The Bonaventure River, called Wagamet (clear water) by the local Mic-Mac aboriginals, flows down from the Chic Choc Mountains found deep in the heart of Gaspe Peninsula's interior. It flows for 125 kilometers (76 miles) before emptying into the Baie des Chaleurs. Atlantic salmon and sea trout travel far up the main river, which is divided into sectors APSB-A-B-B1-B3-B4-C-D and E.

There are 103 named pools, and almost as many unnamed runs and little holding areas scattered throughout the limited and unlimited rod sectors. Sectors A, C and D are non-reserved rod zones meaning that they are public sectors with an unlimited number of access passess that can be sold in a day. Sectors B, B1, B3, B4 and E are all reserved rod zones and are limited to between 2 and 8 anglers a day depending on the sector.

 A truly spectacular river, the Bonaventure has one of the biggest runs of salmon of all the Gaspe Rivers with between 2,000 and 3,000 returning annually. With almost ever changing pool structure the "Bonnie" offers the angler almost every type of fishing situation possible. Probably best known as a tremendous dry-fly river, the Bonaventure fishes well from about June 5^th to September 30^th.

The river can be waded or fished from a canoe depending on water levels and sectors, however to truly see and appreciate the river a canoe is a must! One of the biggest reasons a canoe is a must is the fact that there is so much good intermediary water between pools that can be missed if not floating.  

With its mind-blowing gin-clear water the Bonnie is a dry fly fishermans paradise! The best time to dry fly fish is between June 25 and the end of the season September 30 with the hottest periods in July and August. As this is a very clear river I suggest using smaller tippets and flies throughout most of the season. The only time that you will use larger flies will be in the early and very late seasons. 

I will be writing more on the Bonaventure soon!

David Bishop