3Camps Lodge

Whether you’re fishing Atlantic salmon for the first time or the 50th, 3Camps Gaspésie is definitely the right fit for you. The Gaspé Peninsula is the best option for anglers who don’t want to travel overseas to Russia, Iceland or Norway . . . and you don’t lose anything in the quality of the fishing or the fish. These three rivers—The Bonaventure, Grand Cascapedia, and Petite Cascapedia—offer a deep woods environment and fish that are eager to take. Expect to catch several fish during your stay and on a good week you could wear out an arm battling large salmon. During an average week you’ll likely catch several grilse along with salmon that range between seven and 15 pounds. It is not uncommon to catch salmon that push past 20 pounds and on the Grand Cascapedia you could hook a fish weighing 40 pounds or more. An array of quality guides keeps you covering prime water on multiple dozens of historic pools throughout your trip.

Camp Bonaventure, The Club and Salmon Lodge are the three of only four Orvis-endorsed salmon fishing lodges in Quebec. Camp Bonaventure was awarded the Orvis-endorsed Lodge of The Year award and Salmon Lodge was nominated and received an honorable mention.

Fresh salmon enter Gaspé rivers, including the Bonaventure, Grand Cascapedia and Petite Cascapedia, beginning in late May and early June, and continue on every tide throughout the season. Peak runs of fresh salmon occur in early June to late-July and again from mid-August to the end of September. There are two prime time fishing periods. The first runs from June 10 to July 20 and the second from August 15 through September 30. Both periods provide excellent fishing but are very different and special in their own way. During June and July anglers and guides travel the rivers in traditional 26-foot long canoes and catch fish from the canoe and while wading. During the August and September period, the famous pools are full of salmon and it’s one of the best times for sight casting with free floating dry flies. Expect to wade fish extensively at this time as the river levels are typically lower than you might find earlier in the season. Both time periods offer bright fish but you are more likely to hook a “chrome” salmon in June and July.

No matter when you visit, expect a high-quality salmon fishing experience—these lodges carry a number of leases on various sections of these three rivers, which allows anglers to fish the water that is fishing best. Fishing the Bonaventure is very special and exciting, with incredibly clear water offering plenty of sight-casting options. Dry fly fishing is simply the best here as anglers often watch salmon home in on the fly. The world renowned Grand Cascapedia is North America’s big salmon river where fish in the 40-pound class are an attainable dream. The Petite Cascapedia, much like the Grand, produces some huge salmon and plenty of trophy brook trout.

Guests at The Club have the opportunity to fish the longest beat of private water on the Bonaventure and this area contains some of the best holding pools on the entire river. Exclusive to the Club, its pools are well rested and a sight-casters dream.

Fishing Schedule: A routine day at Salmon Lodge and Camp Bonaventure begins with hot breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Guides arrive at camp at 7:00 a.m. and guests part when ready. Guests will spend the entire day on the river if they choose, and in that case lunch will be served on bank. Most guests return to camp anywhere between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. That routine is completely dependent on a guest’s request. An early morning departure or an afternoon return to the lodge can be modified. Some anglers want to relax and enjoy camp. Others want to fish every possible minute. Each of 3Camps’ lodges accommodates either preference.

The Club on the Bonaventure serves hot breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Guides arrive at camp at 7 a.m. Guests depart for the river when ready. Being located close to the water at The Club is a luxury—anglers can return from the river at any time for an in-house lunch or a nap. Or they can take lunch on the river to maximize every moment. On hot July days some guests enjoy the lodge during the afternoon and return to fishing in the cool evening hours. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails are served at 6:30 p.m.; supper is served at 7:30 p.m. in the dining room. Again, no routine is set in stone; The Club can shift schedules based on a guest’s preferences.

Boats & Equipment

During June and July anglers and guides travel the rivers in traditional 26-foot long river canoes. Late season fishing is mostly walk and wade.

Equipment Rental: All 3 Camps lodges offer full rental packages from well known brands that include Simms, Patagonia and Orvis. Packages include spey rods, reels, lines and heads, plus waders and boots. Rate: Just $25 per day.

Camp Bonaventure was built in 1993 and was designed as a salmon fishing lodge. It offers all the amenities you can imagine and hosts up to 12 guests. Guests enjoy comfortable double bedrooms with private bathrooms and screened sitting areas. A well-appointed and comfortable dining room overlooks the beautiful Bonaventure River and is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal. The lodge’s living room is comfortable, features a 35-foot high stone fireplace, and is the perfect place to share all your fishing stories. Camp Bonaventure also offers a private guest house, which features two double bedrooms with private baths, screened porches and a living room with a stone fireplace. This is an ideal location for small groups and business retreats.

Salmon Lodge was built in 1887 and has operated as a salmon fishing lodge ever since. Located on an 80-foot bluff overlooking the Grand Cascapedia River, it boasts the best view in the valley. Hosting up to eight guests, Salmon Lodge provides a special “back in the day” rustic feeling. The main lodge has four large double bedrooms, each with their private baths. The well-appointed living and dining rooms overlook the river and still have their original century-old fireplaces. A guest house is a minute walk from the main lodge and offers two single bedrooms, a private bathroom, a living room, and a private porch overlooking the Grand. One of Salmon Lodge’s most beautiful assets is a large wrap-around porch that allows guests to relax and enjoy the best seat in the house for sunrises and sunsets.

The Club on the Bonaventure has been in operation for over a century. Until recently the Club, previously known as The Canadian Salmon Club, was a members-only operation. Taking a maximum of six anglers at a time the Club remains an exclusive destination for the most discriminating salmon anglers. The Club features six private bedrooms each with their own fireplace and bathroom. Its spacious living and dining areas are adjacent to a large screened deck that overlooks some of the best holding pools on the entire Bonaventure river.

Rod Rooms: Each of these lodges have “Rod Rooms,” which is where guests meet their guides in the morning. The Rod Room has individual locker areas and rod racks for storing and drying your gear. This is also where you will always find a fresh cup of coffee in the morning and refreshing cold drinks at the end of a fabulous day. Neighboring the Rod Rooms are fully stocked Pro-Shops where you can peruse an endless fly selection and buy clothing, lodge memorabilia and other necessities.

Cuisine

3 Camps guests often say they would return to this trio of lodges just for the cuisine. Every day offers a different menu prepared by resident chefs. Homemade breads and jams along with morning favorites will get you ready for a full day on the water. Lunch can be taken at The Club, or on the water at Salmon Lodge and Camp Bonaventure. After fishing you’ll enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7:30 p.m. by mouth-watering meals that include fresh salads, soups, appetizers, and entree’s of fresh lobster and sizzling steaks, among other delicacies. Wine is included with dinner. Personal alcohol is not included but guests can bring their favorite spirits; classic bars provide all ice, mix and necessary ingredients for a perfect drink. We also cater to special dietary needs. Please advise GFFI in advance and we will relay that information to the lodge.
Connectivity: Wifi available at all locations.

These are true fish camps and non-angling activities are limited.

Air Canada provides daily flight service between Montreal and Gaspe, Quebec, or Bathurst, New Brunswick. Two flights arrive and depart each location daily. 3 Camps is a three-hour drive from each airport. Guests can rent a car at the airport or 3 Camps can provide the ride to and from. Cost is $300 each way. Camp Bonaventure offers a 6,000-foot paved landing strip for private aircraft. Airport code CYVB. Private jets available on demand.

In addition, guests can arrive directly to Bonaventure via an overnight train from Montreal. The train has private bedrooms, showers, a lounge car and a dining car. The train schedule allows for a full day of fishing on your arrival and departure dates. Contact GFFI for more details.

All prices per person, USD

$1,175 a day per rod at Camp Bonaventure

$1,275 a day per rod at Salmon Lodge

$1,700 a day per rod at The Club on the Bonaventure

Salmon Lodge and Camp Bonaventure—Packages are 3, 4 and 7 days. Arrival and departure days are Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Arrival times are usually 4 p.m. and departure times are upon your return to camp from the river.

The Club on the Bonaventure—Packages are 3 days or 6 days. Arrivals are either Sunday evening to fish Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (departure Wednesday evening after fishing) or arrival on Wednesday evening to fish Thursday, Friday, Saturday (departure is Sunday morning after breakfast). Sunday to Sunday is an option, too.

Bookings are confirmed with a 50 percent deposit, made no later than seven days after booking a trip. Balance must be received no later than 90 days prior to the first day of the trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 90 days prior to the first day of the trip in order to receive partial or full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable, with the exception of a medical or family emergency, deemed reasonable at GFFI’s discretion.

Booking a trip or making a deposit represents that the client accepts all terms and conditions. GFFI’s terms are in addition to any terms and conditions of each individual lodge that GFFI represents. Please read those terms carefully—lodge terms, which may differ from GFFI’s terms, supersede any agreements between GFFI and a client.