A wilderness floating lodge on Kyuquot Sound — guided salmon and halibut trips, year-round lodge stays, and West Coast hospitality run by people who grew up here.
A look at the lodge, the sound, and a day on the water.
Four ways to experience Kyuquot Sound — guided fishing, bring-your-own-boat, lodge-only stays, and water taxi service.
Russell Hanson grew up the son and grandson of commercial fishermen. He took his first job on a fishing boat at ten — commercial trolling, gillnetting, herring — and started guiding the West Coast in 1999. In 2024 he bought the floating lodge that became Qaayuuk.
He runs the lodge with a small local crew, alongside his water taxi and forestry businesses. Twenty-five years guiding these waters, and counting.
Read Russell's story"The best fishing experience of my life. The guides knew exactly where to find the big ones." — John D., Qaayuuk guest
Three things that make a Qaayuuk trip different from the resort lodges down the coast.
Industry norm is three. We run two — more rod time, more personal coaching, more fish to the boat.
The lodge floats on Kyuquot Sound. You're fishing within ten minutes of casting off the dock.
Russell runs every aspect of the lodge himself, with a small crew of local people. No corporate booking, no rotating staff.
From the dock log and the inbox — a few favorites.
From the moment we arrived, we were treated like family. The fishing was incredible, and the scenery was breathtaking.Emily R. — Nature enthusiast
A perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The local guides' knowledge made all the difference.Michael S. — Outdoor explorer
The meals were a highlight, featuring the freshest fish I've ever tasted. Can't wait to return.Bob L. — Returning guest