For decades, guests have flown in seeking more than just fish. They come for stillness, for connection, and for the kind of wild beauty that clears your mind and fills your soul. Families return year after year. Friends become family. Stories are told around dinner tables and remembered for a lifetime.

In the early 2000s, Faron and Joyce Buckler flew into Trout Lake on a sunny winter day, sipping hot chocolate on the dock as they dreamed of building something more than just a lodge—something their guests, family, and friends could all share. What followed was decades of heart, hospitality, and hard work that transformed Cat Island Lodge into a place many call their second home. From unforgettable fishing trips to evenings under the stars, their vision shaped the soul of the lodge—and their impact lives on in every guest story and shoreline memory.

In early 2025, Cat Island Lodge began a new chapter under the ownership of the Morris family—Clayson and Chris, along with their parents Greg and Michelle Nickerson. Hailing from Idaho and deeply rooted in their love for the outdoors, the Morris family brings both reverence for tradition and fresh energy to carry the lodge forward. Together, they are committed to honoring the legacy Faron and Joyce built while continuing to create space for meaningful, off-the-grid adventure.

Today, the Bucklers remain an integral part of the Cat Island Lodge family—still operating Excellent Adventures, flying supplies and guests from the Cochenour base, and continuing to serve the region with heart and humility.

Whether you're a longtime guest or dreaming of your first visit, we can’t wait to welcome you. Because here at Cat Island Lodge, the best kind of stories are the ones still waiting to be written.