Camp Bonaventure’s Fishing & River Report June 6th-12th, 2022

Happy 2022 Atlantic Salmon Fly Fishing Season!

We are thrilled to finally be able to say those words and even more, to be able to welcome our lovely guests back to our beautiful lodges this season. I don’t even know how to put into words how wonderful it feels to have seen our three camps filled with guests, staff, laughter, fishing stories and so much more over the past week! We are truly blessed!

Thanks to a winter with an abundance of snow, received especially a little later than usual, a slower spring that remained very fresh in the evenings and a fair share of rain over the past month or so, our season is off to a great start! Our rivers are healthy, and the salmon have arrived!

I’m almost lost for words as there is so much positivity to write about in this report compared to the last two years of covid protocols and regulations. We have been fishing the Bonaventure River and the Grand Cascapedia over the past week and they have been treating us wonderfully. The first few days of the season were in high water conditions as we received some heavy rain at the end of May but given a couple days in some dirty water, our rivers beautiful colors began to show.   

The crystal-clear Bonaventure River is as stunning as ever. Earlier in the week, she was a little high and coloured flowing around 70 cubic meters per second, but the water levels continued to decrease as the week progressed and her clarity came through near then end of the week flowing at 42.9 cubic meters per second. We are currently very fortunate to enjoy a mix of fishing from the canoe and wading on the Bonaventure.

The majestic Grand Cascapedia never fails to impress. Although her color was very dark and murky the first part of the week, her tea colour began to shine as the weekend approached and then we received more rain. The Grand was the only river of the three that fluctuated this week thanks to the rain received in the mountains. She began her week flowing at 86.8 cubic meters per second, peaked at 121.8 on Friday and then finished around 75 cubic meters per second on Sunday.

The Salmon’s favorite flies this week were a combination of Stone Ghost, Black Bear Green Butt, The Watch-Out, Green Machine and Picase ranging in size no. 2 and 4 for the most part.

The Petite Cascapedia only begins it fishing season on the 15th of June, so we have not yet had the pleasure of visiting it yet… However, her levels are in perfect condition starting the week off at 57.36 cubic meters per second and ending just around the 38.  

On behalf of our entire teams at Camp Bonaventure, Salmon Lodge and The Club on the Bonaventure we are truly looking forward to welcoming everyone back this season. We’ve been absolutely spoiled this past week with three full camps, and we are excited to see what the rest of the season has in store for us!  

Here’s to health, happiness, and tight lines!

Julia

Here Comes June!

Dear Guests of Camp Bonaventure,

We hope this communication finds you and your family well. 

On behalf of our entire team, we are truly looking forward to being reunited with you this summer. It is overdue and June 1st cannot come soon enough!

We would like to take a moment to share a couple important links that will help in the preparation of your trip. We kindly request that your due diligence be completed prior to your arrival and are happy to assist with any questions you may have along the way. Please know that the health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. We will be respecting the most up to date covid regulations issued by Health Canada, the Québec Outfitter’s Association and Santé Québec this season. As Covid remains fluid and the protocols are subject to change, we will do our absolute best to follow suit while providing you with a safe environment to enjoy your fishing trip. Should you have any additional requests, recommendations, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us as it would be our pleasure to accommodate. 

*Covid regulations and protocols are still present and vary based on your location. The following three links are the requirements and restrictions in the province of Québec, the Country of Canada and information provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention respectively. 

• Santé Québec

• Health Canada

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention



*At this point in time, Canada requires that all travelers register through ArriveCAN before and after you enter the country. You’ll need to submit your information within 72 hours prior to your arrival to Canada. 

• Click here to set up your ArriveCAN

Part of the ArriveCAN process is to create a quarantine plan should you test positive for Covid during your stay in Canada and be required to isolate. Since we cannot guarantee that your isolation period will be within the dates of your reservation with us, we highly recommend using a hotel for your isolation plan. Below are hotels within the area with pubs directly attached that are deemed acceptable for your quarantine plan:

• Hotel Francis in New Richmond

• Le Riôtel in Bonaventure

• Motel Le Grand Pré in Bonaventure

• Hotel le Baie Bleue in Carleton-sur-Mer

• Manoir Belle Plage in Carleton-sur-Mer

• The Atlantic Host in Bathurst

*Throughout your travels and border crossings, you may be required to show proof of a negative covid test. We highly recommend ordering/purchasing your test prior to your trip and having it with you on site for a virtual testing session. Please consider the delivery time required for your test to reach your home prior to your departure for your fishing trip. We would also like to place some importance on the type of test purchased. Please make sure it is the proper test required for your travel arrangements. Montreal and Toronto’s International airports are still offering on-the-spot Covid testing, which is another option (links provided below for YUL and YYZ) – please make sure to reserve your appointment in advance. Although we will help in any way we can, our resources here on the Coast are limited and our local testing stations have now been restricted to front-line workers and individuals who are immunocompromised. The following links are some examples of virtual Covid test kit suppliers, please make sure that you request/purchase the proper test based on your travel destinations.  

• Switch Health

• Optum Store

• Rapid Test & Trace

• MedioneRx

• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport On-site Covid Testing (YUL)

• Toronto Pearson International Airport On-site Covid Testing (YYZ)

*If the past two years have thought us anything… it is that life is completely unpredictable. Therefore, we highly recommend that you purchase a Covid travel insurance for your trip. There are many companies with Covid specific insurances that will cover, for instance, your trip should you not be able to come due to positive Covid results, your isolation period should you have to quarantine and stay longer than expected, your travel arrangements should they take a turn and must be delayed/altered. Please take a moment prior to your trip and explore your options. 

I know this seems like a lot and I apologize for the abundance of information thrown your way, but we simply want to make sure that all bases are covered and that we will have the pleasure of welcoming you back this season!

Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions, suggestions, or requests. We are always available to help in your trip preparations and look forward to sharing our 2022 season with you. 

See you soon, 

Your management team,

Roselyne Robertson - Manager of Camp Bonaventure 

Diane Snow - Executive Chef

Julia Coull - Reservations & Marketing

A message from our founder Glenn LeGrand:

With great sadness, I would like to share that our dear friend Mike Crosby passed away on October 12, 2021.

Mike Crosby was one of the founding partners of Camp Bonaventure. One day, about 30 years ago, I was guiding Mike on his first flyfishing trip to the Bonaventure River. While sitting on the river bank, he looked at me and said, “We should build a fishing lodge here,” and, well, the rest is history.

Having been in the Atlantic Salmon business for over forty years, I have never met anyone with the same level of passion for salmon fishing as Mike had. Not even close. It is only fitting that Mike landed, on a dry fly of course, one of the largest Atlantic salmon on record. He often joked that catching that huge fish made him a legend and that his close friends were FOLs - "Friends of the Legend".

Only his passion and love for his family could surpass his love for fishing. Mike was a wonderful husband to his lovely wife Ann. A kind and loving father to his two children, Heather and Mark. In later years, he became a proud and loving grandfather to Addy and Finley. He loved them all so much.

On Mike's last Facebook post, about an hour before his passing, he wrote "There is a lot to be thankful for.” Well, Mike, we are all thankful that you were part of our lives and you will always remain a legend to us. We will miss you so very much. Until we meet again, Rest in peace, Mike.

Glenn

Mike Crosby's family invites you to visit the following webpage created in Mike's honour: https://thelegendliveson.ca

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report September 27th to 30th, 2021

Here it is people, the last fishing and river report of our 2021 Season!

This week has been a tough one. Difficult in the sense that we were all a little emotional knowing our season was coming to an end. We celebrated birthdays, welcomed back long-lost friends, made a couple new ones and enjoyed mouth-watering meals along the side of the river as well as back at the lodges. Our three rivers were a little on the above average flowing rate but the fishing gods were still on our side as a few of our guests managed to land their last salmon of the 2021 season.

The Beautiful Bonaventure River remains fishable but high again this week flowing in the range of 54 cubic meters per second. The conditions were not the easiest for fishing but it is impossible to beat the view and experience of floating down the Bonaventure while admiring our breathtaking fall colours. The Magnificent Grand Cascapedia was on the decent for the last few days starting at 90 cubic meters per second and ending in the 50’s. However, being in the great outdoors, surrounded by our majestic mountains in all their glorified reds, yellows and oranges is in itself the perfect outing. The Stunning Petite Cascapedia always spoils us until the very end. Flowing at approximately 24-26 cubic meters per second this week, she gifted our guests with memories that will last a lifetime and a couple lovely salmon.

October has arrived, which means our wonderful fishing season has come to an end for another year. It seems so crazy to think that now we are moving into our eight-month session of planning and prepping for our 2022 season. How we hate to see our season come to an end and watch our last guests of the year drive off. October 1st is always a very emotional day for us. There is great feeling of success and accomplishment as we delivered another successful fishing season yet sadness as it is the end of our summer and our lodge life.

Let’s take a moment to recap this past summer. From the fishing, to the company, to the ones we landed and the ones that got away, to the new as well as trusted staff and to the time spent on the river as much as in the lodges, we were truly blessed with another amazing Atlantic Salmon Fishing season. Our teams came together and shared stories, laughs and made memories with our wonderful guests as much as with each other. Our rivers gifted us with a healthy run of beautiful Atlantic Salmon and mother nature kept our water levels overflowing until the very last week of fishing.

I would like to truly thank all our wonderful guests for choosing to come spend your fishing vacation with us. New or returning, you all have a special place in all our hearts and we truly cherish the family feeling you bring to our lodges. As for our friends that were once again unable to attend their fishing trip this season due to Covid-19, please know that you are truly missed by us all. We pray for your health and safety and look forward to being reunited with you next season.

Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank all the members of our family at 3Camps; we are nothing without you! From our guides, lodge staff, ground keepers and management team – you bring such life to our summer homes and we appreciate you and everything you do!

Here’s to Health, Happiness and Tight Lines

Until next season,

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report for September 20th to 26th, 2021

As I sit here writing my before last fishing report of the season, I am simply struck by how fast a year can pass and how much can truly change within that little time. There is only a hand full of fishing days left to our 2021 season and I can only imagine what they will have in store for us. This season has been truly amazing! Our three rivers continue to deliver consistently and I believe it’s safe to say that our wonderful guests from this week are heading back home with amazing memories, new fishing stories and perhaps a couple extra pounds thanks to the Kitchen!

For the most part, this week spoiled us with cool and refreshing mornings and sunny delightful days. Sweater weather is in the air and the fall colours are beginning to show face as the leaves are our trees have begun to turn yellow, orange and red. Our mountains are truly stunning this time of year. Driving is actually dangerous as you can get lost in through and admiration of the beauty our region has. Most mornings this past week were in the 4-8 degrees Celsius range and our afternoons hit a high of 18 to 20.

All three of our rivers are currently above average for this time of the season on the water level charts. It is so much fun getting to enjoy not only the river but the canoes this September. The water temperatures of our rivers are a comfortable 52-55 degrees for the Salmon. The Gin-Clear Bonaventure River began her week flowing at 46 cubic meters per second and ended around 37.37. The Magnificent Grand Cascapedia had a generous rain fall again that increased her levels from 31.9 cubic meters per second to 60.68. At this point in time, she is still on the rise. The Stunning Petite Cascapedia had the least fluctuation this week starting and ending her week at around 29 and then 26 cubic meters per second respectively.

The Salmon’s choice of flies this week were mostly the Red Francis and Alley’s Shrimp. Any colours that match our mountains at the moment – greens, yellows, oranges and reds seem to attract the salmon. The sizes were all a little larger than normal as our river water levels are high right now, No. 2 and 4 are the most common.

Here to Health, Happiness and Tight Lines,

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report September 6th to 12th, 2021

Oh, what a week!

What’s one more curve ball sent our way this season…

As you can see in the above photos, that is our beautiful gin-clear Bonaventure River. The Bonaventure River before and after it received an abundance of rain in all the right placed. I think from here on out we’ll have to be a little more cautious and precise with our rain requests and prayers. Unfortunately, on Sunday, we were not able to fish the Bonaventure River as she hit a high of 146 cubic meters per second.

Fortunately, the Grand Cascapedia and the Petite Cascapedia did not have to same outcome as the Bonaventure and although they are above average in water levels for this time of the year, they are fishable. The Grand Cascapedia began her week flowing in the 30 cubic meters per second range and ended at 36.87. The Petite Cascapedia ended last week at 13 cubic meters per second and now finds herself flowing at 51.13. Our weather and temperatures have been very accommodating to everyone out there who loves fall. That season is quickly approaching and we most definitely feel it with our 8-degree Celsius mornings.

We’ve been blessed with another great week on the river and back at the lodges. Our fishing has been a mix of both wading and fishing from the boats with these healthy water levels. The most productive flies this week have been the Stone Ghost, Ally’s Shrimp, Red Francis and Black Bear.

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report August 30th to September 5th, 2021

Rain rain come our way, how we love to play all day! This past week has been wet and refreshing. Our rivers are flowing at wonderful levels, our temperatures are comfortable and crisp. Fall is in the air and I for one am loving it. Our trees are beginning to show off their beautiful red and orange colours and before we know it our green mountains will be a colourful work of art. Our three lodges had the pleasure of welcoming back some familiar faces this past week. There is nothing better than being reunited with friends, meeting new people and landing a couple salmon along the way!

This past week our mornings were a comfortable 8 degrees Celsius and most days we didn’t make it in the 20’s. Throughout our August heat wave, many of us were hoping and praying for rain and it is safe to say at this point we’ve been heard. We had many wet days on the river and very restful nights listening to the rain on the tin roof of our lodges. The beautiful Bonaventure River had the most increase in water levels. It began its week flowing at 9.50 cubic meters per second and ended at 42.58. The magnificent Grand Cascapedia began her week flowing at 12 cubic meters per second and ended her week flowing around 30.83 cubic meters per second. The stunning Petite Cascapedia began its week flowing around 9 cubic meters per second and ended around 13. The Grand and the Bonaventure rose exponentially and have settled perfectly for our last month of fishing.

Our flies and sizes have been all over the map this week. With higher water conditions we were even able to enjoy some fishing from the canoes. The most productive flies this week have been the Stone Ghost, the Watch Out, the Green Machine, Black Bear Green Butt and the Munro Killer. In the dry fly department, brown patterns seem to be the over achievers, however you should never underestimate a beautiful blue dry fly.

 Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report August 23rd to 29th, 2021

What we thought was going to be a regular August week in camp turned out to prove us wrong. Although we did experience the heat and humidity, we were expecting for the first half of the week along with great guests, beautiful days on the river and delicious food, the latter end of our week brought a power outage on the Gaspe Coast, Tornado Warnings in our area and some pretty wicked wind. All in all, we were very lucky that the scare from the warnings and the unknown was far worse than the actual outcome.

The river is a magical place to be!

As mother nature was a little all over the board this week, she was kind enough to through in some rain. Nothing too drastic but our levels remained average for this time of year. The beautiful Bonaventure River began its week flowing at 8.77 cubic meters per second and ended at 9.50. The magnificent Grand Cascapedia began and ended her week flowing around 12 cubic meters per second. The stunning Petite Cascapedia began its week flowing at 9.35 cubic meters per second and ended around 9. The fluctuations produced by the rain received maintained our rivers well for the week and the drop in temperature Thursday on helped stabilize our water levels.

Sometimes the best memories come from a completely unexpected turn of events. It was an absolute joy welcoming back some long-lost friends this past week!

The salmon like many of us don’t do so well with the heat and humidity. On the warmer days they were very happy relaxing in the bottom of their pools and simply smiling at us as our guests mastered their casting skills. However, sometimes when the uncontrollable conditions are just perfect, the cast is to their liking and the fly chosen happens to be the right one, a beautiful Atlantic salmon decides to make our guests’ and guides’ day just a little sweeter! The most productive flies this week have been smaller in size and mostly the Stone Ghost, the Watch Out and the Green Machine. In the dry fly department, brown patterns seem to be the over achievers this time around.

There is a line here asking me to “add a description” but I cannot find the words to do so. It is nearly impossible to put into words the experience, the friendships, the laughs, the entirety of having a salmon take your fly, landing your fish, coming back to camp to tell us all about it…. I just keep thinking to myself that we are so lucky to spend our summers on the river.

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report August 16th to 22nd, 2021

This past week has been one for the books! Our guests enjoyed their time tremendously both on the river and back at our lodges. The weather conditions were not the most conducive to fishing… Our days were warmer than we’d like, hanging around the high 20 degrees Celsius and although we were praying hard for rain, it just didn’t happen. However, time was well spent, delicious meals were devoured, oh yes and fish were landed!

Camp Bonaventure had the pleasure of welcoming back great friends for yet another wonderful visit. There’s a certain feeling of home and completeness when our returning guests walk through that door. It just makes everything right.

We are experiencing regular August temperatures which of course unfortunately leads to lower than appreciated water conditions. The Bonaventure River began its week flowing at 11.43 cubic meters per second and now finds itself at 8.97. The Petite Cascapedia dropped approximately 3 cubic meters per second this past week beginning at 11.86 and ending at 9.57. The Grand Cascapedia began her week flowing at 16 cubic meters per second and ended just around 12.42 cubic meters per second.

Salmon Lodge had the pleasure of joining forces with Hooké and hosted a fantastic fishing trip for eight enthusiastic fishermen! Seven of which were complete beginners and all left true sportsmen in love with fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon! Introducing a passion that we hold so close to our hearts and creating beautiful memories with great people makes it very difficult to call what we do our job. We are truly blessed to be in the positions we are.

A couple of the most productive wet flies this week have been John Olin, Green Machine, Stone Ghost and Blue Charm in sizes 8 and 10. However most of our action happened on dry flies! When it comes to bombers, the light blue and light brown patterns are still getting the salmon’s attention! Especially if you add a little sparkle or a green butt to the body.

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report August 9th to 15th, 2021

After a very quiet week at Salmon Lodge and Camp Bonaventure it feels great to welcome guests back to camp! We had the pleasure of welcoming returning friends we’ve missed last year due to Covid travel restrictions and new friends that have been patiently waiting for our 2021 season as Covid made their trip impossible last year.

Salmon Lodge had the pleasure of welcoming first-time guest Luc Brais to our wonderful neck of the woods! Luc, you were an absolute joy to have in camp! We enjoyed creating some wonderful memories with you and we look forward to being reunited with you next season!

August has made its debut and mother nature realized that she forgot to bring the heat! We were having such fresh weather up until this week. Our lovely 20-degree Celsius days have jumped to 30+ and the humidity is back in town! Honestly, the weather received this past week may not be our preferer or ideal weather for fishing but we casted through it and had made some wonderful memories!

Words cannot express how wonderful it was to welcome back a couple pre-covid regulars! Gary and Sharon, having you back at Camp Bonaventure has been amazing! We missed you, the salmon missed you, and now we look forward to seeing you again next season!

Our rivers are beginning to need some rain. We are considered, at this point, within average but in low water conditions. We experienced a great thunder storm Saturday evening that gave a little boost to all three rivers. The Bonaventure River began her week flowing at 9.05 cubic meters per second and ended at 10.22. The Petite Cascapedia River began her week flowing at 11.81 and is now flowing at 13.36 cubic meters per second. As for the Grand Cascapedia River, she began and ended her week flowing in the 18.5 cubic meters per second range.

This week Salmon Lodge also had the pleasure of welcoming first-time guests Mike and Mark! Gentlemen, it was cut short but definitely sweet! We loved having you as our guests and we hope to see you again soon!

I think it is safe to say that all our salmon landed this week were on small wet flies. Light Blue patters with some white touches, Light brown patters with a green butt seem to be the salmon’s fly of choice.

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report July 26th to August 1st, 2021

Another month has come and gone in the blink of an eye. We welcome August with open arms and excitement to see if we will truly be able to welcome out American guests in Camp. As things stand right now, our government will be easing the travel restrictions on August 9th for our American friends and then again for international travellers on September 7th! A reunion with you all is much needed whether it be this year or next, we look forward to welcoming you all back home to 3Camps.

Camp Bonaventure had the pleasure of welcoming back many wonderful guests this past week as well as some new faces! With the lodge almost full all week, it felt like old times. Laughter filled the camp; Stories were told till all hours of the night and Memories were made that will last a lifetime! We look forward to welcoming you all back next season! Thank you for trusting us with your vacation!

For our August and September guests who are travelling into Canada, please keep an eye on your emails as I have sent an update on the protocols and will do so again as we receive any new and pertinent information. Also please feel free to contact us at any time whether you have some questions about your reservation or are perhaps looking to fit another fishing trip into your plans this season. We have some wonderful dates that remain available!

The Club on the Bonaventure had the pleasure of welcoming back Marie Benoit and Michel Arvisais this week for a short but absolutely wonderful trip! You are both such an absolute joy to have back at The Club. We loved every moment spent with you. Looking forward to next year already! In the picture above, we have our wonderful guide Charles who is tying a fly while Marie and Michel have their lunch.. Hopefully it’ll be a lucky one!

Now let’s get to talking fishing. This week was yet another successful one for our guests at 3Camps. The weather was a nice mix of humid hot days, rainy evenings and some cloudy cool days. The rain received mid-week helped keep out rivers at levels that are considered average for this time of year. The Bonaventure River began and ended its week flowing at 11 cubic meter per second. The Petite Cascapedia River began its week around 11 cubic meters per second and ended flowing close to 16. Both the Petite and the Bonnie had a nice bump with the rain received on the 27th-28th. The Grand Cascapedia fluctuated the most this past week. It began its week flowing at 13.52 cubic meters per second and then got a rise with the rain received on the 28th up to 27.33 and then again rose to 60 cubic meters per second on August 1st.

Unfortunately, Salmon Lodge was closed this week due the Covid travel restrictions that remain in place at this time. To our guests that we could not host this week, please know that you are all truly missed by every member of our team and we look forward to welcoming you all back next season!

Our guests landed some beautiful salmon this week along with a good number of spunky grilse. The most productive flies were dry flies the past few days. Small little light blue or light brown pattern dries got the job done!

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report July 19 to 25, 2021

This past week was one for the books! The fishing may not have always been on our side but we all had a wonderful week welcoming new and returning friends to our three lodges. Some of which we even had the honour of teaching the skilled sport of fly fishing. We always enjoy introducing guests to the sport - a passion that we hold so close to our hearts.

Salmon Lodge had the pleasure of welcoming back our Salmon Sisters for their 7th year in a row. Barbara always says, there’s a special healing power at Salmon Lodge. The bonding, the friendships, the fishing and the laughs makes for the absolute best memories. Barbara you were truly missed this week! I hope we have the pleasure of welcoming you back home soon!

There seems to have been a miscommunication this week between mother nature and the weather man. One promised us a couple days of rain whereas the other delivered beautiful sunshine and a couple cast over days. Either way, we won’t hold a grudge. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is to remain humble, kind and not to stress over things that are out of our control.

Camp Bonaventure and The Club on the Bonaventure welcomed Hooké this week in camp! We had the pleasure of spending time with some truly amazing guests that hopefully become good friends. From getting Maude back to the Bonaventure River and introducing Jean-Martin to the sport of fly fishing it was an incredible trip! A huge shout out to the team at Hooké and all our wonderful staff that created the trip of a lifetime for our guests!

All three rivers gifted us with some pretty great salmon this week. Whether they were successfully landed or just came up to the fly to tease us, the thrill and anticipation was more than enough. The stunning Bonaventure River was flowing anywhere between 14 and 10 cubic meters per second as the week progressed. The majestic Grand Cascapedia was flowing between 20 and 28 cubic meters per second this week and the Petite Cascapedia was in the range of 13 and 11 cubic meters per second.

Peter Stuart and his son Christopher landed this spunky grilse! Family time is the best time! Especially when it’s spent on the river fishing! Such a joy to have you two in camp! We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.  

These water conditions call for small flies. The most productive wet flies this week have been the Stone Ghost, Blue Charm and Green Machine! As for the Bombers, the normal Green, Blue and Light Brown patterns are working very well, especially if there’s a little sparkle added to their tail end. The sizes that are working the best at the moment are No. 8 and 10.

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines!

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report July 12 to 18, 2021

July has been treating us well so far! We’ve had very accommodating weather this past week for our amazing guests. Some days were sunny, others a little casted over and even a couple days of rain in the mix. Overall, it was once again the perfect recipe for healthy rivers and happy guests.

Camp Bonaventure had the pleasure of welcoming back some wonderful returning as well as first time guests at the beginning of this week. We then ended the week hosting the amazing crew that was Camp Crookberg this season! Great times had by all on and off the river!

The Bonaventure River is as stunningly clear as ever and once again blessed us with some great salmon this week. Its levels began the week at 26 cubic meters per second but unfortunately ended around 20. The majestic Grand Cascapedia and her unique tea colour continues to be a favorite amongst our guests. And why wouldn’t she be! Her levels began the week around 22 cubic meters per second the dropped below the 20-mark level mid-week, then increased to 23 thanks to an overnight rain and ended at 20 cubic meters per second. Last but not least, our secret gem the Petite Cascapedia never fails us. The Petite began her week flowing at 19 cubic meters per second and ended at the same spot.

Salmon Lodge had the absolute pleasure of welcoming back Home the Langlois Family this week and then first-time guests the Thomas Family! Thank you for choosing Salmon Lodge as your family’s vacation destination. We are grateful and honoured to be a small part in the making of your family memories.

These water conditions call for smaller flies. However, the size varied this week depending on the river you were fishing and the day you fished it. Our water levels fluctuated a bit the past few days. The wet flies of choice for our salmon were Stone Ghost, John Olin, Green Machine and any other personal preference similar in colour scheme. The sunny hot afternoons were very conducive to dry fly fishing. The salmon particularly like the light blue and light brown patters.

The Club on the Bonaventure had the pleasure of welcoming a new group for the first half of the week. Joe, Taylor, Wayne & Robin it was an absolute delight getting to meet you and welcome you to our little neck of the woods. Please come back anytime! For the last part of our week, we opened our doors to Michael and his superb group. It is always such a joy to have you all back at The Club.

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines!

 Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report July 5 to 11, 2021

Another week in and boy what a week it’s been!

We had the pleasure of hosting some spectacular trips and spending precious time with our wonderful guests. This past week, the weather conditions were in our favour and the salmon are giving us a lot of appreciated attention! Our days were a great combination of rainy, cloudy and sunny. Our temperatures remained mid 20’s throughout the day and dropped to a comfortable 15 degrees or so for the evenings.

We had the pleasure of welcoming some fabulous couples to The Club this week! Life is truly wonderful when you can share your passions with the one you love.

All three rivers are flowing at healthy levels for this time of the season and I believe everyone is truly grateful. The Beautiful Gin-Clear Bonaventure River is currently at 19.95 cubic meters per second. The Magnificent Grand Cascapedia is flowing at 28.18 cubic meters per second and the Petite Cascapedia Gem is at 20.53 cubic meters per second. All three rivers had subtle fluctuations throughout the week with the rain received.

A huge shout out and congratulations to Paul and his wonderful guide Matthew who landed this beauty of the week! Congrats Gentlemen! Paul, it was our pleasure welcoming you back to Camp Bonaventure this season. Hope to see you again soon!

The amount of rain received did not coincide with the amounts announced by the weather man but in the end that may have been for the best. Our rivers remained fishable and clear all week and the bump in water energized the salmon.

The Salmon’s choice was the ladies from Salmon Lodge this week! We had some wonderful guests back in town and he salmon paid special attention to the ladies from the lodge! It was so lovely welcoming you all back to Salmon Lodge this season and catching up on lost time! We look forward to seeing you all again next season!

The Salmon’s fly of choice this week was a fair mix between wet and dry flies. Anything with a bit of green, black and yellow to it have been catching their eye. I would name a couple favorites but our guides have gotten creative this year and began using some home-made creations. As for dry flies, the light blue, green and light brown patters are working very well.

Francois and Hubert, it is always so much fun having you both at Salmon Lodge! Time is well spent laughing and storytelling with you two! Until next year my friends! Please keep in touch!

We remain hopeful, like most of you, that a leniency on travel bands will begin to take place as we progress through the summer. Unfortunately, we remain in the dark with the rest of the world until official announcements are made. We will keep all fingers and toes crossed for now in hopes of having the pleasure of welcoming you back this season.

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines.

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report June 28 to July 4, 2021

Wow and just like that we find ourselves into the month of July. It is absolutely crazy how fast time flies. Our fishing season is short but truly wonderful. Our guests in camp this week were spoiled with great fishing conditions. We were fortunate to received cloudy days and rain! Perhaps not the perfect combination for a vacation but just what we want for fishing!

Camp Bonaventure had the pleasure of welcoming back the Bourget Brothers again this season! Stef & Réjean it is always so much fun having you both as our guest. We look forward to seeing you again in September!

Once again, I know I’m repeating myself, but we had the pleasure of welcoming back some amazing guests this week. The laughter, the stories, the sound of the rivers, the mouth-watering smells of food being prepared in the kitchen paired with the anticipation of what the day will bring is magical! We truly look forward to reconnecting with you all over the next couple months.

What an absolute thrill! Jacques Massicotte landed this beauty on the Petite Cascapedia guided by Charles. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at Salmon Lodge Jacques and we look forward to seeing you again in a couple weeks!

As I mentioned earlier, the weather this week was in our favour. Our days and evenings were much cooler. There was a dampness in the air coupled with rain that helped our river levels tremendously. Our days averaged 12 to 20 degrees Celsius and our evenings were even cooler.

Christine Robillard landed this spunky grilse on the beautiful Bonaventure River. Well done Christine! It is always a joy to welcome you and your family back home to Camp Bonaventure.

The rain received last Sunday brought the Grand Cascapedia up quite nicely. She more than doubled her levels and created much excitement for the salmon. As the week progressed, the water levels went from 58 to 32 to 84 and ended the week at 35 cubic meters per second. As for the Petite Cascapedia, the rain helped maintain a very healthy level in the high 20 cubic meters per second range and this created some productive fishing for our guests. The ever-clear Bonaventure River fluctuated the least of all three rivers but continues to gift us with stunning fresh salmon. At the moment, the Bonaventure River is flowing at 27 cubic meters per second which is a little above average for this time of year.

The club on the Bonaventure had the privilege of we welcoming back Scott Fraser and Peter Holland for a wonderful stay again this season! You two gentlemen, fill the camp with laughter and endless stories! We look forward to welcoming you back next season!

The flies used this week were all over the board. Sizes, colours and types all varied tremendously between the three rivers and changed throughout the week. The only bit of advice I have for now is your guide knows best!

You win some and you lose some but this is most definitely better than a day in the office!

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines.

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report June 21 to 27, 2021

Another week has come and gone and we have had the privilege of welcoming back some dear friends to our three camps! I cannot express how good it feels to simply be in the presence of other people. Whether they are colleagues, guests, managing partners and friends. I believe this past year has been tough on everyone. For our wonderful guests who had to transfer their trip for another year. Please know that you are truly missed by us all and that we look forward to reuniting with you next season.

We had a wonderful reunion this week with the Eaton family. it was so lovely welcoming them back home to The Club on the Bonaventure. Above is a beautiful moment captured of Mr. Eaton landing the first salmon of the week with his wife Sally and our guide Dominik!

Mother nature was fair this week on the weather front. We experienced typical June days – some sunshine, some clouds, some rain and a few bugs to top it off. Most days averaged 20 degrees Celsius give or take a little and our evenings dropped to 10-15 degrees. Our days were not humid, it was a very refreshing week.

There’s no better feeling than the take of a salmon on a dry fly! We had the pleasure of welcoming back Fred Beauchemin and first-time guest Danielle this week for a wonderful stay at Camp Bonaventure! Both an absolute joy to have in camp!

Our three rivers produced some memorable experiences for our guests this week. Everyone had at least one encounter with our silver beauties whether it was a tease rolling over the dry fly, an early release or a successful landing in the net. The crystal-clear Bonaventure River levels remained stable this week with minor fluctuations between 25 and 22 cubic meters per second. The Petite Cascapedia started and ended its week at 15 cubic meters per second. The beautiful Grand Cascapedia began its week at 20 cubic meters per second and finished at 40. It continued to rise throughout Sunday night thanks to a good rain received up in the mountains.

Our magnificent Owners made their way to Salmon Lodge this week! Here’s Jim showing us all how it’s done! The hat, The Stogie, The Salmon!

Our salmon have been tasting all kinds of flies this week. Sizes 6, 8 and 10 were the most popular all depending on the day and the river levels. The most popular wet flies have been John Olin, black bear green butt and a couple of our wonderful guide creations. As for dry flies, light brown, light blue and green patters have been successful.

Stephen Brunt and his son Nathaniel joined us for another season at Salmon Lodge! Apparently it doesn’t happen often, but Stephen out-fished Nathaniel! Congrats Stephen! It was an absolute pleasure welcoming you back!

A couple of our rivers remain on the rise at this time thanks to some rain received last night. We will keep you posted in next week’s report with those results.

Our dear friends David Johnston and Bill McCarroll found their way back to Camp Bonaventure this season! This photo demonstrates a moment of pure joy for David!

 Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines,

 Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report June 14 to 20, 2021

This was a truly wonderful week to be on the river and in Camp! But then again, when isn’t it? Camp Bonaventure had the pleasure of welcoming back some wonderful friends this week and I believe it’s safe to say that they are leaving very satisfied. The weather conditions were almost all in our favour, the food was delicious as always, the company was amazing and the salmon have entered all three rivers! Now, due to Covid and the uncertainties it continues to present our guests, I will be creating one river report for all three camps. I will mix in the best pictures of the week but since we are not yet running at full capacity, I’m thinking this is the best way to proceed. 

Chantal Morin landed this beauty her first day at in Camp! Congratulations Chantal!

Our weather this week was a great combination of everything. It was an even division of nice casted over days vs. sunny ones. We received a bit of rain here and there. Our evenings and nights were cool and crisp which allowed our rivers to remain at a healthy temperature for our little friends. The wind remained at bay and this was greatly appreciated by all our anglers.  

The perfect trio: Mac, Dale and Mario landed this beauty on the Bonnie! Always so much fun having these guys around! Until next time my friend!

The ever-clear Bonaventure River continues to flow at approximately 25 cubic meters per second. The rain received allowed all three rivers to slightly rise and end their week around the same levels as where it began. The magnificent Grand Cascapedia River is flowing at 22 cubic meters per second. The Petite Cascapedia River has been consistently flowing at approximately 16 cubic meters per second this week. 

Oh What A Feeling!

Our flies have been all over the map this week. Most salmon were landed on dry flies but the wet flies still produced some great salmon on our rainy days. The wet flies of choice for the salmon were the Silver Rat, Black Bear Green Butt and Green Machine. The dry fly patterns that were takers this week were light browns, blues and greens. 

Always such a joy having Micheline and Luc as our guests at Camp Bonaventure. They are simply the best!

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines, 

Julia 

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report June 7 to 13, 2021

As I’m writing this river report, sitting in the screened in porch of The Club on the Bonaventure, I can’t help but admire my surroundings. The sun is shining, the birds are signing, the river is making its own beautiful music and the laughter of our kitchen/lodge staff is flowing through the camp. As difficult as circumstances have been this past year, we are so very fortunate to be back for another season.

The view of the beautiful Bonaventure River from our screened in porch at The Club on the Bonaventure

We had the pleasure of welcoming home some great friends this past week at Camp Bonaventure, Salmon Lodge and The Club. To re-connect, laugh and share stories felt just as good as landing that first salmon of the season.

A big congratulations to Eric Bouvier, a first time guest at Salmon Lodge, who landed this beauty on the Grand Cascapedia with our wonderful guide Jean-Marc! Way to go Eric! It was a pleasure welcoming you to Salmon Lodge and introducing you to the art of fly fishing!

We were treated fairly on the weather front this week. We had our share of sun, fresh mornings, cooler nights and a day or two of strong undesirable wind. We were promised rain at the tail end of the week but perhaps it’ll make its appearance today… For early June, we are experiencing July conditions. The Bonaventure River is flowing at 25.7 cubic meters per second, the Grand Cascapedia is at 20.9 cubic meters per second and the Petite is flowing at 17.8 cubic meters per second. Although these are not all-time low levels, they are unfortunately lower than average for this time of our season. If anybody is owed a favour from Mother Nature, perhaps you could cash in on some rain for us here on the Coast.

A big congratulations to Dylan Beauchamp who landed this silver bullet on the Bonaventure River! What a stunning Salmon! Also, a much needed shout-out to Charles-Hubert Carré, our new guide at The Club on the Bonaventure who broke the ice this season with Dylan!

The flies of choice for this week were a mixture of dry’s and small wets. Dark Blue and Brown bombers caught the salmon’s attention as the John Olin, Green Butt and Stone Ghost for the wet flies.

At this time I would like to introduce two new guides we have the pleasure of working with this season! Alexis Gagné will be guiding out of Salmon Lodge and Charles-Hubert Carré will be guiding out of The Club on the Bonaventure. Welcome to the team boys!

Welcome Alexis!

Welcome Charles!

Until next week, here’s to health, happiness and tight lines.

Julia

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Report June 1 to 6, 2021

Season 2021!

Welcome back everyone to what we hope will be another great season at The Club on the Bonaventure, Salmon Lodge and Camp Bonaventure!

Our magnificent Management Team at 3Camps en Gaspesie - from left to right Roselyne (Manager of Camp Bonaventure) Frank (Manager of The Club) Diane (Executive Chef) Junior (Manager of Salmon Lodge) & Julia (Director of Sales and Marketing).

Never in a million years would I have guessed that we’d be entering another season with Covid being present and interfering with our fishing plans… 

To all of our dear friends, that feel more like family, that cannot get to us again this season, we wish you all the very best and we look forward to welcoming you back home soon. Please know that you are truly missed by us all. Our teams are thinking of you and we wish you all a safe and healthy 2021. 

Every day on the river is a blessing.

Now let us rewind back to December 2nd, 2020. The Gaspe coast was bombarded with heavy rain fall and our rivers took to rising! The levels were unlike anything we’ve seems in a while! Our rivers reached levels of over 1000 cubic meters per second and the current was vicious. Trees, roads, river banks didn’t stand a chance. All to say this spring was a new adventure for our guides. Exploring the rivers in late May led to new secret fishing pools and a twist to known favorites. 

Log jam on the Grand Cascapedia.

Flooding of the Petite Cascapedia.

La Passerelle of the Bonaventure River.

The rest of our winter felt very long but weather wise, we were spoiled with milder days and less snow than usual. Our spring was short and sweet. We had a healthy mixture of colder fronts, rain and sunshine. As we begin our fishing season, the rivers are a little lower than usual and the weather forecast is announcing July temperatures. Hopefully, as it so happens, the weather man has it wrong and rain is heading our way. 

Our view of the Grand Cascapedia from the deck at Salmon Lodge.

The Beautiful Grand Cascapedia River is steady at approximately 35 cubic meters per second. The Bonaventure River is crystal clear and flowing at 40 cubic meters per second and last but not least the Petite Cascapedia is sitting pretty at 26 cubic meters per second. Our Atlantique salmon have found their way back home. We began sighting our silver friends, right on time, the last week of May on the Bonaventure and Grand Cascapedia. As for the Petite, their opening date remains to be the 15th of June so we will keep you updated.

At this time, we would like to once again thank everyone for their patience and understanding. We are well aware than Covid was not part of anyone’s plans for this season. I know the following line is a repeat from last year, but it remains true today. We do not take for granted how fortunate we are to have our camp family composed of the most wonderful guests, guides, lodge staff, management team and ownership group. We hope to be reunited with you all again very soon.

Here’s to our 2021 season. May it bring us health, happiness and tight lines! 

Julia 

Camp Bonaventure Fishing & River Reports September 7th to 13th, 2020

This past week at Camp Bonaventure we had returning guest whom we love to catch up with every year and create more memories.  We also had the opportunity to meet new guest and create friendships.  Once again it was a great week to be in camp!

Samuel Gan getting it done on the Bonaventure, job well done!

The weather this week was in our favour with cooler days along with the rain we received  mid week.  Our evenings drop down to anywhere around the 8-degree Celsius range, which is keeping our rivers fresh and the salmon active. River temperatures this week have varied anywhere between 45 degrees to 55 degrees all depending on the time of day and which River you were fishing.

Bing Sang Gan keeping up with his son Samuel with one of his catches on the Bonaventure!

The Beautiful Bonaventure River flowed at 8 cubic meters per second for the most part of the week.  The rain received mid week had very little effect on the water levels however did have an effect on the Salmon.  The Bonaventure sure did produce some beauties and excitement among our guest.

The beauty & the Serenity of the Bonaventure…..Need I say More!

The Grand Cascapedia water levels have continued to fluctuate every few days which makes for absolute great conditions.  The Grand started out the week flowing at 16 cubic meters per second and with the rain we received mid week reached 22 cubic meters per second, which adds up to very productive and exciting days on the river!

Micheline Coulombe very carefully releasing this beauty back in to the Grand. Well done Micheline, see you next year!

The Petite Cascapedia flowed for most of the week around 7 cubic meters per second and much like the Bonaventure showed little change in her water levels after the rain mid week.  The Petite Cascapedia did however produce some beauties along with amazing memories for our guest. 

Luc Legeault a long time guest getting the job done on the Bonaventure. Well done Luc, see you next year!

The flies of choice this week are shifting mostly back to wet flies. With the fall temperatures creeping up on us and the water temps being what they have been, the most successful flies this week have been John Olin, Ally Shrimp, Picasse. The sizes this week truly varied. Depending on the timing of the week you were fishing (beginning or end) and which river you were on, everything from sizes No. 6 to 10 were used.

Tight Lines & Stay Safe

Junior