in the wilds ofLabrador
FABULOUS BROOK TROUT FISHING
At Crooks Lake lodge you can experience the ultimate in Trophy Eastern Brook Trout Fishing in one of Canada’s last unspoiled frontiers. We opened the world class fishing lodge in 1990 and have always encouraged a catch and release policy which has resulted in consistent, high quality fishing for wild brook trout. In addition to abundant Brook Trout, Crooks Lake and the Eagle River offer large Northern Pike which will frequently rise to your trout flies.
Booking
INFORMATION
*Please Note - Crooks Lake is not opening to public bookings for 2025*
2024 all-inclusive, 6 Day Fishing Package – $5,949 CDN + HST
Includes:
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Ground transportation in Goose Bay
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Bunkhouse accommodations in Goose Bay, including continental breakfast. (Double occupancy. One night - Pre and post-trip)
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Float plane to and from Goose Bay to Camp
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and evening snacks
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Accommodations
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Fishing Guide, one per two anglers
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Fishing License, Sattelite Wifi
*Does not include gratuity or liquor
*Our guests fish on the day of arrival but not day of departure
Booking a trip to Crooks Lake Lodge is as easy as scrolling ahead to our booking availability for the next three years, seeing what spot(s) you’d like to book and letting us know via email at:
A 50% non-refundable deposit is due upon booking to hold your spots.
A handful of our guests are grandfathered into a first-right-of refusal system - but going forward all guests interested in booking for the next year, or the year after, will need to pay a deposit to hold that spot.
Final Payments will be due by April 1 of the year of your booking.
BOOKING
GETTING HERE
There are scheduled flights to and from Goose Bay from most major Canadian and U.S. cities. Air Canada has direct flights from Halifax, Nova Scotia and there are connector flights through Montreal, Deer Lake and St. John’s.
You will need to arrive in Goose Bay the day before your departure to the lodge. We will have a representative from the lodge meet you at the airport, take you to The Bunkhouse and then to the float plane the next morning. We will do the same on your departure date . Ground transfers and our Bunkhouse are included in your package price, however meals in Goose Bay are not.
OTTER CREEK BUNKHOUSE
We purchased and renovated what we call “The Bunkhouse” at Otter Creek 2017 and accommodations here are now included as a part of your fishing package.
We know it’s not always easy to get to Goose Bay, so we want to make sure it’s as easy as possible once you get to us. A room at the Bunkhouse (double occupancy) is included the night before your week at camp as well as the night you come out.
On any particular evening, we may have single rooms available at an additional charge. Please speak to our staff if you’d like to see if one is available.
If you want to arrive a day for time zone adjustment or a safety net for travel, you can check with us and add nights to your stay for $125 + hst per night.
A continental breakfast is included and there are kitchen facilities available if you’d prefer to cook a meal than to go out.
BAGGAGE
We kindly ask for your understanding regarding our strict policy on baggage weight. Our charter equipment is specifically designed with safety as our top priority, ensuring a maximum payload for safe and enjoyable flights.
The maximum weight allowance for baggage is 50 pounds per person. Please note that unlike commercial airlines, this weight limit applies to the total baggage, including checked bags and carry-ons. It's important to adhere to this limit as exceeding it can compromise safety for everyone, which is something we cannot compromise on.
To avoid any inconvenience, we highly recommend weighing your bags before departure. If your baggage exceeds the limit, you will be required to leave the excess at the float plane dock in Goose Bay.
Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines ensures a safe and smooth experience for all passengers. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
WEATHER
Labrador weather is unpredictable, to say the least, and can sometimes be challenging.
We suggest that you pack a set of warm clothes should the weather drop to the low end of the range, which would be about 5 degrees Celsius.
At the same time that we tell you to pack a set of warm clothes, please remember that it’s not uncommon to see the temperature reach 30 degrees Celsius
ACCOMMODATIONS
At Crooks Lake Lodge, your journey begins with a scenic 60-mile float plane flight from Goose Bay. Our camp embraces a rustic charm while ensuring cleanliness and comfort, providing a perfect retreat after a day of fishing and adventure.
The lodge is designed to accommodate up to 6 guests per week, offering an intimate and personalized experience. Many groups book the entire lodge, creating a private home-away-from-home atmosphere for their stay. Overlooking the serene lake, the main lodge features a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy dining and lounge area, three comfortable double bedrooms, and a delightful screened-in porch.
For added convenience, our lodge is equipped with two full bathrooms, each boasting hot showers. We provide generated power, internet access, and WiFi connectivity, ensuring you stay connected while immersing yourself in the wilderness.
Come unwind, relax, and make lasting memories at Crooks Lake Lodge – your gateway to a truly authentic Labrador experience.
WHAT TO
pack
Remembering that you are limited to 50 pounds of gear, the following is a checklist of important things to bring and we are happy to answer any questions you might have.
RODS
We generally recommend not to go smaller than a 9ft 5wt graphite fly rod, especially in spring flows. If you are coming during the month of June be sure to bring a 9-10ft 6 or 7wt.
For the month of July, you can get away with a 9ft 5wt rod but as flows decrease, a 9ft 6wt is preferable. If possible be sure to take a 9ft 9wt or 10 weight for fishing pike in the evenings, especially in the month of July!
Remember it is much easier to travel with 4 piece rods rather than 2 piece.
CLOTHING
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Thermal Base layers
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Heavy Sweaters
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Waterproof Wading Jacket
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Wading Staff
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Winter Hat
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Gloves
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Wide-brimmed and Ball Hats
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Stocking Foot Breathable Chest-waders
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Felt Sole Wading Boots
REELS, FLY LINES & LEADERS
Fly Reels: Larger Arbor Fly Reels matching your rod and line weight are recommended as the season progresses as well as a minimum of 100 yards of backing.
Fly Lines: We recommend 5wt to 8wt Floating Lines and for the early season, slow to medium fast Sink Tip or Poly Leaders ranging from 2 to 5 IPS.
Tippets and Leaders: A selection of tippets and leaders from 1X to 5X (We recommend Maxima Chameleon 4-10 LBS) and 20 lb Wire Bite tippet.
OTHER
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A general selection of dry flies, streamers, nymphs, and pike flies.
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Fly Floatant
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Clippers
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Split shot
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Insect repellent
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Sunscreen
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Polarized sunglasses
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Camera
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iPad
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Medications
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Travel documents
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Warm clothing
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Reading material
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Fly tying gear
Flies
CROOKS LAKE
Flies you will need for your trip depends on the time of year you are coming. Fly selection can be a very difficult thing, especially if you’re experiencing conditions unfamiliar to you. Our guides provided this comprehensive list for flies for each week of fishing at Crooks Lake.
WEEK 1
The fishing during week one is always action packed! Depending on our winter the hatches may start sooner or later. So it is always good to have a wide selection of flies. One this is for certain these fish will take streamers all day! You may not use your nymphs or dries, but they’re always good to have in your box.
WEEK 2
As the second week starts, streamer fishing will still be consistent and fly sizes may start to decrease depending on water temperature and flow waters. The suckers will likely start to spawn creating a high protein food source for the trout of Crooks Lake. During this week we may see the first of the Mayflies. Generally, the mayflies are size 10 to 14, dark brown in colour and the hatch lasts about 2 weeks at the most.
WEEK 3
Third week is the prime mayfly week, weather patterns dependant. The fish will be actively feeding on emergers, duns, cripples and spinners this week! Prepare for the slow steady rises of 4-5 lb average brook trout! If weather patterns permit, the caddis hatch may start during this week. Size 12 to 18 Elk Hair Caddis are always a staple during the hatch. Don’t go without your streamers, trolling or casting these will provide action when the fish just won’t take that #14 Mayfly.
WEEK 4&5
Fourth and Fifth weeks are usually prime caddis hatch time, active fish rising to emergers and adults can be found throughout the running waters of the Upper Eagle River. In the evenings this is when you will find brook trout feeding heavily on the remaining mayfly hatch around the islands of the lake. Again, don’t be lost without a good selection of streamer patterns!
WEEK 6+
As the season continues hatches will start to taper out, but larger mayfly species begin to hatch in the lakes and still waters providing great fishing. Streamers are always essential as trolling may be a last resort if fishing efforts slow in the runs.
WEIGHTED STREAMERS #2-8
Woolly Buggers, Mickey Finns and Other Bucktails, Conehead Zonkers, Conehead Zuddlers, Conehead Muddlers.
Popular Colours Include Black, Olive, Orange, White and Purple.
NYMPHS AND EGGS #10-14
Beadhead Pheasant Tails, Beadhead Caddis Larvae, Beadhead Prince Nymph, Damselfly Nymph and Sucker Spawn
DRY FLIES #10-18
Parachute Medium Dun, Parachute Dark Dun, Grey Wulff, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Caddis Emergers, X-Caddis, Brown Drake and Green Drakes.
MOUSE PATTERNS AND PIKE FLIES
2/0-#6 Morrish Mouse, Dahlberg Divers, Unweighted Lefty’s Deceivers, Clouser Minnows.
PERSONAL PREFERENCE
Don’t allow us to limit your fly selection, these are just general suggestions on fly patterns. Never be afraid to bring your own creations to Labrador. You never know what will hook the fish of a lifetime!
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What is included in my Fly-Fishing Package?Airport shuttle & ground transportation in Goose Bay Bunkhouse accommodations in Goose Bay, including continental breakfast. (Double occupancy - one night pre and post time in Camp) Float plane to and from Goose Bay to Camp Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and evening snacks Accommodations - Double Occupancy Fishing Guide, one per two anglers Wifi
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What can I expect once I have picked my dates/booked my trip?First, you will receive an invoice from our accountant for your 50% Deposit. Shortly after you should receive a booking package via email. This will include an online area you can return to and includes: A copy of our camp policies that will need to be signed virtually. An angler profile form for you to fill out. Including allergies, medical issues and special requests. Liquor and Snack Orders Forms. A travel information form (for us to know when you are arriving in Goose Bay) You’ll also receive a reminder email a few weeks out from your trip. If you have any questions or need help/clarification you can contact us anytime.
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What does a typical day at Flowers River look like?We aim to be as flexible as possible with our guests preferences - so not every day would necessarily look the same. You can choose to have your lunch on the river and come back and heat your dinner up whenever you return to camp, or you can choose to have all three meals in our dining room. The schedule below is based on all meals at camp, so you know when they occur as well. You will daily be assigned an area of the river to fish. Because of the varying physical abilities of our guests - guests won’t always fish the areas of the river in the same order. 7am - 8:00am Breakfast in the dining room. Our breakfasts are made to order - so you will fill out a sheet the day before and our cooks will start your breakfast as you have requested when you arrive in the dining room. 8am - Guests start to head out on the water. 12pm - Lunch at the Dining Room (or you can choose to have a lunch packed and enjoy it on the river) 5pm - Dinner in the dining room. (If you want to fish through dinner - it will be plated and available for you to heat up when you return) 8/9pm - Anglers off the water.
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Can I have a private room? Request a specific guide?Currently, we cannot guarantee any specific accommodations. We do have two single rooms and you can request one. We always try to honour requests, but with a six-guest turnaround every three days, it can be challenging to meet everyone’s requests. Much like rooming requests we always do our best to honour requests for a specific guide - but we cannot guarantee a specific guide.
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What do you recommend for gratuities?The following are what we recommend for gratuities. (recommendations in CDN dollars) Guides – $500 per angler per week Chef/Kitchen – $160 per angler per week. Housekeeping – $80 per angler per week Shore Person – $80 per angler per week Otter Creek Bunkhouse Team - $80 per angler per week Envelopes will be provided at camp and can be given to the camp manager before departure from the Lodge.
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Do I need to have my own gear? Do you have any rental equipment available?We do not supply fishing gear, waders, or boots, and we do not have rental equipment at the lodge. We recommend our guests bring their own setup as well as backup equipment. We do have a couple of field kits should someone’s rod not arrive (Though we recommend carrying them on with you whenever possible) or if something breaks while at camp. There are a few extra pairs of waders as well for the same type of issues.
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Do you welcome guests of varying skill levels?Yes, we enthusiastically welcome anglers of all ages and skill levels! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Flowers River is designed to provide a welcoming and enjoyable fly-fishing experience for everyone. Our professional guides are great teachers.
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What is the best time of year to come to Flowers River? Can we talk numbers?We attempt to be open only when historically we have had good to great fishing, with our opening week and September weeks being the only weeks we would qualify as off-peak. Historically the businest part of the run is from mid July to mid August but fresh fish are coming in until consistently until after the river closes in September. As always weather, water levels, moon cycles, fly selection, the skill of the angler, and a variety of other factors play into how many fish you may hook or land. Therefore we are very careful when making suggestions of how many fish you should expect to hook on any given day or week at camp. We will say however that one of our guides has said he has yet to go a day over the last two years when his sports didn’t hook at least one fish per day.
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What happens if I have to cancel my trip or can't make it?Due to our limited seasonal operation and income capacity, we regret that we are unable to offer refunds for payments unless a replacement for your spot can be found, either by yourself or by us. Similarly, we are unable to carry forward deposits or payments for the same reason. We strongly recommend purchasing "cancel for any reason" travel insurance. This type of insurance provides coverage in case of illness, travel complications, or unexpected family events that may prevent you from attending. It offers flexibility and peace of mind, ensuring you are financially protected in unforeseen circumstances. Here are some recommendations from Forbes magazine on the best options for this type of coverage. * we do not accept any liability for the choices made in choosing to have insurance or which insurance to choose, it is your responsibility to properly research your options to assure you are properly covered. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in adhering to our policy.
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What happens if there is a weather delay?With the unpredictable and challenging weather of Labrador can come weather delays. Unfortunately, these delays can happen and it’s very important to understand that we will do our very best to get you in and out of the Lodge on time, but we can’t guarantee or be responsible for it. Our policy is as follows: If you get delayed in Goose Bay, any additional meals or accommodations will be at your own expense. Our representative will be in consistent contact with the lodge and plane operator and will keep you apprised of the conditions. Again, we will do our best to get you safely to the camp, but we will not be responsible for additional costs incurred or lost fishing time. If you are at the camp and cannot get out, we will continue to provide food and accommodations. Because Labrador weather can change quickly, and because some of the fishing areas are a fair distance from the Lodge, any additional fishing will be at the sole discretion of the camp manager and often will not occur until the airline makes a final "no fly" call - often late in the day. Some travel insurance will provide compensation for lost fishing time due to weather delays, and we can help to provide the information required to make a claim but are in no way responsible for the decisions of any insurance company and do not make any compensation for any costs associated with any delay.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Questions
If you have questions or are ready to book, please fill out the form or contact Heather at the number below.
CONTACT
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