north island Lodge Reports

July 9 - 16, 2007

As the guests geared up for their last morning one could not expect a near miracle in just a couple hours fishing. Well anything can happen when fishing here on Langara as Tracy Otterman proved, hooking into what can only be described as a Knee Knocker. An extra large Chinook that comes to the surface shows itself and quickly performs a series of cartwheels as the angler trembles with excitement. Tracy and his guide Jordan knew that this was “the one” dreams are made of. The trailing hook barely embedded in its lip and a sealion steaming towards them looking for an easy meal, they worked together as a team to coax the beast to the net. When they pulled up to the dock everyone could tell by the look on their faces something special happened out there. Lifting the 65lb brute onto the dock both guides and guests rushed over in awe knowing they had captured the near impossible. I’m sure I heard one stunned angler say, “It looks like a salmon only bigger”. Congratulation Tracy! That is truly a fish of a lifetime and what a way to end your trip.

Guests on the July 13th-16th trip were expecting big things with the breaking news of a 65lb Chinook. The big fish continued to roll in with 5 tyee’s taken in the first afternoon including a 52lb by Peter White off Cohoe Point with local guide Eric Uttendorfer. Over the next couple of days the fishing tapered off but guests remained optimistic. Perhaps the most patient was 10 year old Brandon Beasley, who showed us all that good things happen to those who wait. On his last morning’s fish Brandon worked a 42.5lb Chinook to the net from start to finish. Way to go Brandon!

Out on the halibut grounds, the seas were calm and ideal for hunting down the flatties. Guests that headed out were rewarded with catches of great eating halibut in the 15-60 pound range but two of our guests got a little more than they bargained for. Brian Poffenberger rolled in with a 102 lb Hali and Peter White connected with a trophy of 200+ pounds which he captured on film and released to swim another day. This trend is catching on around here with anglers realizing that these large females will provide us with future halibut fishing opportunities.

Calm seas have continued into this week with most of the salmon being found around the Mcphearson Point area. Guides continue to use the downriggers to their advantage often setting them at the 80+ foot mark. With a new push of fish arriving we seem to be back in the peak season groove with a series of twenties and two more tyee’s rolling in today. It sure is nice to see the fishing back to “Langara standards” and I know everyone here is anxious to see what the next few days will deliver.

Todd McIntyre
North Island Lodge

June 29, 2007

This morning June 29th, we bid farewell to the guests of the "Friends of Mogens" annual derby. As always, this was a friendly, catch and release competition for fishing purists and a great time was had by all. Andy Wiese's 34 pounder on Thursday was enough to capture first place as two tyees on the final morning fell slightly short of the mark. We look forward to seeing everyone again next summer!

The afternoon session provided a perfect start for our new guests. Calm seas and light overcast plus great fishing action. For the first time in awhile, McPherson Point offered some of the strongest fishing we have seen this season. Schools of herring attracted lots of 25 to 35 pound chinook. We also recorded several coho in the 10 lb. range. Bait and big spoons trolled at 50 to 80 feet were the combination of choice. All in all, the kind of day that has made Langara Island a legend.

Randy Lee
WCFC Client Services