| General
The Province of Newfoundland contains greater than 60% of all the Atlantic
salmon rivers in North America with over 200 rivers to offer for atlantic
salmon angling. Inland from the Ocean only a few of the 200+ rivers
have any human habitation while a small percentage have a small village
along the Ocean bays and fjords these rivers flow into. Free of industrial
pollution and human habitation the pristine salmon and trout rivers of
Newfoundland offer excellent opportunities for a fishing trip dreams are
made of with outstanding catches and scenery. Almost all rivers are
very clear while some have a little natural tannin staining from the tundra
of the headwaters. Most of the rivers we fish are very clear - like
glass eg Serpentine, Harry's, Pinchgut, etc. All western Newfoundland
rivers are surrounded by the Long Range Mountains which are 500 to 2600
feet in elevation and every guest is impressed with the beauty and "wildness"
of the area. This mountain range forms the "backbone" of the west
coast and hides the headwaters of our rivers and streams.
The most commonly seen wildlife on these rivers include: moose (highest
density in North America), caribou, foxes, mink, beaver, various birds
of prey and waterfowl, seals (on the lower Humber ), otter (rarely seen
on most North American rivers), and other typical boreal animals.
The largest river we fish is the Humber River with 30,000 to 50,000 atlantic salmon
and untold brook trout in an annual run - this is likely one of the highest
densities
of atlantic salmon left in the world. Although not a huge river like those
on the mainland of the Continent or Europe, this is our only west coast
river which truely suits Spey casting. A typical smaller stream we
fish is Serpentine River which we explore by canoe. This little stream
has an excellent density of fish with a typical run of over 1500 salmon
and likely over 1500 trout over a
pound and some huge 4 and 5 pound trout are caught annually. In May
and early June we fish for brook trout on some of the hundreds of nearby
lakes and river mouths that are not listed on this website.
The only guide to our rivers is not very thorough or current but is
broad based and of historic value. It is out of print with collectors copies
fetching $200 to $400CDN. This book is: C.H. Palmer 1928. A Guide to
the Salmon Rivers of Newfoundland. Let me know if you wish to find a copy.
It is available through our University Library.
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Rivers abound with over a dozen scheduled salmon
rivers and many more trout rivers within a short drive. "Secret lays" like
the one being used by this mature salmon of 10 to 12 pounds are supplied
by our guides. Harry's River 2003
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Many rivers are like Harry's River and are gin
clear. You can see the salmon in some of the pools.
Harry's River, September 2003
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The Back Run of the Lower Humber River with Big Rapids Island in the background.
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Campbell's Pool on the Lomond River - an example
of a small river.
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The Lower Humber is the largest river we offer to the travelling
angler. This river contains our highest provincial total numbers and density
of Atlantic salmon and is our best trophy salmon river. Typical of the
shoals in the lower section of the river, the shoal at this island can
be waded out another 50 yards past the boat upstream and is approximately
110 yards long. We use boats to help land running mature salmon as 200
yards of backing can leave the reel very fast on this deceptively quick
river - just ask our guests that have hooked the 20+ pound salmon this
river is famous for.
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The Serpentine River was one of Lee Wulff's favorites.
Gin clear water and cool temperatures all season long. You'll have to visit
to explore the permanent snow fields and rare arctic plants and animals.
Midnight canoe ride anyone?....mind the moose at every turn......
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