October first seemed so far away, yet here we are and I cannot figure out where the time went. Our four-month season has passed in what feels like the blink of an eye. As we serve our last breakfast of the season and send off our dear guests, we are all left in the dust wondering – now what? The words to describe the feelings we have at the end of another season are so difficult to find. We are all honestly filled with mixed emotions.
Jim Fowler had an outstanding day on the Petite Cascapedia where he landed this beauty! Congrats Jim!
But enough about feelings, let’s talk about the week we’ve had! From the fishing to the company and the food, we were all very well taken care of. The fishing was great until the very last cast of the last day of the season. The weather was in our favour this week. Many of our days were sprinkled with some showers and the sun, although only present at times throughout the day, was just enough to add a little warmth to the crisp fall air and slightly warm the river a few degrees.
Tyler Gardner landed this beautiful female on the Bonaventure River with our guide John! Well done gentlemen!
The soups and stews and chilli in the river lunch kits hit the spot every time and were very much enjoyed beside a beautiful fire along the river. The colours we now see in our mountains and along the river are absolutely breath taking. It truly is the most beautiful time of the year here in our backyards.
Our first time guest at Camp Bonaventure Jack Hanshaw landed this wonderful salmon on the Petite Cascapedia! Congrats Jack!
The beautiful Bonaventure River has had yet another successful week. The weather delivered was just what the Bonaventure needed to finish the season off on a high note! The rain received mid-week and at times throughout the night allowed the Bonaventure river to be on a slow rise all week. Its water levels were perfect. It slightly rose from 10 cubic meters per second to 16 throughout the week and remained clear and fresh – just how the salmon like.
Craig Fowler landed this wonderful salmon on the Bonaventure River guided by Robert! Congrats guys! Nicely done!
The Grand Cascapedia was in perfect condition until we received a bit of rain mid-week. It must have all landed in the perfect spot for the Grand to rise because she went from 22 to 60 cubic meters per second all in one morning. This I’m sure the salmon enjoyed but the river was a little dark in colour for us to see them. The Grand Cascapedia is known to drop just as quickly as she rises so within a day, she was back to her beautiful tea colour and comfortable fishing levels.
Always so nice to have Elaine back in town! She landed this great salmon on the Bonaventure River! Congrats Elaine!
The Petite Cascapedia was good to us all season. The Petite remained on a nice slow rise for the last four days of fishing. Nothing drastic, just enough to keep the salmon and fishermen happy! The Petite Cascapedia rose from 9 cubic meters per second to 13.5, which are great levels for the Petite at the end of September.
Our dear friend Joe Kievitt landed this beauty on the Bonaventure River! Congrats Joe!
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 – yellows, oranges and reds seem to attract the salmon. The sizes were dependant on the water levels which varied this week.
Francis Coutellier landed this great grilse at Poirier with our wonderful – always singing – guide Carol!
This is the last fishing and river report for our 2019 season. 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. I would like to also thank all of our teams; we are nothing without you! From our guides, lodge staff, ground keepers and management – you bring such life to our lodges and we appreciate everything you do!
Until next season,
All the best,
Julia
