Tag: Atlantic Salmon Fishing

  • The Salmon Lodge

    The Salmon Lodge

    Updated on

    The Salmon Lodge on the Grand Cascapedia River

    Nestled along the banks of Quebec’s renowned Grand Cascapedia River, The Salmon Lodge offers an unparalleled Atlantic salmon fly-fishing experience. As one of the region’s most storied lodges, it seamlessly blends rich angling traditions with modern comforts, providing guests with exceptional service and access to some of Canada’s most productive salmon waters.

    Perched with a commanding view of the Grand Cascapedia River, The Salmon Lodge immerses guests in the natural beauty of Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula. Established as one of the original lodges on the river, it offers anglers privileged access to prime fishing pools teeming with wild Atlantic salmon. The lodge’s strategic location ensures both seclusion and proximity to the region’s top fishing spots, making it a coveted destination for discerning anglers.

    Abundant Atlantic Salmon: Target wild Atlantic salmon in pristine river environments

    Exclusive River Access: Fish the renowned Grand Cascapedia, Bonaventure, and Petite Cascapedia rivers

    Luxurious Accommodations: Comfortable double rooms with private baths and gourmet meals included

    Professional Guides: Orvis-endorsed guides ensure a top-tier fishing experience

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Quebec fly fishing trips and packages!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    Fly Fishing Experience at The Salmon Lodge

    At The Salmon Lodge, anglers are treated to world-class fly fishing on three legendary rivers:

    • Grand Cascapedia River: Famed for its large Atlantic salmon, offering anglers the thrill of pursuing trophy catches in its deep, fast-flowing waters.
    • Bonaventure River: Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, providing sight-fishing opportunities for salmon in a pristine setting.
    • Petite Cascapedia River: A smaller, intimate river known for its healthy salmon runs and scenic beauty.

    Guided by professional and knowledgeable Orvis-endorsed guides, guests receive personalized instruction tailored to all skill levels. The lodge emphasizes a commitment to conservation and sustainable fishing practices, ensuring these rivers remain vibrant for generations to come.

    Accommodations at The Salmon Lodge

    The Salmon Lodge accommodates up to eight guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Each guest enjoys double room accommodations equipped with private bathrooms, combining rustic charm with modern amenities. The lodge’s communal areas provide a cozy atmosphere for relaxation and camaraderie after a day on the river. Guests are treated to gourmet meals, with dinners thoughtfully paired with fine wines, all included in the stay.

    The Salmon Lodge 2025 Rates & Packages

    Length of StayDouble Accomodation
    4 Nights / 3 Days FishingCAD 4,725
    5 Nights / 4 Days FishingCAD 6,300
    7 Nights / 7 Days FishingCAD 11,025

    Rates are in Canadian currency, do not include tax, and are subject to change

    Note: Rates are based on double occupancy and include lodging, meals, guided fishing, and daily transportation between the lodge and the river. Contact us for single accommodations and non-angler rates.

    Book Your Quebec Fly-Fishing Adventure

    Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

    Contact us for current availability and pricing, seasonal discounts, special offers

    Included in Rate

    Lodging; all meals and beverages (with dinners paired with wine); guided fishing; daily transportation between the lodge and rivers; professional and knowledgeable guides; friendly and attentive lodge staff.

    Not Included in Rate

    Airfare; airport transfers; fishing licenses; gratuities; equipment rentals; taxes.

    More Info

    The Salmon Lodge has been welcoming Atlantic salmon fishing enthusiasts to the world-famous Grand Cascapedia Valley for over a century. Perched high on an 80-foot bluff overlooking the majestic Grand Cascapedia River, The Salmon Lodge was built in the late 1800’s. This historic lodge has been painstakingly maintained and from the moment anglers arrive there’s a special feeling that they’ve been swept back in time to an era of Atlantic salmon fishing in the “Grand Old Style”.

    Ideally located in the heart of Quebec’s famous Gaspé Peninsula, The Salmon Lodge is located on the doorstep of the finest and most renowned Atlantic salmon rivers in the province and affords angler the opportunity to fish not one, but three of Quebec’s finest salmon rivers. The Grand Cascapedia River is world renowned for producing the largest Atlantic salmon in the province, and indeed some of the largest salmon in the world. More Atlantic salmon over the magical 40-pound mark have come from the Grand than any other river in North America. The Petite Cascapedia is an absolute jewel providing miles of some of the most beautiful and productive salmon and brook trout water anywhere. Big salmon in the 30 to 40 pound class are a possibility here as well sea-run brookies that can sometimes exceed 10 pounds. And last but not least, the Bonaventure, regarded as the clearest of the clear, offers anglers an unique opportunity to sight cast to huge salmon on miles of pristine river.

    The fishing at The Salmon Lodge is either done wading from in the Gaspé style, from traditional 26-foot river canoes. Early in the season the Atlantic salmon fishing is a combination of both while later in the season many pools are best fished wading. The Salmon Lodge has excellent late season Atlantic salmon fishing (August and September) since the mountain streams and spring-fed brooks supply The Grand Casacapedia, The Petite Cascapedia, and the Bonaventure with cold water throughout the entire summer, keeping each them cool and clear.

    The Salmon Lodge can accommodate up to eight fishing guests and four non-fishing guests in complete comfort. Well-appointed and comfortable bedrooms, an inviting living room and spacious dining room, both with their original fireplaces, create a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. A highlight of staying at Salmon Lodge is the spectacular

    view from our deck and cigar-friendly screened porch, where a century’s worth of fishing tales have been told.

    The Salmon Lodge also has a rod room, located in a separate building, which is the ideal place to keep fishing equipment during a visit. The rod room is where guests meet their guide in the morning before a day of salmon fishing. The features of the rod room include individual storage areas for each guest, a large rod rack, and there’s always fresh coffee in the morning and cool drinks at the end of the day.

    Each day the resident chef prepares a different menu to tempt guest’s pallets. Homemade breads and jams along with all morning favorites will have guests ready for a day of salmon fishing. Anglers are welcometo return to the lodge to enjoy a wonderful lunch or take their midday meal picnic style on the river. Evening meals at the lodge begin with hors d’oeuvres served in front of a blazing fire or on the deck overlooking the Grand Cascapedia. These mouth-watering meals are served in the dining room begin with fresh salads, soups and appetizers, main courses include fresh lobster, local seafood and sizzling steaks off the grill, just to mention a few. The Salmon Lodge is happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or requirements. Wine is included with lunch and diner, personal alcohol is not included, however, guests are welcome to bring their own. At the bar area The Salmon Lodge supplies all ice, mixes and necessary ingredients for the perfect drink. The lodge is also a short distance from a very well stocked liquor store.

    Guests are fully guided by a team of experienced and professional guides, committed to the sport of fly-fishing for Atlantic salmon. All are qualified instructors; they teach the fundamentals to beginners or work with seasoned anglers to perfect their abilities. Most importantly, perhaps, is the friendship you’ll develop with these great guys.

    All The Salmon Lodge guides are equipped with digital cameras and will be taking photos each day on the river to document your trip. A short while after returning home you will receive a CD with all the photos of your trip.

  • The Club on the Bonaventure

    The Club on the Bonaventure

    Updated on

    The Club on Bonaventure History & Overview

    The Club was incorporated and constructed in the late 20’s by a group of prominent Canadians and operated as a private camp, the Canadian Salmon Club until 2017.  That year, the owners of the two iconic Gaspé salmon camps, Camp Bonaventure and the Salmon Lodge purchased the Club and invested a half a million dollars restoring this historic camp, updating and modernizing while preserving the charm and essence of a classic 100 year old salmon camp.   The moniker, The Club was kept but for the first time in its history, the camp is now open to the public.

    Abundant Atlantic Salmon: Target wild Atlantic salmon in pristine river environments

    Exclusive River Access: Fish the renowned B3 and B4 sectors of the Bonnie stretched over 7-miles of river with 26 major pools

    Luxurious Accommodations: Comfortable double rooms with private baths and gourmet meals included

    Professional Guides: Orvis-endorsed guides ensure a top-tier fishing experience

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Quebec fly fishing trips and packages!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    The Club is situated on 100 acres of riverfront property and retains freehold ownership of their original water, about 3.5 miles of river with 14 major pools.  This sector is known as B3, and along with the adjacent B4 sector is considered the very best water on the entire river.  And to provide guests access to more water, in 2019 the Club entered an agreement with the ZEC to rotate these two premier sectors.  The Club’s 6-anglers now fish Sector B3 Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays and Sector B4 Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays giving guests exclusive access to over 7-miles and 26 major pools.

    The Club accommodates a maximum of 6 anglers accommodated in single rooms.   Each bedroom is elegantly appointed with a king size bed, fireplace, AC and ceiling fan, full private bath with walk in shower and a screened porch.   A covered walkway connects the guest quarters with the Common areas which include: the screen porch overlooking the river; The Great Room with fireplace and overstuffed leather chairs and sofa; and the dining room with adjacent sitting area and fireplace which also overlooks the river.

    Fishing the B3 & B4 Sectors at The Club on the Bonaventure

    The Club is situated on Sector B3 (Google Earth coordinates 48°11’19.3″N 65°33’41.6″W) about 25 river miles up from the Baie de Chaleur, just below Gallagher (52) and overlooking Burnt Camp (51) and Kelly (50).  All told, they have exclusive access to over 7 miles of river from Baker (68) at the top of B4 to Deep Water Ledge (42) at the bottom of B3.  The Club rotates these sectors with the ZEC and fishes 3 canoes on B3 Monday, Wednesday & Friday and B4 Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, giving guests exclusive access to 26 pools which include many of the best holding pools on the river.

    Fishing days are divided into 2 sessions, mornings from approximately 7:30 am – 11:30 am and evening 4:00 pm until dusk to take advantage of the most productive hours.  Guests rotate beats each fishing session so you’ll likely fish new water each and every fishing session.  Weeks run Sunday to Sunday with no fishing on the Sunday turnover day.

    atlantic salmon on the Bonaventure River, Quebec

    The Bonaventure is renowned as one of the clearest salmon rivers in the world.  As such, it is the dry fly fisherman’s dream river!  The salmon to grilse ratio can vary year to year but is usually around 4-to-1 or better.  Typical Bonnie salmon range in the mid-teens to mid-20s but 30 plus pounders are taken each year (Deep Water Ledge on B3 has produced a number of 40+ pound fish).

    The Club’s guides, Jacques Bernard, Michel Bernard and Pascal St-Onge are consummate professionals with over 50 years’ experience on the river between them.  They know every rock in the river and work hard to put their clients onto fish.   Fishing is either from stable 26 foot Sharpe canoes or by wading.

    The Club on the Bonaventure 2025 Rates & Packages

    Length of StayDouble Accomodation
    4 Nights / 3 Days FishingCAD 6,225
    7 Nights / 6 Days FishingCAD 12,450
    Custom PackageCall for pricing 860-434-9642

    Rates are in Canadian currency, do not include tax, and are subject to change

    Note: Rates are based on double occupancy and include lodging, meals, guided fishing, and daily transportation between the lodge and the river. Contact us for single accommodations and non-angler rates.

    Book Your Quebec Fly-Fishing Adventure

    Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

    Contact us for current availability and pricing, seasonal discounts, special offers

    Included in the rate: 7-nights’ accommodations in single room with private bath; all meals with wine and non-alcoholic beverages; top shelf open bar with mixers; 6-days guided fishing based on two anglers sharing a canoe and guide.  3-day stays may also be available select weeks.

    Not included: transportation costs to The Club; gratuities; fishing licenses; tackle and flies (licenses, flies and some tackle available for purchase at the Club).

    4-night/3-day packages may be arranged and non-fishing spouses may be accommodated, on a space available basis.  For reservations or more information, please contact:

    Doug Schlink / Angler Adventures
    800-628-1447 * 860-434-9624
    Email: Doug@AnglerAdventures.com

    the club on the bonaventure - angler adventures

    Google Earth coordinates 48°11’19.3″N 65°33’41.6″W

     

  • Salmon Fishing: How Do I Love Thee. Part I – The Grab

    Having worked in the fly fishing travel industry for 25 years, I’m sometimes asked, “what’s your favorite fish to fish for?”.   Without hesitation I answer, “if I had to give up all species except one, I would keep Atlantic salmon”.  The question that frequently follows is, “why?”. You know, that’s a damn good question.  Lord knows I have suffered through long and painful droughts when the salmon had not yet come in, had already gone upriver, or when they were there and for a myriad of reasons, would not rise to the fly. 

    Yet, they sometimes do rise to the fly, sometimes subtly, sometimes aggressively, and sometimes they try to rip the rod out of your hands.   This is what the salmon fisher lives for, or at least what I live for – the “grab”.   You methodically search the water with carefully measured casts, swinging the fly through possible lies.  And sometimes you approach a known “hot spot”, or from years of experience, you recognize a likely taking spot – a “bucket”.  The anticipation builds as you approach the bucket, each cast bringing you a bit closer.  Finally, you get to that cast, the one you know in your heart and mind should be the one.  The fly swings oh so seductively down and across the stream and slides into the bucket and BAM, the “grab”.  Oh it might be a subtle take – just a slight tug, or the line might just stop, or a solid “pull”.  Or it might be that explosive attempt to destroy the fly (the kind I love).  But they’re all “grabs”, and your heart stops in momentary  disbelief as you await further proof that there’s actually a fish at the end of your line.    

    Such proof might come in the form of a majestic leap or series of leaps, or an immediate burst of speed into a searing, backing-melting run.  Or you might just feel a constant resistance, causing you to wonder if you simply snagged a rock – until the head shakes tell you differently.  There are many kinds, but they are all “grabs”.  And no matter how many I experience, no matter how sweet the bucket looks, or how well I know this is a “sure thing” taking lie,  when the grab comes, it still surprises the hell out of me – every time.  Like some kind of miracle just occurred!  For me, actually landing the fish is secondary.  I fish for the grab!

    Doug lives for "The Grab"
    Doug lives for “The Grab”