BFD,,, the QCI are never a bad idea although even they had a tough time this year.. I would not use this year as an example ( I hope !!!) generaly speaking the charlets can produce some of the best fishing there is to be had,, mind you they are also some of the most expensive fishing there is to be had and I don't know about you but for myself I don't have to be pampered to enjoy a trip I actually enjoy it more when I am not concerned about what it is costing me.. When it comes to Salmon fishing you don't have to spend a ton of money to get into them actually the oposite is true you can get into all the fish you can handle on a bugdet,, and I don't mean sleeping in tents in the rain fishing out of a canoe either. There are many places that you can drive to, stay in very comfortable acomadations and fish out of very safe boats and be into all sorts of fish for around $400-$500/day. The trick to getting into Salmon is not necesarily "where" but "when"...
Like I suggest most anyone,, first decide when is the most convenient time for you to go then you can start to look at where.. That being said there are some basic rules of thumb, and the main one being that if its big Chinook you are after then generally speaking August is the best time of year just about any place.
If I were you and wanted a good fishing trip and don't want it to cost you a second mortage I would look at the Island,, to be more specific the north Island and or the west side even better the North west side of the Island,, they were some of the only area's that actually did have some decent runs this year,, they out did any other place even the QCI's...
There are some fine lodges or even cabins, motels or vacation rentals to be had at some of the northern locations..
Do yourself a favour spend some time on the internet snooping around places like,, Port Hardy, Port Mcneil, Zebelo's, Gold River, Nootka Sound, Telegraph Cove, Bamfeild, Tofino. A lot of these places have as good if not beter fishing than the QCI's the only differance is they can be done at a fraction of the price.. Don't get me wrong you can stay at some high end places at these locations as well but atleast here you have the option..
And if going with your own boat is an option,, well then thats an even better choice. Nootka sound has some awsome lodges that speceilise in do it youreself trips and the fishing on the west side can be absolutely great,, again as good as there is heck give me the north west Island in mid August over the QCI's any day..
Good luck in your search and I hope I have opened your eyes to a few more options any more questions I will try and help..
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