Top Reasons to Go:
- Experience quality wild Atlantic salmon fishing in beautiful Newfoundland
- Fish with a great local guide who knows the waters.
- Fish multiple nearby rivers with dry lines and a combination of wet and dry flies
- Stay in simple down-home accommodations.
Who is best suited to this destination? This program is great for anglers that want to catch wild Atlantic salmon and appreciate an informal, one-on-one experience with an experienced local guide. This is not a standard lodge experience but rather a rambling, varietal fishing experience with David Hartlin, paired with some simple down-home, lodge-like accommodations.
Where is the lodge? The lodge is in the small town of Black Duck Siding on the magnificent Harry’s River, 130 km west of Deer Lake, in southwestern Newfoundland.
How do I get there? Guests fly into Deer Lake Airport (YDF). There, you will be picked up and transferred for 1.5 hours to the lodge.
When should I go? June and July are the prime months for Atlantic Salmon in the area. June offers lower catch rates of larger fish (multi-sea winter fish referred to as Salmon) and July offers higher catch rates with many of the fish being Grilse (single-sea winter fish in the 3-to5-pound class). The most popular weeks tend to be the last week in June and first three weeks in July.
How will I fish? Guests will primarily swing wet flies and dead drift dry flies with single handed 6-8wt rods, and weight forward floating lines. Some systems may also lend themselves to light Spey tackle. All fishing will be done while wading and you will move from run to run by vehicle.
Is there wade fishing? Yes, this fishery is 100% wade fishing.
Where will I fish? All waters in Newfoundland are public and open to anyone to fish, Nonresidents need a guide.
David targets six primary systems, Harry’s River, Sou’ West Brook, Flat Bay Brook, Fishell’s River, Robenson’s River, and the Crabbs River. Collectively this offers guest countless pools and runs, potentially fishing new water every session, on a different system each day if conditions permit.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? The lodge is within walking distance to several great pools on Harry’s River. When driving to different systems most drives are 20 minutes or less and the longest drives are 45-minutes.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? Wild Atlantic Salmon from 3-to 15-pounds, a chance at larger fish. Guest might also encounter the occasional sea-run brook trout.
How many fish will I catch? Newfoundland has bag limits on retention (1 per person, per season) as well as a Catch and Release limit of three fish released per day. The daily release limit is often achieved by most anglers during prime weeks.
Will I see other anglers? Yes, these are public waters and see peak pressure on weekends.
What are the guides like? David is a very experienced and passionate Atlantic salmon guide and knows the area intimately. He is also fun and entertaining.
What are the physical demands? Walking and wading skills are needed but not all beats are demanding, so the trip can be catered to your abilities.
Are there any special skills required? Patience is a virtue in Atlantic salmon fishing and fly casting skill are a real benefit.
Newfoundland does offer some challenges in the weather, wind being the biggest, so being able to cast a bushy dry in the wind is a great5 skill to have.
Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge has limited loaner gear and guests are encouraged to bring their own flies which can be pre ordered and hand tied by David himself. The lodge does sell some flies, but they get fairly picked over as the season goes on.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? A 9-10 foot, single-handed 6-8 weight and a light, 11- to 13-foot 6- 8-weight Spey rod with a Scandi style head will cover most of the water and conditions.
What are the top flies? The key flies for Atlantic salmon in the area are, Green Machines, Undertakers, Black Bear Green Butts, Supper Hangs, Blue Charm, Thunder & Lightning to name a few and these should be on single barbless (Regulation) tied #6,8,10 on a Tiemco 7999 style or similar.
Dries are mainly fishing in the spun deer hair patterns like Buck Bugs and Bombers but the Wulff dries also work well.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging? As a norm, if there is heavy rain, not all the rivers will become un-fishable at the same time. Generally, the upper sections of the river above key tributaries will still offer opportunities. Most of these rivers are Spate Rivers and will rise and settle quickly.
What is a typical day like? Days are generally set by weather conditions to offer the best opportunities and comforts. Most days are designed around fishing the best possible eight hours on the water.
Most days guests will get on the river between 5:00-6:00 am and fish a split session, returning to the lodge mid-day for a rest before dinner. After dinner you’ll head back to a beat for an evening session until dark 10pm. This is the best option on sunny warm days as the salmon fishing will slow drastically.
However, on days that are cloudy, cool with rain the mid-day can be fine and the early mornings and late evening can be for relaxing and catching up on some rest for the big fish!
What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? The lodge is very simple and clean, with a deep 80-year history in salmon fishing and Moose hunting.
The lodge is quiet and relaxed. Single private rooms as well as double-occupancy rooms are available at the time of booking.
Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? Yes, David manages all the fishing and on-water program and Lisa, the lodge manager is there to help in any way.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Breakfast is a continental style with daily offerings of muffins, bagels, toast, and cereal. Lunch is a typical bag lunch consisting of sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. Dinner is served in the dining area and consists of homestyle meals and some traditional local entrees. Please let us know if there are any dietary restrictions.
What is the alcohol policy? The lodge has a nice bar area with a limited selection. No beer, wine or local spirits are included, but guests are free to bring their favorite beverages with them or have the lodge purchase them for them and pay for those special orders on-site. The liquor store is also nearby.
How is tipping handled? While tips are always at the discretion of guests, a rough guideline for the house staff of $50-70 per day handed to the manager at the end of the week. For guides we recommend 10-15% of the trip cost but that can be handed directly to your guides at the end of the week. US dollars are preferred but credit cards can be accepted in a pinch.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? All rooms are located on the property and offer your own door to the outside. There are four single-occupancy rooms and one double-occupancy room. All rooms are ground level. All have nice, attached bathrooms. The lodge takes six guests per week. The double occupancy room is available at a lower rate than the singles.
Is there internet and/or cell service? The lodge has good Wi-Fi and fair cell service.
Are there other activities? No this is really a fishing only lodge.
Are there any other expenses? Alcohol, license, and gratuities.
Do I need a visa? No, if you are from the United States.
Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? There are no specific health concerns but always assume you will encounter significant wind, and some biting insects.
We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.
