Salmon Lodge

No other salmon river in North America conjures up the majesty of the Atlantic Salmon better than the Grand Cascapedia. By way of illustration the most comprehensive books to date, “The Grand Cascapedia River: A History” consists of two volumes and approx. 1,500 pages with more than enough references to mammoth salmon. The Cascapedia sources in the Chic-Choc mountain range and battles its way down river, in and around spruce and alder forests, to the Bay of Chaleurs, a distance of approx. 70 miles. The river is split into 7 sectors and Salmon Lodge has access to ‘A’ sector as well as the Lake and Salmon branches. Typically the Cascapedia carries a slight tea colour reflecting its drainage area and usually has a good volume of water with well-defined pools.

With one of the strongest runs of Salmon of all the Gaspe rivers the Bonaventure is a magnificent salmon river in its own right. Where however it really stands alone is in its almost unparalleled water clarity. Running gin-clear all season it is possible to spot fish wherever you stop and offers incredible dry-fly fishing for Salmon. Fishing the Bonaventure is a truly mesmerising experience. The water temperature of the Bonaventure is notably colder than that of the Grand Cascapedia and will still fish well in the height of summer conditions.

The Petite Cascapedia is one of the most intimate rivers on the Gaspe, although it maintains a run of salmon in the 30-40lb range, comparable with those of the Grand Cascapedia. Best fished with a single or a short double-handed rod there is a good variety of gravel, freestone and ledge type pools. On the restricted sector rods are limited to 8/day and access to the pools is by canoe. This in itself is an unmissable way to fish and see the length of the river. Much of the water for the Petite Cascapedia sources from underground springs from the interior of the Chic Choc Mountains and this ensures that the water temperature rarely rises above 60 degrees even on the hottest of summers. Although early starts may be required the salmon will take aggressively throughout the summer.

Salmon fishing in Quebec is a mixture of private access, public access and lottery allocated places. Each river has a slightly different rulebook and although on the whole it runs at odds with European Salmon rivers the system allows for the most part private or restricted access fishing. It does pay dividends to ensure that you have booked by 1st November to get first crack at the lottery when 50% of those rods are allocated however this should not be considered as unduly prohibitive.

Built in 1901 Salmon Lodge is immersed in the history synonymous with all the great lodges on the Grand Cascapedia. Built on a bluff overlooking Trout Brook Pool it has a commanding 180-degree view of the Grand Cascapedia River below. In 2011 it underwent an ambitious ‘roof-raising’ renovation that transformed the living space whilst retaining the original feel of the building. The result is one of the most exquisite fishing lodges to be found. Great food and very high levels of service typify a stay at Salmon Lodge.

Bedrooms are en-suite and sumptuously decorated, many of which have commanding views onto the Grand Cascapedia.   Queen sized beds are standard throughout.

The fishing starts from early June and runs through to the end of September. By approx. 10th June big fish should have reached the upper stretches of the Grand Cascapedia and numbers will increase throughout June and July. Mid June-July are considered prime weeks although good water conditions will always dictate prospects.  July and August are the best months to fish with a dry fly. Given good water conditions, September can be prolific and it is always a good time to have a chance at landing one of the largest fish.,

Air Canada provides daily flight service between Montreal and Gaspé, Quebec or Bathurst, New Brunswick. There are two scheduled flights both to and from each location daily. Salmon Lodge is a three-hour drive from Gaspé, and two hours from Bathurst. You can either rent a car at the airport or transport to and from the airport can be arranged. For a more sedate journey you can take the overnight train from Montreal to New Richmond, which should arrive first thing in the morning and is only 10 mins drive from the lodge (although it is not always punctual).