last year, a 79.5 lbs chinook-king salmon was caught in Rivers Inlet. It may be your turn to celebrate life, with family & friends by battling such a trophy salmon.
Call or email Simon, Cathy, or myself.
We look forward to hearing from you,
Barbara
April 25, 2009 - Good News Fishing 2009
Hello Everyone:
There are four items of GOOD NEWS for all us at the Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Trophy Fishing Lodge and our 2009 guests:
El Nino’s warmer ocean temperatures have left Rivers Inlet, and we have had a much colder winter than we’ve had in over ten years. Colder ocean temperatures on the central coast of British Columbia are usually more productive when fishing for chinook/king & coho/silver salmon.- The newly ratified Canada/U.S. Salmon Treaty means more fish for the Sportsman’s Club guests in 2009. Government officials believe this treaty could allow over 50,000 more chinook/king salmon to journey down the west coast of British Columbia, many going directly to the ‘Wall’ at Rivers Inlet. The 10-year agreement calls for an immediate reduction of 15% in the Southeast Alaskan chinook commercial harvest, and a 30% reduction off the west coast of Vancouver Island. It also places a strong emphasis on conservation, stability of access for all, and sustainability of the Pacific salmon resource.
The Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans is not allowing the commercial troll fishing fleet into the areas 7, 8, 9 (Rivers Inlet) and 10.- It has been reported that there will be an increase in the prevalence of the coho/silvers. Thousands of coho/silvers will be at Rivers Inlet all season as they meander their way to spawning grounds in Rivers Inlet, other British Columbia rivers & to the USA. This will include the mighty Northern coho/silvers, weighing up to 25 lbs. that come by & into Rivers Inlet.
Some of you will remember that the Canadian Department of Fishing and Oceans (DFO) have told us that their records show that more salmon congregate at the ‘Wall’ than at any other place on the British Columbia coast. The ‘WALL’ is minutes from the lodge at the entrance to Rivers Inlet.
Simon, Cathy, Brendan, & I look forward to hearing from you.
Barbara
“…I can tell you that it is a great experience with magical scenery, wildlife and fishing, of course. My son and I have gone to the Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club the past four years and have had the greatest of time”
- M.C.C. Vancouver
April 12, 2009 - Happy Easter & Passover
I’m always very nostalgic on Easter Sunday. I remember the times as a child in England when all the families in our village would walk the country lanes and picnic in the spots where generations before had gone. Our farmhouse was built in 1693, and the very walls seemed to seep its tales of simple family life there. So, you can imagine my disillusionment, when I was back there a few years ago for Easter, and there were cars and motor-bikes just everywhere.
Often, I reflect on how things don’t change much at Rivers Inlet. Had I fished, walked the beaches and forests as a child at Rivers Inlet, it would be the same today. Satellite communications now are available, but the simple lodge life at the Sportsman’s Club over the past 25 years of operation has not changed It’s a place to fish, explore, enjoy the scenery, wildlife, family & friends, eat good food, have fun and relax. I know that some of you can hardly wait for the 2009 trip-how many sleeps now?
To all our loyal guests and contacts, please send us an email or call, it always gives us great pleasure to hear from you. Happy days, Barbara, (Simon, Cathy, Brendan & Darryl)
April 2, 2009 - Anglers Rejoice
The Department of Fisheries & Oceans will not be allowing COMMERCIAL TROLLING in the waters of and around Rivers Inlet.For our visitors to the Lodge this will mean the best fishing in years...
We are looking forward to a great fishing season in the summer of 2009
Tight lines,
Barbara
March 22, 2009 - It's as easy as 1-2-3
It’s nice to get the feedback on the emails we send out. We’ve had so many positive comments and response emails-thank you.
We’ve had a busy week with Simon preparing to go to a couple of fishing shows. Cathy Drew and I will be manning the telephones and emails until Simon gets back to his Whistler office on April 8th.
Today, I’m reminding our regular & new guests about making transportation arrangements well ahead of your fishing trip, as well as letting prospective guests know that it’s as easy as 1-2-3 to come fishing with us.
- Book your Thursday-Sunday or Sunday-Thursday trip with Cathy Drew in our Campbell River office: (250) 923 2689 toll-free 1 (800) 663 2644 (N. America and Hawaii).
Make transportation arrangements: By air to the Vancouver International Terminal in British Columbia, Canada (transfer to South Terminal from there). Or, work out your route to the Vancouver Airport South Terminal.
Hotels with special rates for us are the Delta Airport [dreservations@deltahotels.com] and the Fairmont Airport [PSTfvares@fairmont.com]. Other hotels close by include any of the international chains such as the Comfort, Hampton Inns etc. All have shuttle service to the SOUTH TERMINAL where our charters originate at noon/1 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays.- Pack your bag of no more than 25lbs. We provide protective outer gear (for wind and/or rain). Liquor is available at cost at the lodge.
 That’s all there is to it, 1-2-3.
Hoping all is well with you, Barbara |
March 12, 2009 - Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Fishing, Fun, Adventure Summer 2009
Hello Everyone:
It’s been a labour of love. Building the Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club into a world-class floating trophy-fishing lodge has been an ongoing venture by the Kelly family for 25 years. Our regular guests believe that our accommodations, boats, and gear are first class, as are the hearty, gourmet meals. Simon, the staff and I strive to make our trophy fishing lodge a place of fishing, fun and adventure. You will want to return to the Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club (Sportsman’s Club) for years and years. Many guests do come back every year, and we are grateful to them for their loyalty and support over this quarter of a century.
Simon has been out and about meeting our regular guests and meeting new ones. Today, he is back in British Columbia from a show in California. Soon, he’ll be on his way to Europe to cover a couple of travel shows with one of our guests who is involved in the travel business.
If you have not already booked your fishing trip with us, give us a call now to discuss your fishing trip plans for 2009 (or 2010). Hoping all is well,
Barbara
December 22, 2008 - Merry Christmas
Hello and a Merry Christmas:Who needs a Christmas card with photos like this.
We wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2009.
May you, your family and friends find peace and joy in your lives.
All the best from Barbara & Bill
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September 15, 2008
Congratulations to all our 25th Anniversary derby winners:
- Jeff R. won the July 3-6 $10,000 Halibut derby with a 52 1/8 lbs Halibut
- Ron D. won the July 3-6 $15,000 Chinook derby with a 34 ¼ lbs Chinook salmon
- Garrett G. won the July 6-Sep 7 $15,000 Chinook derby with a 45 ¼ lbs Chinook salmon
- David G. won the July 6-Sep 7 $10,000 Halibut derby with a 106 lbs Halibut
- Phil M. won the Aug 24-Sep 7 $10,000 Coho derby with a 18 lb Coho salmon
If you have not already booked your fishing trip with us, give us a call now to discuss your fishing trip plans for 2009.
We look forward to hearing from you soon,
Barbara
