Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout Fly Fishing Trips on the Serpentine River, Newfoundland, Canada

The Serpentine river was first made  known to the world by the famous Atlantic salmon fishermen - Lee Wulff. This was one of Lee's favorite rivers and after your first trip you'll see why this river rated extremely high on Lee's global list of favorites. Featured repeatedly in Lee's book "The Atlantic Salmon", this picturesque crystal clear river is nestled in the highest mountains in Newfoundland (~2600ft above sea level) and retains its cool water  temperature nearly all season long. The many snow fields are still visible in August and some are semi-permanent. The geology of the area is serpentine rock (from whence the river gets it's name). This rock has a concentration of metals (copper, nickel, cobalt) in it that precludes most plants from growing on it. This poor soil and alpine environment has many of the plants and animals that one might find in the lower arctic such as river beauties, arctic hare, rock ptarmigan, etc. In the river valley moose and caribou are seen regularly as well as rare orchids such as the showy lady slipper. Bring lots of film! The access to this river is usually by float plane or helicopter but a good 4x4 can also get you to the shore of Serpentine Lake. Many guests opt for the free 4X4 or van trip (1 hr from the lodge) which is included in our packages rather than charter a float plane (~$85CDN return each for 5 people and gear). However, the road is very rough in spots and develops vehicle stopping washouts occasionally. It should be checked for required washout repairs prior to any trip. At the end of the decommissioned logging road (orange road on the map) is Serpentine Lake and the river is a short (2 minute) ride away by river boat or freighter canoe. The outflow of Serpentine Lake is 9 miles east from the ocean and the river is approximately 14 miles long below the lake.

The Landing Pool on the remote serpentine river.

 

The first pool is about 100 yards down stream from the lake (home pool) and from here more than a dozen pools can be fished for salmon before arriving at a small water falls which is about 6 miles upstream from the ocean and about 8 miles from the lake we first arrived at. We generally don't fish more than walking distance below the falls. The river consists mainly of steadies with frequent runs and pools. The river has 3 or 4 shallow spots that may not be passable with a loaded canoe and requires the occupants to drag the barely floating canoe for as much as 30 yards. However, other than these few interruptions a short shaft outboard motor can be used on a canoe for the entire trip to the falls. Paddling can be done in both the upstream and down stream direction but will require some towing of the canoe in some fast water spots. Two of our favorite pools are the upper and lower Jeffery's (see pictures above and below). The lower pool is the result of the river flowing around a large island. Some of the pools in this river are very small and may only be fished by 1 or 2 anglers at a time while others can be fished by as many as 4 at a time. Salmon do not hold in all the pools but the rather large trout in this system can be found virtually everywhere. Generally, the best time of year to fish this river is July. Both salmon and fresh sea run brook trout are available throughout this month. A good percentage of the salmon in this river are 2sw repeat spawning salmon of 10 to 18 pounds with some multi sea-winter fish ranging over 18 pounds. Exceptional fish above 25 pounds are available but rare. The grilse (one sea winter salmon) range from 3 to 6 pounds and are about average in length to weight ratio for Atlantic salmon. The typical guided catch rate for salmon on this river is about 2-3 fish per day but more productive days are seen regularly. Most of the holding pools for salmon have numerous fish in them throughout July. This river has a lovely sea run of brook trout. These silvery trout range from 1/2 to 6 pounds with most being 1 to 4 pounds. This river will be at it's peak trout numbers in late August. However, the best time to trout fish is late July, as this is considered by most to be an early sea trout river. Some colored brook trout (non-sea run trout) can be caught in most pools. Most pools will give up a few trout before the fish in the pool are spooked and the pool must be "rested" for an hour. Nymphs, streamers and dry flies will all work, but the nymphs must un-weighted (by law) and not fished more than 10 inches below the surface to prevent snagging the fish. Typical guided catch rates are 6+ good sized trout per angler per day. Moving from pool to pool works best for the trout while it is unnecessary for salmon. Nearby rivers that are close rivals to the Serpentine in terms of medium sized sea trout rivers are Goose Arm River and Hughes Brook. For some more photos of this beautiful river please visit our Serpentine River photo album. The "falls" on the Serpentine River Newfoundland Canada. High water in early August 2009 shown here.

5 short "walk and float the boat" portages up to 100 feet long are required when heading back up river.     Looking down river to Helicopter Pool     Fresh 17 pounder from Lower Jefferies Pool. Two more 15 to 20 pounders were played and lost that same morning by the same angler. Fishing below the portage on the Serpentine River. Moderate to high water in July 2002. Note angler in the center of the river at falls and another on right hand shore in foreground.

 

The inlet of the Serpentine River from the Lake. 2003

Mary Anne Pool on the Serpentine River. 2003

 

Mary Anne Pool on the Serpentine River. 2003

Mary Anne Pool on the Serpentine River. 2003

 

Camping on the Serpentine River. 2003

Fishing Mary Anne Pool on the Serpentine River. 2003

 
 

Click your mouse on map position/river you  want to enlarge below.  It will open a new window with a 1:250,000 scale map or  a 1:50,000 scale map of some of the pools. There are over 200 salmon rivers in the Province of Newfoundland  and Labrador. These are only a few (but some of the better ones).  Note that not all salmon and trout rivers in this area are marked.

Click the link below for a description and photos of the river. Salmon Rivers We Fish 1) Sop's Arm River 2) Upper Humber 3) Lower Humber 4) Lomond River 5) Goose Arm River  7) Serpentine River 8) Pinchgut River 9) Harry's River 10) Fox Island River 11) South West River 12) Bottom Brook 13) Little Barachois River 14) Flat Bay River 15) Fishell's Brook Others on occassion Brook Trout  Areas We Fish 2 & 3)Humber (lower and upper) 4) Lomond River 5) Goose Arm River 6) Hughes Brook 7) Serpentine River Deer Lake (and 4 tributaries) Aides Lake Goose Arm Lake Sandy Lake Cloudy Pond Secret Spots Others 30 Day Water Flow Rates, Temperatures (updated daily or hourly) Humber River (at various locations) Main River (at Paradise Pool), and Harry's River (at the bridge).

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