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Welcome to the latest series of Super, Neighbours blog posts where we highlight incredible travel destinations in British Columbia! |
I've been threatening to share a fishing story with you since the first part in this series and I'm glad we've finally made it to the introduction of the ! For months leading up to this trip I had been poring over archival photos like these ones below, picturing myself in a similar scene.
The connection between Painter's Lodge and the Tyee Club is certainly a part of the resort's charm for me. Formed in Campbell River in 1925 this now-legendary organization is made up of fishermen and women who have managed to reel in a 30 pound Chinook salmon from a very specific area of Discovery Pass which is a quick row from Painter's, in plain view from the dining lounge. In order to become a member you must row (or be rowed) out into the Tyee Pool and fish with light tackle, no bait, no weights, catching a 30 pounder all by yourself with no help.
My wife and I were both afforded trips in vintage wooden boats with our own personal captains/rowers and the chance of hooking in to Tyees and joining this club during our trip. Katie loves fishing almost as much as I do and so a more romantic trip out on the water for us could hardly be imagined. No motors are allowed in the Tyee Pool, and even though we weren't in the same boat it was easy for us to talk back and forth.
When you get a Tyee into the boat (often a once-in-a-lifetime experience), you row in to the clubhouse right on shore near the Tyee Pool in order to weigh in. If it is indeed over 30 pounds you get the ring the bell pictured here and then you're awarded a special button showing that you're an official member.
30 pounds and over claim a bronze, above 40 a silver, above 50 a gold, 60 a diamond and even beyond that is the ever-elusive ruby Tyee button for Chinook caught weighing over 70 pounds. Only 2 rubies have ever been awarded, and time will tell if any more will be.
Here's the type of gear used. Very basic. No bait. A very difficult way to catch any Chinook salmon, let alone one over 30 pounds.
Officially the Tyee Club of British Columbia exists to celebrate, honour and protect this legendary species of salmon. Unofficially it is meant to keep people like myself coming back to Painter's Lodge year after year with hopes of earning our way into a membership! Katie and I didn't hook into any on this particular trip but we both hope to land one of our own Tyee button-worthy fish one of these years.
Find out more about Painter's Lodge's Tyee Row charters by visiting . Learn all about the Tyee Club of BC by visiting . And stay tuned as we plan to be bringing you more fishing stories from trips with our friends at .
