Anne and I just wrapped up a serene couple of days anchored in the tranquil waters of Moore Bay, just a stone’s throw from Simoom Sound where we dropped anchor last year. This time, we pushed a bit further north, setting our sights on the legendary Kingham Inlet, a place steeped in history and natural beauty. Inspired by Margaret Craven’s 1967 novel, I Heard the Owl Call My Name, which tells the story of a young vicar in a Kwakwaka’wakw village at the inlet’s end, we were thrilled to explore this glacier-fed gem.
The journey didn’t disappoint—the water gradually shifted to a mesmerizing turquoise as we cruised deeper into the inlet, surrounded by towering mountain peaks shrouded in clouds. Though the skies stayed overcast, the dramatic scenery, with its hints of waterfalls carved into the rock faces from past snowmelts, was nothing short of spectacular.
The trip up Kingham Inlet got a bit sporty on the return as northwest winds funneled down from Queen Charlotte Strait, whipping up whitecaps. Our boat handled the chop like a champ, and by the time we rounded the corner back into Moore Bay, everything was sunny and calm again. During the trip, we passed the entrances to Bell Isle Inlet and Wakeman Sound and spotted remnants of old logging pilings near Charles Creek, a reminder of the area’s history.
Keeping tabs on the boat, I checked the engine with my thermal gun and four cameras—everything’s running smoothly, with just a minor coolant drip fixed by tightening a hose clamp. The water temperature in the inlet jumped to about 70°F, a big change from the 50°F we saw earlier, warm enough for a swim a few days ago!
Fishing around Moore Bay was a bit of a mixed bag. I set out a crab trap on a flat ledge about 10-15 meters deep, but no luck. It seems Mo Bay isn’t prime crabbing territory, as I didn’t spot any other traps around. Switching gears, I tried bottom fishing in a flat area around 50 meters deep, hoping for a halibut. Instead, up came a stunning yelloweye rockfish, its bright orange body and vivid yellow eyes a real sight to behold.
Since these are on British Columbia’s non-retention list due to their endangered status, I carefully released them using a descender device with weight with a barbless hook to protect their swim bladders, ensuring they could safely return to the depths.
The underwater structure here is excellent for rockfish, so I tried again and bam, soon another Yelloweye. I tried one more time and caught a small brown rockfish, but before I could send it back down, a Bald Eagle hovered overhead, very interested. It swooped down and grabbed the fish!
Eagle Snatches Floating Fish
Anchoring in Moore Bay was smooth despite the rocky bottom that can challenge some boaters. Our anchor held firm, and the bay’s calm waters made for a peaceful stay, with only a few small boats passing through the nearby cut to Shawl Bay.
Trip Up Kingcome Inlet August 2025 Video
We’re now settled back across from Thief Island in Mo Bay, planning to hunker down for a cloudy, rainy day tomorrow before heading to Port McNeill for a supply run in a week or so. Living this bucket-list adventure with Anne, taking it slow and soaking in every moment of these wild, beautiful inlets, is truly a dream come true. Stay tuned for more!
