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The 2004 Atlantic salmon fly fishing season at Grey River Lodge is now only a memory. It is difficult to believe how quickly the summer has sped by, which fully enforces the theory that time flies when you are having fun. There is not a doubt that it was a tremendously successful salmon fishing season once again, with plenty of outstanding  fly fishing enjoyment at our lodges.

Our latest season will not soon be forgotten by staff or guests, and will be etched on many minds as simply the best salmon fishing action they have ever experienced. For many of our guests that were returning for their 4th,5th, or maybe 9^th time at our lodges, they were not so terribly amazed by the high quality fly fishing action that many have come to expect at Grey River. For the newcomers, however, the heavy action they witnessed was described by them in such terms as unbelievable, awesome, phenomenal, or simply a once in a lifetime occurrence.

Our 2004 lodge operation began with arrival of our first guests on June 13, and there were early indications of a better than average season of fishing. Right away, fishing action was very consistently better than either of the previous several years. The fish were simply more plentiful and showed an increase in average size as well. More fish of the 7-9 pound size were encountered than we have seen since our lodges opened in 1993. The run was strong quite early and this continued well into July. In fact, this July gave the most action we have ever had for the second month of our season. Seasonal totals showed almost 800 fish played at our lodges in 2004, with 442 being landed or released. This is definitely outstanding Atlantic salmon fishing action, and the year would rate in the top 3 since we have been in operation. There were many days when guests would attain the allowable angling catch limits by afternoon and simply relax at the lodge in the evening. As can be deducted from these statistics, and as is normally the case, a large number of fish were hooked and lost in the battle, which often added greatly to the angling regulatory fish limits.

We started out on June 13^th with fairly low water for that time in the season, but water temperatures were cold ( rarely above 65F), which served to provide excellent angling conditions. As the season progressed, we would then get substantial rainfall each time the water level began to get low, but the increases in river flow were never extreme. Basically, we had almost ideal water conditions for our entire season, which  certainly  had an impact on the fishing action, and was a welcome change from the previous year.

All areas fished very well, but Salmon Brook was definitely the hot spot, and many guests who fished that section expressed opinions that they had died and gone to fly fishing heaven. We also did very well in the down stream section near The Forks Lodge. There were many day hikes up Salmon Brook from The Forks, as well as down river to the Cable Pool area. Guests at Salmon Brook Lodge did not travel much, but chose to stay reasonably close to the lodge for their fishing. The guides there indicated that this summer provided the most fish they have ever seen in that section of the river.

During the June portion of our season, it was the wet flies which produced best, with the Blue Charm at the top of the list continuously. One strong proponent of the Blue Charm, was often noted to say that " one only needed 2 flies on Grey River ; a Blue Charm, and a spare Blue Charm ". As July arrived, dry flies began to be the fly of choice for our fish, with the Brown Bomber definitely being at the top. A small Silver Tip with green butt also proved to be an excellent producer during July.

There were a number of day hikes into the nearby countryside, as well as one end of trip hike out from The Forks, involving hiking/fishing downstream to the river’s mouth, an open boat ride to the community of Grey River, overnight, ferry to Burgeo, overnight, and then taxi back to Deer Lake for airline departure. That entire experience has been highly appreciated by all that have done it.

We closed the lodge for the season with our last guests departing on July 22. Fishing at that time was fading, with much warmer water temperatures, but there were still fish in most pools. During a period of cleanup and lodge maintenance between July 22-26, I managed to get in a little fishing and was able to hook 15 salmon, while landing and releasing 11 of these.

Other than the last week or so of our season, weather remained fairly cool and comfortable, with a fair number of foggy mornings and evenings, further making for excellent fly fishing conditions. Despite a number of weather systems containing good quantities of rainfall, as well as the often daily foggy periods, our helicopter service operated flawlessly and without delay throughout, allowing all to make necessary airline connections back home. The helicopter flight to and from the lodges was once again a very enjoyable experience for all, with regular sightings of moose, caribou and bear further enhancing the journey.

As usual, I am very appreciative of our pilots Glen and Scotty, for their friendly service, as well as Gary and Don of our ground transportation service in Deer Lake, who also provided exemplary service for our guests. Our regular lodge staff of guides and cooks received the normal accolades and remarks that they are our biggest asset.

Once again this year, we had a high percentage of repeat guests, and current levels of interest suggest that 2005 will provide an even higher percentage of returnees. Many periods are already full for next year, but there are still some excellent slots available. An early reservation is definitely a must for next year.

We look forward to your contact and being your host for some Grey River Atlantic salmon fly fishing soon.

For more information concerning rates and available dates for next season, or to make a reservation, please contact us at:

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Last modified: 08/02/05