Crooks lake lodge labrador
THE FISHING
Crooks Lake Lodge is located 60 miles southeast of Goose Bay, Labrador on the upper Eagle River watershed, south of the Mealy Mountains. The lake is 5 miles long with rivers and streams that offer consistent, high quality wild Brook Trout fishing and great fishing for Northern Pike. The Brookies range from 3-8 pounds with an average size of about 5 pounds. The Northern Pike, which weigh up to 20 pounds, are plentiful.
Most fishing is done in the rivers and streams with fly fishing equipment. Light spinning gear may be used with barbless hooks but permitted in the lake only. Catch and release is mandatory. Boats and motors are provided with one guide for every two fishermen.
BROOK TROUT FISHING
At Crooks Lake, you’ll experience truly trophy Brook Trout fishing with an impressive range in weight from 3-8 pounds, occasionally larger, with an average size of about 5 pounds. They feed voraciously on the abundant insects. Hatches of mayflies, stoneflies,or caddisflies can occur anytime, and when they do, you had better be ready! Depending on the time frame, anglers should also bring an assortment of wooly buggers, and saltwater deceivers.
NORTHERN PIKE FISHING
Known for their savage strikes, Northern Pike of 20 pounds and more, provide a secondary challenge for fly fishers who choose to take them on light tackle. Typically found in the shallower weedy areas of the watershed, these fish are the Barracuda of the North, feeding on anything that swims, including moles, duckling, and even trout. For Northern Pike fishing, anglers are well advised to bring wire tippets as their surgical scalpel-like teeth will slice through monofilament like a knife through butter. They love mice patterns, but will also explode on big poppers and large saltwater streamer patterns.
The Flies
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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,
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!