The only way to cover ground in the Chilcotins, winter or summer, was on horseback or team. Living in the Chilcotins meant overcoming obstacles, day and day out just to survive.
Sir Alexander Mackenzie was the first white man to cross the Rocky Mountains and view the Pacific Ocean from a North American shore twelve years before the more famous Lewis and Clark expedition. Mackenzie set out from Lake Athabaska in 1793 in search of an overland passage to the Pacific and arrived at his destination 72 days and 1250 miles later.
The trail left from the mouth of the Blackwater River west of Quesnel, followed the upper Blackwater up past Eliguk Lake, over the Rainbow Mountains and through what is now Tweedsmuir Park to Bella Coola and was designated as a Heritage Trail in 1987.
It's thought that the first occupiers of land west of the Fraser were the Shushwap Tribe which was nearly wiped out by smallpox in 1862. The Chilcotin or Tsilhqot'in people moved in to take their place from their traditional territory in the west (Alexis Creek to Ulkatcho).
While the tribes and white people had their problems, the Chilcotin Wars being most notable, most of the chiefs were very friendly and cooperative with the white settlers, particularly when treated with equality and respect. As a result, many natives went to work with the settlers as ranch hands, cowboys, packers and guides.
Tom Hance put up a trading post and post office at what become known as Hanceville (turn off to Chaunigan Lake). His wife Nellie was the first white women to come into the Chilcotin had a long trip to get to Hanceville in 1887 on horseback. She rode the whole three hundred miles (510 km) sidesaddle. Tom's place and later Lee's became a jumping off point for all points west and adventuresome men gradually spread through the country, settling their homestead and acquiring ranching stock. While many of their wives were brought from England, the States or Victoria, many married lasses from one of the Chilcotin tribes and more than one family, especially in the Anahim area, has a long history of intermingled families.
Take Care
Tom
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Chaunigan Fishing
Hello Everyone
Here are a few of my favourite dry flies to use at Chaunigan.
Adam's Fly:
- One dry fly that is a "must" have in any fly box.
- This fly works for just about any mayfly hatch when you don't have the exact match. Since it resembles a lot of bugs it can work when the fish aren't keying on the current hatch.
- Believed to have originally been a down wing pattern that more closely imitated a caddis (designed by Len Halladay of Michigan in 1922 at the request of his close friend Charles Adams).
- Considered by many anglers to be the best dry fly pattern ever conceived.
- Have had quite a bit of success using this fly on Chaunigan when any type of hatch is happening.
Elk hair Caddis:
- Another one of the best flies you can have in your fly box.
- Quite a remarkable Caddis hatch on Chaunigan most years. Adult imitations work well any time of year caddis are hatching.
- Perfect fly for imitating both the newly emerged caddis flies' take off and the skittering female dropping her eggs under the evening sky.
- Had a fair bit of success with this pattern and definitely worth trying on Chaunigan.
Take care Everyone
Talk to you soon
Tom
Here are a few of my favourite dry flies to use at Chaunigan.
Adam's Fly:
- One dry fly that is a "must" have in any fly box.
- This fly works for just about any mayfly hatch when you don't have the exact match. Since it resembles a lot of bugs it can work when the fish aren't keying on the current hatch.
- Believed to have originally been a down wing pattern that more closely imitated a caddis (designed by Len Halladay of Michigan in 1922 at the request of his close friend Charles Adams).
- Considered by many anglers to be the best dry fly pattern ever conceived.
- Have had quite a bit of success using this fly on Chaunigan when any type of hatch is happening.
Elk hair Caddis:
- Another one of the best flies you can have in your fly box.
- Quite a remarkable Caddis hatch on Chaunigan most years. Adult imitations work well any time of year caddis are hatching.
- Perfect fly for imitating both the newly emerged caddis flies' take off and the skittering female dropping her eggs under the evening sky.
- Had a fair bit of success with this pattern and definitely worth trying on Chaunigan.
Take care Everyone
Talk to you soon
Tom
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Chaunigan Fishing
Hello Everyone
Here are even more of my favourite flies to use at Chaunigan.
Dragonfly Nymph:
- This nymph can be fished year round. Most interior Dragonflies are 'Darners' of the family Aeshnidae preferring the cover of weed beds.
- Usually the fly imitation is fished on or near the lake bottom. The retrieve can be still, or an inching motion to represent the nymph crawling, or short to moderate pulls to represent the dragonfly using it's jet propulsion system to escape the predatory fish.
- A sinking line or weighted flies with a dry line both seem to work.
- I have had quite a lot of success with the Peacock Dragon fly nymph. Really any nymph with light to dark green colour. Also I try to get patterns with the large eyes it has seemed to work good for me.
Tom Thumb (dry fly):
- One of the most popular dry flies throughout B.C. it is a very versatile and successful pattern to use.
- can represent a variety of insects including chironomids, caddis flies, and sedge flies along with others.
- You can fish this pattern to represent traveling sedges. Retrieve the fly in short sharp bursts. Often large trout will "slash" or "roll" over the fly trying to stop its movement. It takes a great deal of patience not to strike at the first sign of the fish. Often this "slash" or "roll" precedes a second attempt from the fish.
- Another way is to troll them on a dry line. Troll them on a dry line with lots of line out. I will usually do this moving to my next spot to cast.
Stay tuned for next blog and will cover a few more dry flies I like to use.
Here are even more of my favourite flies to use at Chaunigan.
Dragonfly Nymph:
- This nymph can be fished year round. Most interior Dragonflies are 'Darners' of the family Aeshnidae preferring the cover of weed beds.
- Usually the fly imitation is fished on or near the lake bottom. The retrieve can be still, or an inching motion to represent the nymph crawling, or short to moderate pulls to represent the dragonfly using it's jet propulsion system to escape the predatory fish.
- A sinking line or weighted flies with a dry line both seem to work.
- I have had quite a lot of success with the Peacock Dragon fly nymph. Really any nymph with light to dark green colour. Also I try to get patterns with the large eyes it has seemed to work good for me.
Tom Thumb (dry fly):
- One of the most popular dry flies throughout B.C. it is a very versatile and successful pattern to use.
- can represent a variety of insects including chironomids, caddis flies, and sedge flies along with others.
- You can fish this pattern to represent traveling sedges. Retrieve the fly in short sharp bursts. Often large trout will "slash" or "roll" over the fly trying to stop its movement. It takes a great deal of patience not to strike at the first sign of the fish. Often this "slash" or "roll" precedes a second attempt from the fish.
- Another way is to troll them on a dry line. Troll them on a dry line with lots of line out. I will usually do this moving to my next spot to cast.
Stay tuned for next blog and will cover a few more dry flies I like to use.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Chaunigan Fishing
Hello Everyone
Here are a few more of my favourite flies to use on Chaunigan Lake.
Black Rabbit Leech:
- I like the rabbit leech because when it gets wet the fur sticks together and forms a slick shape.
- An effective pattern that can often bring the fish out when nothing else seems to be working.
- I prefer a weighted head with a couple of fast strips then a pause letting the fly sink a bit on the pause. The fish will often hit on the pause.
- In the early evenings the dark colour creates a silhouette that is sure to catch fish.
Werner Green Shrimp:
- Very important fly to B.C. anglers. Many lakes including Chaunigan have an abundance of these small crustaceans.
- One of, if not the top food source for the trout in the lake. You can fish with this fly year round.
- The shrimp will often hide in weed beds so check these locations on the lake while fishing this fly.
- Floating Line Sinking Fly Method - In water up to 10 ft deep, attach enough tippet to get to the lake bottom. After casting wait until fly settles to the bottom then retrieve.
- Sinking Line Method - In water greater than 10 ft. deep, cast line along drop offs and let settle to near or on the bottom. Work the fly along slowly with short quick jerks to imitate crawling and swimming among the weeds.
Muddler Minnow (Silver):
- Don Gapen designed this fly in 1936 to imitate a sculpin, known as the Cockatush Minnow, to catch large Brook Trout on the Nipigon River in Ontario, Canada.
- Fly is so successful it is now known as a "must have" fly. Incredibly diverse fly that can be fished in all conditions, whether it be cold or warm, fresh or saltwater, clear or cloudy.
- The versatility of the Muddler Minnow stems from this pattern's ability to mimic a variety of aquatic and terrestrial forage, ranging from sculpins, to leeches, to grasshoppers, crickets, spent mayflies, emerging green drakes, stonefly nymphs along with many other creatures.
More of my favourite flys in next blog.
Here are a few more of my favourite flies to use on Chaunigan Lake.
Black Rabbit Leech:
- I like the rabbit leech because when it gets wet the fur sticks together and forms a slick shape.
- An effective pattern that can often bring the fish out when nothing else seems to be working.
- I prefer a weighted head with a couple of fast strips then a pause letting the fly sink a bit on the pause. The fish will often hit on the pause.
- In the early evenings the dark colour creates a silhouette that is sure to catch fish.
Werner Green Shrimp:
- Very important fly to B.C. anglers. Many lakes including Chaunigan have an abundance of these small crustaceans.
- One of, if not the top food source for the trout in the lake. You can fish with this fly year round.
- The shrimp will often hide in weed beds so check these locations on the lake while fishing this fly.
- Floating Line Sinking Fly Method - In water up to 10 ft deep, attach enough tippet to get to the lake bottom. After casting wait until fly settles to the bottom then retrieve.
- Sinking Line Method - In water greater than 10 ft. deep, cast line along drop offs and let settle to near or on the bottom. Work the fly along slowly with short quick jerks to imitate crawling and swimming among the weeds.
Muddler Minnow (Silver):
- Don Gapen designed this fly in 1936 to imitate a sculpin, known as the Cockatush Minnow, to catch large Brook Trout on the Nipigon River in Ontario, Canada.
- Fly is so successful it is now known as a "must have" fly. Incredibly diverse fly that can be fished in all conditions, whether it be cold or warm, fresh or saltwater, clear or cloudy.
- The versatility of the Muddler Minnow stems from this pattern's ability to mimic a variety of aquatic and terrestrial forage, ranging from sculpins, to leeches, to grasshoppers, crickets, spent mayflies, emerging green drakes, stonefly nymphs along with many other creatures.
More of my favourite flys in next blog.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Chaunigan Fishing
Chaunigan is one of the best still water fishing in B.C. Not to many lakes can boast 30-50 fish caught per day.
Here are some of my favourite flies to use on Chaunigan Lake.
Woolly Bugger:
- a must have in any fly box this fly is one of the most popular streamers in use today.
- originally tied to imitate the Dobsonfly the Woolly Bugger is used to imitate leeches, baitfish, tadpoles. damselfly larvae, dragonfly larvae and crayfish.
- fish this pattern on a floating, intermediate, sink tip or full sinking line.
- works well using "pull and pause" strip, but can use just about any type of retrieve. Fished from a boat you can simply troll this fly or cast towards bank sides and draw back to get a strike.
Doc Spratley:
- Almost all B.C. anglers successfully fish this pattern. A very versatile pattern it is another must have in any fly box.
- It does not represent any particular insect, it serves as an adequate representation of major insects found in B.C.
- In larger sizes this fly represents leeches well.
- Most popular method of fishing this fly is to troll it with a full sinking line (type II of III). This fly should hit bottom occasionally while varying your trolling speed.
next fishing blog will cover more popular flies used on Chaunigan Lake
Here are some of my favourite flies to use on Chaunigan Lake.
Woolly Bugger:
- a must have in any fly box this fly is one of the most popular streamers in use today.
- originally tied to imitate the Dobsonfly the Woolly Bugger is used to imitate leeches, baitfish, tadpoles. damselfly larvae, dragonfly larvae and crayfish.
- fish this pattern on a floating, intermediate, sink tip or full sinking line.
- works well using "pull and pause" strip, but can use just about any type of retrieve. Fished from a boat you can simply troll this fly or cast towards bank sides and draw back to get a strike.
Doc Spratley:
- Almost all B.C. anglers successfully fish this pattern. A very versatile pattern it is another must have in any fly box.
- It does not represent any particular insect, it serves as an adequate representation of major insects found in B.C.
- In larger sizes this fly represents leeches well.
- Most popular method of fishing this fly is to troll it with a full sinking line (type II of III). This fly should hit bottom occasionally while varying your trolling speed.
next fishing blog will cover more popular flies used on Chaunigan Lake
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Chaunigan History Continued
Hello Everyone
Continuation of last Chaunigan history blog.
My father contracted a surveyor from Williams Lake to survey property adjacent to the lodge. He flew him into the lake and back out again after the job was done, staying at the lodge with the permission of then owner Les Johnson. Les was a dentist from Centralia, Washington. Johnson was near retirement and his seasonal transportation onto the lake was a six wheel drive Army surplus truck with a winch on both ends. He had adopted two native children whom he and his wife brought back and forth seasonally.
In 1954 fishing from the lodge boats and staying there overnight with Johnson's permission, he realized in bad weather that trolling by that first point a mile down the lake was great fishing as well as marginally weather protected. It also provided great protection from the weather for the airplane which was now a 1954 Cessa 180. He put the lots that were surveyed by the lodge up for sale and resurveyed two lots plotted by the point. One he purchased and the other he leased to the Gibbon's family. The law was that the land had to be improved within five years. The purchase price was really just the cost to have it surveyed and improved. Within a year the law changed so that no more Canadian (Queen's) land on waterfront could be sold, purchased, improved or gained title of forever more.
Continuation of last Chaunigan history blog.
My father contracted a surveyor from Williams Lake to survey property adjacent to the lodge. He flew him into the lake and back out again after the job was done, staying at the lodge with the permission of then owner Les Johnson. Les was a dentist from Centralia, Washington. Johnson was near retirement and his seasonal transportation onto the lake was a six wheel drive Army surplus truck with a winch on both ends. He had adopted two native children whom he and his wife brought back and forth seasonally.
In 1954 fishing from the lodge boats and staying there overnight with Johnson's permission, he realized in bad weather that trolling by that first point a mile down the lake was great fishing as well as marginally weather protected. It also provided great protection from the weather for the airplane which was now a 1954 Cessa 180. He put the lots that were surveyed by the lodge up for sale and resurveyed two lots plotted by the point. One he purchased and the other he leased to the Gibbon's family. The law was that the land had to be improved within five years. The purchase price was really just the cost to have it surveyed and improved. Within a year the law changed so that no more Canadian (Queen's) land on waterfront could be sold, purchased, improved or gained title of forever more.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Plants of Chaunigan
Common Red Paintbrush:- A very common flower, its bright colour instantly catches the eye. The roots a parasitic often stealing nutrients from aspen and poplar trees.
Common Juniper:- Branches were often burned in smudges to repel insects. Smoke from the berries or branches was used in religious ceremonies or to bring good luck (especially for hunters).
Yarrow:- This plant is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world. It has been used for thousands of years as a styptic- a plant that stops bleeding. Fresh leaves can be rubbed on the skin as an effective (though temporary) insect repellent.
Birds of Chaunigan
Bonaparte's Gull:- The third smallest gull, these birds feed mainly on insects, crustaceans and fish. Unlike other gulls they birds rarely scavenge. They will usually nest in conifers.
Belted Kingfisher:- Often seen perching on trees, fence posts or other watch points close to the water before plunging after their prey. They eat fish, amphibians, small crustaceans, small mammals, insects and reptiles.
Spruce Grouse:- To avoid predation these birds rely on camouflage and immobility to avoid detection. There staple food is conifer needles plucking them right from the tree. They will also feed on berries, green plants, fungi and some insects.
Chaunigan History
Part 1
My father first flew to Chaunigan (He thought it was Challicum) in 1952 in a 145 hp, 1949 Aeronca on floats. He and his friend Bill caught so many fish spinning from the floats that Bill had to walk down to Konni Lake because they could not get off the water. Fortunately Bill was a very capable guy and they met down there just before dark and got back to Stuart Island at the end of Bute Inlet, landed in that scary water and taxied to their accommodations on Dent Island without incident. At the time my dad resolved to pursue the acquisition of property at Chaunigan (Challicum). It was the perfect weekend getaway for him within reasonable range for a float plane from Olympia on a summer Friday afternoon and a Sunday return. He worked his ass off during the week as a surgeon in Olympia and really appreciated the isolation on weekends and no phone.
Special Thanks to Casey Jones long time Chaunigan Lake resident for sharing this information.
My father first flew to Chaunigan (He thought it was Challicum) in 1952 in a 145 hp, 1949 Aeronca on floats. He and his friend Bill caught so many fish spinning from the floats that Bill had to walk down to Konni Lake because they could not get off the water. Fortunately Bill was a very capable guy and they met down there just before dark and got back to Stuart Island at the end of Bute Inlet, landed in that scary water and taxied to their accommodations on Dent Island without incident. At the time my dad resolved to pursue the acquisition of property at Chaunigan (Challicum). It was the perfect weekend getaway for him within reasonable range for a float plane from Olympia on a summer Friday afternoon and a Sunday return. He worked his ass off during the week as a surgeon in Olympia and really appreciated the isolation on weekends and no phone.
Special Thanks to Casey Jones long time Chaunigan Lake resident for sharing this information.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Chaunigan News
2011 season was very successful overall. The amount of fish caught on the lake this year was tremendous. I thought the 2010 season was good but cannot compare to how many fish were caught this year. The fish were a little smaller probably due to the late spring and competition in the lake for food. I expect that 2012 will be as good with a few more bigger fish caught.
All the guests up here this year were amazing. We had a wide range of guests at the lodge. From the hardcore anglers to families fishing and horseback riding. We even had a few guests who did not fish or trail ride but were up at the lodge to simply enjoy the scenery and peacefulness of Chaunigan Lake.
I would love to see you all back up here again.
Take Care
Tom
All the guests up here this year were amazing. We had a wide range of guests at the lodge. From the hardcore anglers to families fishing and horseback riding. We even had a few guests who did not fish or trail ride but were up at the lodge to simply enjoy the scenery and peacefulness of Chaunigan Lake.
I would love to see you all back up here again.
Take Care
Tom
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
October News
Well another season at Chaunigan is almost over. It was a very good year and the fishing and trail rides were enjoyed by many. Many, many fish were caught this year. Some think myself included that the fishing was even better then last year.
The nights are getting cold but the days are still quite pleasant. We have have guests up enjoying some October fishing. They are many using flashers with wedding bands and usually a bit of worm on the hook. Seems to work very well for this time of year.
The horses are going to their wintering grounds down in the valley. The last of our guests are leaving on Saturday and will start closing things down for the winter. I hope all of our guests enjoyed their stay with us this season and we hope to see you back up here sometime.
Thanks
Tom
The nights are getting cold but the days are still quite pleasant. We have have guests up enjoying some October fishing. They are many using flashers with wedding bands and usually a bit of worm on the hook. Seems to work very well for this time of year.
The horses are going to their wintering grounds down in the valley. The last of our guests are leaving on Saturday and will start closing things down for the winter. I hope all of our guests enjoyed their stay with us this season and we hope to see you back up here sometime.
Thanks
Tom
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Chaunigan News
Hello Everyone
September for the most part was a beautiful month. The first two weeks were absolutely beautiful. Sunny days and warm weather kept the fish active. The weather has been on and off for the following weeks with the nights starting to get cold.
The fishing has still been very good this month. The fish have still been hitting mainly on the flies popular all year. Wholly buggers black and green and the Doc Spratley's red, green and black are still working very well.
First day of snow today has brought a couple inches of the white stuff. Will be expecting more now that we are getting into October.
Take Care
Tom
September for the most part was a beautiful month. The first two weeks were absolutely beautiful. Sunny days and warm weather kept the fish active. The weather has been on and off for the following weeks with the nights starting to get cold.
The fishing has still been very good this month. The fish have still been hitting mainly on the flies popular all year. Wholly buggers black and green and the Doc Spratley's red, green and black are still working very well.
First day of snow today has brought a couple inches of the white stuff. Will be expecting more now that we are getting into October.
Take Care
Tom
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Chaunigan News
Hello Everyone
The weather has been absolutely gorgeous at the lake. Highs have been in the 20- 24C range and skies have been clear. The nice weather is expected to stick around for awhile and be nice right through to the long weekend.
The fishing is still incredible up at the lake. Many fishermen are still catching between 20- 40 fish per day easily.
It has been a great season so far and we have many more bookings for September. Come on up and enjoy some great fishing and scenery. The horses have been very busy this year so for those interested in a trail ride the horses are ready to go.
Talk to you soon
Tom
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Chaunigan Lake Lodge
Hello Everyone
The fishing is still incredible up at the lodge. Guests are still catching plenty of fish (10-15 per hour is not uncommon). The families have been coming up and joining in on the great fishing.
We have had plenty of trail riders in August enjoying the many trails and incredible view from the top of Chauningan Mountain.
The weather has been very nice the last few weeks and expected to stay that way for awhile.
Talk to you soon
Tom
Monday, August 1, 2011
Chaunigan News
Hello Everyone
It is a beautiful morning, the lake is calm and sun is shining. The weather is supposed to stay relatively nice throughout the week. Highs nearing 18-20C and sunny days with a few cloudy periods.
The Mayfly hatch is still going on and I have been catching a couple of fish on the dry flies. The Doc Spratley, Wholly Bugger and Red Carey are still the hot flies to use on the lake.
We had a helicopter fly in yesterday afternoon. John and his son will be staying with us for 3 or 4 days to relax and enjoy some fishing.
Talk to you soon
Tom
Friday, July 22, 2011
Chaunigan News
Hello Everyone
The lake has been very calm the last few days. We are expected to have a mix of weather in the next few days. Some cloudy periods with a chance of rain mixed with sun but highs of 20-22C.
The fishing as always is great. There is a small mayfly hatch going on right now. So many different flies seem to be working this year. Really any green, yellow or black fly seems to be working. I am quite surprised the fish are not selective much at all this year as long as they have these colours in them. Flat fish lures are working extremely well. Green with some yellow and red are working the best.
Talk to you soon
Tom
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Chaunigan News
Hello Everyone
The weather has been very nice the last few days. No rain and quite a bit of sunshine has made fishing for the guests really pleasant. The guests that are in have landed over 80 fish in the last few days and are having a few of them smoked for their trip home.
Our walk in guests this week enjoyed a horse back trip to Eagle's Bay where we had lunch and continued on with our ride. They had brought their canoe and enjoyed a few trips around the lake. They did not fish but loved the scenery and nature and commented that it was a excellent place "to worship nature"
Friday, July 15, 2011
Chaunigan News
Hello Everyone
We had a few drop ins this week join us at the lodge. These guests enjoyed some great fishing and a trail ride. The trail riders were quite a young group ages 6,8 and 16. They enjoyed this immensely and loved being out on the horses.
The weather has been off and on this week with a bit of rain but the winds were calm making the fishing very enjoyable.
The guests that were in this past week were catching between 30- 40 fish per day. We had one guest that was doing quite a lot of chironimid fishing and having great success near and around Eagle's Bay.
See you soon
Tom
We had a few drop ins this week join us at the lodge. These guests enjoyed some great fishing and a trail ride. The trail riders were quite a young group ages 6,8 and 16. They enjoyed this immensely and loved being out on the horses.
The weather has been off and on this week with a bit of rain but the winds were calm making the fishing very enjoyable.
The guests that were in this past week were catching between 30- 40 fish per day. We had one guest that was doing quite a lot of chironimid fishing and having great success near and around Eagle's Bay.
See you soon
Tom
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Chaunigan Lake Lodge
Hello Everyone
It is a beautiful morning at the lake. The lake is calm and the sun is shining. We had a few days of rain and overcast days but the weather is supposed to be very nice for the upcoming week.
The fish are finally finished spawning now and have left the stream. Last year fishing seemed to be great in certain ares of the lake especially at the back from Bear Track, Ed's Point and Eagle's Bay. This year anglers have been catching fish in frequent numbers all over the lake. The area between the forestry site and the lodge has been very good. Also all along the shoreline up and down the lake has been quite good. Hope this keeps up.
If you are a spin casting angler spinners and flat fish predominately green with some yellow and red have been working extremely well.
For fly anglers the wholly buggers, doc spratley's, and mayfly nymphs are still very hot. It is usually the black wholly buggers that work best but they are really starting to hit on the green ones as well. Green is the colour this year as they seem to be hitting any wet fly with this colour in it.
Talk to you soon
Tom
It is a beautiful morning at the lake. The lake is calm and the sun is shining. We had a few days of rain and overcast days but the weather is supposed to be very nice for the upcoming week.
The fish are finally finished spawning now and have left the stream. Last year fishing seemed to be great in certain ares of the lake especially at the back from Bear Track, Ed's Point and Eagle's Bay. This year anglers have been catching fish in frequent numbers all over the lake. The area between the forestry site and the lodge has been very good. Also all along the shoreline up and down the lake has been quite good. Hope this keeps up.
If you are a spin casting angler spinners and flat fish predominately green with some yellow and red have been working extremely well.
For fly anglers the wholly buggers, doc spratley's, and mayfly nymphs are still very hot. It is usually the black wholly buggers that work best but they are really starting to hit on the green ones as well. Green is the colour this year as they seem to be hitting any wet fly with this colour in it.
Talk to you soon
Tom
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Chaunigan Update
Hello Everyone
It was a very successful long weekend at Chaunigan Lake. We had a full house every cabin was rented plus we had three RV's come in. Many people were enjoying the hot tub and games room.
The fishing was absolutely spectacular this weekend. 20-30 fish per day was the norm. There is a huge chironomid hatch going on right now. Fishermen are starting to catch fish on the floating lines as fish are drawing nearer to the surface.
It has been a very nice few days wind has been down and nice and sunny. It supposed to nice the rest of the week temperatures getting into the mid 20's.
See you soon
Tom
Friday, July 1, 2011
Chaunigan News
Hello Everyone
Happy Canada Day! We are in the midst of a very busy weekend. Many guests have come in from all over. We have a fly in from Oregon and some more drove in from Washington who are on a BC fishing adventure and Chaunigan is one of there several destinations. We also have guests from the Okanagan, Quesnel and Prince George.
Many people are out on the lake enjoying the great fishing. We had four friends from Washington join us this week and they have been enjoying their yearly visit to the lodge for 40 years.
It has been cool the last few days between 10 and 12C but should warm back up again in the next few days. The water temperature is still around the 10C mark. The fish are starting to come up into the shallower depths of the lake but most can be caught between 20 and 40ft.
Bye for now
Tom
Monday, June 27, 2011
Chaunigan News
Hello Everyone
The weather has been gorgeous the last couple days. Temperatures between 15-19C. The water has been nice and calm and fish are biting hard. Most of the guests have been catching 20-50 fish in a couple of days.
Chironomid hatches are happening at the back of the lake and leech patterns and mayfly nymphs are still working really well. Doc Spratley's with a green body are also starting to work very well.
We have most of our cabins rented out now and are going to be very busy during the July 1st long weekend. We do have some openings so book now to reserve a spot at the lodge.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Chaunigan Update
Hello Everyone
The weather had been very nice the last few days. We have some rain today and supposed to carry on till tomorrow with the weekend getting nice again. Highs should be in the 18-22C range.
All of our recent guests have been catching their limits and releasing many more. Some have been catching 15-25 fish a day. Mayfly nymphs have been working quite well and dragonfly nymphs are starting to work as well. The water temperature is around 12C and the fish are starting to get quite active. Most have been catching them in the 20-40ft depth range.
The fish are almost done spawning now and thousands of fry can be seen in the inlets and bays especially Eagle's Bay on the south-west end of the lake.
Hope to see you soon
Tom
The weather had been very nice the last few days. We have some rain today and supposed to carry on till tomorrow with the weekend getting nice again. Highs should be in the 18-22C range.
All of our recent guests have been catching their limits and releasing many more. Some have been catching 15-25 fish a day. Mayfly nymphs have been working quite well and dragonfly nymphs are starting to work as well. The water temperature is around 12C and the fish are starting to get quite active. Most have been catching them in the 20-40ft depth range.
The fish are almost done spawning now and thousands of fry can be seen in the inlets and bays especially Eagle's Bay on the south-west end of the lake.
Hope to see you soon
Tom
Monday, June 20, 2011
Chaunigan News
Hello Everyone
The weather is supposed to be nice all week. Highs of 18 to 20C and mostly sunny.
We have a many new guests in this week. The Clark and Lawrence brothers and four friends from the Okanagan. We are getting quite busy now with many new guests coming in later this week and almost a full house for the July long weekend.
The fishing is getting better and better with our guests easily catching their limits and releasing many more. The wholly bugger (black), leech and shrimp patterns seem to be working the best for them. The best fishing has been at the back of the lake around ants bay and ed's point to eagle's bay.
Our two new horses Tom and JD are coming up Friday evening from Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch. There will be plenty of horses to ride for those looking to get out on the trails.
Talk to you soon
Tom
The weather is supposed to be nice all week. Highs of 18 to 20C and mostly sunny.
We have a many new guests in this week. The Clark and Lawrence brothers and four friends from the Okanagan. We are getting quite busy now with many new guests coming in later this week and almost a full house for the July long weekend.
The fishing is getting better and better with our guests easily catching their limits and releasing many more. The wholly bugger (black), leech and shrimp patterns seem to be working the best for them. The best fishing has been at the back of the lake around ants bay and ed's point to eagle's bay.
Our two new horses Tom and JD are coming up Friday evening from Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch. There will be plenty of horses to ride for those looking to get out on the trails.
Talk to you soon
Tom
Friday, June 17, 2011
Chaunigan Update
The fishing continues to be good as always. Besides the black wholly buggers that the fish always seem to take the fish are hitting shrimp and mosquito's like crazy. Larry McGarry a former manager at Chaunigan made me up some flies. They are a muddler type pattern with a green body and are working quite well.
The fish are still spawning in the creek by the lodge and the eagles and osprey sit on the bridge keeping a keen eye on them.
We are supposed to get a bit of rain Saturday. Sunday and Monday are supposed to be very nice with highs of 19C and 20C.
We had a big black bear come near the lodge yesterday (almost 7ft) but Maia the dog and our horses kept it away.
Talk to you soon
Tom
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Season getting Busy
The season is starting to pick up after a late spring. We have really solid bookings between now and and July. Book now to secure a cabin for your visit, the fishing is really getting good.
Ed Bakstad and his friends Colin, Brent and Malcolm flew in on two planes yesterday and joined us for three meals and enjoyed some fishing while they were here.
Want to thank Ed McMurray for helping us out with the maintenance of our vehicles, generators and fridges and the odd meal. He really is a jack of all trades and his help has been greatly appreciated.
Hope to see you soon
Tom
Monday, June 13, 2011
First Guest Flying into Lodge
Hello There
Our first two fly ins will be arriving tomorrow. Ed Bakstad and friends from the Kelowna area will be arriving in their cessna's. Ed will be joining us for a couple of nights and use Chaunigan as jumping off point to explore other areas of the Chilcotin's.
We are expecting some rain in the next couple of days but should turn nice and sunny again by Thursday.
The fish are still spawning at the lodge bridge which is great and the eagles and osprey are battling over territory and fishing rights which is quite a sight to see.
Talk to you soon
Tom
Friday, June 10, 2011
Chaunigan News
Hello
The first guest of the season is arriving tonight. Don is driving in from Vancouver to join us for dinner and will be staying a few nights.
Terry Simmons our neighbor down the hill has been busy fixing the road up to the lake to make access easier for our guests.
The bald eagles are very abundant this year. Ten of them were spotted at the other end of the lake and we have three that like to perch around the lodge.
There are supposed to some showers the next few days but nice and sunny come Sunday.
The fishing is hot and the horses are ready to ride the trails so come up and join us anytime.
Tom
The first guest of the season is arriving tonight. Don is driving in from Vancouver to join us for dinner and will be staying a few nights.
Terry Simmons our neighbor down the hill has been busy fixing the road up to the lake to make access easier for our guests.
The bald eagles are very abundant this year. Ten of them were spotted at the other end of the lake and we have three that like to perch around the lodge.
There are supposed to some showers the next few days but nice and sunny come Sunday.
The fishing is hot and the horses are ready to ride the trails so come up and join us anytime.
Tom
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Up and running
Hello
The ice finally came off June 4th this year the latest it has come off the lake in almost fifty years. The water level is also the highest its been in 16 years.
I am returning to manage the lodge this year and my brother Jon will be my assistant manager. We work great together and will do everything to provide the best service possible to our guests.
Louis the grandson of Dr. John Pawlovich who has been visiting the lake for almost fifty years will be working with us this summer.
There will be some new campsites built this year for tenters to stay in. They will be behind our rustic cabins with some great views of the lake.
We are also bringing up two more horses from Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch to bring our total to seven horses for riders.
Hope to see you up here!
Tom
The ice finally came off June 4th this year the latest it has come off the lake in almost fifty years. The water level is also the highest its been in 16 years.
I am returning to manage the lodge this year and my brother Jon will be my assistant manager. We work great together and will do everything to provide the best service possible to our guests.
Louis the grandson of Dr. John Pawlovich who has been visiting the lake for almost fifty years will be working with us this summer.
There will be some new campsites built this year for tenters to stay in. They will be behind our rustic cabins with some great views of the lake.
We are also bringing up two more horses from Chilcotin Holidays Guest Ranch to bring our total to seven horses for riders.
Hope to see you up here!
Tom
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Chaunigan ready for the season.
Hello Everyone
We came up on June 3rd to open up the lodge. The weather was nice and there was signs of fish everywhere. We had a very busy three days opening up and getting things ready for the season. Everything is in good condition and up and running.
We saw some black bears with cubs on the way in and a few horses. The local beaver also made his presence known with a few tail slaps.
I want to give a special thanks to the crew who helped open the lodge up this past week. Kevan, Andre, Karl, Jane, Lee, Luca and Mathis. Special thanks for all your hard work and to my full time staff of Jon and Louis.
The fish are spawning in great abundance at the bridge near the lodge this year which is a great sign. Some of the guys went fishing and had some great success. They were using black wholly buggers and some mosquito patterns.
So come on up for some great fishing, trail rides and meals we are looking forward to a great season.
We are having many activities going on this year will go into more detail in my next blog.
Talk to you soon.
Tom
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
New Season at Chaunigan Lake
Hello Everyone
Its a new season up at Chaunigan Lake. It was a late spring up at the lodge and we are now ready to get things rolling. We will be up at the lodge June 3rd to open things up and guests are welcome to start coming in.
The late spring will make the fishing very good to start off the season and should be spectacular right through till August and then again in September. I will be keeping everyone updated on what flies and lures are working best on the lake and average number of fish being caught. June 10,11,and 12th we will be having our first of several fish derbies. The heaviest fish caught will enjoy a free nights stay in one our rustic cabins.
The horses are coming up to join us on the 5th of June for the rest of the season. Unfortunately we lost Spot one of our geldings (34yrs old) over the winter and he will be missed. We do have two more horse coming up soon to join Copper, Tammy, Licorice, C.C. and Shamrock.
Remember drop ins are always welcome.
We will be having a link to subscribe to our newsletter to keep you informed on all the activities going on up at the lodge soon.
Talk to you soon
Tom
Its a new season up at Chaunigan Lake. It was a late spring up at the lodge and we are now ready to get things rolling. We will be up at the lodge June 3rd to open things up and guests are welcome to start coming in.
The late spring will make the fishing very good to start off the season and should be spectacular right through till August and then again in September. I will be keeping everyone updated on what flies and lures are working best on the lake and average number of fish being caught. June 10,11,and 12th we will be having our first of several fish derbies. The heaviest fish caught will enjoy a free nights stay in one our rustic cabins.
The horses are coming up to join us on the 5th of June for the rest of the season. Unfortunately we lost Spot one of our geldings (34yrs old) over the winter and he will be missed. We do have two more horse coming up soon to join Copper, Tammy, Licorice, C.C. and Shamrock.
Remember drop ins are always welcome.
We will be having a link to subscribe to our newsletter to keep you informed on all the activities going on up at the lodge soon.
Talk to you soon
Tom
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