Has anyone fished the Grand Cascapedia?

[Yambag Nelson]

On a bit of a whim, I threw my name in the November draw for the Grand and was picked for the guided sectors.  I have never been and am trying to get a read on which sectors/beats are the best.  There is quite a bit of variability as far as price between the different sectors and I would hate to spend a bunch of money on a Sector that isn't great at the time of year I will be going.  Unfortunately I have no idea as to the dates available, nor will I until I receive the call from the ZEC.  Has anyone been that can shine some light on particular beats that have fished well for them?

[Terry C]

I just sent an email to a guy I know that has a place up there and fishes it during the summer. I copied the link to this post and sent it to him. Maybe he can help. 

[Yambag Nelson]

Awesome, appreciate it.

[Albert Pingree]

Hey Nelson,

Terry forwarded this along to me an I'm happy to provide some insight on the Grand Cascapedia.  First of all I have been lucky enough to have fished this river my whole life and really any section is a blessing.  That being said, I have only fished the lower sections as that is where my families camp is(sector A).  From what I have heard, the fishing is  better up river with larger pools that hold more fish for longer periods of time.  That being said, the section that I fish is a lot more quiet so, less fisherman and remember that they all have to go through there first which means greener fish(sometimes with sea lice) that may be more willing to bite.  Honestly I don't think you can go wrong but I would say you will have more shots up river near the "forks" but like I mentioned I'm partial to the lower parts of the river for the reasons I mentioned and the fact that it is like a second home to me.  If you have a choice on time of year I would shoot for the last two weeks in June or the first two of July. Also early June provides the best shots at 40+ pounders if thats what your interested in but way less fish and often super high water. I would avoid  August as it  can often be tough fishing given the numbers of fish and lower water levels.  This is also not an exact  science, and is often related to current weather as well as the pervious winter.  But for an example, last year during the the first two weeks in July the our camp caught and released around 80 fish, which means that around 15-20 where probably lost.  Sorry for the long email but can't say enough about this special river and the salmon that visit it each year.  I love all kinds of fly fishing but Atlantic salmon is still way up on my list in terms of challenge and fighting abilities.  Let me know where and when u end up going and I can provide some info on gear and flies.

[Albert Pingree]

Also here is a video that me and my buddy made a few yrs ago base off of several summers of fishing up there.

Fly Fishing Atlantic Salmon / Peche au Saumon Atlantique, Grand Cascapedia, Quebec

[Yambag Nelson]

Thank you very much Albert (and Terry for forwarding.  My hope is to get on the end of june/early july but am a bit worried my draw number will not get me in there.  I may end up looking at September as an alternative.  I had thought about end of july but I plan to supplement my grand C days (I think I get three) with days on public water on either the Bonaventure or little Cascapedia and have heard that it is a bad time to go due to everyone being off from work those weeks.  Not sure how true that is.   

Based on your info it sounds like it is worth paying the money to get on the C sector (area immediately downstream from the forks).  It is fairly pricey but sounds like it will be worth while. 

Your post and video have me even more excited.  I have had this one on my list for a long time.  I get the call from the ZEC on Tuesday so should know the dates and beats then.

[Yambag Nelson]

I ended up with July 20-22. Definitely later than what I was hoping for but it is what it is.  I drew beats E1 (Salmon Branch), B3, and C4.  Any thoughts as to what I can expect in the second half of July?