Flowers River Lodge

Flowers River Lodge is located in Northern Labrador, 160 miles by float plane from Goose Bay.  It is the only fixed lodge on the river, augmented by a couple of remote tent camps on the upper and lower sections of the river.  Surrounded by relatively low-lying mountains with untouched pine and birch forests it is both tranquil and scenic in equal measure.

The river itself flows over a low gradient and the pools are primarily wide and relatively shallow.  Much of the bottom of the river consists of a base layer of solid clay, on top of which sand, gravel and some larger boulders rest.  A vivid green weed dominates the slower parts of the river but even amongst these areas indentations and boulders provide unusual lies for salmon on their way upriver.  The river is normally very clear and although it will colour up with heavy rainfall, in good light you can sight-fish in the bulk of the pools that you fish.  Alongside the smoother pools there are others which have more than their fair share of character, with boulder strewn streams and faster flowing runs making for some very exciting fights, especially if you encounter one of the larger salmon that the Flowers River commonly produces.

The easy gradient of the river makes it an incredibly easy river to fish, for anglers of all ages and abilities.  That is not to say that the appeal rests with anglers of less experience or restricted physical dexterity, as the Flowers River commonly produces both some of the largest Atlantic Salmon in Labrador as well as substantial numbers.  Between the weekly quota of 12 anglers fishing the lodge, catches of over 150 salmon are common and good weeks will see catches in excess of 200.

Both single-handed and light switch rods with floating lines are the ideal for the river.   The clear water means that for the bulk of the season anglers will normally be fishing relatively light small flies. Sight-fishing with dry fly ‘bombers’ as well as hitch flies is standard throughout the season.  Given the opportunity to cast over fish of 20lbs or more, in all the pools, with a realistic chance at a 30lb salmon anglers are provided with a remarkable opportunity to spot, hook and hopefully land a very special fish.

As the season progresses into August the river has a good run of Arctic Char.

The fishing guides at Flowers River Lodge are all experienced, friendly and welcoming.  Pairs of anglers are typically assigned an individual guide for the week who will be happy to offer as much or as little guidance and support as required.  Access to the pools is primarily via a canoe with an outboard motor. A hovercraft is used for some of the less accessible areas as well as those who would struggle with the short walk required to reach one of the upper pools.  Finally, a quadbike is used to reach the most remote upstream section.

 The Main Lodge at Flowers River was constructed of red cedar logs some 60 years ago and houses a newly renovated kitchen, dining room as well as two private individual bedrooms, each with their own en-suite. There are two individual and spacious log cabins with twin beds which accommodate two anglers each. The third and newest building is a stunning three-bedroom log cabin which sleeps six anglers, with its own spacious common living area and porch. A large screened in wader room, opposite the jetty, with its own log stove ensures kit should be dry by the morning, regardless of the variables in Labradorian weather.  The lodge is powered by solar energy and has an excellent starlink wi-fi service, allowing full connectivity for those who need to stay in touch.

Flowers River Lodge is very popular, for all the reasons outlined above.  Openings do not become available very often and anyone hoping to fish at Flowers for the first time are advised to give notice at the earliest opportunity so that your name can be added to the wait list.  Although the lodge has as many as 90% return guests, gaps do appear…and it is worth the wait, whenever spaces appear in the season!

Weather in Labrador is unpredictable.  It is not uncommon for anglers to experience delays getting to and from the lodge due to weather related issues.  Guests must accept that this is part and parcel of a trip when it comes to fishing in such a remote area.  It can result in lost days, or indeed extra days fishing if you are stuck at the lodge, as well as missed return flight connections.  Please ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance and if you can include a delay clause, that may provide a level of reimbursement and a degree of peace of mind in the event of an issue of this nature.

Anglers fly to Goose Bay in Labrador, typically accessed via a connecting flight from Halifax.  A night before and after at the bunk house, included in the package, is a pre-requisite prior to a float-plane trip of approx. 1 hr 20 mins and 160 miles to the lodge.