Testimonials from our Guests:

Derek wrote:

An open letter to everyone there from Derek P.

Since retirement I have had many excursions out my Yorkshire, England home, in which I have shamelessly indulged my passion for fly fishing around the world. Now in my 75th year I needed to find my ultimate dream destination – without being morbid about it, for who can foretell the future (?) – this may well be my last “big one”. I did my homework assiduously. Should it be bonefish of the Indian Ocean Island flats? Or perhaps the big sea trout of Argentina? Decisions….. Then, like an answer to a prayer, my quarterly copy of the British Columbia Magazine arrived in October 2006 and there, leaping from the page was an advertisement for this beautiful looking Lodge - “Chaunigan”. Web site checked, Google Earth checked, Atlas checked, Canadian friends quizzed. This looked like IT. That started the most interesting sequence of e-mail conversations with a (then) unknown gentleman in Vancouver called Dan Wilson. Dan proved to be a veritable mine of information and over dozens of exchanges I made booking #0001 for 2007 in October 2006. Of this destination I had high hopes. Genuine wilderness, genuine log cabin accommodation, spectacular scenery, wild rainbow fishing. All these were prime objectives. How often are such dreams of Nirvana destroyed the moment you arrive at such places? NOT SO at Chaunigan. After a weather glitch in the air travel arrangements I was even collected by Bonni some 180 miles away from the Lodge in her 4x4 pick up for the most entertaining ride of my life.

On arrival at my 5000- miles- from- home destination, it not only lived up to, but vastly surpassed my expectations. The welcome that I received was warm and genuine. The scenery was fabulous and overwhelming, my accommodation luxurious and the lake so inviting that it was difficult to resist the temptation to go straight down there and fish. The next 17 days were the most enjoyable vacation that I can ever remember. The dishes served by the ‘Princesses of Chaunigan Lake’, Morgan and Andrea were a delight to the palate, but such a challenge to my ‘lighter’ English appetite that apologies were often necessary “Sorry, delicious, but that was too much for me!” Manager John was ubiquitous, servicing cabins, fixing up boats, briefing the best places to fish and even (thank you so much John), ferrying me to the William’s Lake Stampede for a unique experience for a ‘Brit’. After a lay off of 50 years, John even got me in the saddle to negotiate the trail up Chaunigan Mountain for the incredible views. All this despite having a cracked rib. John you deserve a medal. Then of course there was Bonni. Delightful, charming, always smiling, always with a soft word. She was the life and soul of the party that seemed to be the daily way of life at the Lodge. Even the Lodge guests were special. I learnt a lot about American fishing methods from the Church group from Washington and greatly admired the fishing prowess of Matt. Of course, Chris and the teachers group! Probably the biggest bunch of reprobates I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I was privileged to be enrolled as an honorary member. I only wish that I had teachers at my school like you.

Thank you guys. I must mention hard-working Daniel. I hope we became firm friends. He taught me about his fishing methods and I showed him the English way. I much enjoyed your company Daniel on the couple of boat trips that we made together. Persist with the fly tying and use that nymph pattern that I showed you. It works and caught me 50 fish. Superlatives are inadequate for Chaunigan. I shall never forget you all for the wonderful time you gave me and the enormous pleasure of your company. My warm and special thanks to Dan and Caroline, plus Jim of Pacific Rim Aviation Academy for that unforgettable flight to Pitt Meadows from the Lodge. Wow! It was an absolute privilege to meet you all. My very sincere thanks to everyone.

Derek P. – June 25 to July 12, 2007

Jim Hoey-Host/Producer of The Dimestore Fishermen Television Program wrote:
We absolutely love the solitude and magnificence of Chaunigan Lake Lodge.  The superior Rainbow trout fishing is made even more exhilarating with a back drop of the Coast Mountains.  Bruce Morton has the perfect getaway for the eco adventure enthusiast.  The Dimestore Fishermen gives Chaunigan Lake Lodge our highest regards as a first class destination!  

Carl Lacey Victoria, BC
Chaunigan Lake is a fisherman's dream. The lake has a shelf around the perimeter. The wild rainbow trout like to come up on the shelf to feed. As the weather gets warmer, move further into deeper water. I like to fish with a sinking line and 12' leader. I usually spool out all of the sinking line until I am into the backing. Be ready for hard hitting rainbows averaging 4lbs. Pound for pound, they are the best fighting fish that I have ever experienced.

Karen G. & Marty C., September 2004.

I am writing to express appreciation for your wonderful lodge and staff at Chaunigan Lake. We were mightily impressed with the facility and service during our recent stay. We couldn't believe the multiple talents of your lodge manager, Shirley. She was professional, gave great service, and seemed to look out for your interests while taking care of our needs at the same time. She posseses an interesting and rare combination of skills. You are lucky to have someone like her! We found your other staff to be helpful as well, from the booking fellow, Dan, to Shirley's assistant, Melissa.

My partner, Marty, was thrilled to see three large wolves on the shore while doing some great fishing, and I took some fine hikes, while both of us enjoyed the riding and eating (both quite fun and entertaining!). Thank you for providing such a fine place for holiday and the wonderful people to make it happen.

M. Slessor wrote:
"We are back from 9 glorious days at Chaunigan, and here is my fishing report. First of all, would like to say what a treasure Shirley is - she is so welcoming and works so hard to make sure everyone has a first rate stay, and that's not easy miles from anywhere! The total fish count for 8 days of fishing was 94, 80% of which we released. Keith caught the biggest fish, a 4 pounder, which Shirley kindly froze for us and will go into our smokehouse for cold smoked trout. The first two days we were there, the fishing was fantastic. The big fish were really feeding, and we had nothing under 17 inches. My brother-in-law, who is a new fly fisherman, was ecstatic. He said it was the best fishing he had ever had. The last day that we fished in the bay by Bear Track the fishing was great in the afternoon, we each had 4 or 5, and it was one of those magical days when the sun shone on the mountains and Chaunigan really was paradise. We found black flies to be the most attractive to the fish: a sparsely dressed Doc Spratley, a black bead head leech, an ordinary black leech, a black woolly bugger, and a Carey of pheasant. Anyway, we had a great time and we'll be back. Take care, and all our best to Shirley and we hope you have a very successful summer at Chaunigan. She has a really good crew this summer who have a great attitude and are really pleasant to interact with."

Barry Sale from 150 mile house wrote:
"We've been to Chaunigan for several summer trips, and it's one of the nicest, most relaxing places to go"

Judson Richardson wrote:
"The reason why I am sending this message is because I want to thank you and the staff at Chaunigan Lake Lodge. Shirley, Amber, Rachel, and Jason were the best and made us feel at home. All of the accommodations and equipment were top notch and I have never caught so many fish in my life. Candace and I are already thinking of when we will be able to return again and who else we can bring. I have recommended the lodge to all of my friends. Do me a favor though, don't change a thing and don't let it get too crowded up there. Chaunigan Lake Lodge was definitely much more then we expected."

Norman Ward wrote:
"Recently my wife and I were fortunate enough to have a fishing trip at Chaunigan Lake Lodge. The view was fantastic, the accommodation sumptuous, the fishing great. The welcome extended by Larry and Shirley was outstanding, they were accommodating in every way. What more can I say to describe our stay?"

Anne and Peter Harrison from London, England wrote:
"We always try to spend our wedding anniversary in a new and unique place. Chaunigan Lake is one of the most beautiful places we have seen in the 18 years we have been married. Shirley made our stay here special."

Articles about Chaunigan Lake Lodge:

Alaska Airlines Magazine
Were it in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, Mount Tatlow would be famous, the object of postcards and paintings, threaded by hiking trails and the subject of guidebooks. Thrust into the sky like an uncut rock crystal, painted by snow, pierced by wind, it practically quivers. As it is, just one of a long string of breathtakingly imposing mountains in B.C.'s Coast Range, it's simply the most significant landmark in a universe of mountains visible from Chaunigan Lake. But I'm not watching it at all.

The reason is a much more instant and proximate wonder, the gold-and-carmine flash at the end of my fishing line. The rainbow hit my fly about 3 feet deep, and it's headed toward Tatlow in a deepening arc. Luckily, I've got heavy gear on the rod; Chaunigan Lake is famed for the size, vigor and overall worthiness of its wild rainbow trout, a high Chilcotin strain of Kamloops trout. It's mid-June, and the fish have just started running shallow. The downslope wind chops light whitecaps across the lake. Eagles soar along the shore, the scenery is unparalleled, and we ought to be keeping our eyes peeled for moose, but fishermen are a bit single-minded.

Consider my day's partner, a fellow guest at Chaunigan Lake Lodge about one floatplane hour north of Vancouver. He's come from Beijing-an American teaching in China-and he's an avid fisherman. You'd have to be to travel 6,000 miles, hauling along four rods, six reels, waders, fishing vests, cameras, hats and other assorted gear. Larry found Chaunigan Lake Lodge on the Internet, and signed up for a week. He flew in from Vancouver; I drove, much of the way on rugged roads across the haunting, legendary Chilcotin Plateau.

"You busy?" he asks, as his line takes off opposite mine.

I am. The biggest fish ever linked to me by monofilament is flashing in the air 20 yards northeast of the boat. His is headed due south. We've got the little motor set at barely an idle, but even going that slow it's hard to send one boat two directions. I gave an experimental heave on my line to turn the fish. Larry does the same. His throws the hook. "Thar she blows," he says, good-naturedly, grabbing the net to handle mine, which comes to the boat with the sideways reluctance you'd get if you were trying to land a step ladder. But it spent its energy on that long run, and Larry scoops the net under it-a 19-inch thick-bellied 4-pounder. Its abdomen shows the deep ruby sheen of well-fed, mature Kamloops rainbows. My forearm barely outstretches it. I'll take it back, have it cooked for dinner in the lodge's kitchen. That way, sitting in the compact wood-fired hot tub out on the deck that night, I can trade fibs and exaggerations with the other guests, all of whom had a heck of a day on the lake battling sea monsters and fending off rampaging bull moose.

My tale is the biggest fish I've ever caught; or, depending on your point of view, my fish is the biggest tale I've ever told. The North Star glistens over the lake until a moon-driven rainstorm sweeps in. We scurry into the lodge to dry off in front of the river-rock fireplace. Lodgepole pine and fir burn with a dense crackle and incendiary warmth; it takes just a few minutes to banish all chill.

Ah, wilderness.
- by Eric Lucas, Journalist

Chaunigan Lake Lodge
(On top of the world)
Beneath my float tube in a vast sea of green appeared the bright pink glow of a Chaunigan Lake rainbow as the sun reflected off the trouts side. I was told in advance how spectacular their colors are, but now I was about to view one first hand as I was about to slip my net under a true high elevation rainbow. My fishing partner and I arrived at Chaunigan Lake Lodge on a mild afternoon in mid July. We were promptly greeted by the lodge managers Larry and Shirley McGarry, who escorted us along the lake to our log cabin and allowed us a little time to get settled in. We peered out through the window of the small rustic log cabin to absorb one of the most spectacular views we had ever witnessed. Off in the distance past the far end of the lake lies jagged snow covered mountains with the world famous Chilcotin range high lighting the center of the attraction. Only minutes had elapsed when we grabbed our rods and headed for the lake. The trek wasn't far as the log cabins are situated only a few yards from the beach. As we were setting up our rods the only sounds to be heard were made by the waves gently breaking on the small rounded rocks lining the pebble beach. While we were preparing to head out the wind gradually increased until the quiet lake erupted into conditions usually only found on the ocean. Never-the-less we were bound and determined to catch a few fish for dinner. By the time we set out in our float tubes the waves were a couple feet high and we were in for a rough ride. While looking out over the choppy water there were no signs of any fish jumping. Little did we know an over abundance of beautiful wild rainbows were lurking in the cool clear depths of this high elevation lake. At the 5100 foot level the Chaunigan Lake area contains plant and animal life like none seen in the city. The air is always clean and crisp as the winds blow through the surrounding snow capped mountains. With the lake being over three miles long and a mile wide the fish never obtain a muddy taste, even during the warmer summer months. The first characteristic of the lake to draw my attention was the rock bottom, this makes ideal habitat for fish and aquatic life of all forms.

Once we were finally on the lake our fly-fishing method of choice was sinking lines with dark nymph patterns being trolled slowly behind. Protruding from the shoreline outside the cabins was is a large shoal ideal for feeding fish. Unfortunately after being tossed around on the shoal for about an hour we came up empty handed. The next stop was the drop-off where the visible bottom turned into a deep dark hole. This type of fishing can be hit and miss but Larry mentioned this is where the fishing had been good over the past few days. While slowly kicking along the edge of the drop-off my line tightened, the hook was set and I was into my first Chaunigan Lake rainbow. As expected the fight was exceptional for the size of fish. This fish measured in at only 14 inches but it still managed to keep the fly rod bent for a fair while before I first saw the pink glow of the wild rainbow. Over the next hour several more fish were hooked but none landed due to the rough water conditions. Before we realized it, the daylight was beginning to fade as the sun disappeared behind the jagged snow-capped mountains. We had intended on catching our own dinner, but as things turned out we would have gone hungry. Fortunately for us Larry knows the lake inside out and he brought in a limit of prime two pound plus rainbows. I'm not sure what secret ingredients they used to draw such delicious flavor out of these fish, but they were the best trout we had ever eaten. Before calling it a night, the wood stove was loaded up and the curtains were drawn to keep our cozy little cabin warm as the cool evening air set in. In the morning we explored the area and checked out a few of the full service cabins. Out of the nine cabins the lodge offers, four have all the essentials of home and five are cozy little log cabins with room to sleep four eager fisherman. The five log cabins are located on the waterfront facing the full length of the lake. The beach in front of the cabins is ideal for getting in and out of the lake by boat or float tube. The beach even makes for a great place to pull in a float plane for an overnight stay. Before we headed to the lodge for breakfast we spent a little time feeding and petting the horses. Over breakfast Shirley highly recommended going on a hike to nearby Chaunigan mountain. When she mentioned how spectacular the view is from the top we knew fishing had to put on the back burner for a little while. The trek on the well groomed trail takes approximately an hour, depending on an individuals hiking skills. The trail gradually winds through the trees, high lighted by many species of vegetation only found on high elevation mountains. With the air being very thin the hike is a little exhausting, but when the summit is reached, the few aches and pains are easily soon forgotten. Once on top, perched hundreds of feet above the tree line, we were viewing sights generally only seen by local bird life. Surrounding the miles of trees and lakes were sharp cut snow covered mountains. Viewing lakes from above always provides a different prospective and reveals a few new areas to fish once back down at water level. It was difficult to leave our perch on top of the world, but we had an over powering erg to go fishing especially since the surface of the lake was like a sheet of glass.

This time going on Larry's advise we headed up the shoreline outside the lodge. We decided to troll the edge of the shoal, hoping to come across a few feeding trout. Within minutes we had a double header, and with the surface so calm fighting these fish was a lot more pleasant than the previous day. The fishing on this outing ended the same way it started, we landed over 20 trout and even kept a few nice ones for the smoke house. Our memorable day was topped off with an excellent dinner put together by the McGarry's, Between the hike, the scenery, and the fishing this is one day that will be hard to top in our life time. On our last morning we knew our excitement was beginning to come to an end for this reason we started fishing a little earlier, at first light our tubes were gently dimpling the cool unbroken surface of the lake. This time I was going to try and catch a fish the proper way. I started by anchoring on the edge of a drop off directly outside the lodge. Being the water was very clear I put on a clear wet line with an eight foot leader followed by a #8 dark dragon nymph. My goal was to allow the line sink to the bottom and then retrieve the nymph slowly back to the surface. While I was experimenting with this technique, my partner trolled back and forth along the edge of the drop-off. A few casts in my line tightened, I struck and my first fish of the day was hooked. By the time we headed in for breakfast over a dozen fish fell prey to our dragon imitations. Whether we anchored and casted or slowly trolled our nymph patterns, the fishing in Chaunigan Lake was first class all the way.

Chaunigan Lake Lodge can be reached by ground or air. Arrangements can be made through the lodge to fly in or out, even day trips to near by lakes can be scheduled in. The flight from Vancouver takes only a couple hours, and covers some of the most spectacular wilderness scenery in B.C. We arrived by vehicle through the Nemiah Valley and the scenery was equally as beautiful. The drive takes the better part of a day, but with glacier fed rivers and different scenery around every bend the drive is an exciting part of the whole experience. Our hosts Larry and Shirley are perfectly suited for the profession they have chosen. They do their very best to make everyone's stay a memorable one. There is no doubt they truly love the outdoors and enjoy making new friends on a daily basis. We can hardly wait till the next time we find ourselves over looking Chaunigan Lake from the mountains high above.

- by Tom Johannesen, Journalist

Adventure in the Canadian Boondocks

A serene pre-dawn glow encompassed the mill pond lake in a veil of pale pinkish hues. After several minutes of complete silence, the eerie calm was broken by a large trout leaping across the front of my row boat. Soon an eagle emerged from its lofty nest, high in one of the thousands of lodgepole pines that dotted the shoreline.

The subsequent flapping sound as the majestic baldie stretched its wings, echoed around the lake, booming like claps of thunder off the surrounding hills, and stirring a couple of chipmunks hiding in a stand of trembling aspens. Chaunigan Lake was waking up.

By the time the sun's first rays had lit up the aquamarine water, five wild rainbow trout had already jumped onto my lure. Stories of experienced fly fishermen bagging 200 fish a day here weren't tall tales after all.

Although exceptional, the fishing was only the start of a wonderful wilderness experience at Chaunigan Lake Lodge.

Following a hearty Canadian breakfast of pancakes and bacon in the main lodge, I hustled back to my rustic log cabin to grab my backpack. It was time to explore the Chaunigan wilderness on foot.

There is a variety of walks to choose from, ranging from half-hour self-guided nature strolls, to more gruelling treks high into the alpine wilderness. There is even a series of hike-in lakes, complete with row boats at the end of the trail so you can explore the lakes' many islands and shorelines.

I opted for one of the half-day walks to a nearby summit. Although the lodge is located right on the shores of Chaunigan Lake, a short walk past a couple of beaver dams and up a hill, and you're suddenly enclosed in a thick forest. A bit further up the track you're trampling through open alpine meadows splashed with the colour of wild strawberries and red columbines. If you make it to the top, you'll have to fight for track space with mountain goats.

On the descent, in the hope of spotting a moose (a life-long ambition), I kept ignoring the track markers, following moose hoof prints instead. One of these side-trips paid off; when a moose and its calf, startled by my approach cavorted off through the underbrush, leaving a trail of crushed branches in their wake.

My arrival back at Chaunigan Lake was met with nervous relief by the lodge manager. My moose obsession had meant that the trek had taken two hours more than expected.

Luckily, I wasn't too late for the afternoon floatplane fly-over the surrounding mountains. Once up in the air, and mesmerised by the maze of jagged peaks and abundance of perched lakes, it was clear why floatplanes are the preferred way to get around the Canadian
boondocks.

A highlight of the flight was a partly forested valley, ringed by snow-capped mountains that was aptly nick-named 'golf course valley' for its striking resemblance to a golf course. If it were a golf course it would probably have the most dramatic back drop of any course in the world.

We landed back on the lake just in time for sunset. As the engine on the floatplane slowly spluttered to a stop, a loon's fluid call resonated across the water. The fresh alpine air fell artificially quiet, just as it had earlier in the day. It was as if all the critters of Chaunigan had decided to go to bed at the same time.

Dinner was a scrumptious feed of fresh dandelion-stuffed rainbow trout (the results of my early morning fishing trip), cooked to perfection by Shirley, the lodge's chef. If you don't want to share your catch with other guests, ask Shirley nicely, and she'll smoke and package your fish so you can take it home.

With full bellies, some of the keen anglers headed back out to the lake to chase the evening rise, however, I opted for a less energetic option; a long soak in the wood-fired hot tub. Once my weary bones were well and truly rested I scampered back to the warmth of my cabin, on the way, dodging a family of red squirrels each proudly hauling a pine cone to add to their increasing cone cache hidden under the woodpile.

As I sat sipping a port on the balcony of my log cabin, with the North Star glistening over the moon-draped lake, I wondered what new adventures lay install for my next day at Chaunigan Lake Lodge.

Author: Tim the Yowie Man
Published in: The Sunday Telegraph, June 15, 2003, Austrailia

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