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Overview
Home to one of the most productive pools for Atlantic salmon dry fly angling you’re likely to find anywhere – the incredible St. Lewis River experience is further enhanced by one of the most luxurious wilderness retreats in the world.
Located 290km southeast of Goose Bay, Labrador, the St. Lewis Lodge angling experience is most suitable for families, close friends and understanding colleagues that are relaxed about sharing, taking turns and rotating pools. Over the years the lodge has witnessed many guests quickly succumb to bouts of “salmon fever”; with nourishment or night fall being the only ways to pry the rod from their hands at the prime angling location on Home pool.
The lucky few people who get to fish this incredible waterway each year can expect to catch fresh, hard fighting, aggressive Atlantic salmon that can often exceed 20lbs.
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Fishing
We have angled the First Falls Pool at the St. Lewis River since 1995. It is a temporary barrier to salmon migration during June and most of July, and those water conditions create one of the best locations in the world for Atlantic salmon angling.
With the St. Lewis River Lodge perched only 30 meters from this pool, the preferred angling attire consists of shorts, tee shirts, sandals (and the occasional bathrobe) seen heading for the pool at 04:45. As the First Falls reaches its salmon holding capacity, salmon then begin holding in two pools immediately down river.
A short stroll down the walkway will have anglers accessing Bear Pool and Pool 47, while crossing the rope bridge provides access to the south side of the pool.All locations gives anglers a fantastic chance of catching hard fighting, trophy Atlantic salmon, with some weighing up to and over 20lbs.
Much of the first 35km of the river consists of deep canyons and gorges, which tail out into boulder runs and rapids followed by long shallow steadies then more canyons. The river embankments are generally steep and continuous, 10-50 meter high tree covered or bare outcrop, thus proving difficult to explore by helicopter and virtually impossible to systematically traverse by foot.
To date we have explored most of the down river section and continue to evaluate the ever changing holding pools as water levels fluctuate. We have also explored a 12 Kilometre section immediately up river from the Lodge and it still remains undetermined as to actually how many pools exist, certainly dozens of prime holding areas.
The Second Falls at Kilometre 35 has been determined to be a complete barrier to salmon migration. Establishing a natural ladder at Second Falls will expand habitat to an approximate 135 Kilometres.
A team of experienced guides are on hand to transport you through the wilderness of Labrador. These guides have extensive knowledge in the river system and will be able to cater for all your needs. Wether you enjoy fly fishing larger rods with more traditional salmon methods or smaller rods and surface flies, these guides will make it happen. Catching salmon on the dead drift bomber is something that they have down to a fine art.
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Accommodation
The Atlantic Rivers Outfitting Company has paired one of the most spectacular Atlantic salmon angling locations with the construction of a world-class lodge. The facility blends traditional New Hampshire white pine log construction with classic lodge finishes from around the world.
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Food & Cuisine
The balanced creativity of the in-house chef produces a superb menu of local and exotic cuisine; including moose, cod, halibut, scallops, lobster and a variety of plant-based dishes. Combining flare and diversity but served in a relaxed setting, mealtimes are a great opportunity to catch up on the days fishing whilst also enjoying a fine glass of wine.
While breakfast and dinner is enjoyed in the comfort of the lodge, lunch is specially prepared by the catering team each morning and taken out on the river by your guide, alongside various snacks and beverages to keep you energised across a long days’ fishing.
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Example itinerary
Day 1 – Home City to goose Bay
- Flight from home city to Goose Bay airport
- Over night in hotel
Day 2 – Goose Bay to lodge
- Transfer from hotel to sea plane or helipad (approx. 10 mins)
- Fly directly to the lodge (approx. 1hrs)
- Lunch on arrival
- Afternoon fishing
- Over night at the lodge
Day 3 to 7 – Continued fishing
- Continued overnights at the lodge with 5 full days fishing
Day 8 – Return to Goose Bay
- After breakfast you will be transferred back to Goose Bay
- Over night in hotel
Day 9 – Goose bay to Home city
- Depart Goose Bay to home city
- Continue with own arrangements
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Specifics
Included:
- Full board accommodation throughout your stay
- 1 Guide per 2 fishers and river canoe
- Fishing licence
- Charter flight to the lodge
Not included:
- Transfers during travel
- Flights
- Gratuities
- Hotels in Goose Bay
- Items of a personal nature
COST:
- Prices begin at $9,000CAD
St. Lewis River Lodge
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Location
FAQ
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Is there WIFI?
We have wifi in the lodge and Satellite and VOIP systems out on the water.
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Are there mosquitos?
As you would expect at a wilderness lodge there are biting insects present when the wind drops.
We use and have available our Mygg jackets, which are great for keeping the nasties away so you can continue to enjoy your fishing.
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How to get there?
St. Lewis River Lodge is located in southeastern Labrador, Canada – approximately 290 kilometers southeast of Goose Bay (YYR). The village of Port Hope Simpson (YHA) is 14 kilometers to the northeast of the Lodge and has a 750 meter gravel airstrip. The town of Blanc Sablon, Quebec (YBX) is 123-kilometers southwest of the Lodge with a 1,300 meter paved runway.
Access to the Lodge is via a 1.2 – 1.5-hour helicopter flight from Goose Bay.
Commercial flights to and from Goose Bay are available on a daily basis. Changeover times will generally be organized for midday as to allow inbound guests to arrive in Goose Bay in the morning and for outbound guests to depart on evening flights. Pending commercial flight schedules, guests may have to overnight in Goose Bay, St. John’s or Halifax on the inbound or outbound legs.
Guests arriving to Goose Bay via private aircraft will depart for the Lodge directly from the FBO. Those entering Canada will clear Canada Customs at the FBO.
Guests can be fishing within 1.5 hours of a Goose Bay departure.
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What rods are ideal there?
Typically we use 9 – 10′ rated #6 or #7 for salmon fishing paired with our specially designed SST dry fly line, with an elongated rear taper for picking up maximum line and a compact front taper for turning over bombers into a wind.
For char we’d recommend a 9′ – 10′ #5 or #6 rod.
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Why choose LOOP Travel?
LOOP Travel has extensive teams worldwide, all working to give you the best possible advice when travelling the world in search of top-class fly fishing. Our advice is totally free to you and booking with us comes at no extra cost.
Our decades of experience between the teams and plethora of knowledge is second to none. Our team members all know each destination backwards, having spent many years guiding, managing & fishing these lodges.
Suitable gear
At St. Lewis we are using single-handed rods for all occasions. Typically we use 9 – 10′ rated #6 or #7 for salmon fishing, paired with our specially designed SST Dry Fly Line, with an elongated rear taper for picking up maximum line and a compact front taper for turning over bombers into a wind.
A larger arbour reel is also excellent for salmon fishing with single-handed rods. This allows you to gain more control over the fish and keep tension with ease.
When the wind drops, there are also biting insects as you would expect in the wilderness of Labrador. We have available and use our Mygg jackets and neck gaiters, which keep the nasties off.
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Enquiry form
For booking enquiries please contact:
travel@looptackle.se
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