For fans of trophy Atlantic salmon, the Matapedia is familiar name, as it is a hotspot for huge salmon and the most famous Restigouche’ tributary. On this special river there is only one full-service operation, Matapedia River Lodge, which offers great meals, skilled local guides, and attractive riverfront accommodations overlooking the river for which it is named. Here anglers wade fish and fish from traditional 22- to 26-foot canoes with both Spey and single hand rods. While this operation is well-suited to anglers of all skill levels, this is a challenging, low catch rate fishery where the hope to interface with some of north America’s largest and most challenging wild Atlantic salmon. Stays of varying length welcomed.

The fishing program is centered around two guests fishing with a professional local guide. During high water, guests will utilize 22’-26’ canoes to access the beats and often fish from the boat. At other times they may use vehicles to access key pools and wade fish. Once a poll is reached guests will either swing wet flies down and across or cast dry flies up and across and dead drift them. Both single-hand and two-handed rods are appropriate for swinging and single hand rods are preferred for dry fly fishing. In high water fishing from the non-motorized canoes is common.

You will be fishing on the Matapedia River, either in sector 3 or 1. If an angler is lucky enough to catch two fish in day, local regulations require that they hang up their rod for the rest of the day.

Built in 2011, the lodge is crafted from local wood and designed for fishermen and outdoor lovers. The lodge has a warm rustic style, many antiques and related cabin decor. The main lodge features a living room with a fireplace, veranda with panoramic view, and rustic adornments complemented by the old fishing camp décor. The main floor of the lodge is built with an open area concept that includes the kitchen, the dining table and living room. All guests eat at the same time and share their day with each other over a great home cooked meal.

Guests stay in one of five rooms in the lodge. Accommodations in prime time are two guests per room. At the time of your arrival and if you wish a room for yourself; they may be able to offer this depending on reservations. Bathrooms and washrooms are shared, typically two rooms for each.

Day 1: Arrive Mont Joli or Bathurst, Canada. Transfer approximately 2-hours to the lodge.

Day 2 – 7: Six full days of split schedule guided fishing.

Day 8: Depart lodge after breakfast.

2024 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy and shared guiding (stays of varying length available)

7 night/6 day package: CAD $8333 + tax

4 night/ 3 day package: CAD $4417 + tax

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guiding, any needed equipment including waders, boots, and fly rods

Not Included: Round trip airfare, transportation to the lodge, fishing licenses, flies, alcohol, tax, and staff and guide gratuities

Species: Atlantic Salmon, brook trout

Season: Mid-May – July

Capacity: 10 anglers

What are the top reasons to go?

- Fish for trophy Atlantic salmon with the only licensed fishing lodge Matapedia River
- Enjoy great, riverfront meals and accommodations
- Fish from canoes and while wading with single and two-handed rods
- Choose from stays of varying length

Who is best suited to this destination? This is a great destination for anyone interested in fishing one of North America’s greatest trophy salmon fisheries. It is well suited to anglers of all skill levels but irrespective of skill, it is a low catch rate fishery where each encounter is to be cherished.

Where is the lodge? The lodge is located on the south side of the Matapedia River in the province of Québec, in between the villages of Causapscal and Matapedia. It’s perched on a mountain side with a breathtaking view of the river in the small historical village of Routhierville.

How do I get there? Guests will have several options. Guests can fly to the international Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), rent a car and drive 7-8 hrs. to the lodge. Another option is to fly to Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), rent a car and drive five hours to the lodge. The last option is to take a plane to the Mont-Joli regional airport (YYY) and drive 1.5 hours to the lodge. Bathurst regional airport (ZBF) that is located about a 2-hour drive from the lodge. All the airports have car rental facilities. Flight schedules can vary. There is also a private landing strip near the lodge.

When should I go? Considered the most productive river in the province, the salmon will appear in the Matapedia estuary in mid-May. Most of these salmon, generally large females, will head directly into the Causapscal River, the main tributary of the Matapedia. Meanwhile, the Matapedia strain will appear in mid-late June. Prime time is from mid-June to the end of July.

How will I fish? Guests will utilize 22’-26’ canoes or vehicles to access the water depending on conditions and water levels. Once a poll is reached they will either swing wet flies down and across or cast dry flies up and across and dead drift them. Both single-hand and two-handed rods are appropriate for swinging and single hand rods are preferred for dry fly fishing. In high water fishing from the canes is common. Canoes are non-motorized.

Is there wade fishing? Yes, depending on water levels. In high water, a canoe is a must to cover all the holding lies in some pools. On the other hand, many anglers will fish in these conditions with Spey rods from the banks while wading.

Where will I fish? You will be fishing on the Matapedia River, either in sector 3 or 1 with a 26 ft canoe or wading when the water will be lower.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Some pools are within walking distance of the lodge, for others, the guide will take the 132 road. The farthest ones would be either in the village of Causapscal or Matapedia, about a half hour drive.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Atlantic salmon, are the primary target with some incidental catches of brook trout, sea run trout and striped bass.

How many fish will I catch? This is low catch-rate fishery. Catching an average of one fish per day would be considered excellent fishing, but most anglers will average less than a fish per day. If an angler catches two adult salmon in day, the regulations require that they stop fishing to help preserve and protect the resource.

Will I see other anglers? The Matapedia like other rivers on the Gaspe Peninsula is popular, so you will see other anglers on the river.

What are the guides like? Guides are very professional independent contractors and know the river very well. Most guides in the area approach the river with traditional regional flies and tactics.

What are the physical demands? It is important to be able to walk some trails, down banks and wade, but in general the Matapedia is an easy access river.

Are there any special skills required? Patience is always good when fishing for Salmon.

Does the lodge provide equipment? There is a small fly shop on site, where guest can purchase the flies, they need. Guests can rent all the needed rods, reels and wading equipment or bring their own.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? Our top three picks include a single hand 8 or 9-weight, a switch rod in the 11’6” zone in a 7 or 8-weight and a full sizes two handed rod in the 13’ – 14’ zone in the 7 or 8-weight. All must have floating lines. I prefer Scandi type heads on the two-handed rods with an option for an intermediate versileader or similar tip.

What are the top flies? Larger traditional salmon flies (2/0 to 4) in the early season and smaller sizes (6-10) as the water drops and clears. Bombers for dry fly presentations.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? The water is clear and fishable most days. Floods move through fast but can hinder fishing. Hiking, biking, ATV rides and many other outdoor activities can be arranged.

What is a typical day like? Anglers arrive the evening around 4PM, get their room, relax, set up their gear and have diner at 7PM to 8PM. Breakfast is served between 7AM and 9AM. Usually guides start at 8AM and stop at noon to take a break for lunch. Some have a nap and then go back fishing at 4PM to come back for dinner around 8PM.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge? Built in 2011, the lodge is crafted from local wood and designed for fishermen and outdoor lovers. The lodge has a warm rustic style, many antiques and related cabin decor. The main lodge features a living room with a fireplace, veranda with panoramic view, and rustic adornments complemented by the old fishing camp décor. The main floor of the lodge is built with an open area concept that includes the kitchen, the dining table and living room. All guests eat at the same time and share their day with each other over a great home cooked meal.

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge? The owner is on site most of the time. He does do some guiding, but there is always someone to take care of your needs all day long.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
The main floor of the lodge is built with an open area concept that includes the kitchen, the dining table and living room. All guests eat at the same time and share their day with each other over a great home cooked meal.

What is the alcohol policy? It cannot be provided but guest can bring whatever they want for the week.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? You will be staying in one of five rooms in the lodge. Accommodations in prime time are two guests per room. At the time of your arrival and if you wish a room for yourself; they may be able to offer this depending on reservations. All rooms have attached baths.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Free high-speed internet is available, but there's no cell phone signal due to the mountainous terrain. Guests are welcome to use the lodge phone.

Are there other activities? Site seeing, golfing, hiking, observation of salmon jumping the falls (Causapscal River), bicycling.

Are there any other expenses? Fishing licenses, on site flies, alcohol, gratuities, shuttle fees (if needed)

Do I need a visa? A visa in not necessary to enter Canada but do bring your passport.

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? Biting bugs can be an annoyance.

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.