Two guests holding a large Chinook salmon on the dock

The Fishing Experience

We have over 200 years of guiding experience as a group. Our “team fishing” philosophy and extensive experience in the area provide you with your best chance for success.

Two guests holding a Chinook salmon on the dock
Orcas surfacing in calm water near the lodge
Sunset over the inlet with mountains in the mist
Aerial view of the floating lodge moored against the forested shore
Guests gathered around a large halibut hung at the lodge
Guest holding a large Chinook salmon beneath the carved Coastal Springs sign
Guest holding a Chinook salmon beneath the carved Coastal Springs sign
A guest lying alongside the day's catch of salmon on the dock
Cloud over the mountains at the mouth of the inlet
Salmon fillets laid on racks ready for smoking
An angler playing a fish from the boat at dusk
Running between fishing grounds in morning fog
Close-up of a Chinook salmon held aboard the boat
A guide lying alongside the day's catch of salmon on the dock
A salmon leaping beside the boat while anglers play it
Two guests aboard the boat with a large Chinook salmon
The lodge's fishing boats moored at the dock at dusk
Two guests holding halibut on the lodge dock
Calm water at first light with a boat in the distance
Two guests holding a large Chinook salmon on the dock
Guest holding a Chinook salmon aboard the boat
Guest beside a large halibut hung on the dock weigh frame
Two Chinook salmon on the dock beside a rod and reel
A halibut coming up alongside the boat

Watch Fishing with Rod - Part 1

Watch Fishing with Rod - Part 2

Watch Fishing with Rod - Part 3

From the central location of the lodge, during our fishing season we fish Knight Inlet and the surrounding waters for all five species of Pacific salmon, with our main focus on the large Chinook (King or Tyee) with our well seasoned staff seeing to it that every effort is made to make your stay a memorable one.

Fishing Seasons

Summer Season

From June to July 15th we fish the Knight Inlet/Clio Channel areas for Chinook, also venturing out to the mouth of the inlet and other areas for Halibut and Lingcod. What this time can lack in  salmon species variance, it more than makes up for in fish size and abundance. If you would like the best chances at a playing a monster Chinook/King (our lodge record is 68 lbs). This is your time to book.

After the 15th of July, we relocate our floating lodge to the mouth of Knight Inlet. Here we fish for the migrating runs of all five species of Pacific salmon. With our focus mainly on the large Chinook, we also catch the acrobatic Coho/Silver salmon as well as Sockeye, Pink, and Chum. Here you can also engage in bottom fishing for halibut, lingcod and rockfish.

Late Summer Coho Fishing

In the final weeks of August-Mid September, great numbers of Coho salmon (silvers) can arrive in our area. A combination of Northern and local coho that are much larger than average (9-15 lb average all the way up to low 20lbs) are our target species for much of this time. Chinook are still caught and targeted during these weeks in the same areas as they are still abundant at this time.

Weather permitting, there is the option to fly fish from the boat for Coho during this time as well. Please inform us prior to booking if this interests you.

Boats and Equipment

We use 17 and 18 ft fiberglass boats manufactured by Double Eagle and Hourston Glascraft. These vessels are designed specifically for the waters we navigate and are very comfortable for those long outings. Each boat is equipped with 2 Yamaha outboard motors, soft-top, VHF radio, GPS, depth sounders, and all safety equipment.

All fishing gear and bait is provided and rigged by our expert guides, giving you more time to watch the rod. Every guide has slightly different taste in gear and technique, but we all troll using Scotty downriggers, and single action reels, adding an increased level of excitement to the fight!

Fish Processing

Your catch will be cleaned, filleted, vacuum-sealed, labeled, and frozen immediately after you’ve taken your pictures and exercised your bragging rights. Upon your departure we supply a sizable Styrofoam cooler box with a cardboard outer shell for your catch’s trip home. All portioning and packaging is within regulations set by DFO.

Another option, if you chose to do so, is to have your catch canned by St. Jean’s Cannery near the float plane terminal in Vancouver. We supply all forms and special treatment of your catch to accommodate this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

From June through to mid September. What is running changes considerably across those months, and the lodge itself moves partway through.

All five species of Pacific salmon, with our main focus on the large Chinook, also known as King or Tyee. We also catch Coho or Silvers, Sockeye, Pink and Chum, along with halibut and ling cod.

Yes. From June to July 15 we fish the Knight Inlet and Clio Channel areas, venturing out to the mouth of the inlet and elsewhere. After July 15 we relocate the floating lodge to the mouth of Knight Inlet for the migrating runs.

June to July 15. What that period lacks in variety of species it more than makes up for in fish size and abundance, and it is when we see our most world class tyee fishing in the remote Knight Inlet waters.

Coho are present from mid July onwards. In the final weeks of August into mid September great numbers can arrive, a mix of northern and local fish that run much larger than average. Weather permitting, there is also the option to fly fish for Coho from the boat during this period. Please tell us before booking if that interests you.

Your catch is cleaned, filleted, vacuum sealed, labeled and frozen immediately after you have taken your pictures. We supply a cooler box for transporting it home. You can also have your catch canned by St. Jean’s Cannery near the float plane terminal in Vancouver, and we supply all the forms.

Let’s Go Fishing!

At Coastal Springs Float Lodge we offer a relaxed, intimate fly-in fishing experience.

“Our stay at the fishing and floating lodge was truly remarkable. The natural surroundings were nothing short of picturesque, and we were fortunate to have clear nights that provided us with an unparalleled stargazing experience. The fishing experience at Coastal Springs was simply breathtaking. It surpassed all our expectations. The guides, with their profound expertise and unwavering commitment, went above and beyond to ensure that each fishing outing was a success. The culinary voyage at the lodge was equally exceptional. After a full day of salmon fishing, observing bald eagles, and watching whales on the water, there was nothing more satisfying than indulging in the exquisite meals expertly crafted by the talented staff. The culinary offerings consistently exceeded our expectations We look forward to our next visit. Thank you Cam and team!”

Michael Toll

“Everyday was made special not because of the fishing necessarily, but because of the incredibly kind, generous and knowledgeable guides & lodge staff. The fishing was undoubtedly fantastic as expected, but the human connection made possible only by the intimate size of the lodge, made my trip especially remarkable. Combine all this with comfortable accommodations, homey communal meals, and an exceptionally beautiful remote location, and you get the best fishing experience I’ve ever had. I cannot recommend Coastal Springs Fishing Lodge enough.” 🙏🎣

Jasmine Thoo

“My first real fishing adventure, and it was awesome. Cam and his team took great care of us…..fishing was fantastic, food was delicious, guides (Ed, Bruce and Roy) were all amazing, and the location was spectacular and teeming with nature. Thanks again for a wonderful experience!”

Bruce Marshall

“I’ve been up to Coastal Springs now 10 or 11 times, and every trip has been great! These pics are from my last trip in August, 2023. I take a group up about every other year, and everybody always wants to go back. The staff are expert fishermen, and just plain awesome people! The food and accommodations are superb in every way, and the fishing is the best! When you mix the awesome fishing, the staff, the beautiful scenery, it is truly a great trip in every way! On this last trip, one of our guys who has never been to Coastal Springs before had previously done a few Alaska fishing trips, and he said this was the best fishing experience he has ever had and is asking when we’re going back. It is the perfect getaway and so much fun! I can’t wait to go back!”

Doug Huntsman

“Hands down the BEST experience I’ve ever had. There are few times in my life I have come to the end of a holiday, taken a deep breath and felt totally refreshed…mind, body and soul! The fishing is fantastic. We have been BLESSED with some amazing catches, the guides are second to none and they work above and beyond to get you that Tyee, and the food…stellar! A once in a lifetime trip has turned into going on 6 years coming back as a family! Thanks Cam & Crew, see you on the dock this summer…and next….and next….”

Chelsey Tyshynski

“Scenery was spectacular! Facilities were clean and well kept up. Guides were awesome. They knew where to find fish and knew how to catch them. The weather was varied, but the gear kept us protected. Food was delicious. We had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend!”

Barbara Fangman