Location
Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands
BC, Canada
Fly-in Access
All-Inclusive?
All-inclusive lodges include:
  • accommodation
  • all equipment/gear/tackle
  • boats and fuel
  • guiding
  • all meals
  • fish processing (unless fishing is catch-and-release only)
See below to find out exactly what is included in the price.
Fishing
saltwater, freshwater (rivers),
Guided
8+ hours/day
2 guest-to-guide ratio
Fly fishing
RATING
Avg.
5/5
52 reviews

Overview

A floating lodge in fishing paradise. Remote, accessible and unique.

Are you looking for a British Columbia fishing lodge that offers a remote wilderness location and a variety of terrific fishing opportunities? Want the personal service you expect from a small lodge? Relax, you’ve found it—Blackfish Lodge. Our fly fishing, conventional freshwater fishing, salmon fishing and bottom fishing are the stuff of legends. You’ll fish for salmon, trout, and halibut in some of the most beautiful locations you can imagine.

Our genuine, custom-built, BC floating lodge is your comfortable and cozy home base for delightful days of fun and relaxation. You’ll see stunning Canada wilderness scenery, abundant wildlife, and, of course, have great fishing. Combining the best of a British Columbia salmon fishing lodge and freshwater fishing lodge means fishing opportunities for all skill and experience levels. When you reserve your guided fishing trip with us there are no preset fishing hours. We fish each day as conditions and your preferences guide us. Your stay at Blackfish Lodge can be tailored to your interests and schedule. Chris and Hannah Bennett, your congenial hosts and owners since founding Blackfish Lodge in 1989, will treat you to great food and hospitality during your visit. Personal service is assured by the limited number (maximum 6-8) of guests that we take at a time.

Accessible by boat or floatplane only, Blackfish Lodge is truly a place of seclusion, quiet and contemplation. So, whether you are fly fishing for salmon or trout in a secluded Canadian river, lake, or stream, fishing for trophy salmon in the protected waters of the surrounding islands, sightseeing, or going whale watching or bird watching, Blackfish Lodge’s dedication and over 25 years of experience ensure that you will have a truly enjoyable and successful stay. For quality wilderness angling, there’s no better British Columbia fishing lodge for fishing, nature watching, and congeniality than Blackfish Lodge.

The local streams, lakes, and rivers are 100% catch-and-release and are, indeed, some of the most beautiful, productive, and unpressured waters you’ve never heard of. We have water and fishing opportunities to satisfy every skill level. Experienced anglers will appreciate the variety and challenges of the different streams and waters that we fish.

Located within the southern confines of the new Great Bear Rainforest preserve and framed by the rugged mountains of the Coast Range to the east and beautiful Vancouver Island to the west, the wilderness area that surrounds Blackfish Lodge is spectacular.

Vertical rock walls plunge into the ocean and 5,000+ foot mountains brood over inlets and fjords. Along with fishing in BC, a rich variety of wildlife is experienced each day of your visit. Untouched streams tumble through lovely rich forests to join the saltwater. The scent of cedar is borne on the breezes.

What makes us unique:

  1. We will guarantee exclusive use of the lodge for parties of 5 or more guests. In other words, your own, private, fishing lodge.
  2. There are no preset fishing hours. We fish each day as conditions and your preferences guide us.
  3. We do both freshwater (fly or spin) AND saltwater fishing—all guided, of course.
  4. While we’re in a remote and beautiful area, full of wildlife, we are easily accessible via direct floatplane flights from Seattle, WA, or via two-hop air service from Vancouver, BC.
  • YouTube video
  • YouTube video
  • YouTube video

What We Catch

List
Species Availability Calendar
  • 16203 1Dolly Varden
  • 16205 2Halibut
  • 16206 3Ling Cod
  • 16207 4Rockfish
  • 16208 5Salmon - Chinook (King)
  • 16209 6Salmon - Coho (Silver)
  • 16210 7Salmon - Chum (Dog)
  • 16211 8Salmon - Pink (Humpback)
  • 16212 9Salmon - Sockeye (Red)
  • 16214 10Trout - Cutthroat
  • 16215 11Trout - Rainbow
SpeciesJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Dolly Varden
Halibut
Ling Cod
Rockfish
Salmon - Chinook (King)
Salmon - Coho (Silver)
Salmon - Chum (Dog)
Salmon - Pink (Humpback)
Salmon - Sockeye (Red)
Trout - Cutthroat
Trout - Rainbow

Our season runs from June 1 to Oct 31.

Packages/prices

Estimated PER-DAY fishing vacation rate:

US$1,066.67
CA$1,525.18
£860.04
€1,032.79

PER PERSON

3 nights / 3 days fishingFly and Fish
US$5,060.00
CA$7,235.04
£4,079.82
€4,899.30
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
4 nights / 4 days fishingFly and Fish
US$6,040.00
CA$8,636.29
£4,869.99
€5,848.18
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
5 nights / 5 days fishingFly and Fish
US$7,090.00
CA$10,137.64
£5,716.59
€6,864.84
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
6 nights / 6 days fishingFly and Fish
US$7,920.00
CA$11,324.41
£6,385.81
€7,668.48
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
7 nights / 7 days fishingFly and Fish
US$9,350.00
CA$13,369.10
£7,538.80
€9,053.06
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
3 nights / 3 days fishingAll-inclusive without return transportation
US$3,500.00
CA$5,004.48
£2,822.01
€3,388.85
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
4 nights / 4 days fishingAll-inclusive without return transportation
US$4,600.00
CA$6,577.31
£3,708.93
€4,453.91
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
5 nights / 5 days fishingAll-inclusive without return transportation
US$5,500.00
CA$7,864.18
£4,434.59
€5,325.33
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
6 nights / 6 days fishingAll-inclusive without return transportation
US$6,400.00
CA$9,151.04
£5,160.25
€6,196.75
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
7 nights / 7 days fishingAll-inclusive without return transportation
US$7,800.00
CA$11,152.83
£6,289.05
€7,552.29
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
Current Deals

NOTES

Families: We offer a 50% discount for all children 12 and under. This discount does NOT apply to the airfare portion of our Fly and Fish Packages, only to the lodge portion of the package.

Unless otherwise stated, prices do not include taxes, gratuities, or fishing license/stamp.

This lodge charges in $USD.
Prices that have been converted to your chosen currency are based on today’s exchange rate. This lodge charges in $USD, so the amount billed to you may be different than the converted value shown here. Source: openexchangerates.org

What's Included?

How many hours of guided fishing?

8+ hours

Return transportation:

If YES, the lodge covers all transportation costs to and from the Travel Destination. If NO, you are responsible for all costs getting to and from the lodge.

Equipment / gear / tackle / bait:

Fish processing:

Cleaning, filleting, vacuum packing and refrigerated (or frozen) storage.

All meals / snacks / non-alcoholic drinks:

Alcohol:

We serve award winning Okanagan Valley and imported wines, beer, and other beverages. Beer and wine are included in prices, not hard liquor.

Other:

As part of our pre-trip services we handle making the guests’ flight reservations to/from the lodge from either Seattle or Vancouver, BC.

Deposit required: 50%

Balance due: 60 days prior to arrival.


The initial 50% deposit is non-refundable. If, for any reason, a cancellation occurs prior to the final payment, the initial payment is not lost, but is held on account and can be used as deposit payment for any future trip at the then-applicable rates. If the cancellation occurs after the final payment has been made, you have two options: 1.) We will refund the final payment less a 3.5% service fee and any airline cancellation fees, 2.) the final payment is retained on account and, together with the initial payment, will be considered as full payment for any future trip of the same length as initially reserved regardless of any future price increases. No refunds of any kind will be issued if cancellation occurs within seven (7) days or less, prior to arrival date.

All guests flying to Blackfish Lodge from the United States must have a valid passport AND be legally cleared to enter Canada. Should any prospective guests have past legal problems (which include DUI, minor drug possession, reckless driving and a host of more serious crimes) you will likely be denied entry into Canada. It is our guests’ responsibility to make sure they can legally enter Canada.


Payment Methods Accepted
Credit cards:
PayPal:
Check/cash:
Wire transfer/bank draft:
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Weather

°C / MM
°F / IN.

Temperature, °C

Avg HIGH

Avg LOW

Avg. Accumulated Precipitation

mm

Weather data based on closest weather station which is 62 kilometres from the lodge, so the actual climate at the lodge can vary a bit. Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015.
Jan
7
2
193.9
Feb
7
1
111.4
Mar
9
2
126
Apr
11
3
89.6
May
14
6
52.8
Jun
16
9
53.3
Jul
18
11
27.9
Aug
18
11
43.5
Sep
16
9
68.4
Oct
12
6
194.8
Nov
8
3
243
Dec
6
2
210.3

Temperature, °F

Avg HIGH

Avg LOW

Avg. Accumulated Precipitation

inches

Weather data based on closest weather station which is 62 kilometres from the lodge, so the actual climate at the lodge can vary a bit. Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015.
Jan
44
35
7.63
Feb
45
35
4.39
Mar
48
36
4.96
Apr
52
38
3.53
May
57
43
2.08
Jun
60
48
2.1
Jul
64
51
1.1
Aug
65
52
1.71
Sep
61
48
2.69
Oct
53
43
7.67
Nov
47
38
9.57
Dec
43
35
8.28

ACCOMMODATIONS

Description

In 1988, Chris Bennett decided to fulfill the dream of owning his own British Columbia fishing lodge. For folks wanting to do some fishing in BC, he designed and built a solid floating structure that would provide a cozy, personal, and comfortable place for his guests to visit.

Using red and yellow cedar from the nearby forests, Chris and local craftsmen milled the lumber on site and worked together to build Blackfish Lodge. The lodge is heated by a woodstove and has solar power and a generator to provide electricity (we usually turn the generator off for sleeping).

There is no TV, but in-lodge wifi internet access is provided. Each private room has a queen and single bed plus a shower-equipped bathroom.

The lodge has a kitchen, dining area, and a great room, all with spectacular views. We’re also pleased to offer our guests the use of our lovely sauna.

Details

Corporate buyout:

We will guarantee exclusive use of the lodge for parties of 5 or more guests. Individuals, groups of friends, business groups, and families are welcome.

A corporate buyout is a single group booking the entire lodge. Often done for executive retreats.

WiFi available:

Maximum capacity:

8

Average travel time to fishing grounds:

5-50 mins

Amenities

We have a widely varied collection of CDs, and an upright piano for those who like music during their time at the lodge. You’re also welcome to bring your own music CDs or digital music device to set the mood of your trip. Additionally, the lodge is wheelchair accessible (be sure to coordinate with any air or boat travel).

A sauna is available for our guest’s use.

Meals

We believe that providing ample, high quality, and delicious food adds to the overall pleasure of your visit. Meals are served and cooked family-style. Our cooks will delight you with both the quality and quantity of food. Of course we have famous British Columbia seafood delicacies: fresh crab, prawns, salmon and halibut. Good access to fresh produce ensure both variety and quality of meat and produce. You may find homemade soup, prime rib, lamb, fresh salads, pasta, and vegetables on any given night. We also do much of our own baking, and our greenhouse supplies fresh salad greens and herbs. We also serve award winning Okanagan Valley and imported wines, beer, and other beverages.

If you’re going to be out on an all-day salmon or fly fishing trip, we’ll make sure that there is a generous supply of food and hot and cold drinks on the boat. You can certainly request any preferred foods in advance of your visit. We will also be able to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Again, just let us know in advance or fill out our guest preferences worksheet.

Other Activities

Other interesting sights and activities will keep you occupied in your non-fishing hours. Explore pristine saltwater lagoons, or go whale- or bird-watching. Have a long picnic lunch in the Burdwoods—one of the most unique and loveliest spots on the West Coast. Perhaps just enjoy curling up with a good book in front of the lodge’s cozy woodstove.

The local area offers you a number of fascinating diversions. Visit the very eclectic Billy’s Museum and Gift Shop in the nearby hamlet of Echo Bay. Or have us arrange a day with Nikki van Schyndel, author of the book “Becoming Wild”, at Echo Bay EcoVentures who will take you to play with dolphins, witness primitive fire-making, savor wild meals, feed eagles, wander through wildflowers, picnic amid totem poles, listen to legends and stories of survival, and discover the secret spots of the Broughton Archipelago during their one-of-a-kind speedboat tours or onboard presentations. Nikki will customize every adventure to help make your wilderness dreams come true. Both children and adults will enjoy this.

We also have kayaks for our guests’ use. Both a one-person and two-person kayak will be available for paddling fun at no charge to Blackfish Lodge guests. There are some nice spots to visit. A liability waiver signature is required prior to use.

Our guests can enjoy many of these extra pursuits at no additional charge. Advance notice is advisable for some of these activities.

BOATS

Description

Blackfish Lodge has one 21′ Grady-White and two 19′ open “Boston Whaler” type boats. Each boat is fully equipped with GPS, downrigger gear, depth sounders, and quiet, smokeless 4-cycle trolling motors. Personal floatation devices are provided for all guests.

Details

Bathroom:

Heated cabins:

Ratings and Reviews

Travel Planner

Travel destination:

The last significant city or town before the final leg of the journey to the lodge. If you are flying, this is where you'll fly to.

Seattle (or Vancouver), BC

Transportation to/from the lodge and here is included in all packages.
Seattle-Airport-SEA
Loading map…

How to get there?

Enter your starting location and get customized travel details. This will give you a good idea of the cost and logistics of getting to the lodge. It will show you:

  • travel duration
  • routes
  • airfare
  • flight details

Route planner will open in a new browser tab. Data courtesy of rome2rio.com.

Details

Getting to Blackfish Lodge is a fun, interesting, and scenic part of your adventure. Floating peacefully in a private inlet on remote Baker Island, Blackfish Lodge is only accessible by floatplane or boat. The lodge is about 35 miles northeast, across Queen Charlotte Strait, from Port McNeill (which is located on the northeastern edge of Vancouver Island).
From Seattle by Air
If you are flying in by plane to Seattle from another city, you will arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, just south of the city. Please note that a valid full wallet passport is required for ALL passengers traveling from Seattle to Blackfish Lodge.

Via in-season direct floatplane service: If you’re traveling to Seattle from elsewhere, you will need to arrive in Seattle, at the very least, the day before your floatplane flight to the lodge as these flights depart early in the morning. As part of your package to our British Columbia fly-in fishing lodge, we will reserve a floatplane flight for you.

For 2024, flights depart on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and will take you directly to Blackfish Lodge from the Lake Washington terminal. Weather permitting, the view out the windows on these flights is spectacular! Flights leave Seattle around 10:30 AM (check-in is at 9:30 AM) and arrive at the lodge around 2:00 PM. Return flights from the lodge depart around 2:30 PM and arrive back in Seattle around 6:00 PM.

Flying to the lodge, Canadian customs and immigration clearances are typically accomplished with a routine stop in Nanaimo, BC – about one hour into your flight. Returning to Seattle, US customs and immigration procedures area accomplished at the Kenmore Air terminal.
From Vancouver by Air
With our “Fly and Fish” package, we’ll book you on a comfortable Pacific Coastal Airlines commuter flight from Vancouver Int’l airport to Port Hardy, BC You will seamlessly connect, via local floatplane service, to the lodge from Port Hardy. Flights from Vancouver Int’l to Port Hardy operate daily, year-round.

Alternatively, at significantly higher cost, there is water taxi service (Silver King Marine at 250.956.4047) from Port McNeill to take you directly to the lodge.
By driving and air or water
If you prefer a more do-it-yourself transportation option, you can drive from Vancouver (or Victoria) to Campbell River or Port Hardy and arrange for your transport to the lodge from either of those cities. This will take the better part of a day. From Vancouver, take a BC ferry to Nanaimo (about 2 hours) from either Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver, or Horseshoe Bay, a little northwest of Vancouver. Once you get off the BC Ferry in Nanaimo, it is about a 2 hour drive to Campbell River or a 4-5 hour drive to Port Hardy. You’ll still need to arrange for floatplane or water taxi service (see above) to the lodge and, depending on when you arrive, you may need to stay overnight in Port Hardy or Campbell River.

Select a Package

Lodge phone number:

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