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 2002 was indeed another very memorable and successful season of operations at both our lodges. Fly fishing action that showed marked improvement over the previous year and a contingency of high quality guests both contributed to making it a very special year at Grey River Lodges. The Forks lodge received its first guests on June 13, and once again, this lodge entertained fly fishing guests until the end of July. Salmon Brook Lodge, being farther upstream, was not opened until June 18.

While there were some salmon landed, fishing action was quite slow for the first week, with the first fish not landed until June 15 which is the latest date on our records. It was generally agreed that the runs on most rivers in Newfoundland were slightly delayed this year by a week or two. June 18^th to 23rd provided more consistent action, and by June 18^th the run was in full swing. Salmon Brook Lodge opened on June 18^th, with fairly slow action in this area, due to the later than normal runs, as well quite low water conditions. The seasonal totals for 2002 showed 470 fish hooked at our lodges, with 260 being landed or released. Once again this year, most fish were released. As these numbers indicate, quite a high percentage of fish hooked were lost in the fight, which is full indication of the power and wildness of Grey River fish. While there was generally quite low water conditions throughout most of our season, overall hook-ups and landings were up approximately 20% from the previous year, making 2002 an average year on the Grey River system.

As was the case in 2001, the salmon did not seem to remain in the pools very long, but appeared to move through very quickly. While water levels got quite low, reasonably cool air temperatures helped maintain acceptable water temperatures for most of the season. This weather provided for a high percentage of very favorable and comfortable days of fishing on the river. Expanding on last year's first of an all-female party at Salmon Brook Lodge, we had all ladies groups at both our lodges during the 2002 salmon fishing season, which included almost all totally novice fly fishers.

While there was some excellent dry fly action as usual, the wet flies seem to outperform the dries, probably due to the overall cooler water. Other than the Blue Charm which would definitely have been the #1 fly, no others really stood out, with wets and dries both providing excellent action throughout. As expected, Bombers usually worked best during the warmer water conditions and gave some exciting surface action. 

There was a higher percentage of larger 24-28 inch fish during the middle of the run. The largest fish of the year were, however, hooked in the last half of July, with a rare one close to the 20 pound range. Following a number of years of closing our lodges in mid-July, with a good number of salmon still in our pools, the decision to remain open until late July was once again a good one, as fish remained in the main pools through to the end of July. A last evening of fishing on July 28 produced 2 salmon landed right at one of the home pools of The Forks.

As normal, the home pools provided the most hook-ups, but the down stream area of The Cable Pool and the lower section of Salmon Brook both provided a higher than usual percentage of our total action. The day hiking/fishing adventures were once again a big hit with all those who chose to take part, as were the hiking/sightseeing treks from the lodges. With the hearty and delicious home cooked meals provided, it was only those that did some hiking who even stood a chance of departing the lodge not having added to the mid-section.

Despite a season of longer duration and many foggy travel days, transfer of guests by helicopter was tremendously smooth and on schedule. There were no overnight delays and almost all guests made their airline connections with no problems. Full credit must be given to Canadian Helicopters Ltd. and their very professional pilots who often went above and beyond to ensure the total satisfaction of all guests.

We are especially proud of the high number of novice anglers that were very successfully introduced to fly fishing at our lodges this past summer. Once again, overall guest satisfaction in the wilderness fly fishing experience we provide was extremely high, with 70% of this year’s clients already reserved for their 2003 Grey River fishing. A number of others are finalizing their dates, so it is anticipated that our schedule for next year will fill up faster than ever. This is no small testament to the quality of fly fishing experience we provide. The fact that we have maintained the same experienced and friendly staff throughout most of our existence has been a large factor in this regard.

If you have not already made your Grey River reservation, please do not hesitate to get in touch at your earliest convenience. A number of excellent openings are still available for our 2003 Atlantic salmon fly fishing season, but it is expected to be full long before opening day.

Come fish with us soon.

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