The 2007 Grey River Atlantic Salmon Fishing Season Was Puzzling

After such a tremendous fishing season at Grey River Lodge in 2006, all were very anxious for the arrival of the 2007 Atlantic salmon fishing season. In fact, 2 of the best seasons of fly fishing action we have ever had occurred over the previous 3 years, providing a very prosperous outlook for the Grey River salmon population. With most of our 2006 guests set to return to our wilderness lodges once again, our lodges were filled with happy anglers and expectations were high for more superb fly fishing action.

The 2007 fishing season, however, will be remembered everywhere for the late arrival of the Atlantic salmon run. As was predicted by many long time anglers, following a winter of heavy ocean ice lasting well into the spring, the Atlantic salmon of Grey River, and in fact almost all other rivers were are least 2 weeks late arriving. In 15 years of operation of our remote lodges, we have never witnessed such a late arrival of our salmon run.

While there was still some very good fishing action experienced, the overall numbers of fish caught were below average for Grey River. Despite this, once the run hit the river, almost all guests were successful in catching fish. As would be expected, our July fishing was much better than June, and there were fresh fish still in the pools after we closed up the lodge on July 19. Almost all fish hooked were very bright and shiny, filled with great energy to fully test the anglers’ skill. With most of our 2007 fishing guests already committed to returning in 2008, it is obvious that the fly fishing experience we provided was of high quality and overall guest satisfaction was very high.

June provided us with quite low water conditions, which also served to help cause our salmon to stay in the ocean rather than enter the river. July rains improved water conditions of Grey River immensely and added greatly to the fly fishing experience of our guests.

Despite the lower than normal water levels of June, there were a very large number of overcast and foggy days for that portion of our season, which added to the comfort of everyone on the river, as black flies and mosquitoes were at an all-time low .

One item of concern about the 2007 Atlantic salmon run was that when the fish did arrive, there was a much higher than normal percentage of fish showing scars from encounters with seals. Some of these fish could not be released by anglers as they had intended, because their injuries were much too severe for them to survive. This situation most likely occurred during the extended period of time the salmon spent near the mouth of the river in June, awaiting more suitable water levels to continue their journey upstream. One can only attempt a guess at the number of salmon which did not get to enter the river because they were captured by one of the numerous seals living near the mouth of the river.

As usual, all our repeat guests this past fishing season were very pleased to see no turnover at all in the staff of guides and cooks at our lodges.

Looking ahead to the 2008 Atlantic salmon fishing season, we fully expect to return to the normal run arriving in full force by mid June and therefore providing all our guests with the fantastic fly fishing that has come to be expected at our lodges. There were some long time repeat guests who said they felt the slower than normal fishing action brought them back to realty, making them better appreciate the many years of great fly fishing action they have experienced at Grey River in years past. When apologies were made for the slow fishing, some responded by saying that the fishing was still better than anywhere else they know for Atlantic salmon. It is comforting to realize that the life cycle of the Atlantic salmon is so diverse that one poor year cannot severely damage any particular area’s salmon population, and the stocks returning to our rivers in 2008 are fully expected to rebound to their normal levels.

This past summer, guest of Grey River Lodge were greeted with very good news when they made their travel arrangements. Commercial air service through Deer Lake, NL was provided enhanced frequency of flights, with increased number of daily arrivals and departures by Air Canada, as well as brand new service by Westjet.

For 2008 we are offering our standard 5-day package, all inclusive and return to the lodge from Deer Lake, NL for $3200.00 Canadian. While some periods are already full, there are presently a select few excellent dates with some space available.

For complete details of various past years of Atlantic salmon fly fishing action at Grey River Lodge, please check at 2006 Seasonal Summary, 2005 Seasonal Summary , 2004 fly fishing photos., 2003 Season Summary or 2002 Season Summary

For more details of the fly fishing experience we provide at our wilderness lodges, please be invited to get in touch at the contacts listed below.  As well, a copy of our fly fishing video is available upon request.

For more information or reservations, please contact:

Grey River Lodge Ltd.
22 Riverview Drive, Shoal Harbour, NL
Canada     A5A 4M9
Tel:  1-877-466-2440  (Toll free)    Tony Tuck 
 Cell:  709-427-3494     
Fax: 709-466-2536
E-mail

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