Malbaie River Lodge Fishing Program:
Malbaie River Lodge is located within the heart of Quebec's finest Atlantic salmon fly fishing waters. Within an hour's drive there are eight fishable systems including the Dartmouth, Grande, Malbaie, St. Jean, York and Pabos. While all are known for strikingly clear turquoise water and strong returns of wild Atlantic salmon, all vary somewhat in size and level of challenge. Virtually all of the Gaspe systems are known for their large salmon, many of which can exceed 30 pounds.
Anglers fish two per guide and on strictly allocated beats or zones. In some cases the zone may encompass numerous holes and in other cases is may be a single productive pool that is worked with a wide range of tactics. Beats are pre-selected through public draws, state reservations and private networking. During June and through the first half of July, three of the local rivers offer the opportunity to fish/travel the river via canoe. As water levels drop the fishing becomes walk and wade only.
Due to the clarity of the local systems, sight fishing is common. With the occasional exception of the early season, nearly all fishing is done with a floating line. Spey rods are not needed to cover the water but more and more anglers are employing them as a personal preference. Typically dry fly fishing is done "dead drift" with bomber and Wulff style patterns and wet flies/streamers are swung and/or retrieved down and across on a tight line. Mixing up one's retrieve, switching patterns, persisting, and staying focused are all very important traits of the skilled Atlantic salmon angler. While there may be many visible fish in any given pool, predicting when and why any particular fish will take is near impossible. While sinking lines are legal on some systems, they are frowned upon and flies with any form of weight are illegal. This includes flies with wire ribbing, bead heads, and flies tied on metal tubes. Double hooks however are legal and very popular with the guides.
Malbaie River Lodge Accommodations and Meals:
Built in the early 1930s, Malbaie River Lodge is a quaint country inn that can accommodate between 8 and 16 anglers depending on time of year. The majority of the rooms are double occupancy with ensuite sinks and shared bathrooms. In addition to the main lodge there are several newly constructed private cabins complete with ensuite bathrooms. In general it is safe to say that the lodge is a simple, atmospherically rich, historic structure in keeping with its roots and surroundings.
The lodge serves excellent meals at large common dining table and meal times are flexible to enable taking advantage of the best fishing conditions.
Malbaie River Lodge Season:
The season begins in late May and ends on September 30th. Early season fishing is characterized by low numbers of large fish (most of which are in the 20+ pound class). As the season progresses more and more fish arrive and dry fly fishing improves. Peak dry fly fishing is from mid-July through August. September typically reverts back to wet fly fishing and while the fish have strong colors, September typically yields the highest catch rates of the year.
Malbaie River Lodge Travel:
To reach Malbaie River Outfitters anglers will need to make flight reservations in and out of the town of Gaspe' in the province of Quebec. Ultimately, the majority of your trip will need to be booked through Air Canada and will mandate going through Toronto, Montreal, the city of Quebec or some combination of the above. The lodge is accommodating as to the date and time of your arrival and will arrange to have you met at the airport and transferred to the lodge as part of your package.
Malbaie River Lodge Documentation:
All travelers that are not Canadian citizens will need either an original Birth Certificate and photo ID or a valid US passport to enter Canada. We recommend packing a photocopy of your passport in your luggage as a safety precaution.
Malbaie River Lodge Non-Angling Activities:
The Gaspe Peninsula is popular destination for non angling tourists. The rate for non-anglers visiting the lodge is $150 per person per day. Activities in the region include whale watching, Forillon Canadian National Park, day spas, horseback riding, golf, and visiting local attraction like Perce Rock, and Boniventure Island bird sanctuary.
Malbaie River Outfitters 2008 Rates:
$575 US per person per day. The non-angler rate is $150 per day. Note: Taxes are not included in this rate and will likely total 14.25%.
Included:
Guiding, meals, accommodations, licenses, daily access to prime water, limited beer and wine with dinner, ground transfers from Gaspe, and needed loaner tackle.
Not Included:
Flies, terminal tackle, room and provincial taxes (that will total 14.25%), hard alcohol and additional beer and wine.
Quebec