FAQ

Here are some popular FAQ’s regarding Canadian fly fishing trips

  • FishingShowHide

    What flies are recommended for Brook trout and Arctic Char at the Tunulik II Fishing Camp?

    The following dry and wet fly patterns are very effective for Native and Sea-Run Brook Trout as well as Arctic Char at the Tunulik II Fishing Camp:

    Wet flies - Mickey finn / Hook size - 4

    Wet flies - Muddler Minnow / Hook size - 4

    Wet flies - Magog Smelt / Hook size - 4

    Wet flies - Wolly Bugger (black, olive and chartreuse) / Hook size - 4

    Wet flies - Sheep Shagger / Hook size - 4

    Streamers - Double Bunny (black top and olive underneath) / Hook size - 4

    Streamers - Millbrook / Hook size - 6

    Streamers - Grey Ghost / Hook size - 4
     

    What fishing techniques are most popular for fishing Brook trout and Arctic Char at the Tunulik II Fishing Camp?

    Anglers are transported on the 7 mile stretch of the Lagrevé River by freighter canoe powered by Mercury Jet outboards. Anglers wade the numerous pools where the trout hold.

    If I want to fly fish for Arctic Char and trout at the Payne River Fishing Camp, what fly fishing equipment is recommended?

    Fly fishing for Arctic Char requires a seven or eight weight rod at least 9 ft long and a reel with a good braking system. Char can be caught on the surface with floating lines and can also be hooked in deeper lies where a full uniform “sinking” line will work extremely well. Be sure to load a minimum of 100 yards of 20 lb back line on your reel as Arctic Char are fast powerful fish ! We know from experience and from our guests’ feedback which wet flies and streamers are most productive for char. Our guides also know where to find the fish as tides rise and fall 35 feet twice each day.

    If I want to spin for Arctic Char and trout at the Payne River Fishing Camp, what spin casting equipment is recommended?

    We recommend medium action 7 ½ foot spinning rods and reels with a capacity of at least 100 yards of 8 to 10 lb test line. Quality reels with a smooth solid drag mechanism are a must to withstand the searing runs of a trophy Arctic Char. Arctic Char will attack most silvery lures but anglers have best results with Pixies (pink, orange, blue & chartreuse plastic centers), silver & blue Fjords, red & white Daredevils, Mepps type spinners, Crocodiles, Suttons, Williams Wobblers and diving & sinking Rapalas.

    What fishing techniques are most popular for fishing Arctic Char and trout at Payne River Fishing Camp?

    You can fish for Arctic Char, Brook trout and Lake trout with light tackle and flies at the Payne River Fishing Camp.
     

    What else can I do while fishing at Payne River Fishing Camp?

    A fishing trip to Payne River Fishing Camp will provide you with unique opportunities to:

    • Observe wildlife such as Caribou, Muskox, Wolves, Arctic fox, Arctic hare
    • Observe sea mammals such as Seals and Beluga Whales
    • Observe many species of Arctic birds
    • Observe large numbers of waterfowl
    • Experience friendly Inuit hospitality
    • Learn about Inuit culture, traditions and history
    • Catch big powerful Arctic Char, Brook Trout and Lake Trout in pristine waters
    • Observe and photograph Arctic landscape far above the tree line

    How do tides affect fishing schedules?

    The tide cycles on Ungava Bay determine our fishing schedules at the Payne River Fishing Camp. Our guides depart camp with their guests when tides are high and return to camp on the next high tide. Guests who wish to return to camp early are picked up and transported back to camp with our argo.

    What are the average temperatures during the periods of operation of each camp?

    The average temperatures during the fishing season in the southern Ungava Bay region where our camps operate are as follows:

    Farenheit Celcius
    Low/ High Low/ High

    July 41° / 60° 5.8° / 16.9°
    August 41° / 59° 5.7° / 15.1°
    September 34° / 50° 1° / 9°

    Which is the best period to fish?

    At the Payne River Fishing Camp, the fishing is consistently good during the periods the camp is open. Arctic Char gorge themselves and grow during the months of July and August. We close our camps well before the Arctic Char start migrating towards the freshwater to spawn and winter.

    At the Tunulik II Fishing Camp, the Sea Run Brook Trout are always in the river when the camp opens on August 11th. Arctic Char normally start entering the river in early September if the water is cool and water levels are not too low.

    What is your Live Release Fishing policy?

    The quality of Arctic Char and trout fishing we offer our guests at each camp makes “live release” fishing a must. Very early in the trip, guides will ask you to crimp the barbs on your hooks in order to reduce stress on each fish as it is released.

    Provincial Government Fish and Wildlife regulations stipulate that the possession limit of Arctic Char is five fish per angler who has a valid angling license.

    In spite of more liberal government possession limits for trout, our camp possession limit is five trout per guest. No Brook trout and Lake trout can be kept after September 7th

    At Tunulik II Fishing Camp, we implemented a “live release” policy for all Native Brook Trout five years ago. Anglers now regularly catch and release colourful 3 to 5 lb Native Brookies as a result of this conservation initiative.

    What species of fish can be caught at each camp?

    The Payne River Fishing Camp offers non stop fishing action for Arctic Char ranging from 4 to 15 lbs.

    Tunulik II Fishing Camp is a camp with 10 miles of private waters where anglers cast wet and dry flies over Sea Run Brookies ranging from 2 to 5 lbs. This camp is acclaimed as one of the 5 best Brook trout waters in North America (Fly Fisherman Magazine). Note: Our camp record was a 10+ lbs Brookie caught and live released by Jeff Turner from Texas, on a # 18 Parachute Adams.

    How many days of fishing are included at each camp?

    Payne River Fishing Camp: Four full days of guided fishing/ six overnights at camp. Tunulik II Fishing Camp: Four full days of guided fishing/ five overnights at camp.

    Do guides prepare shore lunches?

    Shore lunches are a tradition at both Arctic Adventures fishing camps. Each day our guides leave camp with plenty of food for the day and equipment to prepare a tasty shore lunch. We have never had to worry about catching a char or trout for our mid day meal !

    Does Arctic Adventures provide guide services at both fishing camps?

    Yes, guides are included at both fishing camps. The Payne River Fishing Camp provides one guide with a 24 foot freighter canoe and 40 H.P. motor per two anglers. The Tunulik II Fishing Camp provides one guide with a 22 foot freighter canoe and a 20 H.P. jet outboard motor per three anglers. Most fishing on the Lagrevé River is from shore or by wading. Guides use their freighter canoe and motor mainly to transport guests between pools on the river system.

    What meal service does each camp offer?

    In both fishing camps, great meals are prepared by our wonderful camp cook and served in a separate dining cabin. We receive many compliments on the variety, quality and quantity of food Carole serve at both camps.

    What type of lodging facilities are provided at each camp?

    Arctic Adventures provides all our angling guests with solid heated sleeping accommodations including bedding, linen and sleeping bags. Both fishing camps have showers, generated electricity and satellite telephone communications.

    What is the maximum number of anglers each camp will accommodate?

    In order to provide our guests with comfortable accommodations, a relaxing friendly atmosphere and personalized service, we host a maximum of eight guests at the Payne River Fishing Camp and eight guests at Tunulik II Fishing Camp.

    When does each camp open and close each season?

    Payne River Fishing Camp opens on July 4th and closes August 3rd Tunulik II Fishing Camp opens on August 11th and closes September 15th

    How many fishing camps does Arctic Adventures operate and where are they located?

    Arctic Adventures operates two Arctic Char and Trout camps in Northern Quebec, 1000 miles north of Montreal. Payne River Fishing Camp is located on the Payne fjord 25 miles west of Kangirsuk. The camp coordinates are: 60° Lat. North, 70°39” Long. West.

    Tunulik II Fishing Camp is located 80 miles east of Kuujjuaq on the Lagrevé River. The camp coordinates are 58° 28’ Lat. North, 66° 34’ Long. West.

  • Trip PreparationShowHide

    Can I bring fish home?

    Yes, each guest is allowed to bring home 5 Arctic Char and 5 Trout (of which there can only be a maximum of 4 Lake Trout or Splake). Your guide will clean, package, identify and store your fish in a freezer until it is time to depart camp.When leaving camp, your frozen fish will be packaged in special fish boxes for homebound transportation. There is a freezer to keep fish frozen at the Hilton Garden where Arctic Adventures’ guests stay if they overnight in Montreal.

    What happens if I am delayed traveling to or from my selected fishing camp?

    Flight delays may be encountered due to reasons beyond our control. In the event of an uncontrollable delay, we cannot be held responsible for shortened holiday time, missed connections, extra expenses for food and lodging or other loss or damages which may result. If your arrival at the camp is delayed due to uncontrollable circumstances, the full rate will apply. If you are delayed in leaving the camp, there will be no extra charge.

    Is the published fishing package rate guaranteed?

    Yes. The published rate for Arctic Adventures’ land portion of a fishing package is guaranteed in writing once the 30% deposit has been received from a guest and the booking is confirmed. Round trip air transportation between Montreal and Kuujjuaq is subject to change. Any increase in airfare will be added to the cost of the trip when final payment is due.

    Are Montreal hotel accommodations included in Arctic Adventures fishing packages?

    Arctic Adventures fishing packages do not include hotel accommodations in Montreal. We strongly recommend that our guests stay one overnight at the hotel prior to traveling north to go fishing and one overnight when returning to Montreal at the end of the trip unless one lives in Montreal.

    What other costs should I expect to pay if I go on a fishing trip with Arctic Adventures?

    It is customary to give your guide and the camp staff a tip as a token of appreciation for services provided during your stay in camp. Tipping guidelines are included in our trip preparation information.

    What is not included in Arctic Adventures fishing trip packages?

    Arctic Adventures fishing trip packages do not include:

    Round trip air transportation from Montreal to Kuujjuaq
    Hotel accommodations in Montreal
    Fishing equipment
    Transportation of fish from Montreal to final destination
    Tips to guides and staff
    Meals in Montreal, insurance, items of a personal nature
    Any costs other than those specified in fishing package description

    What does a trip to the Tunulik II Fishing Camp cost and what does the package include?

    Our 2014, 5 night package to the Tunulik II Fishing Camp costs $4150. CAD.The fishing package includes:

    Round trip air transportation from Kuujjuaq to the Tunulik II Fishing Camp
    Shuttles to and from airports
    Coordination services in Kuujjuaq and homebound in Montreal
    Five nights accommodation in oil heated solid cabins
    Five days of fishing
    Bedding and sleeping bags
    Hearty home cooked meals prepared by camp cook
    Hot showers and toilet facilities
    Fishing permit
    One guide with a freighter canoe and jet outboard motor per three anglers
    One freighter canoe and outboard motor per three anglers
    Landing nets and life jackets
    Conservation and preparation of fish for homebound transportation
    Fish boxes for transportation of fish
    Freezer storage in Montreal
    Satellite telephone communications for your convenience and safety
    All federal, provincial and airport taxes

    What does a trip to the Payne River Fishing Camp cost and what does the package include?

    Our 2014, 6 night package to the Payne River Fishing Camp costs $5295.CAD.

    The fishing package includes:

    Round trip air transportation from Kuujjuaq to the Payne River Fishing Camp
    Shuttles to and from airports
    Coordination services in Kuujjuaq and homebound in Montreal
    Six nights accommodation in electrically heated solid cabins
    Five full days of fishing
    Bedding and sleeping bags
    Hearty home cooked meals prepared by camp cook
    Hot showers and toilet facilities
    Fishing permit
    One guide with freighter canoe and outboard motor per two anglers
    Landing nets and life jackets
    Conservation and preparation of fish for homebound transportation
    Fish boxes for transportation of fish
    Freezer storage in Montreal
    Satellite telephone communications for your convenience and safety
    All federal, provincial and airport taxes.
     

    Do we need to bring landing nets and life jackets?

    No, landing nets and life jackets are provided for our guests at both fishing camps.

  • PackagesShowHide

    If I have a record/ felony, can I enter Canada to go on a fishing trip?

    If you have a record or have been convicted of a felony, you should check with Citizenship and Immigration Canada before booking your trip so that you will know if you will be able to enter Canada when it is time to travel.

    What documents do I need to enter Canada?

    When you enter Canada you will be required to present Customs and Immigration officers with a valid passport.

    What air transportation services are used when traveling from Montreal to Kuujjuaq?

    All Arctic Adventures anglers travel to Kuujjuaq aboard First Air’s 737 Jet service which;

    Takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to travel 945 air miles north to Kuujjuaq Includes hot full course meals on both Northbound and Southbound flights Provides each angler traveling to and from Kuujjuaq with generous luggage allowances Allows anglers to return to Montreal with one box of fish without excess luggage charges Enables Arctic Adventures’ angling guests to fly north and into camp on the same day and out of camp to Montreal on the same dayWhen traveling to Kuujjuaq aboard First Air

    Each angler is allowed to bring luggage totaling 60 lb or 27kg, plus one (1) carry on bag and fishing rods in a rigid case. When traveling southbound, the same luggage allowance applies plus one (1) box of fish.

    We wish to remind all our guests that weight restrictions on the Twin Otter aircraft used to transport our guests to and from camp will not allow us to exceed the luggage allowance described above. Flying our guests safely to and from camp is our number one concern.

    If I plan to drive to Montreal, can I park my vehicle at the Quality Hotel while I am away on my fishing trip?

    The Quality Hotel provides their guests with a secure indoor parking facility for a cost $50 per week.

    What is Arctic Adventures’ cancellation policy?

    A reservation with deposit is accepted under the condition that the final payment will be paid by May 1st. A trip not fully paid by this date will be considered as being cancelled by the client and the following fees will apply:

    • Up to May 1st……………………………………30% of the published rate
    • Between May 1st and date of departure ……….100% of the published rate

    Only a written cancellation will be accepted. Cancellation insurance is advisable and can be obtained from our office.TRAVEL

    When is the final payment due?

    The final payment for a fishing trip is due to Arctic Adventures by May 1st of the year the fishing trip is scheduled.