An Exclusive Fly-In Remote Fishing Lodge in the Heart of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest
Location: GD, Simoom Sound, BC V0P 1S0, Canada
Access Point
Port Hardy (Vancouver Island) or Seattle (Floatplane)
Region
BC Central Coast / Great Bear Rainforest
Guests consistently praise Blackfish Lodge for its unparalleled combination of world-class wilderness angling, exceptional hospitality, and breathtaking remote scenery. As a genuine family-owned floating lodge, it offers an intimate, personalized experience with a strict maximum capacity of just 4 to 6 guests. The dedication of hosts Chris and Hannah Bennett, paired with expert guiding across diverse freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, ensures an unforgettable, tailor-made adventure for anglers of all skill levels.
Nestled in a private inlet on remote Baker Island within the southern confines of the Great Bear Rainforest, Blackfish Lodge is a custom-built, off-grid floating sanctuary. Founded in 1989 by Chris and Hannah Bennett, this family-run retreat blends the comforts of a cozy wilderness home with direct access to some of British Columbia’s most productive and unpressured fisheries. Accessible only by floatplane or boat, the lodge provides a peaceful escape where guests can immerse themselves in pristine nature, target migrating Pacific salmon, and explore legendary rivers without ever seeing another angler.
Premier target species in both saltwater and river systems.
Aggressive fighters available summer through fall.
Seasonal migrations providing abundant action.
Monster bottom fish reaching up to 200+ lbs.
Excellent bottom fishing opportunities in local reefs.
Resident and sea-run populations thriving in estuaries.
Pristine freshwater targets in remote streams.
Legendary wild steelhead in classified waters.
Frequent visitors in the rich waters of Johnstone Strait.
Seasonal migrants passing through the rainforest channels.
Playful pods often bow-riding alongside boats.
Common sights in the sheltered bays and sounds.
Abundant birdlife nesting along the rugged coastline.
Often spotted foraging along riverbanks during salmon runs.
Native mammals inhabiting the old-growth forests and shores.
Blackfish Lodge operates in some of the most pristine and productive waters on the BC Central Coast. From the legendary Class 2 Classified Waters of the Wakeman River to the nutrient-rich saltwater channels of Queen Charlotte Strait, every excursion offers diverse angling opportunities. The remote location ensures unpressured fishing grounds surrounded by the breathtaking wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest.
| Season | Fishing Highlights | Target Species |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Migrating species begin arriving; pristine river conditions. | Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden, early Chinook |
| Summer | Peak salmon runs; excellent saltwater trolling. | Coho, Pink, Sockeye, Chinook, Halibut, Ling Cod |
| Fall | Massive salmon migrations; Wakeman River in striking jade green. | Chinook, Coho, Chum, Steelhead, Trout |
| Winter | Off-grid tranquility; lodge bookings for upcoming seasons. | Lodge closures for deep winter; planning for spring |
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Unlike crowded commercial charters, Blackfish Lodge guarantees exclusive use of the property for small parties of 4 to 6 guests. Its unique position allows anglers to seamlessly transition from world-class saltwater salmon trolling to secluded, catch-and-release fly-fishing in pristine streams. The all-inclusive "Fly and Fish" packages remove the logistical stress of remote travel, handling everything from Seattle/Vancouver airfare to gourmet meals prepared with fresh greenhouse greens and local seafood.
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• Departure Point: Baker Island (Simoom Sound), accessible via floatplane from Port Hardy (Vancouver Island), Port McNeill, or Seattle (Renton).
• Nearby Cities: Port Hardy (Northern Vancouver Island), Seattle (Washington).
• Access Routes: Direct floatplane from Seattle (seasonal) or Pacific Coastal Airlines to Port Hardy followed by a local floatplane/water taxi connection.
Secure your spot at one of British Columbia’s most coveted remote fishing destinations. With a maximum capacity of just 6 guests, dates fill up rapidly for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Contact the Bennett family today to customize your wilderness angling adventure.
Everything you need to know about Blackfish Lodge
Yes, the lodge welcomes anglers of all skill levels. The guides provide personalized fly-tying and casting instruction at the lodge before taking you out on the water, ensuring first-timers have the best chance to land their first fly-caught fish.
You can target all five species of Pacific salmon (Chinook, Coho, Pink, Sockeye, Chum), halibut, ling cod, coastal cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden char, and steelhead. The peak season runs from spring through early fall, with summer offering the most consistent saltwater salmon and halibut action, while fall brings massive salmon migrations into the rivers.
All fishing licenses are included in your package. Retention limits are strictly managed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to protect wild stocks. For example, halibut retention is limited to one fish between 90 and 133 cm, and Chinook salmon limits vary by month. The lodge strongly encourages catch-and-release practices.
Fishing days are fully customized with no preset hours, allowing you to fish as conditions and your preferences dictate. The highlight for many is the full-day Wakeman River float trip, an exclusive guided raft journey down this legendary Class 2 Classified Water, limited to two guests per raft.
You can book by calling +1 206-789-1224 or via their website. A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your dates, with the balance due 60 days prior to arrival. The all-inclusive "Fly and Fish" packages cover roundtrip airfare from Seattle or Vancouver, private lodging, all meals and beverages, gear, licenses, and fuel.
The lodge is accessible only by floatplane or boat. From Northern Vancouver Island, you can drive or ferry to Port Hardy and take a connecting floatplane or water taxi. Alternatively, seasonal direct floatplane service operates from the Seattle/Renton terminal, offering spectacular aerial views of the Coast Mountains.