What makes the Sportsman’s Club the best place in the world to come on a fishing trip for trophy salmon, halibut & lingcod? Below are the three main factors that combine to make Rivers Inlet the foremost destination in the world for catching giant trophy salmon.

The salmon returning to our waters each summer to spawn are from a unique gene pool which results in the salmon growing bigger & fatter than those in any other watershed in the world. These 70+ lbs. Chinook/king & 20+ lbs. coho/silvers which are consistently caught in Rivers Inlet, are not typically caught in other areas, so they make the world news. This is why Rivers Inlet is still a world renowned trophy fishing destination to this day.

Rivers Inlet is a destination for tens of thousands of salmon specifically returning every summer to the 9 major rivers systems in our huge watershed. We are also a funnelling point for feeding salmon migrating down the Pacific west coast to the hundreds of rivers systems as far away as California. This fact is evidenced by the result of the Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) hatchery head recovery program. This involves the heads of marked hatchery fish being returned for analysis to DFO. The results show that salmon from the most variety Pacific river systems are intercepted in Rivers Inlet. This combination of returning & migrating runs makes for the most consistent salmon fishing anywhere in the world.

There is no road access to Rivers Inlet so there are no crowds. It seems like anywhere you can drive to these days has been “discovered”, no matter how isolated the locale. You can travel hundreds of miles further up our B.C. coastline as far as Alaska & find yourself in a crowd because there is a road & access is easy. Rivers Inlet is unique because access is by direct 90 minute floatplane only & that pretty much eliminates everyone, except a few locals, the odd boater & you at our lodge fishing in un-crowded waters.

Here is a summary of some of the other main features about the fishing experience with us that makes us stand out as one of the best trophy fishing destinations in the world.

Close to Fishing — The Sportsman’s Club is only minutes away from some of the most productive fishing grounds in Rivers Inlet. World famous spots like the Wall, the Dome & Kevin’s Corner ARE where the largest Rivers Inlet Chinook/king & coho/silver salmon are caught. And there are many other un-crowded fishing spots nearby that you can always find one to call your own. Catch a “big one” there & they might even name it after you! At other lodges, you are often travelling 1 or 2 hours to the fishing grounds. Once on the water you are typically out for the day returning around dinner time & then you are done fishing. At our lodge you can come & go throughout the day for hot meals, re-provisioning, re-grouping etc. & then you can fish after dinner until dark, (except on your arrival day when dinner is later). There is often a “night bite” for the big ones at sundown that you will miss at other lodges. At the very least, you might enjoy a breathtaking Rivers Inlet sunset!

Well Equipped Boats — What makes the Sportsman’s Club the best place in the world to come on a fishing trip for trophy salmon, halibut & lingcod? Below are the three main factors that combine to make Rivers Inlet the foremost destination in the world for catching giant trophy salmon.

Our standard boats are 17 ft. With new 40 HP Yamaha motors, radios, GPS/sounders, electric bilge pumps & downriggers. Our fleet has good speed & range.  This allows you to fish anywhere you choose in our 35 mile inlet. This area includes Calvert Island off-shore from the mouth of Rivers Inlet, all the way up to the head of the Inlet where the rivers dump into the ocean. The best fishing is typically right on our doorstep only minutes from the lodge, but if not we can travel to find the best concentration of fish which is rarely far from the lodge.

Tackle Options  — We have many different types of tackle option & combinations. You can do everything from “old school” top-water drift mooching with light tackle & bait (herring), or downriggers & hardware when the fish go deeper. We also have all the gear for bottom fishing for halibut & lingcod as well as spin-casters & fly-rods for that ultra-light tackle experience. All bait & tackle is included in your trip package. We have everything, you bring nothing. Having said that, if you have a favorite rod, reel, lure, spoon or jig, bring it along & give it a try.

Guides Available  — Our basic package is self-guided. On arrival & multiple times/day we offer informative complimentary fishing & safety clinics. However if you prefer, we also have Transport Canada qualified guides available at additional charge (guides are pre-booked). The 2 of you can fish with a guide in our regular fleet of 17 ft. boats or for an additional cost you can upgrade to one of our larger Boston Whalers that holds 2 to 4 guests. Guiding is booked for every day of your trip (except the last day). It is important to note that guides must be pre-booked in order to avoid disappointment as the guiding typically sells out.

Custom Fish Processing  — Our professional guides personally process your catch while you watch from the nearby lounge. Guests instruct the guides as to filleting & portioning etc. The fish are vacuum packaged & flash frozen in our brand new state of the art blast freezer. On your last morning we do not fillet. We will simply clean & bag your fish making your fresh unfrozen catch safe for travel. At any time during your trip you can inspect your fish box to help keep track of your catch limits. We also offer the services of St Jean’s Cannery . For an additional cost, you can for have all or part of your catch custom processed in a variety of ways.