May means one thing for the team at Eagle Pointe Lodge: getting back to Wales Island and kicking off another great season! After a quiet winter, it doesn’t take long before everything starts moving again. Boats are back in the water, gear is dialed in and the crew settles into the rhythm of the coast.
Preparing for the Season
The off-season allowed time for several meaningful upgrades ahead of guest arrivals. Our caretaker put in the work over the winter, refinishing the bedroom floors with hardwood and refreshing the hallways with new carpet. It has given the lodge a clean, updated feel while still keeping its character intact.
Preparing for opening is always a full team effort. There’s a lot that goes into it, from deep cleaning to repairs to setup, and everyone put in the work. By the time the first guests stepped off the helicopter, we were ready and excited to get things underway.
Chinook Salmon: A Strong Early Run
Fishing has started off strong. Chinook numbers have been solid, and the average size is a noticeable step up from the past couple of seasons. Our largest so far is a tyee just over 30 pounds, with most retained fish coming in the low to mid 20s. That’s exactly what you want to see early in the year, and it’s an encouraging sign for the months ahead.
Fisheries introduced new Chinook regulations taking effect June 1st, moving to one fish per day with two in possession. Retention closes on June 23rd until further notice. May traditionally carries a two-fish daily limit with four in possession, which gives anglers greater flexibility on the water and a real opportunity to build out a full possession limit. For anyone weighing their options on timing, that’s worth keeping in mind.
Halibut and Bottom Fishing
When the weather has allowed us offshore, halibut fishing has been productive. One standout fish reached the current 112cm size limit, weighing in at 46 pounds, alongside a steady run of fish in the 20 to 30 pound range. Consistent quality across the board.
Wildlife
The natural world has been putting on a show from day one. Humpback whales and orca pods have been spotted regularly near the lodge, and bears moving along the shoreline remain a constant presence. Bald eagles hold their watch from above, unhurried and constant. A daily reminder of exactly where we are.
Looking Ahead
If May is any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be a strong season. The fish are here, the early numbers are encouraging, and the team is dialed in. We look forward to welcoming all the groups booked for the remainder of the summer.
Tight lines,
Jonathan Beaty