Flowers River Lodge

The magical world of Atlantic salmon on a dead drift dry fly!

A 6-weight, single-hander in hand, maybe a 7, 8 or 9 weight, with a floating line, 8lbs (try 6lbs in lower water or later in the season) test and most likely a bee bomber (yes, a bomber that looks like a bumble bee!) as your fly. You have before you a crystal clear medium paced river and you can see salmon lying in front of you between five and fifteen yards away. It is hard to believe that these fish are going to rise and take a dry fly like a trout. There had to be a catch, but the truth is, there really is not. This is the real deal – dead drifting a dry fly to Atlantic salmon.

Fishing

How do these fish take? With the variety that any salmon or trout take. Some will sip it unnoticeably, some will suck it down aka the toilet take, almost more difficult to see and react to. Some will do that beautiful head and tail roll, and others will come flying out of the water to take the fly.

Accommodation

There is a selection of classic wooden cabins which offer single, double and family accommodation up to a maximum of 12 rods. Each are well appointed with good stove fires and ensuite bathrooms with reliable hot water. There is also dining room and drying room cabins. There is Wi-fi throughout.

Gear

We enjoyed a 9ft 6 weight but there are some very big fish so a 7, 8 or 9 weight single-hander would be better. Double-handed rods are not required. 12, 10, 8 and 6 lbs Chameleon Maxima is recommended. We can advise on how to get the best flies for the job. Chest waders with felt soles studs vital.

Ask The Expert

Tarquin Millington-Drake

Trip Specifics

The best route is London – Halifax - Goose Bay on Air Canada, possibly with a night in Halifax. It is one of the shortest journeys across the Atlantic. When you arrive in Goose Bay, Donelda will take you to Otter Creek Lodge which is your staging post before and after camp. You can leave luggage you will not need in camp there and know it is safe. After a night, your bags need to be out early and soon you are in the floatplane (the dock is a 100-metre walk) and heading off from Goose Bay to Flowers River Lodge, a flight of about one hour north across the Labrador wilderness.

Rates

2025 Rates was CAN $12,099 plus 15% TAX