Lab Fishing CMC

Jack Cooper has three lodges and exclusive fly-in rights on three lakes that lie in the very center of the Brook Trout’s original habitat. To this day these lakes are still perfect brook trout habitat.
Here’s Why!

First, the trout’s favorite food -- mayflies, stoneflies, and caddis flies -- thrive in the lakes’ shallow flats, riffles, narrows and rapids. That’s where the big boys hang out.

Second, in habitats where a prolific species is not heavily preyed upon, adults predominate and the smaller fish do not venture into their favorite hangouts

Third, brookies are abundant only where the water stays at or below 65 degrees F. That’s what happens in these lakes And, by the way, in cold waters like this, brookies live unusually long lives -- up to 10 years.

Fourth, brook trout thrive best where there is some predation and competition. Both are here because the brookies share these waters with great northern pike and landlocked Arctic char.

The lakes and streams on the Minipi are remarkable in that, even in this day and age, they are still catching brook trout that average over 5 pounds. They have established three lodges in the heart of this big brook trout region, each with a different character but with all the comforts you need. Just a basic run down of the three facilities:

Minonipi Lodge this remote log cabin is a fly fishers quiet haven on the headwaters of the Minipi. They take an exclusive group of eight anglers only per week during the prime dry fly hatch period. From mid June to early August, with the continuous hatches, this area consistently produces large brookies and landlocked Arctic Char, with good sideline fishing for northern.

Anne Marie Lodge Minonipi waters empty into the Anne Marie system where they have located the retreat for eight anglers only per week. The present lodge is so popular with its old log construction; it really carries the atmosphere of the longed-for and half forgotten, old-fashioned comfort. The dry fly fishing in a system of intricate coves and rivers is excellent, and when they switch to wets and streamers around mid August, this area continues to produce large brook trout and char.

Minipi Lodge The Anne Marie system empties into the Minipi through a long neck of white water full of languid pools and little pockets. This part of the system is perhaps the most versatile, and therefore lends itself to varied and larger groups. You have the large Brook Trout from areas like Three Rivers, Rick¹s Run, Ten Pound Cove (aptly named) and the Foam Pool, and the vastly underrated fishery for Northern, which for some reason, grow as large as crocodiles in this part of the system. One of the best river sections in the whole system is also just a 15 minute walk from the Lodge down to the Gorge where you can catch the "little" brookies ( 1 to 4 pounders) until you tire of releasing them. This area is so varied; they do allow barb less spin fishing, which is preferred for landing and releasing some of the 20 and 30 pound pike in the system.

Which Lodge?

If you have a large group over eight anglers with varied interests and fishing preferences that enjoys the creature comforts of a fine lodge, they will want to go to Minipi. If the remoteness of the headwaters is appealing with smaller facilities and groups (but still all the comforts), you will want to direct them towards Anne Marie or Minonipi.

What Time Frame?

If you like the thrill of surface fishing to brook trout rising to massive hatches (they have over 32 species of Mayfly alone that hatch there!) then go any time between the third week of June through the first week of August.
When the hatches slow down in August these brook trout and char put on approximately a pound over the course of the season, so mid August onward they find the average weight increases considerably, as well as the coloring of the fish. Brook Trout are deep red, the char will take on pumpkin orange bellies or wonderful shades of deep pink, and they will be taken on small dries, wets and streamers. The water levels drop as well in August, and they have more areas accessible to easier wading.   Don't discount the August fishing, just because the dry fly activity slows down, its still great fishing!

For 2004, you have the following options:

Anne Marie Lake                         Minonipi Lake                  Minipi Lake
Week of June 11 18 for 6               Week of June 11 18 for 6             Week of June 10 17
Week of June 25 July 2 for 6           Week of June 25 July 2 for 6             Week of June 17 24
Week of July 23 30 for 3                 Week of July 2 9 for 4                  Week of June 24 July 1
Week of August 6 13 for 8                 Week of July 9 16 for 4               Week of July 1 8
Week of August 13 20 for 8                                                                    Week of July 8 15
Week of August 20 27 for 8                                                                    Week of July 22 29
Week of August 27 Sept 3                                                                          Week of August 5 12
                                                                                                                 Week of August 12 19
   `                                                                                                             Week of August 19 26
                                                                                                                    Week of Aug 26 Sep 2
                                                                                                                     Week of Sept 2 9

Temp: C°/F°	June	July	Aug	Sept
Highs	17/62	21/70	20/67	14/57
Lows	5/41	10/50	9/48	4/40
Rainfall in mm	97	119	98	87

Flies Most Often Used on the Minipi

Two of the most Frequently asked questions about flies:

"What kind of flies should I bring?"
"Can I buy flies up there?"

The answers are "Big" and "Yes."

Yes, there is an excellent tackle shop in Goose Bay. Yes, Jack Cooper has thousands of flies available for sale at his office. But depending on your flight connections, you may not have enough time to shop for flies before you have to board the Twin Otter for your trip out to the lodge.

So try to bring the right flies with you. Of course, this is easier said than done. The problem is that you will probably not find ones big enough at home. For example, it is unlikely that your local fly shop carries # 6 extra long shank Grey Wulffs.

Yes, the guides will have some flies with them in the boats — but their selection is limited and meant only as an "emergency" supplement to your stash.

My message is this: don’t depend entirely on getting flies once you’re in Goose Bay, at the lodge, or on the water.

If you are a fly-tier, you’ll find a vise, materials and hooks at Cooper’s lodges, but, again, selections are limited

Once the trip is booked, we will provide a complete suggested equipment list along with additional information to make your fishing vacation that much smoother. Thank you for considering our services.