Atlantic Salmon 2017 Trip In Review: Gaspé Peninsula, Canada
The fish of a thousand cast is what they are commonly referred to, but my experience tells me it is more like five thousand casts. But, if you enjoy casting, conversation and beautiful scenery, fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon is for you. The Gaspé Peninsula is home to many Atlantic Salmon Rivers but our crew spends time on the York, Dartmouth and St. Jean Rivers. All holding pools are in a lottery system which are drawn in a pre-season draw or 48 hour draw. If you are not successful in drawing any pools you fish the York River which is called open. This is not a bad thing. In fact many of our anglers hooked and landed fish in the open water each day. Regardless of where you end up fishing you will see Salmon in many of the pools some of which are close to 30 lbs. The water is air clear and the scenery is outstanding. We work with Ann Smith who is the owner of Quebec Sporting. She is a wonderful hard working women who tries her hardest to get you on the best Atlantic Salmon pools.
This year our trip consisted of 7 anglers, some of which had fished the area before and others it was their first time. We fished 5 days and landed 5 Atlantic Salmon and lost several others. it is heart breaking to lose a fish that you have tried to hard to hook. But, feeling the powerful tug or watching them eat a dry fly is the most exciting. Getting your picture taken is a bonus. Our lodging sits on the banks of Gaspé Bay which offers stunning views and the ability to cast at Striped Bass during the right tides.
Next June we will be back on the peninsula pursuing this magnificent fish and would like you to join. If you have never fly fished for Atlantic Salmon this is an excellent and affordable way to cut your teeth. Send us an email to info@coloradanglingcompany.com if you are interested.