After a long, cold and very snowy winter it’s wonderful to see anything green and growing again. It’s June 8th and we still have traces of snow along the river and logging roads. The season seems to be about two weeks later than normal, all our rivers are in a mid May flow at the moment but clearing up very well. The most popular question around the lodge is “are the salmon in yet?” or “have there been any fish caught?” I’m pleased to report that the answer is Yes!
Ken Ferrin with a big smile and nice fish, congradulations Ken!
The first portion of the week was slow and none of our guides had seen fresh salmon. We’ve hooked and landed a good number of kelts or black salmon but nothing fresh. Our first run usually begins the last week of May or first week of June, but this year being later than normal we suspect the first run will also . Just as we were blaming everything on a late spring our guide Bruno told us we had fresh salmon in one of our lower pools, needless to say we were pretty excited. Bruno was guiding Sam and Cyndy Cross from California, and while Sam didn’t hook up, he did have a few up close to his fly. Sam knows about early fishing, he’s been our first guest at Camp Bonaventure for years. Three different fish swirled at his fly but didn’t take.
The first morning of 2014…It doesn’t get any better!
I’m sure we’ll be seeing more and more fresh fish as the days go by. Next week brings the full moon and the high tides of June, this should give us a good boost. This time of the season calls for bigger flys including streamers like the Magog Smelt, Jones Special and the Out to Lunch. Doubles from sizes 2/0 to 4 are the best for high and stained water. Not time for dry fly’s yet.
That’s it or this week and “bottoms up’ for a great season!
Glenn
