2011 was our inaugural season at Copper Bay Lodge. We underwent a renovation project in fixing up our beachfront lodge. Copper Bay Lodge is the oldest fishing lodge on Haida Gwaii. Walter and Maria Ernst were hosting coho and steelhead anglers at Copper Bay Lodge long before the saltwater salmon lodges opened up. Although they were gear fishing back then, the lodge runs a very similar program to this day. A small, intimate fishing experience catering to the adventurous. Back in the 80's one of their guests was Jimmy Carter who has since written about his fishing there many times. With a stunning panabode, cedar lodge and enough rooms to host each angler in their private room with a shared bath, the word slowly got out about our operation.
Main lodge
Our lodge hosts 4 anglers per week. It is located just outside of Sandspit, BC. The lodge is an old rustic Beach house which we fully renovated a few years back. that is possibly the most comfortable, homiest establishment in the industry. You can't help but get lulled into island mode staring at the beautiful sunrises and listening to the tide from your bed.
You truly have to come experience this trip for yourself to understand why this part of the world is so special. Steelhead fishing is hard work, and is not your typical adventure. As any steelheader knows this is not easy fishing. After a hard day of working for a limited number of fish, we want you to be extremely comfortable at the lodge.
The Food
The Chef at Copper Bay Lodge takes extraordinary pride in preparing some of the finest meals you will ever see at a fishing lodge. Top-quality ingredients and an excellent presentation are paired to perfectly serve hearty meals. Our chef is flexible with meal timing and knows we are there to fish and explore the islands.
Amenities
We do offer limited laundry service at the lodge or guests are welcome to throw laundry in at any time. We have wireless internet so laptops and tablets are welcome. There is some cell phone coverage at the lodge, feel free to bring your cell phone. Long-distance calls can be made using the lodge telephone free of charge. The lodge also offers a variety of toiletry articles’ including shampoo/conditioner, hand creams, and soaps so feel free to keep your toiletries to a minimum.
Other Amenities Include
- Beer and wine are supplied
- 24-hour electricity
- Guest telephone service for free
- Fly-tying table and materials
- Spotify and Sirius xm player and a variety of music choices
- Lodge videos from all our other fisheriesÂ
- Variety of reading material
- Daily housekeeping
- Nightly Equipment drying
- Laundry service as needed
- Internet
- WiFi
Four Star Dining
Making your stay unforgettable is our goal and promise. Copper Bay Lodge says all food is not all created equal. At CBL, we serve only the finest food, prepared with great care by our blue-ribbon chefs. The gourmet meals at CBL are welcomed by all our guests as the days are quite strenuous. Chef Crystal Smith strives to leave you having more thoughts about the cuisine than the world-class fishing. You can decide on the breakfast of your choice in the dining room, cooked to order, before departing on your day's adventure.
Most Days afield your guide will have a quick lunch as to not interfere with the time spent fishing. Successful winter steelheading is based on time spent with fly in the water. If you care to take the time, your guide will grill your sandwich along with homemade soup and freshly baked goods. Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are furnished.
Internet
Our internet is via satellite so not the fastest. It can be quite slow at times but it is very functional to check and reply to emails. It tends to fail at uploading photos. Hopefully, we will be presented with a better alternative one day, however for now it is your typical sat internet.
Upon returning from your days fishing, a variety of evening hors d'oeuvres will be waiting for you at the lodge. Choice dinner specialties include Filet Mignon, Prime Rib, wild fish, Local Halibut, Chicken, Baby Back Ribs and many more tasty delicacies to satisfy the hearty fisherman's appetite. Daily, homemade breads, delicious pastries and gourmet delights are served with each lodge meal. 100% of our clients leave raving about the food. We can't control the weather, or the attitude of the fish but what we can control is first-class food, service and accommodations and we do this well.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not included. We will make a stop at the store when you arrive to pick up your favourite steelhead trip cocktails. If you have a specific brand of alcohol that you prefer, you might consider bringing it with you as the selection in Sandspit is limited. You may also try and take advantage of the Duty-Free on the way into Canada.
