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GEAR UP.

Be Prepared: Packing for Your Helen Falls Lodge Adventure

The Ungava region’s weather can be unpredictable, so packing for all conditions is essential to ensure a comfortable and successful trip. August typically brings stable weather, with daytime temperatures averaging around 70°F, dropping to as low as 35°F in the evenings. However, the northwest winds from Ungava Bay and the Arctic can make it feel cooler. Proper preparation, including layering your clothing and bringing the right gear, is key to staying comfortable and enjoying your adventure. By following this detailed packing guide, you’ll be fully equipped to enjoy world-class Atlantic salmon fishing and all other adventures in the unparalleled beauty of the Ungava wilderness. With the right clothing, gear, and accessories, your adventure at Helen Falls Lodge will be comfortable, safe, and unforgettable.

Be Prepared: Packing for Your Helen Falls Lodge Adventure

The Ungava region’s weather can be unpredictable, so packing for all conditions is essential to ensure a comfortable and successful trip. August typically brings stable weather, with daytime temperatures averaging around 70°F, dropping to as low as 35°F in the evenings. However, the northwest winds from Ungava Bay and the Arctic can make it feel cooler. Proper preparation, including layering your clothing and bringing the right gear, is key to staying comfortable and enjoying your adventure. By following this detailed packing guide, you’ll be fully equipped to enjoy world-class Atlantic salmon fishing and all other adventures in the unparalleled beauty of the Ungava wilderness. With the right clothing, gear, and accessories, your adventure at Helen Falls Lodge will be comfortable, safe, and unforgettable.

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What to Pack:

Here’s a comprehensive list to help you prepare for your adventure at Helen Falls Lodge:

  • Helen Falls Lodge waterfall
    • Long and short-sleeved shirts: 

    • Sufficient undergarments and wool socks: 

    • Relaxed clothing and camp shoes: Comfortable attire for lounging at the lodge.

    • Fleece and/or sweaters: for layering under jackets or vests.

    • GORE-TEX® shell: Windproof and waterproof protection for extreme weather conditions.

    • Wool hat: Keeps your head warm during cool mornings and evenings.

    • Lightweight gloves for dexterity while fishing.

    • Good quality GORE-TEX® breathable waders: 

    • Felt-soled wading boots: 

    • Wading staff

  • Helen. Falls Lodge wild Salmon

    • Fly rods for Atlantic salmon and Arctic Char 

      • 8-weight and 9-weight rods: Perfect for handling powerful Atlantic salmon and Char in various conditions. 

      • Spey rods (12-14 feet): Ideal for long casts on larger rivers and challenging waters.

    • Fly reels with smooth drags: Ensure they are matched to your rod weight for optimal performance.

    • Leaders:

      • Leaders (10-15 lbs) for strong, reliable connections.

      • Regular cameleon or clear nylon maxima is recommended with a good stretch and resistance

    • Tippets:

      • Fluorocarbon is not recommended, the fish here are not shy! 

    • Fly line:

      •  Only floating lines are recommended for salmon and sinking tips or uniform sink lines only for chars on size 8 or 9

    • Backing ​

                    We recommend at least 300 -400  feet of good quality 20 lb. dacron backing as most of  the time, big salmon will fight and  run  in the center of the river in the huge rapids that will  test your skills and equipment to the limit! 

                 

           

  • Helen-Falls-Lodge helicopter on tundra

    Gear, Equipment and Acessories

    • Day pack: Carry essentials like snacks, water, and gear during excursions.

    • Camera: Capture the stunning landscapes and your trophy catches.

    • Alcoholic beverages: Bring your preferred drinks for evenings at the lodge. 

    • Polarized sunglasses: Reduce glare and improve visibility while fishing.

    • Your favorite fishing hat: For sun protection and style.

    • Bug Head Net

    • Bug spray: To ward off pesky insects.

    • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV rays.

    • Small flashlight or headlamp: For navigating camp after dark.

     

    Additional Suggestions for Arctic Adventures

    Given the unique challenges of the Ungava region, consider packing:

    • Thermal base layers: For added warmth on cooler days.

    • Neck gaiter or scarf: Protects against chilly winds.

    • Extra batteries and power banks: Cold weather can drain batteries quickly.

    • Travel towel: Lightweight and quick-drying for convenience.

  • Helen Falls Lodge flies in fly box

    AS OF 2025 HELEN FALLS WILL ALSO PROVIDE FLYS AND LURES FREE OF CHARGE- If you want to bring your own here are the best .  

     Dark colored patterns are the norm on the George for Atlantic Salmon but colorful patterns can also provide some action on days when nothing else seems to be working.

    • Popular flies in sizes 4/6/8 (single hook) and 6/8/10 (double hook):

    • Black Bear Green Butt;

    • Green Cross;

    • The George;

    • Green Machine, single hook

    • Buck Bugs;

    • Harry Marry;

    • Black Muddler;

    • Black Machine;

    • Black Rat;

    • Black Dose;

    • Night Hawk;

    • Blue Charm.

    • George with flash – Hook (size: 6 to 8)

    • Black bomber – Hook (size: 6 to 8)

    • Black bomber with white tail

    • Green bomber with white tail 

    • Green George – Hook (size: 6 to 8)

    • Green Cross – Hook (size: 6 to 8)

    • Green or red butt bugs- Hook (size: 6 to 8)

    • * In some pools, dry fly fishing can be very productive . Deerhair flies such as the Dark Bombers, McDougall's Rat Face and Irresistible in sizes 2/4/6 are the most popular. 

     Arctic Char Flies - big colorful streanmers in pink orange and purple such as: 

    • Pink & Orange RIO Checkmate #2-4 

    • RIO Pay Dirt Cerise Purple #3

    • Egg model such as Glo Eggs and Alevins in sizes 8 to 12.

    • Hot Bugger, Bead Head and Zonker in sizes 2-8.

    • Traditional bonefish patterns such as the Crazy Charlies in pink and pearl, as well as the Shrimp and Puff Heads patterns in sizes 4 to 8.

  • Helen Falls Lodge waterfall
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Helen Falls has a Partnership with a leading fly shop. L’Ami du moucheur

We have developed a relationship with one of the best fly fishing specialists in Quebec : L’Ami du moucheur. The store is located in Trois-Rivières but they also offer an online shopping program. The site is: Amimoucheur.com They will provide advice on fishing on the Georges River and all the appropriate equipment in addition to a discount of 15% if you indicate the promotional code:  helenfalls2024

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