Does anyone know the name of a resort in Nootka sound other than Critter Cove?
I'm looking for the same type as Critter not the all inclusive guided types.
Thanks much.

Gold River Fish Camp

www.goldriverfishcamp.com

Most of the others include guide service. So if you are trying to save some bucks, you can go to Cougar Creek & camp there. It's about 4-5 miles up from Critter Cove. I have only been to it by water. I have heard that last section is dirt road & fairly rough. So only those with smaller boats use it. It has a single dock about 70' long. Camping on the primitive side. There are ususally about 15-20 boats/groups there. You could also try staying at the small town of Tahsis, but that would leave you with a pretty long run each day to the fishing grounds.

I've stayed at chinootka lodge and critter cove and found critter cove to be cheap and reliable for the services, I would stay there. just my .02 cents

Try 250-934-6367
www.maquinnaresort.com

They have very inexpensive (and rustic) cabins for rent at Friendly Cove, although they are a bit of a walk from the dock.

But you would be located right next to the best fishing. No 24 mile commute from CC to the lighthouse.

Also there was a campground at the end of the road from Cougar Creek with a store, fuel & dock (near Camel rock).

What kind of shape is the road from Gold River to Cougar River in? The CC website says don't bother, the road is real rough, just launch at Gold River.

Two years ago i stayed at Cougar Creek campground. Just your basic services. If you want it take it in, it was just a short run over to Critter Cove and you can gas up and get some food and a shower. It really was not that expensive, especially when you would have to run all the way back to tahsis, or Gold River to get this stuff.The road in sucks, i was there near the end of the season and it was rough, can only imagine what it would be like in the beginning of the season.The docking is very crowded,you end up lashing to one another and can expect that others will moore against you, or you against them. With the tide anchoring would be an option,if you have a dingy.Though everything is crowded, everyone played nicely together and most everyone leaves their gear right where it is, did not have one problem there,Great fishing and not very expensive. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact me, or ask on the board. I may go back this year,but have an in with some folks that camp and fish there alot, and would probably stay at one of the sites there.

A bunch of friends and I stayed at Gold River Fish Camp last year, and it was great. Some of our party put in at Gold River with the boats, and the rest of us did the overland thing to Cougar Creek.

I'm going back this year at least once, and if I can swing it several times. The lodge is under new ownership. For particulars, talk to Larry Carepenter at Master Marine in Mt. Vernon (www.mastermarine.com).

The road in wasn't bad, but it was a bit confusing in a couple of places, and you do have to wade through the logging trucks, crew buses, and such. I don't think I would bring in a heavy boat or one over 20 feet. If you're running a 17-foot Alumaweld like I am, it's not a big deal. You just need to drive a bit on the slow side at times.

Service and accomodations at GRFC were good, but at the time, it didn't have a freezer that would freeze a bunch of fish, and it didn't have ice. We were able to put our fish into a near-frozen state that held for the trip home. However, the new owners are attempting (if it hasn't happened already) to put in a good freezer and ice machine.

I really liked the area and can hardly wait to go back. We were there in September after the kings and at the tail end of the silver run. I did catch a couple of big hooknose-- in the upper teens-- as well as a bunch of bottom fish, some smaller silvers, and so on.

Keith

Thanks for the ideas everyone.
Last year did the launch at Gold River and run to critter but this year in our group will be 5 boats and only 4 spaces available at critter and they are booked.
Unless there is a cancelation July 19-23 I need to find space for 1 more boat. The group I'll be with has been there many years and the nice folks at critter were able to squeeze one in but not two.
Thanks again for the input.

You might consider anchoring a boat or two in the very protected (but shallow) cove behind Critter. We swam in that cove a few years back. The water was almost 80 degrees.

Pillar,
I've stayed at Tuta Marina the last couple years and will be going back this year. They offer moorage, campsites, ice, bait, showers. Its a little more do it yourself than Critter Cove (because you are camping) and a whole lot less crowded than Cougar Creek. Tuta is about 5 minutes from Critter Cove so I usually stop by several times during my trips for gas and a bite to eat at the restaurant. Email me if you'd like more details.
JMS