Location
Southern Interior
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
freshwater (lakes), freshwater (rivers),
Guided
8 hours/day
2:1 guest-to-guide ratio
Fly fishing
RATING
12 reviews

No ratings or reviews.

Overview

Northern Lights Lodge has offered exceptional fishing for over sixty years and has specialized in River fly-fishing for the past fourteen years. With a unique strain of wild native Rainbow & Bull trout inhabiting this spectacular region, Northern Lights Lodge is fortunate to be able to offer World Class Fly-fishing that will rival wild natural River fisheries anywhere.

Northern Lights Lodge is located on the shore close to the outflow of beautiful Quesnel Lake – in excess of 2200 feet deep, this lake is the deepest fresh water fjord in the world, stretching 72 miles to the end of the “East Arm” and 55 miles to the end of the “North Arm” this pristine lake hosts some of the finest fish habitat anywhere. Super Natural British Columbia at its best.

Join us at Northern Lights Lodge for exciting dry fly fishing on up to three different rivers that are so diverse and beautiful you will think you are in a different part of the world each time!

The Mitchell River, Horsefly River, Cariboo River and the surrounding waters are home to a unique strain of large, aggressive wild native Rainbow Trout and hard fighting Bull Trout. This unique strain of Girard Rainbow Trout do not spawn until they are seven years old, do not go through the stress of spawning during this period, do nothing but grow and must become very aggressive in order to survive in their completely natural environment. The watershed in this area is one of the purest, natural trout habitats found anywhere.
The Rainbow & Bull Trout in this watershed are among the largest of their species in the world.

Did You Know:

The Quesnel Lake watershed is host to one of the largest Sockeye Salmon runs in the world. The Sockeye begin their journey at the mouth of the Fraser River in Vancouver & swim north approximately 450 miles to Quesnel, British Columbia, then east up the Quesnel River for another 50 miles at which point they arrive in Quesnel Lake.

Migrating through Quesnel Lake the Salmon draw the large Rainbow and Bull Trout from the lake up the various tributaries where their spawn takes place. The Horsefly River and Mitchell River, being two dominant Sockeye runs in this system, attract the largest number of trophy Rainbow and Bull Trout. While the Sockeye numbers have been down, there are still plenty of returns that pull the big trout out of the lake & up the larger tributaries.

The nutrients released by spawning Sockeye & King Salmon that enter this watershed every year not only attract schools of large trout following the salmon up the various tributaries, but also draw a variety of BC wildlife, such as Grizzly & Black Bears to tiny Weasels & every native carnivore in between. While Eagles are prevalent all year, guests visiting in September & October are awestruck by the dozens upon dozens of these magnificent birds observed daily feeding on the expired Salmon that have completed their incredible life cycle.

Our professional guides will introduce you, to spectacular dry fly fishing, or, in early fall, site fish for trophy Rainbow & Bull Trout that are feeding on eggs released by spawning salmon using egg patterns & streamers on the Mitchell River, Horsefly River, and Cariboo Rivers. Your guided river fly fishing adventure will excite you & challenge your skills as you pursue these trophy Rainbow Trout in a pristine British Columbia wilderness setting that rates second to none. In addition to these fantastic Rainbow Trout, be prepared to get into your backing as our guides expose you to the challenge of landing a large Bull Trout feeding amongst the Salmon that are completing their amazing life cycle in the natural rivers of this highly protected ecosystem.

Safe & easy to get here

Fly from most North American cities in the morning & find yourself enjoying hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at Northern Lights Lodge in the same afternoon….in the wilderness.

A one hour flight from Vancouver, BC on a commercial carrier brings you to Williams Lake, B.C. where we will meet you for a relaxing one hour drive back to the lodge “or” drive 380 miles North from Vancouver through the scenic Fraser Canyon right to our lodge, an easy and enjoyable seven hour drive through beautiful country on good, safe roads.

This wilderness eco-system you are about to experience is comprised of world-class Blue Ribbon fly fishing rivers renowned for some of the largest, most aggressive, wild native Rainbow and Bull Trout on the planet! It is unlikely you will see another fisher on these waters with the exception of your fellow guests from Northern Lights Lodge.

What makes us unique:

  1. Located on Quesnel Lake, the deepest fresh water fjord in the world. The watershed in this area is one of the purest, natural trout habitats found anywhere.
  2. Nearby rivers are home to a unique strain of large, aggressive, wild native Girard Rainbow Trout, which do not spawn until they are seven years old and do not go through the stress of spawning during this period, so become very aggressive in order to survive in their completely natural environment.
  3. A one hour flight from Vancouver.

What We Catch

List
Species Availability Calendar
  • 16879 1Trout - Bull
  • 16880 2Trout - Rainbow
SpeciesJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Trout - Bull
Trout - Rainbow

Our season runs from May 4 to October 18.

Packages/prices

Estimated PER-DAY fishing vacation rate:

US$690.00
CA$933.84
£542.06
€634.64

PER PERSON

4 nights / 3 days fishingMay/June Stillwater Packages
US$2,550.00
CA$3,451.16
£2,003.25
€2,345.41
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
5 nights / 4 days fishingMay/June Stillwater Packages
US$3,400.00
CA$4,601.54
£2,671.01
€3,127.22
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
6 nights / 5 days fishingMay/June Stillwater Packages
US$4,250.00
CA$5,751.93
£3,338.76
€3,909.02
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
5 nights / 5 days fishingSummer River Dry Fly River Fishing Packages

July - September

US$3,950.00
CA$5,345.91
£3,103.08
€3,633.09
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
6 nights / 5 days fishingSummer River Dry Fly River Fishing Packages

July - September

US$4,250.00
CA$5,751.93
£3,338.76
€3,909.02
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
5 nights / 4 days fishingAutumn River Packages

September 1-30

US$3,600.00
CA$4,872.22
£2,828.12
€3,311.17
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
6 nights / 5 days fishingAutumn River Packages

September 1-30

US$4,500.00
CA$6,090.28
£3,535.16
€4,138.97
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
4 nights / 3 days fishingLate Season Packages

October 3-15

US$2,200.00
CA$2,977.47
£1,728.30
€2,023.49
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
5 nights / 4 days fishingLate Season Packages

October 3-15

US$2,760.00
CA$3,735.37
£2,168.23
€2,538.57
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
6 nights / 5 days fishingLate Season Packages
US$3,450.00
CA$4,669.21
£2,710.29
€3,173.21
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person

NOTES

Fishing 2 anglers per 1 guide on 3-5 rivers (depending on water levels).

Single bookings available at no extra charge.

Customize a shorter trip to suit your schedule.
Cabin Rentals

  • $850 – $1000 per cabin 7 day, 6 night stay or $150 – $200 per night for shorter stays.
  • Non-fishers accompanying fishers are welcome. $1500 per 5 day trip. Sightseeing days available (gold panning, sightseeing, hiking, historic sites, wildlife viewing, etc.)
  • Well behaved pets allowed with minimal cabin clean-up fee

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:

Complimentary fine wine & beer are included in all packages.

Deposit required: 50%

Balance due: At the end of your trip.


Notification of cancellation must be received 60 days prior to your scheduled arrival in order to received a full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final & nonrefundable with the exception of a medical or family emergency.


Payment Methods Accepted
Credit cards:
PayPal:
Check/cash:
Wire transfer/bank draft:
Loading map…

Weather

°C / MM
°F / IN.

Temperature, °C

Avg HIGH

Avg LOW

Avg. Accumulated Precipitation

mm

Weather data based on closest weather station which is 57 kilometres from the lodge, so the actual climate at the lodge can vary a bit. Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015.
Jan
-2
-10
18.2
Feb
1
-9
10.4
Mar
6
-5
10.4
Apr
11
-1
12.6
May
16
3
24.9
Jun
20
7
42.9
Jul
23
10
28.5
Aug
22
8
23.2
Sep
18
4
20.1
Oct
10
0
22.3
Nov
2
-5
26.8
Dec
-2
-10
23.3

Temperature, °F

Avg HIGH

Avg LOW

Avg. Accumulated Precipitation

inches

Weather data based on closest weather station which is 57 kilometres from the lodge, so the actual climate at the lodge can vary a bit. Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015.
Jan
28
14
0.71
Feb
34
17
0.41
Mar
43
23
0.41
Apr
52
30
0.5
May
61
38
0.98
Jun
67
45
1.69
Jul
73
49
1.12
Aug
72
47
0.91
Sep
64
40
0.79
Oct
50
31
0.88
Nov
36
22
1.05
Dec
28
15
0.92

ACCOMMODATIONS

Description

The Main Lodge was built on the shore of Quesnel Lake in 1942 as a family lodge, by the Hale family from Vancouver, BC. It was constructed of cedar logs from the Quesnel Lake property. Today, this beautiful structure continues to add to the countless memories that have been made here for over sixty years.

In the late 90’s Northern Lights Lodge underwent a three year restoration project. Managing to maintain its unique character and the pride taken in the restoration, Northern Lights Lodge is a model for what lodges should be. The quality of the lodge experience along with this pure Rainbow Trout fishery enabled us to become a world recognized destination fly fishing lodge.
Northern Lights Lodge
The common room at Northern Lights Lodge has an open post and beam vaulted ceiling complimented by a huge stone fireplace. Eight rooms are located around the perimeter of the Lodge accessed by a wrap-around deck providing private entrances into each room. For added privacy, at no additional cost, couples are generally offered cabins for their stay.

For your pleasure a complimentary fly-tying bench is set up in the common room. It’s equipped with vices and all the accessories needed to make your own flies; enthusiast and novice alike find this a great way to spend the evening by the fireplace. High speed internet on entire property.

Northern Lights Lodge also offers a fly shop that is well stocked with quality flies, fly-fishing clothes and other accessories.
Cabins

  • Accommodate two to eight persons. Cabins have stoves, fridges and hot showers, cookware, bedding, towels, ect. plus High Speed Internet.
  • Four spacious cabins offer accommodations for two to six people. All cabins have a fridge, stove, and bathrooms with showers.
  • The interior of the cabins are beautifully finished in knotty pine and are complimented by large decks overlooking the Lodge and Quesnel Lake.
  • For our guest’s convenience, all bedding, cookware and utensils are supplied.

Details

Corporate buyout:

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

WiFi available:

Maximum capacity:

12

Average travel time to fishing grounds:

5-30 mins

Meals

Meals at Northern Lights Lodge are of the “American Plan”, and are perhaps, second only to Grandma’s. The ladies will spoil you with their traditional culinary skills and cheerful attitudes.

    Other Activities

    Gold panning, sightseeing, hiking, historic sites, wildlife viewing

    BOATS

    Description

    Dry fly & nymph-fish rivers from drift boats and wade-fish the bars. Jet boat the mighty Mitchell & Cariboo Rivers to fish from secluded gravel bars.

    Dry fly & nymph-fish our still waters from pontoon boats or drift boats.

    Details

    Bathroom:

    n/a

    Heated cabins:

    n/a

    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.

    Williams Lake, BC

    Transportation to/from the lodge and here is included in all packages.
    Williams-Lake-Airport-YWL
    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

    Fly from most North American cities in the morning & find yourself enjoying hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at Northern Lights Lodge in the same afternoon… in the wilderness!
    By Plane
    From Vancouver, British Columbia, fly north for one hour on Central Mountain Air or Pacific Coastal to Williams Lake, BC, Canada, where your hosts will greet you and take you for a beautiful one hour drive to Northern Lights Lodge. Settle in for five full days of fly fishing on some of the most pristine waters in the world and relax in the warmth of our comfortable traditional lodge.
    By Vehicle
    From Vancouver, British Columbia, travel east on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) to Hope, BC. From the community of Hope, travel north on the Alaska / Canada Highway (Hwy 1 N) to Cache Creek then N on Hwy 97 to 150 Mile House (just south of Williams Lake) where you will turn right onto the Horsefly/Likely Road. Travel approximately 2 miles at which time you will turn left onto the Likely Road and drive 48 miles to the small community of Likely. Cross the bridge to Likely and keep driving straight up the hill for approximately one mile then turn right onto Cedar Creek Road. Stay on Cedar Creek Road for about three miles to the Northern Lights Lodge signed entrance on the right hand side. Follow this signed driveway five hundred yards to the Lodge.

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