Aug 28 - September 1, 2006
Fishing conditions continued to be very favourable this week with mild temperatures and only a few periods of drizzle and light winds. The eastern shore of Langara Island produced the most consistent results for chinook in the 20 to 30 pound range while guests also recorded good catches at Gunia and Boulder Bay also. Towards the end of the week, Green Point and surrounding hot spots outproduced the more popular areas for both coho and chinook. Tyee class fish are still being recorded, led by Fraser Baikie's released 40 pounder. Jim Lambright was most pleasantly surprised when he hooked and landed a 40 lb. halibut on salmon gear in Bruin Bay! Several coho in the high teens were caught including a 21 pounder for Russell Smith. All four of our teenage guests earned their pins on our special "Relative Tyee" awards night. Congratulations to Taylor & Fraser Baikie and Kaitlyn and Melissa Poggemoeller. Good fun with a great group!

Randy Lee
Guest Host

Aug 25-28, 2006
This past weekend saw a return to stronger fishing results after a brief lull from the very productive trips in early to mid August. Guests enjoyed strong bite periods and more steady action, especially during the morning sessions. Cohoe Point to McPherson Point provided most of the activity for chinook in the 20 to 40 pound class. Coho, that were elusive for the past week, are appearing in increasing numbers and there are definitely larger ones (15+ lbs.) in the area. Congratulations to William Salley who recorded our season record coho of 21.5 lbs. yesterday. Truly a remarkable fish!

Randy Lee
Guest Host

Aug 18-21, 2006
At the start of this trip we saw the return of large schools of herring off the Lighthouse to McPherson…did not see what ever chased herring in. This trip saw a “high pressure” system roll in to north end of Charlottes [Langara], and I don’t think it was a coincidence, but we also saw the Chinook move off the area. It was like a switch turning off, and they moved off.

Having said this, North Island guides managed to scout area, and find fish down at the Cabbage Patch. On the ebb the coho were there, on the flood, the Chinook moved in. The largest Chinook caught at the patch was 45lbs, on herring. North Island called the “bite” for all lodges, and they were all there.

It was great to finally have summer for a day and a half, however, there is another “Low Pressure” moving in tonight, and will create havoc in area tomorrow. If all goes to plan, [and it seldom does], we will be back in to fish tomorrow.

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

Aug 14-18, 2006
Boulder/Guinia continue to produce large Chinook. Although productivity is slightly reduced from the previous trips, those who chose to “Stick and Stay”, made it pay. The largest Chinook of the trip went to Scott Shepherd with his 46lber! First timers Christine and David Bristow brought in 5 tyees between them.
For added excitement, those who wanted Coho went to the Cabbage Patch where a large school of excellent Coho entertained all who visited. On the tide change, the Coho moved out, and the Chinook moved in.

The herring has just moved back in to the Lighthouse, and the guides are moving in as I write this, we will know this evening how many fish are pushing herring in.

The weather continues to be ideal for the fish. The skies are overcast, there is a bit of fog, and a slight drizzle on and off. Water temperature is holding at around 52 degrees.

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

Aug 11-14, 2006
We hosted the annual Bosa fishing derby this trip and the group were very serious about the fish. Although we saw a slight decrease in quantity of fish, we did see allot more of the larger fish…25 tyee’s total for Saturday and Sunday!
There was great debate over spoons verses herring. It seems more tyees took herring. The fish were shallow, being caught from 10 to 40 feet. Guinia and Cohoe Pts continue to be very productive. The herring balls continue to move in to shore on the ebb tide, and out on the flood.

Congratulations to Kevin Brennan for largest guided fish with his 40lb Chinook, and to Arnold Houseman for largest unguided with his 39lb Chinook. A great deal of fun was had by all, and everyone is looking forward to next year’s event!

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

Aug 7-11, 2006
The fishing exploded this trip. It was Langara in all her brilliance. The “bite” came on first thing in the morning, mid day, and again in early evening. Double, and triple “headers” were common. The fish were everywhere…on the service, ten feet, down to thirty feet. Guests fishing for halibut at 160’ were catching Chinook.

On Tuesday, herring moved in to island like we have not seen this year. Herring schools the size of a football field, were spread out from the Lighthouse to Cohoe Point. They moved in on the ebb, then out on the flood. It is awesome! The place is lit up!! Whales, eagles, sea birds, and all species of fish are going crazy on the herring.

The weather continues to be perfect for fishing as well. It’s been overcast, with mists and occasional showers with very manageable winds. Fish are hitting everything, with herring and spoons for those who have limit of Coho being presentation of choice.

May the fish gods continue to smile!!

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

Aug 4-7, 2006
Tyee catching continued on this trip. Twelve tyees in three days, making our seven-day total at 36 Chinook over 30 pounds. David H. Greenberg caught the largest Chinook that weighed in at 50lbs! David’s fish was caught at Cohoe Point, while most others were caught at Guina/Boulder. The Coho continue to hold at Guina, and between Chinook bites, lots of guests would go into schools for non-stop action.

Herring is very productive, but lots were switching to spoons when targeting Chinook.

Weather continues to be fishy; overcast, showers, and cool. Winds have been manageable. The birds, sharks, whales, and fish are all prolific, and actively feeding insuring non-stop action!

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

July 31 - Aug 4, 2006
Although the fishing initially appeared to be slow, by the end of the first afternoon of this trip, there were 6 Chinook over 30 pounds! Steve Laughlin topped up first day with a bright 41lb’er. Every day of the trip provided tyee’s, and by this morning, the grand total was 23 tyee’s!! The tyee count is starting to look a little more normal for Langara.

Boulder Point and Guinia Point were out producing everywhere else. A school of Coho moved into Guinia yesterday, just to add to the package. The ‘River’ is still producing lots of salmon although only a few big ones. Green/Clash have Coho and large Chinooks for those who wanted the long boat ride.

Lots of our guests were from California and Arizona, and they enjoyed the cool, moist temperatures we have been experiencing, along with a few gentle showers. There was very little wind to speak of, excellent fishing weather.

Everyone re-booked for next year, so we are looking forward to seeing our friends, again.

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

July 28-31, 2006
I returned from a break to join the “Jon P. Anderson” group, for their annual, exclusive, here at North Island! The North Island crew, and Jon’s guests, where very happy to see each other again!

The fishing was a little slower than what the “Anderson group” has been accustomed too, over the years. Having said that, the boys did work hard, and all were rewarded with lots of Chinook, Coho, and Halibut! There was allot of controversy over Jon catching the largest Salmon, a beautiful 36lb’er! Then there was Jim’s and David’s double header tyee show! Some of North Island’s other guest’s observed something different than what was reported from the boat, either way, it was a show!!

Some guests decided to fish the “River” in the tidal zone, for “cuttie’s” and other stuff, while on “the fly”. This was a huge success!! Mitchy, Mitch hosted this uniquie experience.

North Island looks forward to the “Anderson” group returning…can you stay all year?

Thanks again, you guys!!

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

July 24-28, 2006
The trip started with a change in the predominant weather and fishing patterns around Langara Island. Blue skies and warm temperatures gave way to more traditional Charlottes fare - low clouds, mist and occasional showers. Larger chinook, including Dave Easter's 50 pounder on the first afternoon, set an optimistic tone for the week. Huge numbers of coho continued to keep everybody busy. Several of our guests took full advantage of this opportunity and enjoyed great sport, trolling bucktails on fly rods. Chinook in the 20 to 35# class are appearing in the area but seem to be constantly on the move. Both our staff and guests thoroughly enjoyed the company of two very enthusiastic, first-time visitors, six year old Katelyn Feir and her four year old sister, Laura. Both earned tyee pins on our first-ever "Relative Tyee Day". As I prepare to return home, this past week has served well to remind me of the pure pleasure of enjoying good fun, good fishing and great hospitality with family and friends, albeit vicariously! Thanks to Chef Walter and the great staff and crew at North Island Lodge. Welcome back, Kevin!

Randy Lee
Guest Host

July 21-24, 2006
It's great to be back at Langara Island again for my annual visit as "Guest Host" at North Island Lodge. General Manager, Kevin McAughtrie, is enjoying a well-deserved mid season break. Near-perfect fishing conditions greeted us on Friday with mild temperatures, partial cloud and calm seas. Large numbers of coho in the 8 to 14 lb. class are present in virtually all of the popular locations and offer non-stop action. Green Point and the "river" produced the most consistent catches of chinook during the early part of last week although guests have been finding success at Gunia Point and Boulder Bay over the past few days.

Randy Lee
Guest Host

July 14-17, 2006
The fishing conditions continue to vary, day to day. Over this three-day trip, part of each day would be quiet. Then for several hours, the “bite” would come on, and most people “tubbed” out on Salmon. Folks who worked their favorite spots where frustrated, as the Salmon seem to be gathering around the ‘River’.

At the “River’, the depth is only 80’. Coho and Chinook, where being caught at 12-to 15 pulls. Interestingly, Halibut, cod, and Lings were rising up to cut-plugs, in these shallow waters. It is a melody of fish our guests are taking home.

Weather was awesome…little winds, and few clouds! Trip ended with a most spectacular display of Nature’s awesome power…a small group of transient Killer Whales, killing, and eating, a Minke Whale. The whales ended up leaving a pool of red water in their wake. Some of our self-guided guest’s noted that they observed seals beaching themselves, to avoid the on-slot coming from Nature’s most organized killers.

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

July 10-14, 2006
This trip saw the return of the Manville, and Crown and Cork groups. The lodge was delighted to welcome back our friends, and we all had a great time. Weather continued to be challenging for first several days. High winds and rain create expected challenges. Everyone “duked” it out, and were rewarded with Chinook and Coho. Due to winds, the Halibut were tough to fish. Yet, Halibut were caught on Salmon gear at Gelina River.

I have been commenting in last few reports about lack of larger fish…it all changed yesterday when Brian Gregg caught a 40lber, and Jarrod Doherty caught a 63lb Chinook! Both were caught at Boulder Bay. The 63lber was caught on shallow rod, in twenty feet, with a chrome spoon. It goes without saying, the lodge is still buzzing! Great to see, and what a bright, beautiful fish it is.

Hope it continues this week…I’ll keep you posted

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

July 7-10, 2006
Trip started off with gale force winds Friday afternoon, and built to Storm force over night. Although we were tucked away here in Beale Cove, the winds howled overhead. Saturday saw the winds drop from storm, to gale force. This made fishing extremely challenging. There was a good bite on, and lots of fish were there for those who toughed it out. Sunday brought light to moderate north westerlies and sunny skies and plenty of fish…it was payback for the previous two days! The humpback whales continued their incredible display of graceful feeding, and the Killer whales visited the lodge.

The fish continue to favor herring, and the needlefish have shown up. Guides have switched over to spoons to target Chinook through the Coho. Again this trip, the tyees were elusive, however, eleven-year-old John Marsh picked up his fourth tyee, in as many trips continuing his streak! Lets see what you get next year, John.

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

July 3-7, 2006
The fishing continues to be outstanding. Lots of Coho’s, lots of Chinook. Cohoe Point and Green Point are producing bulk of fish. Water temperature is holding at 54Fso between bites, fish can be found a little deeper [70’-90’], however, during bite they are everywhere. Cut plug herring still out-producing, but spoons [chrome] are O.K., if targeting Chinook.

Although winds continued to plague, weather was manageable. Large numbers of Killer, and Humpback whales are moving in, and out of area, and there has been one particularly obnoxious Sea lion hanging around kelp, tight to Cohoe Point (the author lost a battle with him yesterday!).

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

June 30 - July 3, 2006
Due to the strong high pressure off the whole coast of B.C., the North West winds, blowing 15 to 30 knots, had an influence of where we could fish this trip. Although Cohoe Point was the only spot we could comfortable fish, fortunately there were fish to be caught! Water temperatures warmed up slightly from 50F to 54F. This pushed the fish down a little deeper to the 80’-90’ range.

Although we had only three fish over 30lbs during weekend, there a where multitude of fish in 20lb range, with many double, and triple headers. Due to winds, halibut fishing was difficult, too impossible. Coho fishing has really improved with most guests limiting out.

By Monday morning the winds subsided, opening up other areas to fish, with most areas producing. There is definitely several different “runs” of salmon holding at Lanagara. They are here!

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

June 26-30, 2006
We at North Island Lodge were very pleased to have hosted the annual exclusive trip with Mogens Smed, and friends. This trip is a Catch and Release with a very unique schedule. The guests include recipients of the Make A Wish foundation, and with out exception, all guests were very interesting and wonderful people.

The fishing was fairly steady through out trip. At times, allot of fish were released. Unusually few chinooks over 30lbs…only one fish over, but it was a nice one at 41.5lbs released by Jason Kowalski. We did see a 55lb halibut. Coho are increasing in numbers, and we released a steelhead! Oddly, a number of large squid showed up in several places.

This trip was weighted rods and cut plug herring only, which was proven successful. Weather started off with showers, then high pressure built bringing in sun and North Westerly winds. Humpbacks were prevalent around Cabbage Patch, and were very active feeding. A number of Killer Whales continue to move in, and then out, of area.

We at North Island would like to thank Mogens, and all his guests for a wonderful trip. Hope to see you again!

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

June 19-25, 2006
Week started out slow with pattern of brief but solid bites. By Wednesday clearly there were several new runs entering the Langara area. Several different hues and sizes started showing up with countless releases. There were 8 tyees kept with the largest being 47lber caught by Chris Loeken of Tom Bacher Group. Most product spots continue to be Cohoe, McPherson, and Andrews points. Lots of halibut 15-40 lbs off Jelina River. We have seen a few more Coho showing up, and also a few Chum, and one Sockeye. Cut-plug herring still doing well.

While the weather on south coast roasts in record heat, we have been enjoying typical Charlotte weather with brief showers, a bit of fog, and very manageable winds.

Forty Killer Whales were spotted off Lighthouse today, and Humpbacks continue to feed in area.

Tom Bacher could not make this trip, although we are hearing he may come up in July. Are thoughts are with you Tom.

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

June 16-19, 2006
The salmon thinned out over this past weekend. Guests had to work hard, and put in time to get fish. Guinia Point, and Cohoe Pt continue to be most productive areas, although Bruin Bay went “off” Saturday and Sunday on the tide change. Cut plug herring is the most productive bait. Weather has been manageable. There was little wind to contend with. There were few showers now and then. Some guests took the opportunity to learn about the Haida culture by visiting an old village at Kiusta.

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

June 12-16, 2006
We found the “bite” to be a little unusual this trip. A number of Chinook hit and shook hooks. The bite continues to be sporadic with about two hours of good, solid action. Time on the water paid off for those who wished to retain their fish, with close to limits.

Two exceptional achievements were accomplished; Rene Pfander and Dave Showman retained four tyees ranging from 30lb to 36lbs, and Trevor James of Australia caught a 52lber, the first of the year! Congratulations!

Most of the large fish were caught on cut-plug, very close to shore. A little rain, wind and sun, in other words, typical Charlotte weather.

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

June 9-12, 2006
The weather was the story this past weekend. Strong to gale force Northwesterly’s limited the fishing to the east side of Langara. A layer of fog has descended on area, and has made flying very challenging. As we have equipped our self-guided boats with G.P.S.’s this year, guests have had no problems navigating area.

Fishing has seen over half of day quiet, with allot of activity on afternoon tide change. Cut plug, and chrome spoons producing well. Catches of note include 30, 32, 35, and 37lb, over last few days. Winds continue, however, weather pattern is forecasted to change tomorrow.

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

June 5-9, 2006
This trip started off very well with up to 15 releases first afternoon, and a number of retained, largest being 35lbs. Second day, although quiet in the morning, showed a great deal of action in the afternoon with largest Salmon caught being 41.5lbs!

Wednesday brought in several pods of Killer Whales. Although they were awesome to watch, as they taught their young how to fish, this also brought an end to Chinooks. Salmon usually scatter for up to 48 hours.

The weather has been unusually good this week. We had a moderate Northwesterly, however, lots of sun!

Of note a 102lb halibut came in on this trip. It is the largest we have seen in a few years!

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

June 2-5, 2006
Have just completed our first trip of the 2006 season [June 02-05] hosting Courtney Hatfield of “Fishing with Shelly and Courtney”. Courtney brought up her friends and family for some fun!

Fishing stared of slow Friday, however, by Saturday afternoon people experienced double headers, and lots of fish to the boat. Quiet Sunday morning, but once again, the afternoon flood tide triggered the fish.

Chinooks were hitting on cut-plug herring at about 55 feet. Several Coho [about 6lbs] were also caught, indicating fresh runs moving in. Most everyone enjoyed a “White sided” dolphin show including aerials about 6’ out of the water, and even the Humpback whales got into the show. Weather was manageable…a little cloud, a little wind, and a little sun.

All in all, a very successful beginning to 2006 season!!

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager

June 2, 2006
Today is the first official opening day for North Island Lodge, for the 2006 season! Yesterday North Island’s crew, having worked very hard to set lodge up, were able to relax and enjoy a staff derby. The weather was overcast, with little winds. It was also an opportunity to work out any kinks in boats, and to spread out and determine how and where the fish were.

We all noted that the water temperature was back to normal, 47 degrees F. This is encouraging compared to how we left it last year. The fishing was slow for first part of derby. A few fish started showing up at Lacy Island. There were several double headers sand before long we had some in the boats.

Overall the crew is very excited at the upcoming season, and look forward to hosting our guests this season. I will report on first group’s activities in a few days.

Best Regards,

Kevin McAughtrie
North Island Lodge Manager