The Fishing
Halibut, salmon, and the water between.
The grounds
Some of the most productive water in North America.
We fish the Icy Strait from mid-May into September, with guided ocean days on fully equipped vessels and freshwater trips to the streams that run through the area. The boats carry the electronics, tackle, and comfort for a long day on the water. The captains have known this strait for two decades.
The lodge advertises over twenty sport-fishing species across the season. Halibut and salmon are the marquee draws — most guests come for one, and stay for both.
Halibut
The marquee draw.
We hold two federal limited-entry halibut charter permits — a finite set issued under the Pacific Halibut Commission's program. Drops on gravel and structure, mid-summer through early September.
Fish in the 40–100 pound range are routine. The bigger ones show up, and the crew handles the gaff when they do.
Salmon
Kings early, silvers later.
Kings hold heavy on the early runs in late June. Silvers come through mid-July into August. We fish the points and the seams where the tide stacks bait — mooching, trolling, and reading the gulls depending on the day.
Freshwater days are part of the menu too. The streams around Gustavus run clear and close; we'll guide you in when the fish are up.
Seasonality
When to come for what.
A rough guide to the season. Conditions shift year over year — we'll talk through the right week for what you're after when you inquire.
| Species | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halibut | May – September | ||||||||||||
| King salmon | Late June – early July | ||||||||||||
| Silver salmon | Mid-July – August | ||||||||||||
| River fishing | Mid-August – mid-September |
The captains
Two decades on this water.
The captains know where the halibut hold, how the tide moves through the strait, and which streams are worth the trip when the salmon are in. It's the kind of knowledge that doesn't come from a chart.
[CONFIRM: current captain names and bios — Section 8, item 2.]
From the water
A season in pictures.
Plan your stay
Check availability.
Seasons typically book several months in advance. We answer every inquiry by hand — usually within a day.