Haida Gwaii River Fishing

Yakoun River

The Yakoun The largest river on the Islands, offering a nice mix of classic wide-river fly water, fast water runs and slow deep pools. This river features many scenic spots with views of the surrounding hills and forests. Most fishing is along a 10 km section of the upper river. Fishing is done wading or from shore, but raft or pontoon boat trips are also possible under ideal conditions.

The Yakoun features the largest runs and sizes of steelhead on the Islands, with males 12 – 25+ pounds and females 8 – 16+ pounds. Coho and pink salmon are abundant in their seasons, and cutthoat fishing can also be excellent, with sizes up to 5 pounds.

Tlell River

In sharp contrast to the broad banks of the Yakoun, this slow meandering river winds through dense old growth forest and is better tackled with spinning gear than by casting flies. Offers excellent fishing for steelhead, coho, cutthroat and Dolly Varden. In September the tidal section can be great for targeting ocean bright coho and cutthroat trout.

20-30 minute hikes are required to access many of the best waters, making this a great river for the angler who likes to “rough it” – or for those interested in more than just fishing. The surrounding forest, thick like canyon walls towering up from the river’s edge, can offer shelter on wet days or dramatic plays of light and shadow when the sun is peaking through.

Mamin River

A medium sized river with lots of steep grades, rapids and fast water; but also lots of excellent and very scenic fly water. The lower 8 km of the river is very productive for steelhead, coho and cutthroat.

Fishing for steelhead can be sporadic at times, as these fish tend to enter this river during high water and in short concentrated masses. But when conditions are right the Mamin can feature the most productive steelhead fishing on the Islands.

Kumdis Narrows

This unique stretch of water is a tidal flat between Graham Island and Kumdis Island in Masset Inlet. Offers excellent cutthroat fishing all year long and coho fishing in the fall. An equally good location for fly fishing or spinning gear, and a great place for beginning fly anglers to practice their casting with a high chance of success.

Just a short 15 minute walk from Kumdis River Lodge, it is a joy to fish on a falling tide. The area features lots of birds and wildlife, such as raccoons, otters and deers, and a very interesting intertidal ecosystem.

Other Waters

There are numerous other minor rivers, small lakes and coastal creeks throughout Graham Island. At various times of the year, these seldom fished waters can provide tremendous fishing for coho, cutthroat, and small runs of spring steelhead.

These are the little known locations that our guides can introduce you to, and that combine to offer a real wealth of opportunities for the adventurous angler at Kumdis River Lodge.

Ocean Fishing

In the summer months, migratory Chinook and Coho salmon can be found in ocean waters all around the islands. Halibut are equally abundant. We can assist in arranging single or multi-day charters, included all-inclusive fishing packages with air travel from Vancouver.