The Best Salmon Fishing In The World Is Around The Queen Charlotte Island Chain, B.C.

Located off the west coast of British Columbia, the majestic Queen Charlotte Islands provide world-class charter salmon and halibut fishing. Here, anglers can float on pristine waters that teem with baitfish and kelp forests while navigating rocky outcroppings. You can wait for your catch as humpback whales and orcas breech off the boat's bow, or watch a bald eagle scoop a 20-pound Chinook straight out of the water. You might even spot the occasional black bear lumbering along the shoreline.

These cold, nutrient-rich waters sustain all five salmon species in a range of weight classes, including kings and "tyee" chinooks in the 30- to 90-pound range and cohos for fly fishermen. Sport anglers regularly catch their limit of monster halibut, along with ling cod and red snapper which also thrive here. Because this 200-mile stretch of islands lies directly within migration channels, the entire season, from May through September, allows for exciting excursions on the open water.

With such abundance, there are very few slow days for anglers. The daily combination limit for all salmon species is four fish, while the daily possession limit is eight. The possession daily limit for halibut stands at two, but when hooking 150-pound fish, there's plenty to send home! Anglers often fill out their catch with additional bottom feeder limits, try their hand at crabbing or head inland to lure freshwater trout.

Venturing out on your own might seem less expensive, but a local, experienced guide will take you to the best spots for the biggest catches. Charter salmon fishing also leaves the task of dressing the day's catch to the crew, and decks out guests with the latest equipment and all-weather gear.

After an exhilarating day on the water, head to a nearby lodge, just minutes from the catch site, and swap bragging rights over a hearty home-cooked meal on stunning beachfront property. Lodge chefs will indulge you with local game and seafood, creating gourmet meals from the freshest ingredients. After dinner, wind down in front of a massive stone fireplace, or play a few hands of poker in the card room. Drop by the fitness room or hot tub to work out the kinks after a long day on the boat.

A Canada fishing lodge will often offer packages that include excursions with seasoned guides and sturdy vessels featuring state-of-the-art tracking equipment for spotting the largest schools of fish. Guests can tailor combinations for dining options and freshwater trips, and can even arrange for their entire catch to be smoked, packed and shipped back home.

Booking a charter for the Queen Charlotte Islands isn't your run-of-the-mill trip - it's an experience that will make this region your top destination for salmon and halibut fishing for years to come.

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