Northern Lights Lodge

(click image for detail)

Located in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Fly fish up to four incredible, unique B.C. fly fishing rivers in 5 days!     Let the professional guides introduce you to spectacular guided dry fly fishing and later in the season egg pattern and streamer fishing on the Mitchell River, Horsefly River, Quesnel River and Cariboo River. Your guided river fly fishing adventure will excite you and challenge your skills as you pursue trophy rainbow trout in a pristine British Columbia setting that rates second to none. In addition to these fantastic rainbow trout, be prepared to get into your backing as  our guides bring you to the challenge of trying to land a large bull trout amongst the salmon that are completing their amazing life cycle in the rivers of this ecosystem.

 The lodge has accommodations.  The 11.5 hour journey from Spokane, Washington was very scenic, restful and exciting at the same time. After crossing into British Columbia, we encountered many rivers that just begged us to stop and float a fly, but we needed to continue on to the lodge. 576.2 miles later we finally arrived at Northern Lights Lodge on the shores of Lake Quesnel, one of the deepest inland fiords on the north American continent. We were greeted by the lodge owners Skeed and Sharon Borkowski where we were showed our separate rooms, complete with showers for each guest.The lodge was built in 1942 and it stunning. Beautiful wood everywhere, including the rooms and cabins which are available for larger parties.

 


Our fishing began with the lower Quesnel River catching native rainbow trout that took a beadhead epoxyback prince nymph with gusto. For over 3 hours Casey and I hooked up with these beautiful fish, sometimes having double headers.Our fishing was for six days on the above mentioned river systems and it was an experience of a lifetime. First of all, we did not encounter other fishermen for 6 days. We had these rivers all to ourselves. Also, these resident rainbows and bulltrout do not encounter the hook. In other words, they absolutely freak out jumping and running giving the angler quite a thrill. Very strong and healthy fish populations.




Skeed took me on the upper Cariboo River one day to experience some great rainbow and bull trout fishing, about 24 miles up the river on his jet boat. Needless to say, the scenery, fishing and camaraderie were first class.


 


We also got to visit a very remote ghost town that was home to over 5,000 people around 1849. The buildings are still standing and fascinating especially for those who love history of the region.




The guides were attentive, informative and helpful each day, as we met the challenges of each river system. They do not fish with you, but rather are close by to assist in landing fish or offer suggestions that only enhances the whole experience. They also pack the gear and lunches for each day. I received a strange look when asked if they had packed the pickled herring. Its a Swedish thing. They also joined us for dinner which brightened the evening conversations and helped with the dishes in the kitchen. Bravo!





Our exciting days would come to a close each day only to be greeted by ambiance, roaring fire and cheerfulness of the lodge as only the Borkowskis can do. The wonderful smells coming from the kitchen where Sharon labored each day to provide with some of the best home cooked meals I've ever tasted. I even managed to humbly beg for her meatloaf recipe, as it is to die for. She bakes all her breads, which are part of our daily sandwiches that accompany the daily trips. There were appetizers, wine, beer, all part of the total package, as were the necessary fishing licenses. The rooms are cleaned beds sheets changed daily. There was even a box of Kleenex that appeared magically on my bed stand following a rumor of my allergies.I have included a few photographs of the trip to share with those of you who would be interested in booking a trip.
 The bookings for Spokane and the surrounding region can be accomplished through Swede's Fly Shop. We can be reached at 509 323-0500, or mail at 1611 N. Ash, Spokane, WA 99205 or email toswedesflyshop.com.

The packages vary, but 5 full days of river fishing, including full guide service, meals, accommodations, fine wine and beer and transportation to and from Williams Lake airport is $3,950.00, 2011 pricing.

Our group for this year is booked from September 10 throught the 16. There is limited space available so please book early. Looking forward to another great year with Skeed and Sharon.

There are schedules for stillwater fishing in Lake Quesnel and combination river and lake fishing schedules.My trip was a total success and the fishing experience combined with the hospitality of Skeed and Sharon make it one of the more memorable and exciting fishing experiences in well over 50 years of fly fishing. And as a bonus, seeing the bears, moose, and deer while throwing in a Zamboni for kicks, was just another highlight of the trip. I highly recommend it to novice and expert alike.