Salmon report 2025 & 2026 forecast

The 2025 salmon season marked a clear step forward compared to 2024 across much of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Returns were generally stronger, driven largely by a healthy rebound in grilse numbers after their sharp decline the previous year.

That said, the run still lacked a strong proportion of two sea winter fish. This was not unexpected, as these larger fish are directly tied to the weaker grilse class observed in 2024. In short, we saw more fish, but not yet the full structure we hope for in a truly balanced run.

Even so, the season delivered some very memorable fish. Most notably, a dime bright 38-inch salmon kicked off our season and marked the first entry in the lodge logbook. The fish was landed by Jake Nichol’s, guided by Samantha Breault. The week produced several solid hookups and a number of first-ever salmon for the group, setting a strong tone early on. Jake was part of our friend and master fly tier Joe Webster’s group, who joins us regularly for the challenge and reward that early-season salmon provides! We look forward to starting our 2026 season with his group (there is a spot for 2 anglers left!). 

Sam stayed on a hot streak, later completing a proper Gaspesian Grand Slam (salmon, brook trout & striped bass) with Josh Nugent of Calgary’s Out Fly Fly Shop, adding another highlight to an already memorable stretch of fishing.

Jake with the first salmon of 2025

Fishing remained strong into late June, but conditions began to shift as water levels dropped quickly following the low snowfall winter of 2024–2025. Our guides adapted well, continuing to find success week after week by adjusting techniques, fly selection, and approach.

Early mornings proved especially productive. Anglers willing to meet the river at first light were often rewarded not only with quality fishing but with some of the most striking moments of the season.

As the summer progressed, action became variable. With limited rainfall, fish turned on and off throughout the weeks, and success depended increasingly on timing and precision. Light presentations and smaller flies became essential.

Some great summer moments

Still, salmon being what they are, the river continued to offer unforgettable moments. Ray joined us from Alabama with Pat Pendergast of The Fly Shop in pursuit of his first Atlantic salmon, and after a patient, deliberate effort, landed a beautiful 12-pound hen on the Little Cascapedia with Sam T. and Alex Mallais. Moments like these are what keep us coming back, day after day.

Late summer and early fall proved more challenging. Warmer-than-average temperatures in early September, followed by a quick cold snap but little rain, made for difficult water conditions. Even so, persistence paid off.

We tip our hats to Mike Shellman, who committed fully to his week and was rewarded with a beautiful buck on an early morning session with Alex Mallais. A few weeks later, another emotional highlight came when Rachel Finn landed her first salmon on the Bonaventure, honoring her late husband, for whom the river held a special place.

Despite the challenges, the season remained deeply rewarding. Lower angling pressure across the region gave us more freedom to move, adjust, and fish water thoroughly. It allowed for a more thoughtful pace on the river, something we value greatly in how we guide and fish.

Success often came down to precision. And on that note, renowned permit guide Travis Sands gave us a masterclass, hooking two salmon on his very first outing, both on dry flies. It came as no surprise to see his ability to read water and target fish translate so naturally, spotting and presenting to laid-up salmon with remarkable accuracy.

Looking ahead 

If 2025 felt like a step forward, 2026 is shaping up to be a step into something more complete.

The strongest signal remains the healthy grilse return from 2025, which should now translate into a more robust class of two sea winter fish. These are the fish that bring real energy to the river, and we are optimistic about seeing more of them this season.

Conditions are also lining up in our favor. Snowpack has returned to near normal levels after a couple of lighter winters, and more importantly, it has held well. A colder, more stable winter without frequent thaw events should lead to a more gradual and sustained runoff, rather than the quick drop we experienced last year. In practical terms, that means better water levels through June and improved conditions for fish to move freely into the system.

Spring won’t be early this year, with the lodge having received over two feet of snow in the first five days of April. 

Encouragingly, we are also seeing strong early-season reports from the UK and Ireland, where several rivers have recorded some of their best early-spring runs in recent years. While these fisheries are far from ours, they are part of the same North Atlantic system, and early signals like this are often watched closely as indicators of broader marine survival trends. It is certainly a positive note.

Taken together, the pieces are falling into place:

• A stronger pipeline of returning fish

• More balanced run structure

• Improved early-season water conditions

What does that mean on the water?

A higher likelihood of steady early-season fishing, fish moving through the system rather than holding in the estuary, and more consistent opportunities throughout June and into the summer.

As always, salmon will keep us honest. But heading into this season, there is a sense of quiet confidence,