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text
by Len Rich
photo: Paul Marriner
illustration: Robert Biron |
September - Atlantic Salmon,
Exploits River, Newfoundland
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Imagine
fighting trophy Atlantic salmon amidst glorious fall scenery.
Now imagine it without crowds of fellow anglers—or pesky
mosquitoes. Welcome to the Exploits River near Grand Falls,
Newfoundland. With a unique catch-and-release extended season
running from early September to early October, the Exploits
offers an extra chance to pursue some of the province’s
largest Atlantic salmon. That’s when a major run of large
Atlantics—some weighing more than 20 pounds—enters
the river’s lower end below Grand Falls. While sections
of the Exploits can be waded, a guide with a boat can generally
put anglers into more productive places on pools (it’s
mandatory anyway for non-residents to fish with a guide). And
competition for pools is hardly an issue. Come September most
locals are getting ready for hunting season, meaning you may
not see another soul for days, even on the river’s prime
spots. As a bonus, accommodations can be had at bargain-basement
prices, since many hoteliers consider September the beginning
of the off-season—even though the fishing’s still
top-notch.
TACKLE
AND TECHNIQUE
| BEYOND
FALL SALMON |
| The
Exploits River also has a substantial summer run
of Atlantics, and small brook trout can be caught
on inland streams much farther upstream from Grand
Falls. |
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Eight- to
nine-foot fly rods in 7 to 9 weights with up to 150 yards of
backing, floating lines and 1X or 2X tippets are the norm. Effective
flies include the Undertaker, Cosseboom patterns and white-winged
flies. You’ll also need lightweight chest waders.
GETTING THERE
From Gander, it’s about a half-hour drive west along Highway
1 to the town of Bishop’s Falls, a small community 10
minutes east of Grand Falls, at the bottom end of the Exploits.
BEYOND
THE EXPLOITS
Looking
for more local Atlantic salmon hot spots? Also try:
•
Gander River
•
Humber River
Note: Both these rivers have an extended season that runs
through September.
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LOCAL
EXPERTS
• Scott
Harvey, (709) 653-2348
• Todd Snow
and Perry Eastman, TP Guide Service, (709) 489-0236
• Gord Robinson,
Central Newfoundland Outfitters, (709) 258-6104 or (709)
258-6206
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FOR
MORE INFO
• Newfoundland
and Labrador Tourism, 1-800-563-6353; www.gov.nf.ca/tourism |
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| BACK
TO HOT SPOTS |
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