The Salmon Lodge sits on the banks of the world-famous Grand Cascapedia and offers the freshwater fly fishing angler the best chance of catching Atlantic Salmon in Québec’s famous Gaspé Peninsula. Built in the late 1800s and perched high on an 80-foot bluff overlooking the river, the lodge has been operating for over a century and is one of the most reputable, historic fishing lodges in Canada and attracts hundreds of travelling anglers every year.
Nestled in real Salmon country, the Salmon Lodge has three famous rivers, the Bonaventure, the Petit and Grand Cascapedia, just a stone’s throw away from its doors. These are three of the most productive freshwater fly fishing rivers globally, not just by numbers of fish but also by incredible average size; fish to over 40lb get landed every season. Each of the three is equally seductive on account of their surroundings, pristine and typically crystal clear water.
The Grand Cascapedia consistently produces the most significant Atlantic Salmon in the province, whilst the Petite Cascapedia allows you to fish miles of some of the most beautiful and productive Salmon and Brook Trout water found anywhere. Finally, the Bonaventure, regarded as the clearest of the clear, offers anglers a unique opportunity to sight cast to huge Salmon on miles of pristine river.
When staying at the Salmon Lodge, fly anglers will have the chance to fish over 120 kilometres of the finest Canadian Salmon rivers found in the country. Although it’s not possible to know exactly where and which rivers you’ll be fishing, the variety of water and conditions are typically a massive asset in ensuring you will encounter excellent or exceptional fishing.
No other Salmon river in North America conjures up the amount of the Atlantic Salmon better than the Grand Cascapedia. The river’s source starts in the Chic-Choc mountain range, where it battles its way downriver, in and around spruce and alder forests, to the Bay of Chaleurs, a distance of approximately 112 kilometres. The river gets split into seven sectors, and Salmon Lodge has access to a sector, 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.
The Petite Cascapedia is one of the most intimate rivers on the Gaspe. However, despite its size, it features a large run of genuinely massive Salmon, with fish in the 30-40lb range not uncommon and comparable with those of the Grand Cascapedia. Like its bigger brother, much of the Petite Cascapedia starts from the sources of underground springs in the interior of the Chic Choc Mountains; this ensures that the water temperature rarely rises above 60 degrees even in the hottest of summers. Due to its location and the fact that most of the river can only be accessed effectively by canoe, the river receives very little angling pressure.
The Bonaventure is a genuinely magnificent Salmon river and features one of the most substantial runs of fish out of all the Gaspe rivers. One thing it’s famed for is its gin-clear water and the ability to spot fish wherever you stop. The river is renowned for its dry fly fishing, and there’s not too many better experiences in fly fishing than spotting a big Salmon, casting your fly to him and then watching him slurp it from the surface. This style of fishing can be exciting and emotionally exhausting in equal measure as you pit your wits against a very obvious quarry. The river is accessed by both wading and from a canoe and remains relatively cool throughout the season.
On all three rivers in the Gaspé Peninsula, the fishing is either wading or fishing from traditional 26-foot river canoes. In the early season, anglers can enjoy combining both, while later in the season, the pools are better fished by taking a relaxing float trip. In both instances, you’ll enjoy miles of pristine river, breathtaking scenery and explosive fishing.
Fishing is everything from swinging traditional flies through to the art of parachuting dry flies down on top of any Atlantic Salmon you spot. Both the Bonaventure and Petit are suitable to fish with single-handed or light switch rods, making for perfect presentation. On the Grand, which is a much bigger river, swinging wet flies is the preferred method. Although anglers use floating lines 90% of the time, it is always advisable to try some intermediate or slow sinking tips, especially when the Salmon are less energetic.
Anglers travelling to the Salmon Lodge can take all their fishing tackle if they wish; however, it is available for hire. The lodge has a selection of top brand named rods, reels, waders and boots in various sizes, which are all available to rent for a nominal fee. The lodge also has a very well stocked small pro shop with more flies than you will ever need, plus spare lines, tippets etc.
To find out more about fishing in Canada and at the Salmon Lodge visit our YouTube channel.
The team of guides at the Salmon Lodge are highly experienced, incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and dedicated. All are seasoned Salmon fishers and are among the most respected and sought after in the sport. Their profound knowledge and enthusiasm provide all the ingredients necessary for a simply excellent fishing experience.
Rest assured, they will go the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime and are one of the main reasons guests return year after year.
The fishing on the rivers starts in early June and runs through until the end of September. The Salmon begin to enter the rivers in late May, and by June, when the lodge opens, good numbers of Atlantic Salmon are found throughout the waterways. The middle of June and the month of July are the prime weeks, although good water conditions will always dictate the fishing prospects. If the Bonaventure and Petite Cascapedia are running colder than average, the fishing can often remain good throughout the season. Those anglers who want to fish with a dry fly in clear water, July, August, and September are the best months.
The summer climate in Quebec’s Gaspe peninsula varies between 8-30 Celsius, and the water temperature usually sits between 10-15 Celsius. Travelling fly anglers won’t typically experience many rainy days, but showers and thunderstorms appear from time to time.
The Salmon Lodge is immersed in the history synonymous with all the great lodges on the Grand Cascapedia, and from the moment you arrive, there’s a special feeling that you’ve been swept back in time. For a good reason, the Salmon Lodge was built in 1901 and has graced the banks of the Grand Cascapedia river for more than 100 years.
The Salmon Lodge can host up to eight fishing guests and four non-fishing guests. It features a cosy atmosphere with well-appointed, comfortable bedrooms, private bathrooms, an inviting living room and a spacious dining room, both with their original fireplaces.
Overlooking the river, the large front deck and screened porch boast the best view in the valley, where a century’s worth of fishing tales have got told. 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.
The rod room, located in a separate building, is ideal for keeping all your fishing equipment during your visit. The place you’ll meet your guide in the morning, its features include individual storage areas for each guest and a large rod rack.
The resident chef prepares a different menu every day, and the food is something that the Lodge is famed for. Homemade bread and jam, along with all your morning favourites, will have you ready for your day on the river. Enjoy a wonderful lunch either at the Lodge or on the river. Evenings at the Lodge begin with hors d’oeuvres served in front of a blazing fire or on the deck overlooking the Grand Cascapedia. Mouth-watering meals served in our dining room begin with fresh salads, soups and appetizers; main courses include fresh lobster, local seafood and sizzling steaks off the grill, to mention a few.
Wine gets included with your evening meal, but personal alcohol is not; however, guests are welcome to bring their own. The Lodge supplies all ice, mix and necessary ingredients for the perfect drink at the bar area and is only a short distance from a very well-stocked liquor store.
Although fly fishing for Atlantic salmon is the main activity, the Lodge can help with non-fishing activities for the non-fishing guest. There is everything from hiking, birding and biking. There’s even an excellent 18 hole, par 72 golf course situated just ten minutes away.
For your convenience, the Lodge also offers free high-speed wireless access. A computer for checking e-mail or sending fish bragging photos is also available for your use in the main Lodge.
The below itinerary is flexible should you require additional fishing days or additional free days to explore; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Montreal Depart Montreal
Arrive Bathurst
You will arrive very early hours of the morning and take a taxi to your hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Atlantic Host Hotel Bathurst (Twin Room) B/B
After a good rest, a representative from Salmon Lodge will pick you up from your hotel early afternoon to drive you to the lodge. This is a two-hour journey. You will arrive at the lodge in time to unpack and for hor’s d’ oeuvres, drinks before evening dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: Salmon Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
Each morning after breakfast you will depart with your guides. This is based on two anglers to one guide. Fishing is done either by wading or from our traditional 26-foot river canoes. Early season can allow for a combination of both, while later in the season our pools are better fished by wading. Alternatively, you can relax during a float trip along miles of pristine river, where you will experience not only great fishing along the way but the breath-taking scenery the area is famous for.
Overnight Accommodation: Salmon Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
You will spend a whole day fishing and then return to the lodge to pack and depart to the airport. You will be transferred back to Bathurst Hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Atlantic Host Hotel Bathurst (Twin Room) B/B
Note: flights are normally early evening which does give you the whole morning free. If you wish you can even arrange a morning’s Striped Bass fishing with a guide. Take a taxi back to Bathurst airport for return flights home.
Depart Bathurst
Arrive Montreal Depart Montreal
Arrive Home
The season runs from June to October.
Season: June to October
Peak: July & September
Weight: 5lb to 48lb
Average Weight: 11lb
N/A
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/09/2024 | 17/09/2024 | 11 | £9,089 | Enquire Now | ||
| 7 Days Fishing | 7 Days Fishing | |||||
| 17/09/2024 | 24/09/2024 | 8 | £5,840 | Enquire Now | ||
| 4 Days Fishing | 4 Days Fishing | |||||
| 01/06/2025 | 30/06/2025 | 11 | £9,405 | Enquire Now | ||
| 7 Days Fishing | 7 Days Fishing | |||||
| 01/07/2025 | 31/07/2025 | 11 | £9,305 | Enquire Now | ||
| 7 Days Fishing | 7 Days Fishing | |||||
| 01/08/2025 | 31/08/2025 | 11 | £9,205 | Enquire Now | ||
| 7 Days Fishing | 7 Days Fishing | |||||
| 01/09/2025 | 30/09/2025 | 11 | £9,205 | Enquire Now | ||
| 7 Days Fishing | 7 Days Fishing | |||||
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
The best part of the fishing holiday in Gaspe Peninsula, Province of Quebec, East Canada, was staying at the Lodge, the fishing on the Grand Cascapedia also the day on the River Bonaventure. I cannot rate the Lodge, the staff and the fishing high enough. The car hire provided in Quebec was also excellent. The Hotel Auberge St Antoine was a very good indeed. The hotel at Riviere sur Loup and La Flavie were very good.
The flight arrangements were poor. I think that the extra we paid for travelling premium economy was not good value for money.
We had no problem at Heathrow in using the private lounge, that you booked for us and we paid for the 3 hours we were there. However this was not available at Montreal.
Apart from the flights a very good holiday and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and we would love to return one day soon.
John
Thank you for your detailed feedback, Really glad that you all enjoyed the lodge, staff and food. Plus I have seen some great pictures of you all with fish and everyone looked very happy indeed.
Premium economy is basically economy the only difference is the seats are wider and there is more space between you and the row in front. It is nothing like business class, but there again it costs nothing like business class. Access to all airlines lounges is restricted to only customers travelling in Business or First Class. I did point this pout to you and thats why we booked you access to a private lounge at Heathrow, unfortunately not all airports have private lounges that can be booked, which means if you defiantly need and want to only sit in a lounge the only way is to travel Business or First class.
Overall I am very happy that you all enjoyed the holiday and hope the flights were not to much of a distraction for you all. I look forward in dealing with your group again soon.
Regards Peter
The Lodge’s setting on the cliff over the looking the river is magnificent (make sure you have your pre-dinner drinks on the deck!), and the books about the history of the camp and river made us realize just how lucky we are to be part of the current generation of salmon fishers on such a storied river
The Lodge took care of this first-time fly fisher spectacularly well and has spoilt me for anywhere else! I was invited to join a party of four very skilled fly fishers who were heading to the river for a week of fishing.
The guides were all helpful, encouraging and very skilled; they know salmon and they know the river.
As for the Lodge, the staff there makes you think there are no other guests, such is their capacity to focus on you and your needs. The meals were generous and delicious and they catered to this vegetarian without flinching. The range of supper dishes over the week was outstanding, and the generous shore lunches (with home made desserts!) worth writing home about. Breakfasts got us off on the right start each morning and I particularly appreciated the sustaining porridge. Rooms are very well appointed and every amenity is thought (and how many other Lodges deliver home-made fudge to your room for you to find when you get back from a day of fishing?).
Helen, this lodge sure does make ladies and first timers very welcome as many customers have said before. So glad you enjoyed your stay.
Tight lines
Fishing is fun because of the balance between challenge and reward, while the experience can be taken to a higher level by the beauty of the surroundings, knowledgeable and helpful guides, an atmospheric and luxurious lodge, delicious food and not least, friendly and welcoming hosts who make sure that you are spoilt throughout the whole holiday.
This description of the ideal fishing trip fits The Salmon Lodge like a glove. From the challenges of fishing in waters containing some of the largest salmon anywhere to the care taken by the lodge staff, memories of Salmon Lodge have filled my daydreams throughout the cold winter months ever since, when I first had the pleasure of experiencing a week there.
Always at an exceptional level, they manage to raise the bar every year
Nick very well put and nice review
Thanks for all your time.
I am still very much a novice at this wonderful sport.
The guides at the Salmon Lodge go out of their way to make learning a fun experience not a frustrating one.
The scenery, the stillness all add to the charm of fly-fishing. I am looking forward to my third trip in 2016
Thank you for the feedback and review and I am sure everyone at the lodge is already looking forward to you returning.
Have a good trip.
Salmon Lodge continues to be consistently excellent.
A great fishing experience.
Theres nothing negative i can say
Thats what we like nothing negative...
Thank you for the review
This was my first ever Atlantic salmon fishing experience and it exceeded all my expectations.
The Lodge accommodations, the staff, meals and the fishing arrangements on the Grand Cascapedia were outstanding.
The Lodge's staff also got my fishing partner and I directed to the Bonaventure River for a good day of fishing when the Grand Cascapdedia was blown out by thunderstorms.
This experience is one I will bring my wife to enjoy. Though she does not fish, she'll definitely enjoy the amenities, scenery and all that the staff have to offer.
Of all the fishing lodges I have enjoyed the Salmon Lodge stands out as the single most wonderful experience.
Thank you folks for such a wonderful trip.
Don, thank you for your kind words and we are so glad that everything was perfect for you.
Tight Lines
Glenn and his crew have put it all together a great lodge in a beautiful setting, access to great water, experienced guides, outstanding meals and an attentive, capable and hospitable staff.
Thank you for the feedback, Glenn and his team sure do run a fantastic operation, so we would agree its first class.
Went up to the Salmon Lodge for the first time this past July.
A great experience to meet other anglers and share fishing stories.
The Lodge is a great place to be, with a phenomenal view. Food is very good as well as the staff in Lodge. Guides were second to none and very helpful with any question we had on how to fish a run or pool.
Thank you for your review, we are so pleased that the lodge meet with your expectations.
Hope to see you again.
The trip was, as always, extremely well organised from start to finish.
Both Camps, Bonaventure and Salmon Lodge, were excellent with the accommodation, food and service by all members of the respective staffs superb.
Whist little can be done about weather and river levels, our first days fishing were made particularly difficult by the lack of water and the subsequent collection of fish in the many pools.
The Guides' general obsession with 'dry-fly' even when conditions were clearly unsuited was 'disturbing' but some (guides) were prepared to succumb to our wishes to 'go below' with some success.
The rain mid-week made a substantial difference and both rivers 'picked up'.
It would have been useful to know that there is a catch limit on both Rivers fished. The journeys to and from beats can be long and 'steal' a substantial part of the fishing day. To have to stop fishing in a matter of hours would not be particularly welcome (Peter had two Fish in less than an hour and, without an 'understanding' Guide, would have spent the rest of his day thumb-twiddling!!). I imagine this could be commonplace on days when the river is right and the fish are running.
On a more personal note, my injuries prior to the trip made moving let alone fishing difficult for me.
I am extremely grateful to Peter for the care and attention given to me.
The Group was extremely well balanced and it was a pleasure to fish with them.
David
Thanks do much for taking the time to write a review and also for your time on the hosted trip. It was also a pleasure to get to fish with you for a day after all these years.
You have made some very good points above and ones I totally agree with. I am addressing these points with the lodge and they will not be an issue for next season. In relation to the catch limit as we know its a softish rule and in most cases fishing can continue. Its more of a rule (Which I do understand) if both anglers max out in a day as this saves any beats getting too much pressure in anyone day. However if like in my case you max out in just 15 cast and your fishing partner has not had a fish, it is only far to let them fish through the rest of the day first a couple of times and yes then the guide was happy for me to continue to wet a line. Mind you if everyone caught 2 or 3 Atlantic Salmon each and everyday I am sure everyone would be extremely happy.
It was a pleasure taking good care of you and I will ensure you receive the same service with me in Argentina.
Great group lots of laughs and look forward in fishing with you again.
Regards Peter
Two very different rivers is a strength of this trip.
The Bonaventure is unique in its size and gin-clear clarity.
Challenging intriguing yet capable of giving up her goods when she chooses.
The Grand Cascapedia on the other hand more familiar to Scottish anglers, but has plentiful large fish in a wild picturesque setting.
Hi John
Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback and your comments as they are very important to us and future customers. I will be reviewing all the pre trip information and amending as necessary with the new information gained from our latest trip.
Congratulations on catching your personnel best salmon on the trip in that pool it must have been one hell of a fight.
Just also like to say thanks for joining me on the hosted trip, it was a pleasure fishing with you and I hope we get to do it all again one day soon.
Regards Peter
In all a very satisfying trip. Well organised, excellent company, service and accommodation.
Fishing for Atlantics understandably influenced by initial adverse river conditions.
Tackle instructions e.g. cone heads etc could have been more helpful.
Guides sometimes reluctant to deviate from their well practised plots.
Stuart
Thanks for the feedback and your comments. I have already reported back about some of the comments and findings about some guides not liking trying different methods when water conditions are not perfect, and I believe that Glenn will have this all sorted out.
As we know we the conditions due to the lowest water levels for over 40 years was always going to provide us with some tough conditions, however I think the group did extremely well considering the challange, with some nice Atlantic Salmon coming the the net and also some new personal bests on the trip.
I enjoyed having a couple of days out with you, one on the Bonaventure and one on the Grand as they were totally different days but we did have such a laugh on both of them.
Just like to say a huge thank you for choosing Sportquest Holidays, I know this was your first trip with us and I am sure it will not be the last.
Kind Regards Peter
I would like to start with a big thanks to Peter, as always a great host with a fantastic ability to look after the group but not forgetting each individuals needs. Also a thanks to all the guys on the trip, some new friends and some old ones, but all happy to share information and tackle.
I found both lodges to be first class, with Julie and Jonny always on hand to answer any questions and give details of the plans for the following day. The food was great with the staff going above and beyond to cater for my fickle taste buds.
The guides on the bonny were first class, we did not see the river at its best because of the low water and my poor results were more to do with my inefficiency’s than the efforts of the guides. I must give a mention of “skinny”Marc, I found him to be a fantastic teacher and the tips he gave me will stand me in good stead for future trips.
We encountered the cascapedia in high water conditions and this set a list of new problems for the novice Atlantic’s angler in me and after a chat with the other guys on the journey home we felt the guides did not give us the best of advise on the use of sink tips and the use of these by the more experienced guys showed in their better catch rates, another lesson learned!.
So in summing up, I found this a much greater challenge than that of Pacific’s on the west coast, but no less enjoyable and a prize hard fought for always means so much more.
Hi Kevin
Thanks for such a good clear and fair review of the trip. Yes it was a great group and a great trip but one that did also challenge us all with fishing methods and technique. I believe you are spot on with your comments about experience and the guides. I am already looking forward in returning next year when hopefully we will have some better water conditions and we will be far better prepared with the knowledge of what to expect.
It was a pleasure as always having you on the trip and also spending some time fishing with you. I will look forward to next time my friend.
Regards Peter
The Belousiha River is one of the most famous Salmon rivers in Russia and one which is well known and regarded amongst adventurous travelling freshwater fly fishing anglers. Located in the extreme northwest of Russia on the Kola Peninsula, one of the largest Peninsula's in Europe, it's a relatively small but exquisite looking river set amidst spectacular and changing scenery.
The Vatnsdalsá River is one of the most famous Salmon rivers in Iceland and is renowned for the size of fish it produces. Located in the country's North West, approximately three hours drive from Reykjavik, it flows for over forty kilometres and offers a vast array of quality pools and beats. It produces between 700 and 1,200 Salmon each season, with a healthy average size.
The Midfjardara River is referred to as the 'Queen Of The Rivers' and this stunning, picturesque gin clear waterway offers travelling rods over 100 kilometres of water in which to wet a fly. Spread across four rivers, with 220 named pools and five first-class Salmon fishing beats, it's easy to see why rods at the lodge are so desirable.
The Nordura River is comfortably amongst Icelands top ten Atlantic Salmon fishing rivers, and this ‘The Most Beautiful Of Rivers’, offers some incredibly diverse fishing, with something to suit the needs of all fly anglers, amongst some of the most dramatic scenery that the country has to offer.
A trip to the Laxá In Aðaldal in Iceland offers travelling anglers the chance to experience genuine double-handed fishing and fishing for some of the most significant Atlantic Salmon in the country. The trips are based around the peak weeks of the season and ones which have historically produced the biggest numbers and sizes of fish.
