Atlantic Salmon Fly Fishing: Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec II (OLD)

St. Jean River Atlantic Salmon being released.

Join our group Atlantic Salmon fly fishing trip to Canada venturing to the Gaspe Peninsula in pursuit of Atlantic Salmon on the York, Dartmouth and St. Jean Rivers. These rivers are world renowned Atlantic Salmon fly fishing rivers and just happen to be some of the clearest rivers in the world. This is an incredible fly fishing trip that you must check off your fly fishing bucket list. Referred to as the fish of a thousand casts, Atlantic Salmon are an incredible fish to pursue with a fly rod. These dime bright fish enter the river systems in May and venture upstream to spawn in the fall, when they take on the color of the surrounding foliage. The rivers you fish is dependent on a draw system that takes place at the beginning of the year. This lottery system determines what beats of water (pools) you will fish for a given week. For this reason you must book this trip in advance for a chance at fishing some of the best Atlantic Salmon Pools on each river. Read more below, or inquire now

Atlantic Salmon from the St. Jean River caught late in the afternoon.

Salmon Rivers We Fish

We have access to 3 rivers on the Gaspé Peninsula, The Dartmouth, St. Jean and York, all of which are within 10 – 25 minutes of the cottages. Each river is stunning. Dark timber hillsides, narrow canyons and steep ledges outline the crystal clear water. It is breath taking. In many of the holding pools you will be able to see Atlantic Salmon laying on the bottom.  Other times a small black line on the tip of a Salmon’s tail is just enough to give away its holding spot.

The bottom of the rivers are a mix of big slate ledge and small to medium sized gravel. Wading is relatively easy in most areas and a good felt boot will keep you stable when in the water.

The largest of the 3 rivers is the St. Jean. But still small compared to other Salmon Rivers on the Peninsula. At the right level this river easily crossable and the gravel bottom is easy to wade. The fishable sections on the St. Jean are the closest to the ocean and in some sections you are less than 5 miles from the mouth of the basin. The Salmon in the St. Jean river are very strong. Fresh out of the Atlantic, these salmon fight incredibly hard and often time leap multiple times during the tug o war. There are no open water passes on the St. Jean, it is draw water only.

The York river flows into the bay right in the heart of Gaspé. The York gets a good run of Atlantic Salmon and some big ones at that. There are several private draw pools on the York as well as open water access. The York River is a good size for both single hand or switch rods and very manageable for crossing (at the right level) to access different holding pools. The river is very clear with a tint of green, it also boast steep ledges covered in moss and cedar trees.  Some of our largest fish each year are hooked on the York River. The short runs are quickly covered allowing anglers to visit several pools in a day. There are also glassy slicks and tailouts that are prime for presenting big dry flies (Bombers) to Atlantic Salmon.

The Dartmouth River flows into the bay just west of the cottages and is know for its highly sought after holding pool. Les Falls. This canyon section holds numerous Atlantic Salmon who cannot jump the waterfall until the river reaches a certain level. Each year we have guests draw this pool and each year they are successful. The Dartmouth has very similar characteristics to the York River. Steep ledges, sweeping runs and glassy slicks. The Dartmouth also has Open Water Zones as well as Private Water Draws.

Swinging wet flies for Atlantic Salmon on the York River in Quebec, Canada

Fly Fishing For Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon Fishing is consider a gentlemen’s sport and consists of swinging unweighted flies through holding pools. We also present large bombers (dry flies) in front of holding Atlantic Salmon which can often entice a strike.  Anglers are only allowed to fish a single fly in a traditional manner. Weighted flies are prohibited but anglers are allowed to fish with sink tips or poly leaders. Sink Tips are more commonly used during the beginning for the Salmon Season when the water levels are still high. Nymphing for Atlantic Salmon is prohibited in the area. Every 48 hours you are assigned a section of water from the Z.E.C. This area is determined by a pre-season or 48 hour draw. If you are un able to draw any private beats for a particular day you will be fishing on the York or Dartmouth open water zones. These zones are very large with multiple holding pools and allow anglers the opportunity to see much or the river. Open Zones also allow unlimited rods so your chances of seeing other anglers on the water are high but often times you can have a pool to yourself. Draw Only Zones limit the number of rods and have a number of holding pools where anglers will fish throughout the day. In addition to drawing water anglers can also purchase an open water pass for the day if they would like to fish more water. This is a good option, especially if you to draw water on a river that may not be fishing as well as some of the others.

We fish the pools in a rotation. The first angler that passes through the run has a high chance of hooking a fresh fish that has moved into the river. Once the first angler has finished their pass, the second angler steps in and fishes the run with a different fly pattern. Sometimes it just takes a fly change to entice an Atlantic Salmon to rise to the fly. As mentioned above, the water is so clear that you can see fish with the naked eye and the guides will also use underwater view finders that spot fish you cannot see. There are few things as exciting as watching a larger Atlantic Salmon rise from the bottom to inhale a dead drifted dry fly. It is not uncommon to go a day or two with out hooking a fish, but having the ability to see the fish and watch them leap up waterfalls is enough to keep you engaged to the bitter end. This is why Atlantic Salmon are referred to as a fish of a thousand casts, and believe us you will certainly make a thousand casts. Fish average between 12-15 pounds with larger fish in the 20’s mixed in. Atlantic Salmon are incredibly strong and acrobatic making them difficult to land. Be prepared for an amazing battle once you hook one of these remarkable fish.

You are allowed to land 3 fish in a single day. But, if you are a gentlemen you head back to the cottage after 2. This allows other anglers in the group a chance at catching an Atlantic Salmon.

Guests watching the sunset over the Dartmouth River Basin.

Accommodations

Two small cottages right on the Dartmouth Basin of Gaspé Bay is where we hang our hat in June. These quaint cottages each sleep 4 anglers. Two of the bedrooms have double beds and the rest have a single queen. Each cottage has wifi, washer & dryer, shower, full kitchen, living area, fire place and stunning views. We are approximately 5 minutes from the town of Gaspé and in close proximity to all three Atlantic Salmon Rivers.

We have an in-house chef that prepares all of our meals. Breakfast consists of Egg Sandwiches, Muffins, Fruit, Yogurt, Coffee and Juice. Since we depart so early many of us choose to grab it and go. Lunches are prepared in the morning and placed in coolers for anglers to take with them. The lunches change day to day but expect to find fruit, chips, cookies, sandwiches, trail mix and beverages in your cooler. Appetizers of Vegetables, Fruit, Cheese, Meats, Crackers and Spreads are on the table at 4 pm for you to munch on over cocktails and conversation. Dinner is normally served by 6 pm and there is a lot of it. Steaks, Chicken, Pork, Homemade Pizza, Salads, Lasagna, Poutine, Soups, Homemade Cakes and Pies are some of the items you will find on the menu. Our cook likes to prepare comfort food and strives to make sure you are satisfied. If you have any dietary needs please let us know so we can accommodate.

Getting There

Many great fly fishing destinations are not easy to get to and the Gaspe, Peninsula is no exception. Flights from Denver generally travel through Toronto to Montreal over to Quebec then to Gaspé. However due to heavy fog and weather, flights may not be able to land on the Peninsula. We recommend that you book your incoming flight a day earlier incase of inclement weather. After arriving at the airport we have a shuttle that picks you up and brings you to the cottages where your room is prepared. If you do not mind driving you can fly to Maine (PWM) and make the 10 hour drive North with us. You can also get a private jet into the Gaspe Airport. Regardless of how you decide to get there let us help you make your travel arrangements. A good way to break up the trip is to spend a couple days Fly Fishing in Maine prior to making the trek further North.

Dartmouth River Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec.

Typical Day

Our days start very early on the Gaspé Peninsula. The guides pick us up at the cottages each day at 4am. Therefore our alarms are set for 3-3:30 am, breakfast is made, coffee is hot and lunches are ready to go. We eat lunch on the river each day and return to the lodge around 4pm for happy hour and appetizers.This is also when you will receive your fishing assignment and flies for the following day. Dinner is served between 5:30 and 6 pm. We have found this schedule to be very successful every year. Other anglers in the area fish split days and are off the water by 11:30 or 12 o’clock. We stay on the water and often hook Salmon in the middle of the day when very few anglers are on the water.

Depending on the day you can expect to fish between 3-5 different holding pools. Some of these pools require some light hiking and river crossing (when levels permit) to get reach. There are well maintained trails and stair systems that lead to each pool so access is not strenuous.

 There are two different options for fishing during the day. Some anglers prefer to fish until noon and return to the cabin for a nap before returning to the river in the afternoon for the evening bite. Others prefer to fish hard until 4 or 5pm before returning for the day. Regardless of how you prefer to fish we can accommodate.

What’s Included

The trip includes the following:

  • 5 Guided Fishing Days (2 anglers per guide)
  • Lodging
  • Meals
  • River Access
  • Daily Transportation
  • Fishing Licenses

NOT included in the trip:

  • Gratuities
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation to Gaspe

Due to the high volume of requests this trip is a first come first serve and must be booked in advance to secure your spot in the lottery. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. Please contact us for 2020 Bookings, Pricing & Availability.

What To Bring

PASSPORT – This is the one thing you certainly do not want to forget. Be sure that it is not expired and will not expire 6 months prior to your trip. We would hate for you to make it to customs without your passport.

A good pair of waders and wading boots are important. You will be spending 12 hours a day in your waders and boots so be sure they are comfortable. Long sleeved shirts are recommended, the lightweight sun shirts work great to keep the mosquitos off your arms but are light enough to keep you cool. Fleece jacket, vest, buff, pants to wear under your waders, socks, rain jacket, hat and sunglasses. All the typical clothing you would wear for fishing in cooler weather. Expect it to rain for part of your trip and expect it to be chilly in the morning. Especially in early June. A single hand 8/9 weight rod paired with a good floating line is recommended for presenting bombers on the surface. We like to use 11’6”  7/8 wt switch rods for swinging wet flies. Learning how to spey cast is recommended prior to your trip. If you prefer to use a single hand rod the 8 or 9 wt rod will be fine for swinging wet flies as well.

Sink tips are used when the water is a bit high but not always necessary. The tips we like to use are the RIO MOW tips that come in various lengths. Our favorites are the 5’ of floating 5 ‘of sinking (t-11) and the 7.5’ floating to 2.5’ of sinking (t-11). Maxima ultra green or brown in 8,10, 12 lb test is preferred. Hemostats, nippers and dry fly floatant are needed as well as a variety of flies.

Atlantic Salmon Fly Patterns

There are so many Atlantic Salmon Flies out there that it can be overwhelming choosing which patterns to select. While we wish that we could fish them all, there are several patterns the local guides gravitate to when opening up a fly box. Some of our most successful Atlantic Salmon Fly patterns during the month of June are the following. The Tiger Ghost, everyone of our guests have fished this fly and more than one (if not all) have caught and Atlantic Salmon on a Tiger Ghost. We like them in several sizes ranging from 1.5 to a size 6. We also try to have this fly pattern tied on Black and Silver hooks. The Pompier, is a classic Atlantic Salmon fly pattern that works well on both the York and Dartmouth Rivers. The bright green body of this fly often times will entice a strike from fresh Atlantic Salmon that just moved into a holding pool. This fly is great in all sizes and also pairs well with a Black or Gold hook. The Blue Charm is another classic Atlantic Salmon pattern that is often chosen for your second pass thru a holding pool. Look for the Blue Charm in size 4,6,8 and either on a single or double hook. The Picasse looks much like a Tiger Ghost but has a black body. This an effective fly all season long. We tend to fish the Picasse in larger sizes during high water but will fish them down to a size 6 and 8 once levels drop. The Green Highlander is a popular Atlantic Salmon Fly that works well on many rivers of the Gaspé Peninsula. This is a great fly pattern to have in all sizes and easy to find in many fly shops. Bombers are giant dry flies that are used to take Atlantic Salmon on the surface. These patterns come in a variety of colors and sizes. Popular Bomber colors are Green, Pink, White, Blue, Grey and Tan. Like mentioned above there are numerous Atlantic Salmon Flies to choose from so if you prefer to wait until you reach the Gaspé Peninsula you can find local fly patterns at the Z.E.C. Your fly fishing guide will also have Atlantic Salmon flies with them.

Other popular flies – Black Bear Green But, Undertaker, Lightbulb, Black Ghost, Allies Shrimp, Stump, Ghost Stone, White Muddler, Rusty Rat, Green Spey, Casandra Blue, Duggan.

Testimonials

“You guys put on a great trip. The food was good, the cottages were perfect, I am coming back next year.” – Jim Maselli, MA

“I have to go home now and tell my wife I have a new addiction, Pork Chop is in for next year.” – Jeffery Bright, CO

“I watched the fish turn around, follow the Bomber then come to the surface to eat it. That was a bucket list experience for me. I cannot wait until next June.” – Poppa Mac, FL

“I look forward to this trip every year. The fishing, the camaraderie, the location is second to none. If you have never fished for Atlantic Salmon you should definitely try it with these guys.”                            -Luke Rodrigue, ME

“We fished the Cascapédia River for years before meeting Joey. For the price this trip is amazing. Great guides, good food, fun company and amazing fishing. My son and I have been 3 years in a row and are looking forward to next spring. Thanks guys.” – Brett Lewis, VT

“I have been fortunate enough to fish in a lot of places and I would choose Gaspé over them all. The water clarity, the scenery, the people & the Salmon are all incredible. I think it was Ted Williams that said “”if I had to fish for one fish, i’d take Atlantic Salmon over them all”” I am right there with you sir. Looking forward to being on the coast again soon.” – Joey M, host

Warming up by the fire on Zone 9 of the York River. Dartmouth River Atlantic Salmon caught on a Tiger Ghost at 8 in the morning.
Back to back Atlantic Salmon caught on the same fly in the same pool on the York River, Canada.
Plump Atlantic Salmon caught on the York River. Waiting for the grab early in the morning at Dog Pool.
20lb Atlantic Salmon caught on a dry fly on the York River. Atlantic Salmon flies drying out on a Birch Tree.
Salmo Salar leaping on the St. Jean River. York River Atlantic Salmon hooked and landed on a dry fly.
York River Salmon on left and Dartmouth River Atlantic Salmon on the right
Dartmouth River Quebec Canada. Open water sector
On the left a view of the York River Zone 6. On the right, St. Jean River Atlantic Salmon dancing on the end of the line
Swinging wet flies for Atlantic Salmon as the sun rises over the York River, Gaspé, Canada
Dartmouth River Atlantic Salmon from Big Salmon Pool. View finder scanning the St.Jean river in search of holding Atlantic Salmon.
Early Morning laughs on the St. Jean River. Jim M hooked up on the York River.
Pork Chop raising up his beer of choice. Luke R with a Dartmouth River Atlantic Salmon.
York River zone 4 directions. Cottage number one overlooking the Dartmouth River Basin.
Dartmouth River Atlantic Salmon from the Ledges and Les Falls Pools.
Heavy York River Atlantic Salmon caught on a Bomber in zone 4.
Sipping Beer and watching the sunset over Gaspé. Long Shadows at low tide outside the Atlantic Salmon cottages.
York River Atlantic Salmon grabbed the fly 3 times before finally getting hooked. Jim M and guide Denis hiking up the York River.
 
 
 

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