Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/742011
172 • S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S healthy appetites. Averaging from eight to 15 pounds, the sleek, powerful fish would hit the Pixie with a vengeance and turn downstream in a tear. After bringing a half-dozen to the boat, our guides carried us back downriver where the current was a bit calmer. There, on the rocks along the bank, they roasted the pink meat of the char over driftwood. Char filets, a potato with some butter, and hot tea—it remains one of my most unforgettable meals. I have no doubt that the setting and my interesting companions had a great deal to do with that. Arctic Quebec is one of the last unspoiled regions and is definitely worth a visit. I've been twice and I'd like to squeeze in one more. If you'd like to fish for Arctic char with fly or spinning gear, contact Sammy Cantafio at www.ungava- adventures.com. Life is too short to visit each and every world-class fishing spot. Fortunately, Canada is "right up the road," so perhaps you can squeeze these three destinations into your bucket. You'll enjoy the fishing almost as much as the people and the places you'll encounter. n northern reaches of Canada along the Ungava Bay, you'll leave with a feeling of having been to the far edge of civilization. Whether you come with camera, gun, or fishing rod, or better yet all three, you'll always have a desire to return. I booked with Ungava Adventures for caribou hunting and Arctic char fishing one early September. After a flight from Montreal to Kuujjuac, the northernmost village in Nunavik, we boarded a bush plane for the last leg of the trip to one of Sammy Cantafio's many camps. While the tundra was thick with caribou and the hunting spectacular, it was the char that I remember most. No nymphs or hopper droppers on this trip. I was casting a Pixie spoon on medium spinning gear into the clear Pilodeau River as sea-run char fought their way toward the headwaters to spawn. Myself, two other fishermen, and two Inuit guides motored up into the rapids where they anchored. As my eyes adjusted to the riffles and swirls of the current, I began to see fish—hundreds of bright silver char. Unlike the spring run of Atlantic salmon, the char had I was fishing Quebec's York River with Malbaie River Outfitters. I remember vividly the sight of scores of ten-pound- plus Atlantic salmon wagging softly against the current a dozen feet down. To motivate a fish to make even a slight movement toward your fly was a rush. To finally see a fish flash silver, grab the fly, then rocket downstream, that was a triple shot of adrenaline! For those who like a fish that's a bit less challenging, there's good news around the Gaspé. Later in the summer Atlantic salmon are eating and will rise for Bombers, Wulffs, bugs, and stoneflies. August and September are the best times to catch more, and larger, salmon. Schools of 500 can be found, and a 40-pounder is not out of the question. But frankly, even if you strike out as I did on my second visit, there's no more beautiful place to get skunked. If you might be interested in the fishing opportunities on Gaspé Peninsula, visit www.greyghostdestinations.com. I'll have a char on the rocks If you ever have the chance to visit the "Whoops, sorry fellas." by john troy – courtesy skyhorse publishing