Kim Sainato, Senior Customer Service Manager
During the first week of June, my husband Tim and I set out on what turned into the adventure of a lifetime—a journey to Langara Island Lodge in British Columbia. Just getting there felt like part of the accomplishment: three planes, two full days of travel, and one unforgettable Helijet ride brought us to this remote and breathtaking destination off the coast of Haida Gwaii.
Langara Island sits at the northernmost edge of British Columbia, where the Pacific Ocean meets rugged coastline and rich marine life. Known around the world for its incredible fishing, it’s a place where nature feels untouched and every day brings a new story. And it wasn’t just the fishing that amazed us—we were surrounded by incredible wildlife, including humpback whales, killer orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles soaring overhead.
We were fortunate to be paired with an exceptional fishing guide, Frank, who has been guiding at Langara Island Lodge since 1990. A native of the area, Frank didn’t just put us on fish—he brought the island to life. He shared fascinating stories about the history of Masset and the Haida Gwaii region, giving us a deep appreciation for the culture and heritage of the land and waters we were exploring.
Each guest at the lodge has a weekly limit: 3 lingcod, 2 salmon, and 1 halibut per person. I’m happy to report that we “tagged out,” reaching our limit and returning home with 110 pounds of fish to share. But the highlight of the trip wasn’t just the quantity—it was one truly unforgettable catch.
In British Columbia, a Chinook (King) salmon weighing 30 pounds or more earns the prestigious title of a “Tyee.” The word “tyee” originates from Chinook Jargon, a historic trade language used across the Pacific Northwest, meaning “chief,” “leader,” or “great one.” Catching a tyee is the ultimate goal for many anglers visiting Langara Island Lodge.
On June 5, 2026, at approximately 8:45 AM local time, my dream came true. I landed a 38-pound Chinook salmon—a true tyee. To put that into perspective, many anglers never catch a Chinook over 20 pounds in their lifetime. A 30-pound fish earns tyee status… and at 38 pounds, this was an exceptional catch—the kind of fish people talk about for years. In fact, it was the largest salmon caught by any visitor at the lodge that week.
That evening, during dinner at the lodge, the General Manager announced the catch, and I was honored with a special fishing hat adorned with a “Tyee” pin—a moment I won’t soon forget. As a lasting memory, next season my photo with the fish will also be proudly displayed on the lodge’s Wall of Fame.
This trip was more than just a fishing experience—it was a reminder of the value of stepping away, embracing adventure, and celebrating milestones outside of our day-to-day routines. Between the incredible fishing, the unforgettable wildlife, and the people we met along the way, it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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