A Salmon Success Story

Getting up in the morning to the sound of waves hitting the beach has to be the most relaxing sound. Susan and I sat outside drinking coffee, watching the surf, looking for whales, and maybe the odd moose or caribou to stroll through. The morning flew by so we decided to eat lunch at the Anchor Café. It came highly recommended by numerous people.

The Anchor Cafe

The inside is like a family restaurant with tons of Newfoundland artistry.

Fisherman Buoys

Captain of the ship

We both ordered the pan-fried cod and were not disappointed. Many times we get fish and it’s overcooked and tastes like rubber. This was moist and done to perfection.

Pan-Fried Cod

I guess they get fresh fish daily since the fish factory is just across the road. All the boats are still in harbour awaiting the run of capelin.

Fish Factory

Boat in dock waiting for the capelin

After lunch Susan wanted to find a dollar store so we drove the short distance to Torrent River. While we were there we decided to check out the Salmon Interpretation Center.

Interpretation Center

The center

Since the early 19th century, the Torrent River has been synonymous with salmon fishing. However, over the next four decades the river’s wild Atlantic salmon became depleted. Poaching, over harvesting by commercial fisheries, and habitat destruction were the causes. Fortunately, Fisheries and Oceans Canada not only restocked the river but they also built a fishway past the 10m falls.

Concrete spillway with falls in background

For a meager $6 we toured the facilities and learnt about wild Atlantic salmon in the Torrent River. As we were reading the information upstairs in the museum, one young lady indicated there was a salmon in the fishway. Good timing or what.

Salmon in the fishway... how cool

When the salmon enter the fishway they can go only one way. It is here they are counted, measured, photographed, and then released into the river to spawn.

Fish are measured & photographed

With the blackflies as big as cockroaches I still wanted to hike down the Hogan Trail to see people fly fishing. Fishing on this river is strictly enforced. You are only allowed to fly fish on the river and right now its catch and release only. Absolutely no fishing above the falls.

Fly fishing only

On our way back home we drove through the very small village of Port Saunders. It’s obvious that the main source of income in this village is fishing.

Out with the old...

...in with the new

Another wonderful day spent discovering new place.

Fast Facts: Wild Atlantic Salmon

* wild Atlantic salmon have been declared endangered in 32 rivers in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and 8 rivers in Maine

* Atlantic salmon is only one of 87 species that migrate between fresh water and the ocean

* wild Atlantic salmon can jump 3.8 m (12 f00t) waterfalls

* the closest relative of an Atlantic salmon is the brown trout

* wild Atlantic salmon can live 15 years

* wild Atlantic salmon lose all their teeth and grow new ones when they return to fresh water from the sea


* wild Atlantic salmon can attain speeds of 30km (20m/h)