|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Situated in Labrador's remote wilderness, the incredible Minipi watershed
is widely acknowledged as the world's finest fishery for giant brook trout (3-10 pounds) often averaging 5 pounds
or better. Four of the current five tippet class world records are from the Minipi system. Northern pike to 30
pounds are abundant and landlocked arctic char up to 12 pounds are an occasional catch, although taken regularly
in September. Fishing is restricted to fly fishing only for brook trout and char although spin or plug casting
(single, barbless hook lures) is allowed on Minipi Lake. Because trophy brook trout are the main attraction, the
incredible pike fishing is often overlooked; despite the fact Minipi Lake has also produced a current fly rod world
record for pike, 25 pounds on 8-pound tippet. Catch and release is encouraged for brook trout, but anglers may take one trophy brook trout (6 pounds or better) per week for mounting. |
|
|
Access to this world class fishery is via one of the three lodges
owned and operated by Jack & Lorraine Cooper: Anne Marie Lodge; Minonipi Lodge and Minipi Lake Resort. All
three facilities open in mid-June and close around mid-September. Week long packages begin and end on Saturdays.
Custom packages of shorter duration may be arranged on request. THE FISHING River and lake fishing is available at all three camps. Anglers are transported to fishing areas in aluminum boats and canoes with 9.9 horsepower motors. Minipi Lake, which is a larger body of water,also has 17 foot Crestliners with 20 and 30 hp engines to reduce run times up the lake. You fish two anglers per boat with an experienced, licensed guide, either casting from the boat, from shore, or while wading. |
| A network of boats and canoes are stationed at various known hotspots better accessed by walking. Inlets and outlets are often productive areas as are "narrows" in the lake where there is good current movement. July is the peak mayfly emergence, although good dry fly fishing usually starts around th 20th of June and we have witnessed fishable hatches of giant "drakes" (Hexagenia) and caddis well into August. |
| As a rule, the best weeks are the second or third week of July to
intercept peak mayfly emergencies, although fishing may actually be better a little earlier when there aren't as
many naturals on the water and fish are more aggressive. August usually produces the biggest fish (3 of the 4 current
records). Late August and early September draws the giants into the feeder rivers and streams and it's during this
time that anglers have their best chances for trophy char. Most anglers new to Labrador are amazed by the average size of both mayflies and caddis, which are often imitated on hooks as large as size 2. |
|
| While large dry flies, including deer hair mice and bass bugs can be effective, sometimes trout will be selective towards dries as small as #16. Wet flies and streamers are deadly as well with favorite patterns including Zonkers, Marabou Muddlers and Wooly Buggers. |
| THE CAMPS Of the three camps, Anne Marie is the oldest and most established. Perhaps because of it's history and intimacy (8 rods), Anne Marie has "the reputation" and a loyal following of repeat clients year after year. Minonipi was the second camp built by the Coopers to handle the overflow from Anne Marie. Minonipi often doesn't produce the numbers of brookies that Anne Marie does, but has much better char fishing and generally larger trout and is the choice of many dedicated trophy hunters. Minonipi has 2 world records including a 10-pound brookie taken June 29, 1987. It holds 8 rods |
|
|
|
Minipi Lake Lodge, the newest of Cooper's three camps, is a luxurious,
modern Lodge located on a bluff overlooking Minipi Lake, ½-mile from the outlet into the Minipi River. The
lodge is a departure from the typical brook trout camp, and is considered the finest facility of its kind in Labrador. Accommodating a maximum of 16 anglers, the Resort is perfect for corporate groups or seminars and is the best choice where accommodations and amenities are of prime consideration. |
|
At each camp, guests are accommodated in a main lodge building with twin bedded double rooms and shared, full bath/shower facilities. The daily schedule includes 4 meals. Typically, anglers head out after breakfast, usually not earlier than 9:00 am (Minipi trout are late risers), and stay out for the day, having a shore lunch at noon. Usually the best mayfly hatches occur around 2:00 in the afternoon. Guests return to the lodge for a 6:00 pm dinner, and head back out for the evening fishing. Summer days are long in Labrador (fishable light until 10:00 pm in late-June/early July), and your guides will stay late if you wish. A final late evening meal is available when you return to camp for the night. Minipi will be open only to a maximum of 10 anglers per week. Spin and plug casting, as well as fly fishing are permitted for brook trout and char, and Minipi's incredible head of trophy pike. In September combination fishing/hunting trips may be arranged on special request. The region offers Canada Geese, ptarmigan, ruffed grouse, ducks, caribou, and black bear. Minipi Camps will supply all ammunition. Minipi Lodge has access to the broadest fishing area of the 3 camps. Minipi Lake, the largest in the chain, holds countless productive areas for trout, char and pike. Minipi River is a short walk away from the lodge and offers fast action. River fish are plentiful but run smaller, averaging 2 pounds, except late in the season when big spawners can be intercepted. Another productive river fishery is Three Rivers, which connects Minipi Lake with Ann Marie Lake, which again in late season can provide river fishing for big (5 + lb) brookies on spawning run. |
Minipi Camp 2008 Rates
Rates are per person based on 7 nights accommodations and 6 1/2 days guided fishing with two people sharing a room and a guide daily.
Anne Marie Lake 8 Rods
$4,695 CAD + Taxes
Minipi Lake Lodge 10 Rods
$4,295 CAD + Taxes
Minonipi 6 Rods
$3,695 CAD + Taxes
Little Minipi 6 Rods
$3,695 CAD + Taxes
Included Airport reception and transfers in Goose Bay; chartered helicopter (Anne Marie & Minonipi) or float plane (Minipi) service from Goose Bay to lodge; meals at the lodge; fishing license. Not Included Airfare to Goose Bay; accommodations if required in Goose Bay; tackle; liquor; soft drinks and gratuities, tax.
There is at present a 15% Harmonized Services Tax added to fishing packages. US citizens may apply for a partial rebate of this tax.
For 2008, Anne Marie and Minonipi will transfer on Fridays; Minipi Lake Lodge will transfer on Thursdays; Little Minipi will transfer on Wednesdays. In most cases, guests will overnight in either Halifax or St. Johns and fly to Goose Bay the following morning, and take the float plane into camp that afternoon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
800-628-1447 - 860-434-9624 |
|
For technical questions or comments,
please contact
the Webmaster. |
