Crook’s Lake Lodge is situated on one of the world’s most prolific Brook Trout fisheries, the headwaters of Labrador’s Eagle River, just south of the Mealey Mountains. Crooks Lake offers consistent, high quality fishing for wild brook trout, not only in good numbers but of a very impressive average size.
Crooks Lake (a.k.a. Croix Lake) also appeals more to the stream and wading oriented angler. The river sections fished from Crooks typically yield catches of 10-20 fish per day, with days of 20, 30 or more not unusual. Brookies here range from 2-6 pounds, occasionally larger.
For years we conservatively told clients these fish average around 3-4 pounds. However, a government sponsored study during the 2005 season revealed the average Brook Trout caught at Crooks Lake was 4.56 pounds. Fish over 6 pounds were fairly common and specimens up to 8 pounds were recorded. It’s possible 2005 was just an “exceptional year” but this study further confirms the quality and potential of this remarkable fishery.
The trout fishing is mostly fly fishing, and catch & release is encouraged. The season usually gets under way around the 1st of June, and while the weather can still be a bit iffy, the brookies feed voraciously from ice out until their spawning time in late August. These Brookies have but a brief “growing season” and make the most of it!
While streamer fishing with weighted muddlers and conventional bucktail and nymph fishing is effective throughout the season, these Brookies are surface oriented and you can frequently “pound em up” with all manner of surface offerings. Mayfly hatches usually start around June 10th or 15th, and much of the fishing is with dry flies. Wulffs, Humpies, Stimulators and conventional imitative dries (mayfly, caddis and stones) are productive, but even during hatches, these big Brook Trout will frequently attack big attractor patterns.
One unconventional, but productive dry fly, is the Orange Bug, a pattern developed for Atlantic salmon. While this fly looks like nothing in nature, Crooks Lake Brookies love them! Mouse patterns are also extremely effective, especially years when there is a population explosion of voles. The ubiquitous “Shaving Brush” developed by one of the veteran Crooks Lake guides, is an unweighted long-headed muddler type pattern skittered and waked across the surface. It’s likely taken for a mouse and is one of the camp’s top producers.
In addition to the abundant Brook Trout, Crooks Lake and Eagle River offer chances for big northern pike, occasionally topping the 20 pound mark. Pike are taken trolling spoons and plugs, as well as large, saltwater size streamers. But in quiet, weedy backwaters or “steadies”, you can catch them casting flies or plugs around rocks and other cover. They love mice patterns, but will also explode on fly rod big poppers. Bring a 9 weight and your bluefish poppers!
Crooks Lake Lodge is owned and operated by veteran outfitter Mike Crosby. The lodge, which is accessible by 60-mile float plane flight from Goose Bay, has gained a loyal following of repeat customers – a testament to the quality of both the operation and the fishery.
A maximum of 6 guests are accommodated in 3 large twin bedded double rooms. There are two full bathrooms, each with hot shower. The main lodge overlooks the lake and houses kitchen & dining room, comfortably appointed lounge, and generated electrical service, refrigeration, and radio telephone communications.
Our Services are Free!
Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing
The 2020 rate at Crooks Lake is $5,495 CAD per person, per week.
Included: airport reception and ground transfers in Goose Bay; accommodations (double occupancy) in Goose Bay; round trip float plane transfers; 6-nights lodging at camp; all meals, 5-full days guided fishing (2-anglers per guide/boat); boats, motors, fuel; fishing license; internet and phone service at camp.
Not included: airfare to Goose Bay; liquor and beverage needs (may be pre-ordered); gratuities (recommended $30-$60 per day to the guide and $10-$25 per day to the cook); 15% HST; any meals in Goose Bay.
A 50% deposit will secure your reservation. This deposit is non-refundable. Final payment is due April 1st.
Because of the small capacity and popularity of the lodge, available space is limited and we encourage you to book early to obtain your preferred dates. If you would like to make a reservation or have any questions, please call.
