Three Rivers Lodge Crossroads Lake, Woods River Labrador PART I

Transcription

Three Rivers Lodge
Crossroads Lake, Woods River
Labrador
Rick’s Run by C.D. Clarke
PART I
Labrador
Woods River Watershed
The Fishing
Prepared By:
Global Sporting Advisors
Bedford, New York
Winter 2014
44 Aspetong Rd. Bedford, New York  (914) 205-3413 off.  (917) 509-1935 cell
www.GlobalSportingAdvisors.us
Copyright2014 Global Sporting Advisors
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CONFIDENTIAL
Agreement Concerning Proprietary Information
This Confidential Information (the “Information”) has been compiled by a Seller, and
Global Sporting Advisors, LLC (“GSA”) for the purposes of selling all, or part of, the Seller’s
interest in the Three Rivers Lodge on Crossroads Lake, Woods River, Labrador, Canada (the
“Camp”) The Seller has retained GSA as its advisor in connection with the sale of its interest in
the Camp. For purposes of this agreement, “ Camp “ refers to any and all assets material to the
operation of the angling and its support owned by the Seller including, but not limited to real
assets, brand, bookings, leases, stock and trademarks.
The undersigned prospective purchaser (”Buyer”) acknowledges that GSA first provided
such information on the Camp to the Buyer. Receipt and acceptance of this Information on the
Seller’s interest and its assets by the Buyer constitutes agreement by the Buyer with the terms
set out below.
This information on the Camp described above is being delivered to a limited number of
parties, and is intended only for the persons to whom it is transmitted by GSA. Receipt and
acceptance of the information shall constitute an agreement by the recipient that the information
shall not be copied, reproduced or distributed to any third party, in whole or in part, without the
prior written consent of GSA and the Seller. The recipient further agrees to keep confidential all
information contained herein and the fact that the Seller is considering the sale of its assets or
that the recipient is evaluating the possible purchase of the Seller’s assets, and shall not use
this Information for any purpose other than solely determining whether to pursue a possible
purchase of the aforementioned and described Seller’s interest in the Camp. GSA and/or the
Seller reserves the right to request the return of this Information at any time, and each recipient
agrees to return this Information promptly upon such request. GSA expressly reserves the right,
without giving reasons therefore, at any time and in any respect, to amend or terminate its
offering procedures, to terminate discussions with any and all prospective purchasers, to reject
any and all proposals or to negotiate with any party with respect to a transaction involving the
Seller’s interest in the Camp.
This Memorandum contains certain proprietary and confidential information regarding
the Seller’s interest in the Camp and is based upon information provided to GSA by the Seller.
While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, it does not purport to be allinclusive. GSA and the Seller expressly disclaim any and all liability and make no
representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of this
Information contained herein or any other written or oral communication transmitted to any party
in the course of its evaluation and/or purchase of the Seller’s interest in the Camp.
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Only those particular representations and warranties which may be made to the
purchaser in the Purchase Agreement, when, as, and if executed, and subject to such
limitations and restrictions as may be specified in the Purchase Agreement, shall have any legal
effect. Any acquirer of the Seller’s interest in the Camp must rely solely upon its own
investigation, as GSA has not independently verified such information.
Each recipient agrees to conduct all inquiries into and discussions with the Seller solely
through GSA and agrees not to contact any of the owners, officers, employees or affiliates of
the Seller, either directly or indirectly, except by prior arrangement with GSA, whether with
respect to any of the information contained herein or otherwise.
The Seller has entered into an agreement with GSA providing that the Seller shall pay
an advisory fee to GSA if the Seller’s interest in the Camp or assets is sold to a Buyer. The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event it or any of its affiliates shall be the Buyer of any or
all of the Seller’s interest in the Camp, it will protect GSA’s right to a fee by the Seller and that if
the Buyer breaches the terms of this agreement or in any way interferes with GSA’s right to
receive its total fee, Buyer shall be liable for such fee and any other damages, including
reasonable attorney fees.
All communications or inquiries relating to this information or to a possible transaction
involving the Seller should be directed to the following person:
Edmund R. Belak, Jr., Founder
Global Sporting Advisors
www.globalsportingadvisors.us
[email protected]
The undersigned executes this agreement on behalf of the Buyer and warrants that they are
authorized to do so.
AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
Name: ______________________________________
Title: ______________________________________
Company: ______________________________________
Date: ______________________________________
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Three Rivers Lodge
Labrador
PART I
Labrador
Woods River Watershed
The Fishing
PART II - Available to those who execute confidentiality agreement on Page 2 and 3
Property Description
Real Estate
Real Property Valuation
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PART I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication………………………………………………………………..
6
About Global Sporting Advisors…………………………………………. 7
Acknowledgements………………………………………………………. 8
Investment Highlights …………………………………………………... 9
Introduction - Labrador………………………………………………….. 10
Woods River Watershed …………………………………………………14
The Fishing ………………………………………………………………. 19
Travel to Three Rivers Lodge…………………………………………….25
APPENDICES …………………………………………………………………………. 26
A –Three Rivers Lodge - Woods River Regional Map http://www.trophylabrador.com/ThreeRiversLodgeMap.jpg
B – Labrador Fishing Regulations
http://www.destinationlabrador.com/guide/hunting_and_fishing_rules_and_regulations.htm
C – Three Rivers Lodge - Tourist Establishment License
D – Three Rivers Lodge - Fishing Chart
E – Welcome to Three Rivers Lodge
F – Follow up Guest E-mail
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DEDICATION
Robin Reeve
Robin Reeve can be characterized as a kind and gentle man with an introspective nature
formed by his prodigious reading concerning his favorite subject – Labrador. He has been
intimately involved in Three Rivers Lodge (TRL) since he and his brother founded that
marvelous place in 1998. As the successful owner of a construction company in the States, it is
only natural that his handprints are on every board, nail and piece of equipment that had to be
flown in to the peninsula on Crossroads Lake where TRL is located. For 16 seasons he has led
the team at TRL that have been excellent stewards of a vast lease on the Woods River System,
protecting the fish species there through the promotion of an ethical angling experience that
insists on catch and release. Even more, Robin brings a perceptive sensibility of all that is
Labrador – its people, history, wildlife and fish – that he so readily shares with guests to enrich
their experience. His fondest wish is for TRL to provide a fly-fishing experience that lives up to
the dreams and expectations of those travelling anglers who have made the commitment to
come to the wilderness that is Labrador and all the goodness that is TRL. On the off-season,
Robin tends his farm in northern Vermont and enjoys walking its woods and fields with his two
Golden Retrievers.
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ABOUT GLOBAL SPORTING ADVISORS, LLC
Global Sporting Advisors, LLC was founded in 2003 by Edmund R. Belak, Jr. as a financial
advisory and marketing consultancy to sporting business operations and properties worldwide.
Our thesis is that the natural resources inherent to a property, whether created by wildlife
management programs or occurring naturally, are additive to the value of the land and a
sporting business.
Our goal is to provide clients with the most intelligent business thinking applied to practical
solutions in valuing and marketing sporting properties and their natural resources in a timely and
professional fashion. We are staffed by senior financial and business consultants and ecologists
who are also experienced outdoorsmen. GSA has been retained by private and corporate
buyers and sellers in the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Bahamas, and South America to
prepare and implement business plans, resource valuations, marketing services, financial
analyses and capital raising activities.
More information on our firm can be obtained through our website
www.globalsportingadvisors.us
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Global Sporting Advisors would like to acknowledge the assistance of the following persons
and organizations that provided information or advice for the preparation of this Information
Memorandum and Valuation of the Three Rivers Lodge and its real property. They are, in no
particular order:
Sharon Bernd
Gregory H. Persbacker
Kevin and Frances Barry
Anthony Pittman
Byron Pardy
Simon Guay
C.D. Clarke
Curt Gowdy
Lee Wulff
Jerry Jacob
Ronald M. Belak
Tom Keer
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INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
THREE RIVERS LODGE AND THE FISHING.

The Woods River System in southwestern Labrador is literally the cradle of the
Brook Trout’s creation and evolution over the eons. It is the home of the largest
indigenous strain of wild brook trout on our planet.

TRL has been granted the exclusive lease of the Woods River system so only the
anglers staying at the TRL have access to these pristine waters and a true
wilderness angling experience.

The average wild brook trout caught in the system’s rivers is approximately 3
pounds with specimens exceeding five pounds being taken routinely. True trophies
in the eight-pound class are caught each summer and the TRL record is over 11
pounds.

Because of its policy of fly-fishing only, and a strict catch and release protocol,
TRL has been able to maintain the excellent quality of its superlative fishery.

The Woods River watershed is very healthy and will remain that way as it is
protected by millions of acres of wilderness upon which there has been no or
extremely minor human encroachment.

The Woods River system supports considerable insect life and a number of forage
fish important to successful fly-fishing.

Northern Pike that average 10 pounds and can go to 25 pounds are readily
available in the coves and inlets of nearby lakes and ponds.

Lake trout inhabit the deeper parts of lakes and some of the larger rapids and can
be found cruising the shorelines early and late in the season.

Wonderful fishing for substantial Landlocked salmon and Arctic Char in truly
spectacular wilderness is only an hour away by floatplane.
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Three Rivers Lodge
Labrador
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INTRODUCTION
Labrador
Labrador, part of the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a big, wild place
situated between northeastern Quebec and the North Atlantic Ocean along the eastern coast of
Canada. Labrador is the easternmost part of the Canadian Shield, a vast area of
ancient metamorphic rock comprising much of northeastern North America. The origin
of Labrador is credited to João Fernandes Lavrador, the Portuguese navigator who explored the
region. It is one of the last untamed, unspoiled places left on earth consisting principally of
boreal forest and lush meadows that cover some of the planets’ oldest geological formations.
Labrador is divided into four regions defined by political boundaries and to some extent social,
economic, cultural and historical differences. The province is Canada's most linguistically
homogenous, with 97.6% of residents reporting English (Newfoundland English) as their mother
tongue in the 2006 census. With an area of nearly 114,000 square miles (a good percentage of
which is water) it is inhabited, according to 2013 estimates, by only 42,000 people distributed
among 32 communities of which Labrador City (pop.7, 240) in the south western portion of the
Province is the second largest. It is from Labrador City that the De Havilland Otters or Beavers
chartered by Three Rivers Lodge fly guests approximately 150 miles north to the Lodge.
The people of Labrador are proud and self-reliant. The Innu and Inuit have lived in the northern
region for thousands of years, and their cultures are rooted in a deep, spiritual relationship with
the environment. The long and intriguing history of Labrador's indigenous people can be traced
back almost 9,000 years, with the oldest funeral monument in North America, dating back 7,500
years – 3,000 years before the Egyptian pyramids were built. The region also boasts rich New
World history, thanks to a once-plentiful right and bowhead whale population, which attracted
16th-century Basque whalers who built the town of Red Bank (now a UNESCO World Heritage
Site) near the Strait of Belle Isle which separates Newfoundland from Labrador. A
former colony and dominion of the United Kingdom, Newfoundland and Labrador became the
tenth province to enter the Canadian Confederation on March 31, 1949, as Newfoundland. On
December 6, 2001, an amendment was made to the Constitution of Canada to change the
name of the Province to Newfoundland and Labrador. In day-to-day conversation, however,
Canadians generally still refer to the province itself as Newfoundland and to the region on the
Canadian mainland as Labrador. Labrador's unique heritage is celebrated time and again at
area folk festivals, carnivals, sporting and community events throughout the year.
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An abridged history of Newfoundland and Labrador along with more details of the Province’s
geography and politics can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_and_Labrador.
Flights to Labrador City start in Montreal and are routed through Sept – Iles
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Three Rivers Lodge
The impetus and initial concept for founding Three Rivers Lodge came from the owner’s
experiences in other sporting camps around the world, and particularly those visited and
researched in Labrador. The deficiencies in those camps – community sleeping and bath
facilities, limited fishing opportunities, apathetic guides, and a paucity of ‘creature comforts’ –
gave the owners the idea to create a wilderness enclave where traveling anglers could focus
only on their angling experience and camaraderie and not have to worry about comfort and
privacy. Crowds of anglers on most US trout waters and a sense of the ‘disappearing’
wilderness in the lower 48 also figured heavily in the owners business plan - a “build it, and
they will come” approach.
The ‘business end’ of the operation from the onset was of secondary importance.
Angling travel agencies have never been contacted or used for booking TRL guests. The
owners relied on the support of their angling friends and acquaintances and, of course, a strong
faith in word-of-mouth. All profits and operating budget excesses have been re-invested in new
equipment and additional buildings and furnishings. ‘Breaking even’ and ‘paying the bills’ has
been the financial philosophy since the inception of the Three Rivers Lodge experience.
TRL’s exclusive operation of an in-camp float-plane to both dissipate angling pressure and to
enhance our guests experience and sense of adventure has absorbed enormous revenue, a
financial burden that no other Labrador camps endure. But the owner’s commitment to going
‘over and beyond’ is the primary reason that the Three Rivers Lodge brand has become worldrenowned.
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Woods River System
The Woods River system is a remarkable wilderness resource with three major characteristics:
It’s vast: over 100 miles of rapids, lakes and feeder streams from the headwaters to “Final
Rapids” where it empties into the Smallwood Reservoir
It’s wild: Bald eagles, black bears, ospreys, mink and otter, caribou and big fish. The only
people present are your guide, your fishing companion and your reflection in the clear water.
It’s alive: Caddis flies, mayflies, stoneflies, and the various stages thereof; Dace, darters,
sculpins and chubs. And the predators: brook trout, northern pike, and lake trout.
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The Watershed
The Woods River is a vast and largely unfished watershed in the most inaccessible part of
Labrador. It is protected from Labrador’s few population centers by both distance and one of the
largest reservoirs in the world, Smallwood Reservoir. The only way to reach the Three Rivers
Lodge (TRL) lease is by float plane or by a daunting trip across this huge reservoir followed by a
harrowing upstream trip through 50 miles of freestone rivers and connected ponds with
numerous portages around white water rapids. The net result of all this is that the TRL lease is a
true pristine wilderness that largely remains untouched by human hands. In addition this river
system is so large and varied that TRL guests experience the widest variety of fishing
imaginable; from tiny uncharted, unfished feeder streams to wild mountain freestone streams,
calm backwaters and ponds to brawling powerful rapids with true big river fishing situations.
Three Rivers Lodge is centrally located in the Woods River watershed on Crossroads Lake with
very easy access by canoe or floatplane to the entire wilderness lease. The lake was named for
the large bands of the George River herd of Quebec-Labrador caribou that formerly
congregated on its shores every August and September waiting to ford or swim this body of
water during their migration. (The herd has dwindled in recent years and hunting caribou is no
longer allowed).
The Woods River proper is a fast flowing, freestone river broken frequently by lakes, ponds and
broad reaches. Its numerous sets of rapids vary in length from 100 yards to almost a mile. It is
in these rapids that brook trout concentrate on feeding stations throughout the season. The
rapids offer a diversity of holding water; plunge pools, riffles, large boulders, creases and willowlined undercut banks – a river fisher’s paradise. And the feeder streams are too numerous to
count. Some provide sanctuary for the small fries; but many hold the “big boys”, brookies
upwards of 7 pounds.
Three main feeder rivers, Rick’s Run, Eagle River and Victoria River, after which TRL is named,
form the headwaters of the Woods River and the beginning of the TRL lease. (See Appendix A
– TRL Woods River Regional Map). They all flow out of the spruce and tamarack forests and
offer spectacular scenery and holding water. Between camp and Final Rapids, PJ’s River,
Bourbon Brook and scores of other unnamed feeder streams provide guests the continuing
opportunity to explore new, unfished waters for trophy trout.
Within the TRL lease numerous wilderness ponds also offer solitude and quiet still water fishing
to cruisers. And in the three main lakes, Crossroads, Vezina and Knox, mighty northerns and
lakers sulk in the coves and spring holes.
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TRL has been a catch and release, fly-fishing only lodge since its inception. The net result is
that there is a tremendous population of large brook trout in their native setting; unspoiled,
undamaged and free from human predation and “management”. The TRL premise is that these
giant brookies are there because they have been undisturbed for millennia and the lodge has
carried out a policy of having an absolute minimal impact on the brook trout population and the
ecosystem in general. TRL recognizes that the entire system needs to remain in balance
forever. For example, many lodges have made a habit of killing as many northern pike as
possible because they eat brook trout. TRL’s premise is that one of the primary reasons there
are so many large brook trout is precisely because there are numerous predators like pike,
eagles and ospreys providing a natural selection process that allows the strongest and
healthiest fish to survive.
Guide Byron with a True Trophy Brook Trout
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Access and Outposts
TRL has a De Havilland Beaver floatplane in camp and uses it to move its guests about its
expansive river system to known fishing destinations. The Beaver is also used to discover new
remote waters and fishing opportunities for guests every season. Having the floatplane has
made these excursions a matter of minutes rather than hours or days. Fly outs are included
each week to destinations such as the Fifth Rapids Outpost Camp, the headwater rivers for
treks into the deep wilderness, and to the lower Woods River where the big fish migrate out of
Smallwood Reservoir.
Various boats and canoes are our other primary means for accessing the many other fishing
destinations. TRL has a small fleet of Lund “Alaskans” and square-stern canoes powered by
Honda four-stroke outboards. Each is well maintained and equipped with all safety items. The
Lodge also has smaller canoes cached in remote locations for backcountry trekking.
The Fifth Rapids Camp (above) is TRL’s primary outpost camp. Located some thirty miles
down-river from the main Lodge, this full-amenity cabin opens up much of the middle river lease
(3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th rapids) to fishing. It is a classic fishing cabin perched on an esker
above and between two incredibly productive sets of rapids, “Big 5th” and “Little 5th”. Only a
short hop in the Beaver, all of TRL’s guests spends a most memorable night or two at 5th
Rapids exploring the rapids and streams of the middle river area. TRL has additional tent-type
outpost camps in several wilderness areas as well for adventurous souls who enjoy the serenity
of the deeper wilds. In 2002, an accomplished fly fisher from Maine spent several nights on
the headwaters of Rick’s Run. After his first day of angling a virgin rapids back in the
hills, he proclaimed he had, “caught more trophy brookies in a day than any human has a
right to catch in a lifetime.”
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Lease Specifics
Three Rivers Lodge, LTD (a Canadian corporation) owns six land licenses (aka land leases)
with Crown Lands. To give you a perspective, Crown Lands are the equivalent of U.S. National
Forests and will be forever in the public domain. These leases have been for five years,
renewable every year if the lessee has remained compliant with the government rules and
regulations, which TRL most certainly has been. Lately, Crown Lands have been renewing
leases annually and TRL management believes some other license-holders have been noncompliant and this annual renewal method helps Crown Lands weed out undesirable
leaseholders.
Three of TRL’s land licenses that are pertinent to the operation of TRL will be offered
with the sale of the main TRL Compound: the "Crossroads Lake", "Vezina Lake" and
"Knox Lake"(Refer to Appendix A - TRL Woods River Regional Map). TRL management
has not been given any written regulations concerning the rights granted to license holders as
they relate to the use of the lands and waters in the license. Having been granted land licenses
for its 16 years of operation, it could be safely assumed that TRL has been in compliance and is
in good standing with Crown Lands. Management has been informed that there is a moratorium
on all lease and license applications and no new licenses and leases will be granted to anyone
except current license holders 'in good standing'. From a business perspective, this is a positive,
as it would eliminate any new competition from developing. There is also an unwritten rule that
other outfitters will stay outside a 8 km radius of any licensed camp with their non-resident
sports. Even though NL residents can fish/hunt wherever they want, TRL has had no
encroachment on its leases by residents, non-residents, or outfitters because of its remote
location and the fact that NL residents respect the leases because their friends and neighbors
are employed by the various leaseholders.
TRL has essentially 'locked up' the Woods River system (Refer to Appendix A –TRL Woods
River Regional Map), by securing the aforementioned three licenses so they 'overlap' from the
headwaters down to about what is known as "Second Rapids".
With each license, holders in good standing are issued a Tourist Establishment License (TEL)
every year. The regulations in NL require non-residents to have a guide when fishing or hunting
at a ratio of 2: 1. Sightseeing, canoeing, etc. must have a guide in ratio of 6: 1. Non-residents
are required to stay in a licensed Tourist Establishment - a hotel/motel, sporting lodge, or the
like. (A copy of the TRL 2012TEL is Appendix C. The 2013TEL is on the wall at the main
lodge).
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The Fishing
“Our goal from the opening day was absolute minimal impact on the fishery
and let nature take care of the rest. During our first couple of years some of
the guides were driven close to tears by the act of releasing a big brookie.
Now they see it working and understand the benefit. If the largest trout are
killed for trophies as other lodges allow, over time the genetic line is
weakened, never to return”
Chris Reeve, Co-Founder
Three River’s Lodge
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The Fish
It is very clear that the protection of the unique brook trout population and the pristine
ecosystem that supports it is placed above all else by Robin, his brother, the guides and the
entire staff at Three Rivers Lodge. That protective instinct portends a strong conservationist
ethos that also makes strong business sense, the combination of which is today referred to as
“sustainability” in its broadest meaning. The basic tenet is simple. Anglers come to Labrador to
catch trophy fish and without them there is no outfitting business, something that seems to be
lost on at least some of the competition. So catch and release makes for excellent conservation
and good business sense. And that conservation imperative extends to all the game fish
species made available to the angling guests at TRL.
In collaboration with its catch and release program, TRL has invested in the proper tools and
techniques to disperse its fishing activities and, therefore, minimize the pressure that even a few
anglers per week can put on the Woods River system. This effort includes providing far more
boats and motors than would be normally required. It also includes providing a floatplane in
camp to comfortably and efficiently move anglers over a larger area and building a unique
outpost camp down river at 5th Rapids, as well as several tent camps in the remote headwaters.
While these investments were designed to reduce angling pressure on the water, they also
provide a remarkable variety of wilderness sporting opportunities for TRL guests.
Brook Trout (speckled trout;
squaretails; Labrador Reds) At
Three Rivers Lodge, unlike
other locations in Labrador,
the brookies are river fish;
very
strong,
classicallyproportioned and beautifully
colored
throughout
the
season. They have endurance
and fight with conviction often
testing your backing knots! The
brook trout are true trophies,
averaging 3 to 5 pounds and
running up to at least 10 pounds
with 6, 7, and 8 pounders
abundant. TRL allows fly fishing
only and has a strict catch and
release policy.
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Northern Pike inhabit the lakes,
ponds and eddies in the rivers. They
strike savagely like alligators, which
they are commonly called. The
absolute top of the food chain, pike
average 8 to 10 pounds and 25
pounders over four feet in length have
been landed. They may be fished for
with spinning gear with single
barbless hooks in the lakes, but are a
true challenge to a fly fisherman.
Lake Trout dwell in the dark holes of
the lakes and will occasionally
surprise anglers by inhaling a fly in the
deep holes of the larger rapids. In
early and late season, they often are
found cruising the shallow streams
and coves and will take streamers.
Lakers have an exceptionally long life
span and get just as big as they want!
The lodge record is a Laker estimated
at 36 pounds.
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Landlocked
Atlantic
Salmon as their name
suggests do not have
access to salt water but
utilize larger lakes as
their “inland sea” and
run up the inlets at the
beginning and end of
the season offering fly
anglers terrific sport on
salmon up to 8-10
pounds. TRL offers fly
outs averaging about an
hour to visiting anglers
to landlocked salmon
destinations. Additional
charges for flight time
apply to these trips.
Arctic Charr are also not
indigenous to the Woods River
system, but TRL offers a fly
out
to
the
spectacular
wilderness area where these
beautiful fighters live. They
can be taken on a variety of
flies and specimens of trophy
proportions are always a
possibility in the area TRL
fishes. Additional charges for
flight time also apply to these
trips.
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The chart in Appendix D has been prepared from the actual experience of TRL’s guides and
guests over the past 16 seasons and serves as a reliable guide to visiting anglers who wish to
target a specific species (e.g. landlocked salmon), or type of fly fishing (dry vs. wet flies). As can
be seen by the 1-10 rating system, fishing for trophy brook trout remains very good to excellent
for 8 weeks of the 11week season with peak hatching activity from the end of June through the
end of July affording the dry fly angler considerable opportunity. Two other game fish that are
also abundant and offer excellent angling almost throughout the season are Arctic Charr and
the vastly underrated Northern Pike which are as numerous and as sizeable as any other
location in Canada. Landlocked Salmon and Lake Trout tend to be most available to fly
fishermen when TRL opens in mid-June and once again in the month of August.
While all predatory fish will be opportunistic when it comes to a meal of a baitfish, and even
target certain species (or their eggs) based on their spawning runs, it is the various species of
aquatic insects that make fly fishing so interesting. Unlike many far northern rivers, those in the
Woods River system have reasonably prodigious insect hatches, particularly in the months of
June and July, with Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) being present all season. Favorite patterns
include brown and grey caddis, Green drakes, mayflies (most represented by Royal Wulffs) and
nymphs such as the Prince, Copper John and stone fly patterns. Streamers include Black and
Olive Woolly buggers, Zonkers and Muddler Minnows. The following is a list of preferred flies
compiled by TRL.
LIST OF FLY SUGGESTIONS
Dry Flies
Streamers
Nymphs
Blue-winged olives, #16
Elk-hair caddis, tan #14
Henryville Special, #14
Royal Wulff, #14 and #8
Adams, #12 - 14
Gray Fox Variant, #12
Goddard Caddis, #12
Bombers, orange #8
Deer hair mouse, #4
Quill Gordon, #12
Woolly buggers, #2 – 6
black and/or olive
Conehead muddlers, #4 – 8
Maribou muddlers, #4 – 8
Clouser’s Minnows, #0 - 6
tan/white; red/yellow
Joe’s Smelt, #00
Double Bunnies, #00
olive and white
Gray & black ghosts, #2 - 6
Rabbit fur sculpins, #00
Deceivers, yellow or white #00
Bead-heads, #14 - 20
G.R. Hare’s ear, #12 - 16
Stonefly nymphs, #6 - 8
Bead-head pheasant-tail, #16
Egg patterns, pale yellow
(late June and early July)
Copper Johns #14 - 20
(Flies noted in bold are particularly successful)
Other flies:
- large, gaudy striper flies or poppers for pike, up to 4-5" long (2 or 3
needed; affixed to steel tippets).
- mouse /vole patterns for calm evening explosions
- soft hackle emergers; CDC emergers, in tan and brown.
- any of your favorite flies that have brought brookies to your net.
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The following recent video filmed at TRL by the New Flyfisher reviews fly selection, fishing
tactics, equipment in actual angling situations along with some backdrop commentary by Robin
Reeve. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17vSO11TDLw The video also provides some excellent
footage of the rivers fished by guests of TRL.
The TRL Guides and Staff
While the TRL website (www.trophylabrador.com) reviews the bios of the guides and staff,
experiencing their expertise and who they really are firsthand is a real privilege. I am pleased to
say that GSA Founder, Ed Belak, and Senior Financial Consultant, Greg Persbacker, enjoyed
that privilege early in July 2013. We can say without qualification that they are hard working
hospitable people who have a unique ability to make a guest feel at home within minutes of their
arrival, in addition to being experts at their profession, whether it be piloting a plane or boat,
selecting the right fly, preparing a sumptuous meal, or meeting the unexpected request of a
guest. They are professionals in the truest sense of the word and more than pleasant human
beings all round. The following video, produced by TRL provides considerable insight as to how
the guides handle themselves in actual fishing situations and how they feel about the wonderful
place in which they work. It also contains endorsements from long-time clients explaining why
they come back each year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyHtl4AlcIs.
24
Travel to and Daily Operation of Three Rivers Lodge
After 16 seasons of operating TRL, Robin Reeve and his staff have it down pat. Having
experienced this personally we can unequivocally state that things run very smoothly without
any feeling of regimentation or hurry in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Guests can count on
excellent meals each and every day, clean accommodations, an experienced pilot flying a wellmaintained aircraft and guides who know the intricacies of every fishing location to give their
sports the best chance of success.
Part of running TRL so smoothly involves the Lodge’s excellent communications to guests prior
to their arrival in Labrador. This has been well thought out and adjusted as experience dictates,
particularly as it relates to any guests special needs, or limitations.
Appendix E is Robin’s very thorough - Welcome to Three Rivers Lodge” covering the Lodge’s
operation, what to expect, tackle and fly suggestions.
Appendix F is a follow up e-mail sent to guests about a month prior to departure reminding
them of travel restrictions, tackle transport issues and other things that are necessary for their
trip to TRL.
Guest travel to TRL has also been honed to a science, a good part of which is the strong
working relationship TRL has developed with the Canada One Travel Agency ( www.canadaone.com) to ensure that a maximum of 100 guests per season arrive at TRL safely, on time and
with their baggage! Virtually all flights originating from the US are routed through Montreal
where the Canadian leg of the trip originates, most often with stops in Quebec City and SeptIsles, before arriving in Wabush, NL late in the afternoon and being met by TRL staff. Guests
then overnight Thursdays at one of three accommodations before being picked up early Friday
morning by TRL staff and taken to the landing where they are then flown 150 miles northeast in
a de Havilland Otter to TRL’s main Lodge compound on Crossroads Lake. Travel to Wabush is
not included in the guest fee, but air travel from Wabush to TRL and the return the following
Friday are covered in the TRL guest’s fee.
25
APPENDICES
A–THREE RIVERS LODGE - Woods River Regional Map
26
B – Labrador Fishing Regulations
Rules and Regulations
Fishing Regulations
To fish scheduled salmon waters south of 52° N in Labrador a non-resident must be accompanied by a
licensed guide or by a direct relative who is a resident of the province. A non-resident may fish
unaccompanied on non-scheduled waters within 800 meters of a provincial highway.
North of 52° N, a non-resident must engage the services of an outfitter. See our Outfitters page for a
current list.
Non-resident trout anglers must have a separate trout license to retain Brook trout caught while fishing
scheduled waters, and to fish for Arctic char, northern pike, and landlocked salmon on both scheduled
and unscheduled waters. These trout licenses are widely available.
Website Link:
http://www.destinationlabrador.com/guide/hunting_and_fishing_rules_and_regulations.htm
C – 2012 TRL Tourist Establishment License
27
D - THREE RIVERS LODGE Fishing Chart
28
E - Welcome to Three Rivers Lodge (Welcome Brochure)
Welcome to Three Rivers Lodge
Whether you are a new guest or an old friend, we're most excited that you have chosen to visit us in the
Labrador back country. As we enter our sixteenth year in operation, the streams of the Woods River system
continue to surpass our highest expectations producing extraordinary fishing for trophy brook trout. The
northern pike and lake trout fisheries in the flat water remain almost untouched. And Three Rivers Lodge
continues to raise the standard of sporting camps in Labrador. The fishery, still only lightly explored to date,
affords our guests a memorable escape into a quieter time past where wild waters hold the daily adventure of
life-long dreams. Our brook trout fishing is 100% hook and release. We trust you will share our commitment
to the care and protection of our wilderness areas so these trips into the past will be our promise to the future.
We're glad you're coming north!
TRAVEL (see attached "Travel" instructions.)
DAILY ITINERARY
Coffee is ready at 6:00 a.m. Breakfast is at 7:00. The fishing begins soon thereafter and you're off in boats,
motorized canoes or the float plane to the many opportunities on the rivers, feeder streams and lakes that
comprise our watershed. Guides each take two anglers for the day and we rotate guests through our guide
staff. Our kitchen staff prepares field lunches to order for each guest. Fishing continues until dinner, around
7:00 pm. After dinner, those who want may troll/cast in the lakes or head up river for the evening hatch until
10:00 pm or so. Labrador's long days offer fishing beyond what is possible in the lower 48. Safety, weather
and water conditions will govern the extent of evening fishing opportunities.
After dinner, guests can relax and have a drink or a game of cards in their cabins or in the cook lodge. There
is a fully-stocked fly tying bench in the cook lodge and maps of the river system for planning the next day's
adventure. Our generated electrical power is turned off at about 10:30 each evening and back on at 6:00 a.m.
ABOUT THE FISHING
Guests at Three Rivers Lodge have exclusive access to the Woods River fishery. Its feeder streams and
rapids are prime brook trout water. The lakes and broad reaches of the system offer superb fishing for lake
trout, northern pike and whitefish. The float plane is available for fly-outs for Arctic char and landlocked
salmon (in season) to waters beyond our river system.
We allow only fly fishing with single, barbless hooks in the river and we release all the brookies we
catch. (Carved mounts can be made from pictures & measurements that equal or exceed traditional skin
mounts.) We have remarkable fishing for lake trout and northern pike. Often overlooked, these species are
abundant, feisty and aggressive. Anglers may fish the flat waters for lake trout and pike with fly rod or with
spinning gear and lures with single, barbless hooks.
Three Rivers Lodge accommodates eight to ten rods per week in camp. Our prime season package offers
anglers access to the entirety of the Woods River system from the main camps via boats, canoes or float
plane. Fly fishers may also spend a night or two at our full amenity outpost camp at 5 th Rapids. Your trip
includes two fly-outs on our river system. Additional flights to remote locations on our river system or
throughout Labrador incur an additional cost at the going rate per air mile.
Our late season package offers the same services and amenities, but no fly-outs are included other than
transportation from Wabush/Lab City into camp and return. We work with every single, pair or group of fly
anglers to customize your fishing experience to insure that every angler has the kind of wilderness fly fishing
experience that he/she envisions.
29
E - Welcome to Three Rivers Lodge (cont’d)
Additional options for our prime season plan include:

Fly-outs for Arctic char and landlocked salmon (in season) to rivers other than our Woods River.
(Available for an additional charge to cover flight costs only.)

Canoe/backpacking trek up river to the head-waters of our three main feeder rivers, weather
permitting. Trail equipment and guides will be provided for those who want to probe more deeply
into the wilderness. (No additional charges)

River trips that start at the headwaters and run to the lower reaches of the Woods River System,
alternating nights in the bush with nights in main camp or 5th Rapids outpost camp. (No additional
charges)

The Three Rivers Lodge Venture Package offers fly anglers the opportunity to fish rivers "Out on the
Edge" of the Labrador wilderness. Custom trips run from three to seven days or even longer if
guests prefer and require travel in float plane and/or helicopter. Accommodations include quarters in
outfitter tents, nights in sleeping bags, and meals prepared and taken around a campfire. This
package is for one to four anglers and runs from early July through the end of August.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
•
Floatplane weight limit is 50 pounds per guest and this rule is strictly enforced.
You should be able to pack all of your gear into one large, soft duffel bag, as space on the floatplane
is very limited. Rods should be in tubes taped together or in a case.
•
Wine, beer, liquor and soft drinks can be purchased in Wabush/Labrador City for reasonable prices if
you arrive in town early enough to shop. We prefer that you complete and return our beverage order
form when you receive it. Your beverages will then be purchased by our staff and sent into camp
prior to your arrival.
•
Tobacco is very costly in Labrador and too much of it is a guaranteed hassle at your border crossing.
Bring only what you need and be forthright in declaring with Canadian Customs to preclude delays.
•
To assure your greatest comfort, we need to know about any physical limitations and/or special
dietary requirements you may have. Please send us this information by the end of May month. A
form will be provided in May before your trip.
Very Important: We cannot predict or control the weather conditions in Canada. Floatplanes fly Visual Flight
Rules (VFR) and there have been, in the past, very few delays getting into and out of the lodge. Should such
delays occur, however, we will do all we can to assist you in arranging lodging and travel accommodations. We
are not responsible for guests' expenses if delayed and our rates will still apply.
We provide one qualified, licensed guide for every two anglers. Kev Barry, manager and head guide, and his
staff of guides are experienced outdoorsmen and fly fishers. They know our waters well and will take you safely
to and from our fisheries. Frances Barry and her assistant prepare your lodge meals and shore lunches and
generally make camp a comfortable, lively and welcoming place. Gratuities are typically 10 to 20% of the TRL
package cost, but we encourage each guest to tip at the level that he or she feels is consistent with the level of
service received.
Kevin and Frances will be managing the camps again this summer. They love the Labrador wilderness, the
sporting life and mostly, their relationships with our guests. If you are an old friend, welcome back. If you are a
new guest, we are anxious to meet you, to listen to your stories and to share some of ours. You are in for a real
treat. Please call, e-mail or write to us with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Robin Reeve
Operations Partner
30
E - Welcome to Three Rivers Lodge (cont’d)
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
WEATHER and CONDITIONS
Labrador’s sub-arctic weather is unpredictable. It rains (or occasionally snows) with some frequency and temperatures
vary from 35 to 90 degrees right through the summer. However, daytime temps average in the high 60s and nights are
usually in the mid- to high 40s. Bring layers of polypropylene, fleece (or wool), and a quality Gore-Tex rain jacket with a
hood. Breathable waders should keep your lower half dry. We have laundry service should you need it for basics.
CLOTHING and BASICS ** Remember: Don't over-pack. Bring only what you need.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Breathable, chest waders; polypro long handles or fleece beneath.
Felt soles (with studs if you prefer) on wading boots. Suspenders, wader belt.
A week's worth of underwear and socks
Comfortable, casual pants and shirts (you don't need too many)
Sneakers or casual shoes for around camp
Fleece jacket or wool sweater.
Long-sleeved chamois shirt.
Polarized sunglasses with strap, prescription glasses, and a couple of good books.
Hat or cap.
Gloves for sun/bug protection and cool evening return boat rides.
Fishing shirt or vest; net. (Guides have large nets, but you may bring one as well.)
Travel kit with bathroom needs, medications, sun block, lip balm, insect-bite and sunburn ointments.
Insect repellent with 100% deet; head net or "bug-armor" jacket.
Bring a water bottle to take our filtered water into the field, Nalgene-type or the like.

(We provide clean linens.)
TACKLE
Rods:
We recommend 6-, 7- or 8-wt. rods, 9 feet or longer. (5-weights are too light to efficiently land large fish in the strong
currents and to cast large flies in strong winds.) Bring one or two rods. (We have 6- and 7-wt Sage lodge rods should
you need the loan of an appropriate rod).
Line:
WF floating line will be used for most situations. A sink-tip line may suit the occasional need in deep water areas. All
lines should have at least 100 yards of 15# backing.
Leader:
Tapered leaders with 2x or 1x (8 or 10 lb) fluorocarbon tippets. 3x tippet will work for small dries, but that is the
minimum gage to bring.
NECESSITIES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Proper safety equipment, e.g., inflatable vest, wading staff (Our river rocks are very slippery.)
Hemostats, Leatherman, or long, needle-nosed pliers for de-barbing and hook removal
Floatant, snips, hook hone.
Small flash light or headlamp with extra batteries.
Camera and accessories.
Assorted leader/tippet material.
Insect repellent with 100% deet; head net.
(We know we mentioned this above - are you getting the message here?)
There is no need to spend a fortune on flies. The list above is provided to suggest rather than to insist.
Replenish your stock as needed and bring your favorites. We have a fully stocked tying bench available
as well as many productive fly patterns for purchase at Three Rivers Lodge
***********
For any additional information, see our website at
www.trophylabrador.com
or please call us at 617 791 5614
email: [email protected]
31
F - Pre-trip guest e-mail
April 25, 2013
Hello to our 2013 guests,
The season is almost here and all of us here at TRL are ready for another summer of
exploring and fly fishing the Labrador wilderness. We hope you are all excited as well
and we look forward to having each of you in camp.
Enclosed in this mailing are your final invoice and a guest questionnaire.
Please complete the form and mail with your payment at your earliest convenience.
A few reminders:
1) All US Citizens traveling to Canada will need a passport to return to the USA.
2) CO2 canisters that charge inflatable vests and/or PFDs are not allowed in either
checked or carry-on luggage on US carriers. Three canisters are allowed on
Canadian carriers. Prior to your trip, you can ship the cartridges to: Kevin Barry, Box
894, Wabush, NL, Canada A0R 1B0. Allow two weeks for shipping.
3) Please purchase trip insurance if you haven’t done so. You are about to embark on
a wilderness trip and there is always a chance for the unexpected. If you have doubts
about your health, you may want to consider Med-evac insurance. It is very
reasonably priced and may be worth your investment. Check with your insurance
agent and/or on the internet for quotes.
4) Emergency contact number to reach you in camp is 613-988-3788 (satellite phone).
You may use the phone in camp on a limited basis at the cost of $2.00 per minute. If
the satellite phone number cannot be reached, emergency calls may be directed to
Dawn Cusick in Labrador City at 709-944-4193 or 709-944-1226.
5) If you are bringing long, 2-piece rod tubes and flying on Air Canada, you must call
this carrier before your scheduled flight to advise them of such or you may be
charged additional freight expenses.
6) We have Wi-Fi in the cook lodge. You will be able to text, send and receive e-mail,
and perhaps even “face-time” with your home contacts
7) We do not accept credit cards. Please bring a couple of extra checks for in-camp
purchases. You will need one for your in-camp purchases and if you wish, you may
write a check for gratuities made out to ‘cash’.
8) Remember, Dawn will meet you at the airport in Wabush and take good care of all
your transfers throughout your stay.
Again, have a safe and interesting trip up to Labrador. We will have your cabin warm and
something tasty waiting.
Best regards,
Robin Reeve,
617-791-5614 mobile
32

Three Rivers Lodge Crossroads Lake, Woods River Labrador PART I

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