THE CLUB
The Club on the Bonaventure is the newest addition to 3Camps. Proudly overlooking the crystal-clear River Bonaventure, once a private club for members; it has graced its shores for a century, and is now an exciting place for all anglers to experience this amazing, tranquil river.
Location
Quebec, Canada
Fish
Atlantic Salmon
Season
June to September
Information
With exclusive rights to more than 10 kilometres of private waters, and travel never more than twenty minutes; this is the perfect place for those looking for a relaxing and truly remarkable places to fish.
If you are looking for the best opportunities to sight fish and see Atlantic salmon rise to your dry fly in one of the clearest rivers in the world, this is one of the best lodges for it. Along with short access to spectacular pools your stay is combined with exceptional service, individual accommodation and privacy.
ACCOMODATION
Lying approximately 40 kilometres inland from the mouth of the Bonaventure; the now 100 year old Club, underwent a massive restoration in 2017 and has been modernised to today’s standard; whilst preserving the charm of old.
The lodge can now host 6 rods all in private ensuite accommodation with king size beds as standard. The rooms include A/C, ceiling fan and a screened porch – perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery. Connected to the accommodation building via a covered walkway; the lodge includes a living room, surrounded by angling memorabilia, a dining room with its original stone fireplace. There is also a screen porch overlooking the river – the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail after a day on the river.
Before a day’s fishing; you will be offered a full breakfast served typically from 07.00 where you will be offered different options every day. Lunch is served back at the lodge. In the evenings, dinner starts with hors d’ouevres served in the sitting room or on the deck overlooking the Grand – perfect for catching up with the other anglers over a cold drink and hearing of the tales from the day as you watch highlights on the large tv of photos the guides have taken during the week. A 3 course meal is served in the dining room including fresh lobster, seafood and steak from the area, whilst ensuring dietary requirements are met. Wine is included with dinner and guests are welcome to bring their own spirits.
Non-Angling Activities
Although fly fishing for Atlantic salmon is the main activity, the Lodge can help with non-fishing activities for the non-fishing guest. There is everything from hiking, birding and biking. There’s even an excellent 18 hole, par 72 golf course situated just ten minutes away. The bioparc is approximately 40 minutes drive from the lodge and is recommended.
Internet / Communications
For your convenience, the Lodge also offers free high-speed wireless access. A computer for checking e-mail or sending fish bragging photos is also available for your use in the main Lodge.
FISHING
The fishing schedule at The Club is typically 9 hours split between a morning and an afternoon session. After breakfast (around 07.30), your guide will take you to the beat that you will be fishing on for the morning session. Fishing is normally from the traditional 26 foot canoes, but wading is also possible when the conditions allow for it. At around 11.30 you will go back to the lodge for lunch where you can take a well deserved rest when your guide will take you back out on the water at 16.00 and fish the evening session. You will return to the lodge for dinner and drinks with your fellow anglers at around dusk.
With more than 50 years of experience between the three guides; you will that they are all qualified instructors and speak both English and French and dedicated to the sport. With their expertise and knowledge of the river systems, they will help choose your flies and tactics for that pool. Even the most experienced angler will learn something.
Guests rotate beats each fishing session so you’ll likely fish new water each and every fishing session. Weeks run Sunday to Sunday with no fishing on the Sunday turnover day.
It pays to have a single handed rod with you for dry fly fishing and a switch or short two handed rod for wet flies. The Bonaventure is fed by mountain streams and brooks with cold water which helps keep the rivers cooler than other rivers in the area.
The Bonaventure is deemed to be one of the clearest rivers in the world. Here you will see guides using a periscope to spot fish in the river – even possible in turbulent waters. The river is renowned for its dry fly fishing and to see a fish rise from the deeps to take the fly from the surface will most certainly have your heart in your mouth. Fishing here is best from a canoe and due to the water, this is possible most of the season. With private access to the more than 10 kilometres of water that the Club fishes is what makes the fishing at The Club so special. The B sector of the Bonaventure includes a range of truly amazing pools that hold salmon well, across all conditions, from high to low water. With canoes moored immediately below the lodge, you have access to a good proportion of the pools, with the fishing being from both the bank and from the canoes depending on the water conditions or anglers preference.
TRAVEL
The Club is a two and a half hour drive from Bathurst airport. Gaspé is served by daily flights from Montreal, and Bathurst from Quebec. It’s also possible to take the overnight train from Montreal to Campbelton which runs 3 times a week and is one hour from the lodge. Driving from Montreal takes approximately 9-10 hours and is a simple drive.
When is the best time to visit?
The season starts in late June and ends in September with the early runs holding the largest salmon and fishing done from the canoe with a wet fly. Fresh fish will enter the rivers all the way up to August. As the rivers drop wading will become more common. A quick thunderstorm can easily lead to the rivers being high enough through the summer to be able to fish from a canoe. As the water warms up, dry fly fishing becomes more prevalent.
Typical Length of Stay
The typical length of stay at the Club is seven (7) nights with six (6) days of fishing, but shorter stays are possible.
Typical Itinerary
Saturday: Depart home
Saturday: Arrive Montreal and overnight
Sunday: Fly from Montreal to Bathurst and transfer to the lodge
Monday – Sunday: Seven days of guided fishing
Sunday: Depart the lodge. Fly from Bathurst to Montreal
Monday: Depart for home
Documents Required
Documents Required
Valid passport. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and other Western European nations do not need a visa for tourist trips of up to ninety days.
Travel Insurance
Prior to booking, please ensure that your travel insurance covers for travelling to remote areas and for the type of activities you are planning. We highly recommend also considering a Global Rescue Membership
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible. If you are quoted a lower price we will endeavour to beat it.
