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ERIC BERGER PHOTOGRAPHY
Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club
Fishing trophy-calibre waters for salmon is about as exciting as fishing can get.
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Guest
Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club
A first-hand 45-pounder that was caught near the lodge.
By Steve Fennell
The Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club has been owned and operated by the Kelly family since 1984. It enters its 35th season of leading die-hard anglers to their fishing fights of a lifetime. Although the Kellys can’t guarantee breaking the club’s record of landing a monster 32.9-kilogram (72.5-pound) chinook salmon, they do their best to instruct guests on how to catch big fish, and provide experiences that will last a lifetime.
Located on B.C.’s central coast approximately 483 kilometres (300 miles) north of Vancouver, or approximately 148 kilometres (92 miles) north of Port Hardy, the Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club is a strictly fly-in fishing lodge – which means there are no roads, and crowds are practically non-existent. Taking the 90-minute flight (via a Cessna Caravan) from the South Terminal of Vancouver International Airport is just the beginning of the journey north. Arriving at The Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club means stowing your personal smart phone, and enjoying everything the region has to offer. There is, however, WiFi available for those very important calls that need to be made.
“The reason we are located on Rivers Inlet is the fact that very large salmon can be caught here, and productive salmon-bearing rivers like the Kilbella, Chuckwalla, and Wannock feed into our system,” said owner Barbara Kelly. “According to the fishing reports that we receive from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) throughout the season, more salmon congregate in this area during the peak fishing season than anywhere else on the B.C. coast.”
With an expert staff – which includes Kelly’s son Simon, his wife Stephanie d'Artois (who share the operation manager’s role), Cathy Drew, the office and accounts manager, and a team of up to 20 to include seasoned fishing guides and on-site staff – guests’ questions are always answered, and their needs are always addressed.
Fishing trophy-calibre waters for salmon during the peak run from June to September is about as exciting as fishing can get. To properly educate guests (and to make the most of their time), the guides regularly present seminars on “everything they need to know about the area and salmon fishing.” Topics range from water safety and handling heavy tackle to landing any one of coastal species that include chinook, coho, lingcod, and halibut. Most importantly, successful fishing is mixed with comfort. The lodge has a fleet of fully loaded, custom-built boats designed for coastal fishing; professional fishing gear; full accommodations; scheduled full-course meals; and more.
“Although some of the best fishing on the coast is only 10 minutes around the corner, we strongly suggest going out with a guide who is fully acquainted with the region,” says Kelly. “What’s appealing to a lot of people is they can go out in the morning, come back for lunch, then go back out in the afternoon. They can have dinner and go out again. We generally have calm seas – guests don’t have to travel an hour on rough seas, or stay out all day. Guests get in a lot of fishing time.”
Exploring this area has its merits as well. Without the masses, visitors can experience nature at its purest. Accessible by boat from the lodge, nearby trails lead through temperate rainforests, and there are beautiful beaches to enjoy an afternoon on the shoreline. Double ocean kayaks are available to explore the series of coves and bays, or admire the vast range of marine wildlife (from whales to bald eagles) up close and personal.
Nevertheless, salmon fishing is the name of the game here. As it may be common to see repeat guests during a visit, it’s definitely for a reason. As Kelly explains, “It’s all about the experiences.”
“You have to do a good job for your guests so they want to come back,” says Kelly. “We have been doing this for 35 years now, and we learn from our experiences what our guests want. This is what makes us competitive, and it’s the reason why we’ve been around for three-plus decades.”
To learn about all the details of The Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club, its accommodations, and several services, visit www.riversinlet.com.
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