Update On Atlantic Salmon Fishing

So, what’s the latest on Atlantic salmon fishing in Quebec? According to correspondent Tim Jones, who reported on the outlook for salmon from Maine to Labrador last month (see pages 9-11), the big news here is that anglers can now purchase an inexpensive season license for catch-and-release fishing. It costs only $8.78, a bargain compared to the usual $95 season license that allows anglers to keep seven salmon, with a maximum of one per day. There is also a new one-day, one-keeper tag available starting this year for $26.33. More details on these licenses is available in a booklet called "Salmon: Main Regulations 1997," which you can request from the Ministre de l’Environnement et de la Faune (*). You can also get general information on Quebec salmon fishing from Quebec Tourism on the Internet (*). They also have a toll-free number (*), but the recording is in a heavy French accent and is difficult to understand.

Salmon in Quebec, as elsewhere, face many problems, but overall the fishing here continues to be good to excellent. Most of the better salmon camps are usually booked solid well in advance, but there’s always hope for cancellations. Moreover, if you’re ready to go on a moment’s notice this year, there are still a few slots open as of this writing. For instance, there are still rods available at Helen’s Fall on the George River, operated by Sammy Cantafio’s Ungava Adventures (*).

There are also two slots in late July on the Riviere St. Jean on the North Shore, a small river in the shadow of the more famous Moisie. The St. Jean has fished well for the past couple of years. These spaces are available through Arctic Adventures (*), a booking agent I can recommend without reservation. On the Moisie itself, Rollie Ferguson (*) has six rods available to sell in a block for either three or six days in the period running from August 1 to 7.

Down on the Gaspe, Cold Spring Camp (*) on the Matapedia has a few slots left in July and August. Furthermore, according to Cold Spring’s Jane McKenna, they have just discovered they can stay open into September this year. If you’re the adventurous type, here’s your chance to explore a new fishing experience. I’d bring a big box of dry flies to use if the water’s low, and wets in case it rains.

Elsewhere on the Gaspe, fellow Angling Report correspondent George Gruenefeld recommends the new Camp Bonaventure (*) on the Bonaventure River. Manager Glenn LeGrand says they still have slots available in late July and the first two weeks of August. Enjoy! – Tim Jones.