More Lodge News
April 20, 2011 - Sport Fishing Politics in BC
Guide Griffen, father & son Ron & Kevin Towne and a classic trophy Rivers Inlet chinook/king salmon. Do you have anything special planned with your father this summer?
Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club (1984) owner Barbara & her son, Simon,
are very involved in the governing of the sport fishing industry in the
tidal waters of British Columbia, Canada.
Barbara was on the Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB 1964) for several years.
The SFAB is the venue where the concerns of anglers are heard by the Government of Canada. This dialogue helps to advise the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) on issues important to sustainable sport fishing. Now, Simon represents the
central coast fishing lodges on the SFAB.
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| Ron Matthews, guide Simon & Terry Holland proudly display their 45.5 lbs. chinook salmon caught at the Dome only minutes from the lodge. | Wayne Tullson & Chris Kelch with their 50 lbs. Halibut. One of the most delicious of all the fish we catch. | Long time guest Jim Fish with guide Michael and a 56.5 lbs. beauty. |
The Rivers Inlet North Coast Salmon Enhancement Association (RINCSEA)
was formed in 1985 by the Rivers Inlet & area fishing lodge owners
and associated businesses. The purpose of RINCSEA is to enhance the salmon stocks (chinook & coho) in our area. Barbara is vice-president. Each fishing season, most of our guests contribute to RINCSEA with the purchase of a $20 ticket to our Hatchery Derby.
Over 25 years, about $4 million of private funds have supported the RINCSEA projects. Our hatchery program has traditionally focussed on enhancing our chinook salmon stocks, and more recently our coho stocks. (Please note, this is a hatchery not a fish farm).
Delicately placing the fertilized eggs in the incubation trays at the hatchery
was formed in 1985 by the Rivers Inlet & area fishing lodge owners
and associated businesses. The purpose of RINCSEA is to enhance the salmon stocks (chinook & coho) in our area. Barbara is vice-president. Each fishing season, most of our guests contribute to RINCSEA with the purchase of a $20 ticket to our Hatchery Derby.
Over 25 years, about $4 million of private funds have supported the RINCSEA projects. Our hatchery program has traditionally focussed on enhancing our chinook salmon stocks, and more recently our coho stocks. (Please note, this is a hatchery not a fish farm).
Delicately placing the fertilized eggs in the incubation trays at the hatchery
During the season, the fishing lodges collect data on all your caught fish
(salmon, halibut, lingcod & other groundfish). These numbers are reported weekly to the DFO to assist in the sustainable management of the fisheries.
The Salmon Head Recovery Program is an integral part of fisheries management. Fish with clipped fins indicate that they are hatchery fish and many of these hatchery salmon have a wire coded tag in their head. These heads are turned in to DFO for analysis of the tags.
It's interesting to see that some of the tagged salmon each year originate, not only from Rivers Inlet, but from other rivers on the NW coast of Canada & the USA.
The ocean end (mouth) of Rivers Inlet is a funnelling point for all the salmon runs feeding or migrating to the rivers of their birth. This translates to consistent fishing for our guests and the reason many of our customers (like the salmon) return each year to fish with us. The giant trophy Rivers Inlet salmon stage at the world famous "Wall' (only minutes from the lodge) before heading up Rivers Inlet to spawn.
The unique Rivers Inlet gene pool of salmon consistently produces some of largest salmon caught on the Pacific NW coast each summer.
The 2011 fishing season is not too far off now. If you have yet to book your trip,
call us at 1-800-663-2644 / 604-938-0505 or email: info@riversinlet.com
"Enjoy your life by filling it with lots of adventures".
Sincerely,
Simon, Barbara, Cathy and the Sportsman's Club Staff
| There are very few places in the world where you catch a 70 lbs. chinook salmon like the one pictured here... The dream is still alive in legendary Rivers Inlet. |
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March 25, 2011 - How To Get There 1, 2, 3...
How To Get There 1, 2, 3...
Simon receives the guests on arrival at the Sportsman's Club.
We are reminding our regular & new guests about making transportation arrangements well ahead of this year's fishing trip, as well as letting prospective guests know that it's as easy as 1-2-3 to come fishing with us.
1.Book your Thursday-Sunday or Sunday-Thursday trip with Simon or Cathy
Toll-free - 1 (800) 663 2644 (N. America and Hawaii).
2.Make travel 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.
Our flights leave at 1:00 p.m. and the return to Vancouver is around 7 p.m.
We recommend staying overnight in Vancouver before and after the trip.
HOTELS BY THE AIRPORT: Some advantages are free shuttle to the
SOUTH TERMINAL & AIRPORT & freezing of catch at these hotels:
Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel: www.sheraton.com/vancouverairport
Ask for the Sportsman's Club Fishing Rate (starting at $139 Cdn plus tax)
Toll-free: 1 (800) 663 0299 Direct: 1(604) 278-7878
Email: reservations@sheratonvancouverairport.com
Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel: www.deltahotels.com
Toll-free: 1 (866) 382 3474 (US access 1 800 268 1133)
Ask for Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club Big Catch Rate
(starting at $149 Cdn plus tax) Email: dvareservations@deltahotels.com
Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel: www.fairmont.com
Toll-free: 1 (877) 442 3474 Direct: 1 (604) 207 5200
Ask for Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club Fishing Rate
(starting at $242 Cdn plus tax) Email: fvares@fairmont.com
3.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.
click on the images to enlarge.
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| Barbara's newspaper deliverer, Stewart, Pacific Coastal pilot. | Jordy Allen with his father and their trophy halibut. |
Eric Berger & his father-in-law, Barry, and their salmon double header. |
That's all there is to it, 1-2-3.
We are excited about the upcoming season. If you have not done so, book today by calling
1 (800) 663 2644 or email info@riversinlet.com
Barbara, Cathy & Simon
Febuary 09, 2011 - Hatchery Project Update
Hatchery Update
One of our Johnson Creek Hatchery Coho that made it home ... red, ripe and ready to spawn.
The Rivers Inlet/Hakai fishing lodges & their guests have supported several hatchery projects over the past 26 years to the tune of more than $3m.
Our latest project has been to enhance the coho/silvers in the Johnston Creek which is half way up Rivers Inlet near Wadhams. This project was initiated by our group with the direct co-operation of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Canada.
It is an ongoing project with brood stocks taken in late 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010.
Last season, in 2010, we were delighted to be the first lodge to report a return of one of our tagged 2007 coho to Rivers Inlet. In July, the catcher of this coho travelled all the way from Hawaii to fish with us. Here is what she said:
"First let me say that my vacation at the Sportsman's Club exceeded my
expectations by 1000%. The surroundings, facilities, food and most of all the staff were incredible. It was also good to learn that the hatchery project is bearing results. My coho was 9.5 pounds. If you get a chance,
please pass along my thanks to everyone ---Chester (the dog), too."
Aloha, Ellen W. Carlos.
You will see from the photo that when the coho are ready to spawn they turn red.
click on the images to enlarge.
One of our Johnson Creek Hatchery Coho that made it home ... red, ripe and ready to spawn.
The Rivers Inlet/Hakai fishing lodges & their guests have supported several hatchery projects over the past 26 years to the tune of more than $3m.
Our latest project has been to enhance the coho/silvers in the Johnston Creek which is half way up Rivers Inlet near Wadhams. This project was initiated by our group with the direct co-operation of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Canada.
It is an ongoing project with brood stocks taken in late 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010.
Last season, in 2010, we were delighted to be the first lodge to report a return of one of our tagged 2007 coho to Rivers Inlet. In July, the catcher of this coho travelled all the way from Hawaii to fish with us. Here is what she said:
"First let me say that my vacation at the Sportsman's Club exceeded my
expectations by 1000%. The surroundings, facilities, food and most of all the staff were incredible. It was also good to learn that the hatchery project is bearing results. My coho was 9.5 pounds. If you get a chance,
please pass along my thanks to everyone ---Chester (the dog), too."
Aloha, Ellen W. Carlos.
You will see from the photo that when the coho are ready to spawn they turn red.
click on the images to enlarge.
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| More proof of the success of our new Johnston Creek Coho Hatchery Program ... Ellen Carlos proudly displays her 9.5 lbs. hatchery coho. | Rivers Inlet also has some of the world's best trophy coho salmon fishing ... Sammy Van Seenus & Hippo Wanders proudly display their 21.25 lbs. prize catch. |
Rivers Inlet is famous for non-stop coho action ... Long-time guests Ken & Ann Yabusaki after a busy morning. |
Thanks are due to all who have contributed to the hatchery projects
over the years with your $20 donations. When a draw was made for some 2010 season prizes,the winner of the downrigger was Greg Hines.
Please spread the word about our project and,
if you have not already booked your trip for 2011,
call us today at 1 (800) 663 2644 or email info@riversinlet.com
Barbara, Simon & Cathy
January 14, 2011 - Where Does the Time Go?
Where does the time go!
Ashely Boyd 47 lbs. Chinook Salmon with Sam Scoble and Guide Scott "The Rookie".
It seems like yesterday that Simon's first child, Shayna, was born and now she is 12, a budding actress, and on her way to high school next year.
By the way, a Happy New Year to you & your family, we hope it's a great one for you.
A popular New Year's resolution is to spend quality time with friends and family.
It's easy to let another year go by where we "wish" that we had done more fun things with them like going on a fishing trip. There is no better place to do that than in a
remote setting such as ours in Rivers Inlet.
click the images to enlarge
Ashely Boyd 47 lbs. Chinook Salmon with Sam Scoble and Guide Scott "The Rookie".
It seems like yesterday that Simon's first child, Shayna, was born and now she is 12, a budding actress, and on her way to high school next year.
By the way, a Happy New Year to you & your family, we hope it's a great one for you.
A popular New Year's resolution is to spend quality time with friends and family.
It's easy to let another year go by where we "wish" that we had done more fun things with them like going on a fishing trip. There is no better place to do that than in a
remote setting such as ours in Rivers Inlet.
click the images to enlarge
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| Simon & Shayna (age 2). | Shayna and her first solo Tyee guided by Barbara & Bill (AKA Gran & Poppa). |
We are pleased to report that our bookings for the 2011 fishing season are strong...
there are signs of life in the improving economy.
One of our groups will be back for their 28th. fishing season at the
Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club, while others have more recently discovered
the "magic" of the Sportsman's Club.
We look forward to greeting all our guests on the dock.
A big thank-you to all of you who relentlessly promote the Sportsman's Club for us.
You are the backbone of our business and we are very grateful.
| "I have had the pleasure of bringing clients to this magical place for more than ten years where business associates transform into personal friends as a result of the experience. Truly enchanting. It has the majestic scenery, whales galore, fabulous food, great hosts, and oh ya.....world class fishing. The journey from Port Hardy to the camp by Grumman Goose is in itself a truly exhilarating experience. I give it a two thumbs up!" Chris Pompilio, Toronto ON. |
 Long-time guest Chris Pompilio & Christian Hadeed proudly display their morning's catch. |
ALL THE BEST FOR 2011!
Barbara, Simon & Cathy and the Crew at the Sportsman's Club.
December 16, 2010 - Christmas 2010
Whale watching in Sportman's Club Bay... no this isn't Photoshop.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
We look forward to seeing you next summer to celebrate our 28th season.
All the best in 2011
Barbara, Cathy, Simon & the Sportsman's Club staff
click the images to enlarge
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
We look forward to seeing you next summer to celebrate our 28th season.
All the best in 2011
Barbara, Cathy, Simon & the Sportsman's Club staff
click the images to enlarge
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| Best wishes for the holidays from our family to yours... |
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| Looking for a unique gift for that someone special? Why not book a trip with us for next summer and we can send you a certificate to put under the tree. We also have the ultimate gift for a couple ... our Champagne & Roses Gourmet Getaway is Sept 1-4. Join us for a fabulous weekend of gourmet food paired with unique wines & featuring Melissa Craig, one of Canada's top chefs. |
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November 19, 2010 - Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to Our American Friends!
A legendary Rivers Inlet morning for Guide Scott "the Rookie"
and long-time Guests Corey Goulet and son Jorgan.
Twin 50 pounders ... obviously the Goulets have a lot to be thankful for!
At the Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club we have a lot to be thankful for.
In 2010 we had some great fishing and wonderful whale viewing throught the entire season, sometimes right from our docks in Sportsman's Bay ... it was absoulutely magical.
click the images to enlarge
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| Simon, Tegan and the kids catching salmon that weigh the same as they do. | Harve Harrison and chef Chris after a fun morning fishing. |
We are thankful to all our guests ...
first timers and those who have fished with us for almost 30 years now!
Last summer we had an over 80 years age range in our customers. We hosted several guests under 10 years right up to 90 year old former Edmonds WA. Mayor Harve Harrison. Harve proved that you are never too old to have a Sportsman's Club "Experience".
He came with long time guests John & Ken Kunkel
and had great success when guided by our master chefs Steve & Chris.
Simon and the Bondaroff Family make some memories that will last a lifetime.
We hope that you have a great time with family and friends
over the Thanksgiving Holiday.
If you have not already done so... the holidays, when everyone is together, is a good time to plan your 2011 fishing adventure.
Call us or send an email today in order to get the best choice of available dates.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
from Barbara, Cathy, Simon & the Sportsman's Club Family.
October 30, 2010 - Fishing Report 2010
This 63 lbs. fish was the largest chinook salmon of the season. It was caught by David Kleinkopf and guided by Gary Raymond.
To add to your fishing enjoyment at the Sportsman's Club, in 2010 we added some new gear to our supply of fishing tackle. Many of you know that on windy days the salmon scatter and go deeper. So, in order to increase guest catches of salmon, we added downriggers to each boat. It was somewhat of a learning curve to move from the traditional mooching to downriggers. However, it was a choice that many guests chose to apply with great success. Using downriggers, or mooching & trolling, guest fishing was steady throughout the 2010 season. We started out with the usual early season display of big trophy chinook/king salmon complemented with steady coho fishing right through the first part of July.
The best fishing for chinook salmon was again only minutes from the lodge at the Wall and especially the Dome. As for the coho/silvers, on most days we kept close to the lodge with the occasional foray over to Calvert Island. Some of the trips up to the 'Head' of Rivers Inlet (inland) were productive, but not all. Part of the lure (excuse the pun) of salmon fishing is that you don't always "get them" but many of our guests did this past season.
Congratulation to all catchers and netters.
It takes skill & patience to bring in fishes of this size.
(Did you know that 'fish' become 'fishes' when speaking of more than one species?)
Our season's biggest fishes are pictured here.
The largest halibut this season was 115 lbs. It was caught by Andy and Alex Sarglepp
and guided by Scottydog.
This 20 lb. coho caught by David Pressley, pictured here with Bob Dingler and guide Griffen, was the biggest this season.
click the images to enlarge
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| Cody Feakin with his 22 lb lingcod and Callie Feakin with her 15 lb. yellow eye rock fish. | |
If you have not already done so ...
now is the time to plan your 2011 fishing adventure.
Call us or send an email today in order to get the best choice of available dates.
All the best from Simon, Barbara, Cathy and the Sportsman's Club Crew.
October 10, 2010 - A Time to Give Thanks
We have so much to be thankful for...
During the second weekend of October,
Canadians everywhere celebrate Thanksgiving.
Families and friends gather to feast on the usual fare, turkey with all the trimmings. As many of you know, the turkey dinner is one of the most popular meals served at the Sportsman's Club. Other treats at the lodge include Heidi's chocolate chunk cookies as part of the late evening snack. Heidi recently received a plaque for 10 years of loyal, dedicated service to the lodge. Here, you will see a photo of her with Barbara. This week, Heidi travels to the Philippines for the winter but will be back on Vancouver Island in time for lodge rig-up and another fishing season at the lodge. Year after year, we are able to gather together a most amazing group of young people to serve you.
We are very thankful to all of them for their hard work.
Heidi receiving her 10 Year "Loyal Service Award" from Barbara.
During the second weekend of October,
Canadians everywhere celebrate Thanksgiving.
Families and friends gather to feast on the usual fare, turkey with all the trimmings. As many of you know, the turkey dinner is one of the most popular meals served at the Sportsman's Club. Other treats at the lodge include Heidi's chocolate chunk cookies as part of the late evening snack. Heidi recently received a plaque for 10 years of loyal, dedicated service to the lodge. Here, you will see a photo of her with Barbara. This week, Heidi travels to the Philippines for the winter but will be back on Vancouver Island in time for lodge rig-up and another fishing season at the lodge. Year after year, we are able to gather together a most amazing group of young people to serve you.
We are very thankful to all of them for their hard work.
Heidi receiving her 10 Year "Loyal Service Award" from Barbara.
To date, we have confirmed many 2011 fishing trip bookings for return and new guests. Thanksgiving and Christmas is a time for gift giving, so why not consider a 2011 fishing trip for family, friends and business associates to the
Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club Trophy Fishing Lodge.
We await your call at 1 (800) 663 2644 or email at info@riversinlet.com
Happy Thanksgiving Canada!"
click the images to enlarge
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| Cody Feakin 22lbs. Lingcod. | Three generations of the Hamilton Family get "Halibut Fever" with guide Scotty. |
September 10, 2010 - Highlights 2010
Another fabulous season comes to a close at the Sportsman's Club.
Towing the fleet across the inlet.
Our 27th season has come to a close.
The last of our guests departed the lodge a few days ago. The "rig down" crew has just finished towing the last of the buildings across the Inlet to our winter moorage in protected Sunshine Bay where the lodge will safely stay over the winter.
We had a fabulous season of fishing and adventures leaving many of you with some great "fish tales". We would love to hear your stories.
If you would like us to share your adventures you can submit your story and pictures to us and we can post them on the website.
You will see some highlights from the season at our FOTOPIC gallery: www.riversinlet.fotopic.net
To get your password protected individual photos from your fishing trip with us please contact us at info@riversinlet.com
Thank you to all the guests who visited us this summer!
Make sure you get the dates you want for your 2011 summer fishing adventure by confirming with us at your earliest convenience.
Tight Lines,
From all of us at the Sportsman's Club.
Towing the fleet across the inlet.
Our 27th season has come to a close.
The last of our guests departed the lodge a few days ago. The "rig down" crew has just finished towing the last of the buildings across the Inlet to our winter moorage in protected Sunshine Bay where the lodge will safely stay over the winter.
We had a fabulous season of fishing and adventures leaving many of you with some great "fish tales". We would love to hear your stories.
If you would like us to share your adventures you can submit your story and pictures to us and we can post them on the website.
You will see some highlights from the season at our FOTOPIC gallery: www.riversinlet.fotopic.net
To get your password protected individual photos from your fishing trip with us please contact us at info@riversinlet.com
Thank you to all the guests who visited us this summer!
Make sure you get the dates you want for your 2011 summer fishing adventure by confirming with us at your earliest convenience.
Tight Lines,
From all of us at the Sportsman's Club.
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| The "rig down" crew see the last of the guests off. |
The lodge is towed to protected Sunshine Bay for the winter. |
August 10, 2010 - Tyees Abound in 2010!
We call ourselves a Trophy Fishing Lodge for a good reason.
The waters of Rivers Inlet are home to REALLY BIG FISH!
The waters of Rivers Inlet are home to REALLY BIG FISH!
Dave and Christy Cottrell with their 47 lbs. tyee, guided by Nile.
Chinook, spring, king, black mouth, hog, slab, tyee...
all names for the same beautiful and potentially huge salmon. Yet, there is one thing that sets the tyee apart from the others and that's SIZE.
As you can see from these pictures this season our guests have had incredible success in catching these huge, majestic fish. Not only have many guests earned themselves a place in the esteemed Tyee Club but, as one guest put it, have caught "a fish of a lifetime"!
Coho action, or silvers as they are also called, has also been strong thus far. Not only have the migrational and residential stocks been strong but we are also seeing our "enhanced" coho coming back. In 2007 the local lodges along with The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) began an enhancement project to increase the number of coho coming out of a local river called Johnston Creek. The DFO has reported that a tagged coho weighing
9.5 lbs was caught off the Dome by one of our guests!
We thank all of our guests who have contributed $20 each year
to keep this project alive.
If you have not booked a trip but want to come "catch a fish of a lifetime"
we do still have some spaces available.
Chinook, spring, king, black mouth, hog, slab, tyee...
all names for the same beautiful and potentially huge salmon. Yet, there is one thing that sets the tyee apart from the others and that's SIZE.
As you can see from these pictures this season our guests have had incredible success in catching these huge, majestic fish. Not only have many guests earned themselves a place in the esteemed Tyee Club but, as one guest put it, have caught "a fish of a lifetime"!
Coho action, or silvers as they are also called, has also been strong thus far. Not only have the migrational and residential stocks been strong but we are also seeing our "enhanced" coho coming back. In 2007 the local lodges along with The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) began an enhancement project to increase the number of coho coming out of a local river called Johnston Creek. The DFO has reported that a tagged coho weighing
9.5 lbs was caught off the Dome by one of our guests!
We thank all of our guests who have contributed $20 each year
to keep this project alive.
If you have not booked a trip but want to come "catch a fish of a lifetime"
we do still have some spaces available.
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| Carter Krasny, Rory and Kieran Ross-Kelly all take a turn in catching this 47 1/2 pounder. | Dave Kleinkopf with his 63 lbs tyee, guided by Gary Raymond- long time guest and guide extraordinaire. | Peter Crawford 38 lbs. Spring with Patrick Maloney & Griffen (guiding). |
July 28, 2010 - A Whale of a Tail
Taking whale watching to a whole new level!
Who would have imagined that one could whale watch dockside?!
Whale WatchingThe big story this summer has been the whales. Although Rivers Inlet is famous for humpback whale activity in our 27 years of operation we have never seen so many of these majestic creatures.
They have been gorging themselves on the huge schools of pilchards that have been in our waters. The feeding has become so frenzied that at times whales have almost bumping into the lodge! Who would have imagined that you could whale watch from the comfort of our docks?
Chester, our camp dog, has been going crazy as the whales feed in the bay. He took his guarding duties a little too far when he jumped in after one the other day.
Salmon Fishing
It's been a fabulous summer so far with good fishing and sunny but not scorching weather. A cool North-West wind has been blowing for a few weeks making the fish school deeper. While anglers have been catching fish using our traditional top water "mooching" technique, our down-riggers have enabled guests to fish deeper and catch these wily salmon.
For the most part we have been fishing our usual spots. The Wall, Dome, Cranstown Point and Kevin's Corner, all spots minutes from the lodge, have been the best producers. This last trip we adventured over to Clarke Point on Calvert Islandand the coho bite was ON! There was lots of action with some nice fish averaging10-12 lbs. and some bigger ones as well!
Bottom Fishing
With steady salmon fishing guests have put in very little angler effort for bottom fish. Those who have spent time fishing for bottom dwellers have been handsomely rewarded. Leading the charge with the biggest halibut and lingcod yet caught this summer is the Feakin family. And oh what a fish story they have to tell! Their massive 108 lbs. halibut was caught on a salmon rod! And if that was not a challenge enough they used a gaff, not a harpoon, to bring it aboard!
If you recently visited us, we thank you for joining us. We hope you had a great adventure in Rivers Inlet. For those of you who are getting ready to visit us, the staff and I look forward to seeing you on our dock soon.
If you have not planned a fishing trip this summer we still have some space available.
Contact Cathy in the office at 1-800-663-2644 or email info@riversinlet.com or contact me,
Simon, at the lodge directly: email - riversinlet@hotmail.com.
To view more highlight photos from the summer go to our website at www.riversinlet.com.
Tight Lines.
Simon,
Director of Fishing.
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| Dave and Cody Feakin with their 108lbs. halibut caught on a salmon rod! | A Tyee! 32 1/4 lbs. king/spring caught by Lorie Rule, with Jim and Kit guiding. | Crew members Graham & Michael in a 20 minutes flurry of silver/coho action.Dock Host Graham and Guide Michael. |
July 11, 2010 - The Magic Begins
The season has started ... our first guests of the summer arrived July 11th.
The sun is shining and the fish are biting ...
it is wonderful to be back in majestic Rivers Inlet.
Guides Kit and D-Nile on a fish finding mission during Rig Up.
A lot goes into setting up a remote fishing lodge each year...
The lodge has to be towed piece by piece across the inlet to be reassembled and secured in Sportsman's Bay. The plumbing and electrical are reconnected. The boats are launched, set up and then meticulously gone over getting them ready for a summer of fabulous fishing.
Each building is power washed and scrubbed inside and out because we want our lodge to be as pristine and beautiful as the wilderness that surrounds us. Housekeepers Alissa, Shelby and Leeann go through every building washing every nook and cranny to make the whole place clean and fresh.
Our dock hands, Michael, Marty and Graham, are putting everything it its place and finding a place for all our new down-rigger tackle. The Tackle Shop is burgeoning with the down-riggers and all the new lures and set-ups that go with them. It feels like we are on the cusp of a new Fishing Frontier ... very exciting!
Chefs, Steve and Chris, are getting their kitchen prepared for the amazing meals they will be serving all summer long. Heidi is getting the summer office set up and has already been running some tests as she perfects her awesome chocolate chip cookie receipt.
Guides Chris and Nile are undergoing rigorous training sessions with
Simon's kids and are spending time on the water checking all the equipment
and finding the fish.
Simon and the whole Sportsman's Club crew will be at the end of the dock ready to greet our guests old and new as they disembark the float planes. We hope to see you in Rivers Inlet this summer ...
there are still some dates available and the fishing is RED HOT!
click on the images to enlarge
The sun is shining and the fish are biting ...
it is wonderful to be back in majestic Rivers Inlet.
Guides Kit and D-Nile on a fish finding mission during Rig Up.
A lot goes into setting up a remote fishing lodge each year...
The lodge has to be towed piece by piece across the inlet to be reassembled and secured in Sportsman's Bay. The plumbing and electrical are reconnected. The boats are launched, set up and then meticulously gone over getting them ready for a summer of fabulous fishing.
Each building is power washed and scrubbed inside and out because we want our lodge to be as pristine and beautiful as the wilderness that surrounds us. Housekeepers Alissa, Shelby and Leeann go through every building washing every nook and cranny to make the whole place clean and fresh.
Our dock hands, Michael, Marty and Graham, are putting everything it its place and finding a place for all our new down-rigger tackle. The Tackle Shop is burgeoning with the down-riggers and all the new lures and set-ups that go with them. It feels like we are on the cusp of a new Fishing Frontier ... very exciting!
Chefs, Steve and Chris, are getting their kitchen prepared for the amazing meals they will be serving all summer long. Heidi is getting the summer office set up and has already been running some tests as she perfects her awesome chocolate chip cookie receipt.
Guides Chris and Nile are undergoing rigorous training sessions with
Simon's kids and are spending time on the water checking all the equipment
and finding the fish.
Simon and the whole Sportsman's Club crew will be at the end of the dock ready to greet our guests old and new as they disembark the float planes. We hope to see you in Rivers Inlet this summer ...
there are still some dates available and the fishing is RED HOT!
click on the images to enlarge
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| Marty & the boys launching the fleet. | Heidi preparing the ovens ... yes that is a toothbrush. |
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For 25 years Legendary Seaman, John Salo, has been towing and securing Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club to and from Sportsman's Bay each season.... John is a rare breed of West Coast Adventurer. He has done everything from fishing, tug boating, logging, salvage, he is even a bush pilot. A true "MacGyver of the Coast" who can do/fix/make just about anything ... think Apollo 13 on the ocean. |
| John Salo making the final connection of "rig up". |
June 23, 2010 - Easy as 1, 2, 3...
All you need to bring to Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club is a sense of adventure...
We take care of the rest!
We take care of the rest!
Booking a fishing trip is as easy as 1, 2, 3 ...
1. Find one or more buddies to go with who are "worthy" of the trip.
Once you choose a date that works for all of you contact us
at 1 800 663 2644 or info@riversinlet.com to book the trip with your credit card.
We need $1000/trip deposit to hold your spots.
2. Book your return flights to Vancouver, B.C.
If you are coming from the US check that your passport is current.
3. Pack your soft-sided bag with a change of clothes and a toothbrush -
we have EVERTHING else.
Don't forget to hang your "GONE FISHIN" sign before you leave!
What is included in a trip package to Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club?
· Round trip airfare from Vancouver B.C. to Rivers Inlet.
· Accommodations (double occupancy), all hearty meals and snacks & refreshments.
· Unlimited fishing dawn until dusk in custom designed 17 ft. boats with 4-stroke Yamaha motors.
· Comprehensive fishing seminars and instruction by our fishing experts.
· All bait, tackle and equipment, fish cleaning, freezing and packing in an airline approved waxed fish box.
· Helly Hansen raingear and boots.
· Complimentary wine with dinner.
What do you need to bring on your trip?
Everything is included in your package except your fishing license & liquor.
All you need to bring is a sense of adventure and your personal effects.
We take care of the rest!
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click on images to enlarge
Packages do not include:
· Airfare to Vancouver from your departure city. Summer is a busy travel time so book this flight as soon as possible.
· Fishing license (approx. $45.00 plus government tax).
· Guiding is also available at $375.00/day for two (2) people/boat, $450.00/day for three (3) people/boat. Guiding is not necessary but if you are new to Rivers Inlet you may want to hire a guide for a day or more to minimize the learning curve and maximize your fishing time - www.riversinlet.com/site/fishing/guides.html.
· Liquor is sold at wholesale prices. (i.e. $3.00/beer, $35 bottle of rum etc. & we provide all the mixers. (This is a big hidden savings as you don't pay per drink).
· Airfare to Vancouver from your departure city. Summer is a busy travel time so book this flight as soon as possible.
· Fishing license (approx. $45.00 plus government tax).
· Guiding is also available at $375.00/day for two (2) people/boat, $450.00/day for three (3) people/boat. Guiding is not necessary but if you are new to Rivers Inlet you may want to hire a guide for a day or more to minimize the learning curve and maximize your fishing time - www.riversinlet.com/site/fishing/guides.html.
· Liquor is sold at wholesale prices. (i.e. $3.00/beer, $35 bottle of rum etc. & we provide all the mixers. (This is a big hidden savings as you don't pay per drink).
| Thursday-Sunday August 26-29. We are very fortunate to have the owner of the renowned Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler B.C., Andre St. Jacques, and acclaimed executive chef, Melissa Craig preparing our evening meals paired with specially selected wines during this wonderful weekend. In addition, Melissa, who won the 2008 gold medal as Canada's best chef at the Canadian Culinary Competition, will be conducting two instructional seminars. Join her in the afternoon as she prepares the evening meal for you, and learn the secrets that have led Melissa to the top of her profession. For more about the Bearfoot Bistro visit www.bearfootbistro.com |
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June 21, 2010 - Lodge Rig-Up
| Simon and the rig-up crew are running in the 3 Boston Whalers to Rivers Inlet from Port Hardy this Saturday. Sunday we start the towing of the lodge to Sportsman's' Bay from our winter moorage in Sunshine Bay. Opening day is July 11 and there is still space available ... reports are that the fishing is RED HOT already! |
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June 09, 2010 - Celebrating Fathers... Celebrating Family
Sharing time together is a gift that lasts a lifetime.
"Fathers young, fathers old
Remembering good times are our gold.
Value earned through guidance given
Helping us go forth in living.
Each father adding to our trove
A treasure chest of love untold.
Remembering fathers in our lives
Taking time to realize.
Fatherly love brings wealth to living
Remembering this, we go forth in giving."
"Fathers young, fathers old
Remembering good times are our gold.
Value earned through guidance given
Helping us go forth in living.
Each father adding to our trove
A treasure chest of love untold.
Remembering fathers in our lives
Taking time to realize.
Fatherly love brings wealth to living
Remembering this, we go forth in giving."
Author Unknown
Taking time to spend together with family is the ultimate gift.
Make life long memories at the Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club
by joining us on a fishing adventure you will never forget.
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Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club offers one of North America's richest fishing grounds only 5 minutes from the lodge with unlimited use of boats for fishing and sight seeing from dawn to dusk. This is a trip your father will never forget! |
May 20, 2010 - The Best Equipment for Catching Salmon
This season we have added downriggers to our arsenal of fishing equipment.
For days when those wily salmon are more elusive than normal our guests have the option to fish using downriggers. This equipment allows for fishing at greater depths while covering more ground as one travels at higher speeds.
At Sportsman's Club we pride ourselves on using only the best quality equipment to ensure that our guests have the greatest opportunity to catch fish.
The style of fishing we use at Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club for catching big chinook (king) is motor mooching with a cut plug herring in the top 20 feet of water near the shore. The angler puts the engine in and out of gear keeping the bait spinning slowly and erratically to mimic an injured bait fish. When fishing for coho (silvers) we troll further from shore keeping the engine in gear and the bait spinning much faster. When the salmon are particularly elusive guests can cover more ground using downriggers which allow for deeper, faster fishing.
The fishing set up we use is a limber tipped 10 ½ foot rod and a single action "knuckle buster" reel. The line used is 25 lb. test, a 6-8 ft. 2 hook leader and a 4-6 oz. lead. More and more anglers are using even lighter tackle. A nine weight fly rod rigged with 10-12 lb.
mono and 1-3 oz. lead. The fight of any size fish on this gear is exhilarating!
Let Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club provide you with the very best in fishing equipment in North America's richest fishing grounds for trophy salmon.
Book your fishing trip by calling Simon, Cathy & Barbara at 1.800.663.2644
or emailing: info@riversinlet.com
For days when those wily salmon are more elusive than normal our guests have the option to fish using downriggers. This equipment allows for fishing at greater depths while covering more ground as one travels at higher speeds.
At Sportsman's Club we pride ourselves on using only the best quality equipment to ensure that our guests have the greatest opportunity to catch fish.
The style of fishing we use at Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club for catching big chinook (king) is motor mooching with a cut plug herring in the top 20 feet of water near the shore. The angler puts the engine in and out of gear keeping the bait spinning slowly and erratically to mimic an injured bait fish. When fishing for coho (silvers) we troll further from shore keeping the engine in gear and the bait spinning much faster. When the salmon are particularly elusive guests can cover more ground using downriggers which allow for deeper, faster fishing.
The fishing set up we use is a limber tipped 10 ½ foot rod and a single action "knuckle buster" reel. The line used is 25 lb. test, a 6-8 ft. 2 hook leader and a 4-6 oz. lead. More and more anglers are using even lighter tackle. A nine weight fly rod rigged with 10-12 lb.
mono and 1-3 oz. lead. The fight of any size fish on this gear is exhilarating!
Let Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club provide you with the very best in fishing equipment in North America's richest fishing grounds for trophy salmon.
Book your fishing trip by calling Simon, Cathy & Barbara at 1.800.663.2644
or emailing: info@riversinlet.com
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Using downriggers is a new skill for many. If you have not used downriggers before you may want to hire a guide for a day or more to minimize the learning curve and maximize your fishing time. For more information:www.riversinlet.com/site/fishing/guides.html
You can view our latest Newsletter online: risc_newsletter_march2010web.pdf
You can view our latest Newsletter online: risc_newsletter_march2010web.pdf
April 27, 2010 - Information on Your Trip
542 Hours On The Water Each Season And Extensive Training
Makes A Guide A Bit Of An Expert.
For those of you who have booked a trip with us this summer your fishing adventure is just around the corner. Here are a couple of things that need to be addressed to facilitate your fabulous fishing adventure.
To those of you who have already paid your invoices in full we thank you!
If you have not paid your balance in full it is urgent that you do so
before this Friday, April 30th to avoid a new tax that will increase the cost of your trip. Please, save yourself some money and pay your balance in full today.
The second order of business is booking your guiding. We have found over the years that often guests arrive at the lodge thinking they will book their guiding at that time. Although many of our guests fish un-guided, first time guests,
and those who do not get the opportunity to fish regularly, will almost always catch more fish with a guide. With a guide you will learn our fishing techniques and about the area more quickly than on your own and will maximize your chances of catching more fish.
Guiding needs to be invoiced and paid in full in advance of your arrival at the lodge. We have a limited number of full time guides. Knowing in advance your guiding requirements allows us to bring in guest guides if needed.
Also, if your guiding is paid in full before April 30th you will not pay the new tax.
Eight hours of guiding with two in a boat is $375 per day (plus tax).
New this season is the option to book one of our bigger Boston Whalers
which takes 3 people for $450 (plus tax).
Call or email us today to book your guide ... 1-800-663-2644.
This weekend guides Simon, Nile, Chris (Kit), and Scott (the Rookie) successfully completed their 3 day SVOP course. This 'Small Vessel Operators Proficiency' course teaches in depth marine navigation, procedures and safety.
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There are a few Guest Registration Forms trickling in ... 
if you have not completed your registration yet you can do so online at...
www.riversinlet.com/site/contact_us/guest_registration.html
Check out events in our "Lodge News" at ...
www.riversinlet.com/site/lodge_news.html
You can also view our latest Newsletter online ...
www.riversinlet.com/media/documents/pdf/risc_newsletter_march2010web.pdf
April 19, 2010 - Hatchery News
Making Fish for the Future
Over 20 years ago the lodges in the Rivers Inlet area decided to start a privately funded chinook (king) salmon hatchery due to depleted stocks from commercial over-fishing and poor logging practices. Four million dollars and many years later, what started as a dream has turned into reality with increased salmon returns. The Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) attested to this with their announcement last week that they are predicting an “abundance of chinook salmon in 2010 … the best returns in 12 years”!
The overwhelming success of this project inspired us to expand our hatchery program. In 2007, enhancement began on the coho (silver) run in Johnston Creek near Draney Inlet
(a 10 min. boat ride from the Sportsman’s Club).
The great news is the hatchery coho of 2007 are returning this year. After the exceptional coho fishing of last summer and DFO predictions of a strong coho run this season,
our hatchery returns will be the “icing on the cake”!
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