Guest Testimonials

Stunning lodge and incredible overall experience

This place is an absolute dream. We arrived on a gorgeous sunny day to Barb (the owner) greeting us on the dock with a hug and smile, an ice-cold crisp beer and cheerful staff.

The lodge was in full form and looked in great shape considering it was closed for two years because of Covid. The food was incredible and the chef brought out a beautiful dessert for me as I celebrated my birthday on one of the evenings while I was there. It was very thoughtful and considerate.

The fishing was fantastic, and our guide was a blast! He had extensive knowledge of the area as he has worked numerous seasons before and was high energy, positive and encouraging. We caught some halibut, coho and ling cod as well as saw a couple humpbacks breaching which was breathtaking.

The accommodations were so cozy and the hot water bottle at the end of a long day was a lovely touch. There are so many extra little things that make this place better than the rest. The warm, fresh out of the oven, chocolate chunk cookies before bed. The crowning of the fishing “king or queen” at dinner every evening (crown and gown provided and hilarious) the complimentary drinks upon arrival, hot soup waiting at the end of the dock after a long day of fishing and just the general “above and beyond” attitude of all the staff.
I felt very cared for and will definitely be returning next year! Thank you again for such a memorable trip!

This is the place for Coho Fishing

I’ve been going to Rivers Inlet Sportsman Club for the last 4 years. In the past I’ve been to QCL and West Coast Fishing Lodge. This lodge has met all my expectations and more. Our group arrived in last August and were greeted at the dock with Simon and his staff . I can’t say enough about Simon’s team from the guides, chiefs and the support staff that make this an unforgettable experience. We arrived as the Northern Coho were coming through and what and experience we had. You couldn’t keep them of the line and what a fight they put up. We all limited out from Springs, Coho and Halibut. The food and accommodations are 1st rate and the staff couldn’t do enough for you. Looking forward to returning again in Aug.

Annual Fishing Trip

Such an amazing adventure!! This was my 4th trip to the lodge and it’s a personal highlight to my year. The fish were biting and the weather was excellent again this year. The hospitality is second to none and Simon and his entire team make the trip enjoyable for everyone whether you’re a seasoned vet or brand new to fishing.

Already excited for next years trip.

BEST FISHING LODGE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

I have been visiting this lodge for the past 27 years and have the highest of praises for Barb, Simon and staff as they treat you like royalty during your stay. Over the years, the service has never changed from Simon’s sermons on the introduction to the local fishing grounds, to dealing with knuckle busting reels and how to dealing with landing big fish.
I had the opportunity to have a particular bay named after me (Sim’s Bluff), as on one trip I decided one afternoon at slack tide to go out bottom fishing for halibut with another guest’s 10 year old son and we came back to the lodge with three good sized hali’s to our credit so now it is customary to head out bottom fishing when salmon are not biting.
The accommodations are excellent as I have said to many friends and guests that you could eat off the dining room floor as Barb’s support staff is dedicated to cleanliness throughout the camp.
After a morning or evening of fishing it is a pleasure to come back in from fishing, (rain or shine) to have a lite snack and cookies set out in the lounge to go with your favourite beverage.
I highly recommend that you give Simon a call and let the fishing adventure of your life time begin and don’t forget to take your grandkids along with you as mine have never forgotten what it’s like to have hooked a 68 pound halibut or dozens of salmon over the past few years.

Fishing DREAM

We didn’t think a 2nd trip to your paradise could top the 1st trip.

I was wrong, it only gets better. Insane fishing action as pics show!
We couldn’t fish two afternoons due to the Whale interference, what a problem!

Unbelievable experience with a 5-STAR Staff!
My recommendation for improvement—add on a work-out facility and drill sergeant for 3rd day to work off the weight gain! Yes I gained nearly 10 pounds, due to the awesome meals.
Thanks for a Lifetime of Memories!

Come to Oklahoma sometime, we’ll treat you to some Venison Cuisine.

This is How You Want Your Fishing Trip To Be!

Rivers Inlet has everything you need for a fantastic fishing getaway. Great amenities, friendly service, tasty food (I especially loved the warm soup on the deck upon returning from a cold afternoon of fishing), knowledgeable fishing guides, and the high quality fishing gear and boat. My friends and I had an unforgettable experience. I especially appreciated the attentiveness of all staff members who seemed to work around the clock to serve the guests.

It Doesn’t Get Any Better!

I am a charter captain out of Newport Beach, CA and have fished many parts of the planet and I have to say Rivers Inlet is an exceptionally unique environment. The high level of hospitality is obviously inspired by the beautiful surroundings and the great management.

On arrival for my first visit to Sportsman’s several years ago, I knew it was something special.

Then we started fishing, and it just got better each day.

We limited out by the second day so there were smiles all around.

The boats are well kept with all the safety equipment, VHF, depth finder, sonar, GPS, etc. not to mention they have down riggers, unlike other lodges. The down riggers really get you to where the Kings are. See my son’s pic with a 32 lb. King. My other pic is my buddy Craig and his wife Bonnie ready to put another in the boat. Again, big smiles is what this place is about.

Just booked my 5th trip for August 2017 with Devin

and hope some of the other guys will make it happen too.

Best Fishing Retreat Anywhere!

My family have been coming to Rivers Inlet Sportsman Club for years. The overall experience is nothing but spectacular. From the floatplane ride in, to the service provided by the wonderful staff, it’s truly and ultimate fishing experience. The fishing grounds are very close and the calm waters are appreciated by my 80 year old dad. The beauty and remoteness is amazing. We have been here 8 times and everyone has brought home limits 7 out of the 8 times. One year, I caught a 44lb Tyee King salmon. I have countless stories that I will never forget and I hope to bring my kids here for the same experience once they get older. If you are thinking about going on a fishing experience, go here because you will not regret it. Simon is quite the hoot as well!

Whales, Wine, Wonderful Fishing. WHOA, Dude!

I’d tagged along with my Dad and his business buddies on two trips to Rivers Inlet over the past 12 years or so. Once in the early 2000s, and again in 2014.

My return to the lodge was full of remarkable recollections. Having traveled to a lot of beautiful regions of BC, the US Pacific Northwest and the prairies for work as an outdoor writer, there are times when I feel I’ve seen it all. But no other location compares to Rivers Inlet. The great fishing is only a part of it — and the thrill of reeling in a catch is unlike any other experience. But the wildlife – seals, otters, eagles, orcas and whales — is really humbling, and in the setting, at all times of day and all sorts of weather, makes the experience genuinely awesome. And I’m not even a fisherman. But I guess I am now…
On top of it all, you’ve got terrific food, wonderful staff and cozy beds.

Dad and I talk of the Rivers Inlet trips often, and trite as it might sound, the memories are ones we’ll share for the rest of our lives.

We had boasted for 12 years about how terrific the fishing has been at Sportsman’s Club , so our 4 friends who have fished the Alaskan coastlines came with us.  At the end of the trip, they said they had never caught as many salmon, halibut & other species!   I’ve said it once & I’ll say it again … when I die, I want to go to Fisherman’s heaven … which apparently is located at River’s Inlet at Sportsman’s Club!

Lifelong Memories and the Best Fishing Around

My family has been visiting the Sportsman’s Club since the mid eighties and I personally have visited nearly every year since 1996. To say that I have made some of the finest memories of my life at this wonderful place would not do it justice… it is literally one of my favourite places on the planet.

I’ve been on family-style trips and on “just the guys” style trips, and Sportsman’s happily caters to both. Fathers and sons fishing together for their first time or a couple buddies enjoying a few drinks in the great outdoors are both commonplace here… not to mention Moms (my mother has caught the biggest fish in the family going back 30 years) and wives as well.

Sportsman’s Club is a family-run business, and the family seems to also include all of the staff that work through the summers each year. They are hard-working and attentive, and encouraged to be engaging and friendly with the guests (which they do a great job of!).

The food is plentiful, diverse and very high quality, and there is a wonderful selection of wine, beer and spirits so that you are well equipped to enjoy an adult beverage after a long day on the water (bragging about your conquests of course!)

Ok so the important stuff… the fishing! If you like to catch big Spring/King salmon, hard-fighting coho salmon, or halibut big enough to sink your boat… this is the spot! Each member of my family consistently “limits out” every year, leaving our freezers filled with fish until we return the next year.

I’ll never forget the time my Dad and I got a 39 pound chinook together while he had a cast on one arm, or the countless memories I’ve made with Simon (Sportsman’s “everyman”, Director of Fishing, Host, Entertainer, you name it!) and the rest of the guides out on the ocean.

I highly recommend the Sportsman’s Club to anyone who has a taste for the great outdoors, catching big fish, our making lifelong memories.

Fantastic Experience! Perfect Getaway Trip

My wife and I do not fish very often (probably once in our ten years of marriage). We booked this trip as a way to get out and see some of the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest and to maybe catch a fish along the way. I had heard about Rivers Inlet through a co-worker and thought it really sounded interesting.
We were both completely impressed and thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Every detail, from the amazingly scenic flight up the coastline through some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable, to the staff, accommodations, and food, were all beyond our expectations. Not knowing anything about salmon fishing, we made arrangements for a guide our first day. It was the right thing to do as he was knowledgeable and very patient in teaching us the skills we would need over the next several days as we went it alone. He helped us feel confident with the techniques and we were successful in the next few days in loading up a couple of boxes with some beautiful salmon to bring home.

 We had no idea we were going to enjoy the fishing as much as we did.
It’s easy to see all the great comments about the world class fishing and the beautiful setting, but one of the aspects we most enjoyed was meeting the other guests. There are truly some fascinating people who are either there for the first time or who have been coming to Rivers Inlet for years and the casual ambience of the common areas and dining together really allow you time to meet some very interesting travelers.
I can really not say enough about how much my wife and I enjoyed our experience. From the moment we booked, through the follow up since our trip, everyone at Rivers Inlet made us feel welcome and valued. They provided excellent equipment, fantastic food and first class service. We both look forward to returning.

A Fisherman’s Dream

I have been fortunate enough to visit the Rivers Inlet Sportsman Club for over 20 years et am always amazed at the overwhelming feeling of coming “Home” to friends and family. Some things do not change over time there while constant improvement is evident in other areas.

What hasn’t changed is the superb staff, from management though cooks, dock boys, housekeepers and guides. Without exception they make you feel like the most important person in the universe and will go that extra distance to ensure that your needs are met and expectations exceeded. The other things that haven’t changed are the superb food, great boats and overall ambiance.

What has changed is ongoing improvement in accommodations, facilities and fishing equipment and techniques. The cabins have been made even more comfortable, water and sanitation systems upgraded, docks lengthened and realigned, fueling systems refined and flights to and from the lodge made more convenient. Downriggers have been installed on the boats which greatly increases the types fishing techniques available and improves the success rates.

There really is only one word to describe the accommodations, staff, food and fishing, “SUPERB”!

Best Fun All Summer

Well, our first trip to Rivers Inlet has been the highlight of our summer. My long time friend & I enjoyed the whole experience from the Pacific Gateway to the South Terminal and the direct Seair float plane ride into Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club, the warm reception at the dock, the wonderful food and exceptional service. The fishing was superb, beyond our expectations, as were the guides.

We are still talking about the people we met and the fun we ‘jammed’ into our stay and I think the ‘hot water bottles’ in bed was the final treat.

We would love to enjoy the adventure again and have recommended it to many of our friends, especially women, as it is a true holiday.
Thanks for the experience.

Wilderness Fishing Adventure For All Ages

My family has a lifetime memories of our trip. The lodge is comfortable, well equipped and only minutes from the best fishing in this area of the coast. Everything from the warm cookies that were waiting for us when we came in from the evening fishing to the excellent meals, and top notch service made us feel special. The whales right next to the boat, the float plane in and out of the lodge, the exploring we did up the coast and of course the fishing all added up to one great family wilderness experience. We have been eating the salmon, telling the stories and loving it! Definitely going back!

I had the good fortune in the past to be able to take both of my children up on individual fishing trips up to Sportsman’s Club in beautiful Rivers Inlet B.C.

My stepdaughter Sam loves to fish with her dad but has never had the opportunity to fish the tidal waters of British Columbia. What a perfect gift to acknowledge all her hard work & dedication these past 4 years after graduating from University with her nursing degree, a salmon fishing trip to one of my favorite spots in the whole world … Rivers Inlet BC!

From the moment we boarded the Turbo Prop Floatplane at Seair Seaplanes in Vancouver, Sam had her phone out taking pictures from the air of the rugged beauty of the B.C. Coast. As we made our final decent I pointed out the lodge tucked into the sheltered bay that would be our destination, she turned to me with the biggest smile on her face & proceeded to trash talk me on how she was going to catch more & bigger fish … Game on! As we pulled up to the dock in the plane & unloaded the staff were all there to greet us. After a light meal we were assigned our rooms, given a quick but informative fishing tutorial on the different fishing techniques we would be utilizing over our stay & a thorough personalized hands on presentation on the fishing techniques & the safe operation of our water craft. As the boats scattered out of the bay, I set our course for “Open Bight ” for some halibut fishing. Within a half hour after mistakenly thinking that we were snagged on the bottom, we had our first hali on the boat, a nice 30lbs. What a start! Upon our return to the dock several hours later the dock staff again greeted us. They looked after our catch & we were off to get ready for dinner. Before dinner the guests gathered on the dock near the lounge, we admired each other’s catch as the guides prepared to clean the fish all the while sharing our favorite beverages & stories of the ones that got away. This scenario played itself out every day. The meals were prepared to perfection. Hearty breakfasts to fuel you for the morning catch, lunches for those that choose to come back to the lodge, packaged lunches for those that choose to stay out on the water. Dinners that rival the meals at 5-star restaurants. All this in a postcard setting, meeting guests from around the world that share your passion for salmon fishing & the attention to detail that the staff provides … warm cookies before turning in for the night & hot water bottles placed in your comfy bed to name a few!
The fishing is a bonus … there is nothing to compare to mooching off ” The Wall ” during slack tide. Having a King salmon strip off 50-70 meters of line like a torpedo is something every fisherman should experience once in a lifetime. On top of that “The Wall ” is a mere 10 minute boat ride from the lodge. Trolling with downriggers parallel to Calvert Island is pretty much a guarantee to land several 10-15lbs. coho & halibut fishing while much slower but with the possible pay out of a 50lbs. plus fish (several were caught by various guests during our stay).
To sum it all up, it was a trip both of us will remember for a lifetime. Sam still talks about the abundance of wild life. Eagles scooping fish off the water top, whales breaching less than 100 meters from our boat & in one instance a pod of 5 Orcas in the distance.
There is a lot to be said also for having a captive audience on a boat. Although Sam has been in my life for over 10 years, we got to know each other so much better in those 5 days. For that this trip will always hold a special place in my heart.
I would recommend Sportsman’s Club fishing lodge to anyone who has someone special in their life that they would want to share a memorable trip of a lifetime with.

Holiday of a Lifetime at Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club

Where else can you arrive at a resort and immediately be treated like an old friend, even if it is your first visit. Simon Kelly was the perfect host, making sure that everything was done by his staff to ensure this was the best fishing trip ever. Simon’s energy and enthusiasm is infectious, so much so that you can not help but have a great time.

The guides have an amazing ability to allow weekend anglers like me to catch our limit of coho, halibut and ling cod and still indulge in fine eating and drinking with three hearty meals and substantial snacks each day. My wife, family and friends were so impressed with the fish that I took home that I am constantly asked when I will be going back. Soon I tell them and if they are lucky, they can join me too.

Thank you to Simon, Barbara and all the staff at the Sportsman’s Club. You have created a very special place that is unlike any others around. The never ending desire to make sure all guests are having the trip of a lifetime is really evident in all aspects of the Camp. Thank you.

Our Summer 2016 fishing trip was five years in the making.

Work & my kids made it a little challenging to carve out the time. But finally, my dad & I were able to make it work. Celebrating his 65th. birthday on the water, doing what he loves to do was the perfect way to celebrate. He never treats himself so this was extra special. What made it even better is that all of our expectations were exceeded! We got so lucky with the most beautiful weather. I booked a guide for our first afternoon to get us off on the right foot. Navigating the Inlet made us a little anxious but our guide showed us all the pointers needed so that we were able to be successful on our own the remaining days. I can’t begin to describe all the things we loved about this trip. From the perfect location to the accommodations, food, amazing staff, great boats & gear, the beauty of the area & yes, all the fish we brought home were beyond anything we could have imagined. My most favorite part of it all is that I got to experience it with my dad, my best friend. We have memories that will last a lifetime. I love hearing him tell all his buddies how great it was. He won’t go again without me so his buddies are hoping I’ll make all their travel plans & make a trip happen for them, too!! Thank you, Simon, Stephanie & Crew, from the bottom of my heart for the unbelievable trip with my daddy. His little girl is beyond grateful!!

Trip of a Lifetime

Some of the most beautiful country that you’ll ever see
family owned and operated
A fantastic adventure with good friends and family
The lodge is comfortable and accommodating
The staff is there for every need helpful and friendly
The guides are knowledgeable and great teachers
The fishing is world class
The scenery and nature is awe inspiring
Eagles, whales, otter, seals and we even saw a grizzly foraging for mussels
The food is fantastic
And if you’re real lucky you just may be king for a day.