Tag Archives: Coopers Minipi Lodges

Minipi Guides Report – June 2014

Posted on by

Petches, Loon Pond, and West Bay with a finely presented Wulff pattern saw the most action during the last week of June at Anne Marie, while over at Minipi, the fishing was best at both the First and Second Narrows.

At the onset of the second week, the consistently bad weather patterns coupled with a stationary low created so much rain that elevated water levels could easily be compatible to a Spring run-off. Sandy beaches soon disappeared as did rocks that were used as markers, making it a challenge to  navigate places like the Narrows. As of now, Bathtub Rock was just above the surface by a mere eight inches with Lover Boy Rock totally submerged. This of course was tricky in maneuvering with the new 4-stroke Honda motors as well.

An unusual landing of three char, one of which was a ten pounder landed at Dave’s Point, with the others caught at West Bay and Burnt Lake could probably mean a sign of optimism for this wile fish for the coming summer. In any event, interest has been generated.

Hatches have been off to a slow start, but not affecting the size of fish any. The average weight has been topping the scales at more than six pounds. The upcoming warm weather should encourage bigger hatches and more of them, thus enabling more feeding frenzies. In fact, as we head into this first week of July, we see the first signs of numerous drakes on the water. It should be a good week coming up.

Minipi’s Experienced Guides

Posted on by

Minipi is rightfully famous for its huge Brook Trout and Char. I’m from Michigan where Brookies are measured in inches … not pounds. Labrador is, without a doubt, the finest place in the world to fish for Brook Trout and Minipi is its crown jewel. The Brookie in this photo was 7 1/4 pounds and was one of the largest I have caught there. But trout of 8-to-10 pounds are within the realm of possibility.

If it were only the fish that brought me to Labrador I might be excused for writing about them alone. But a trip to Labrador is more than just a fishing trip. The wildlife, the scenery, the guides who are worth the trip alone, and the hospitality shown by the Coopers makes each visit a “trip of a lifetime” experience.

Hook in ear - Minipi's Experienced GuidesCoopers’ Minipi Lodges has experienced guides who can answer just about any question you might have about flies, techniques, tackle and places to fish. Most of them also have a wonderful sense of humor…they need it if they are going to guide me. They can extract a fly from your ear with a minimum of fuss and make you laugh at the same time. No… I’m not the voice of experience there. But I’ve seen it done on someone else.

They are a fountain of knowledge, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Seriously, guides like Raymond Best, Ralph Coles, Todd Rumbolt and Pat Broomfield are some of Minipi’s best and are wonderful sources for helpful tips that really work.

Talking Minipi in Denver, CO!

Posted on by

The Fly Fishing Show started in Denver, CO, Friday January 3 with unseasonably warm weather. With temperatures pushing 60F, we expected booth visits to be slow, but it was quite the opposite. We consistently had interested fly fishers stop by to hear about the Minipi and its famous brookies. Many who stopped by were past visitors to Minipi and wanted to share their experiences. Everyone who has been there stated they had a fabulous time and are planning to return again someday. Over the past 10 years, we find that Friday brings out the most serious anglers of the three days and we often become quite engaged in the in-depth techniques associated with flyfishing for Minipi’s Brook Trout!

I gave a presentation in the Destination Theatre on mousing for Minipi brookies and about a dozen people sat in on the talk. Most had heard about fly fishing with mouse patterns, but associated the technique to trophy rainbows and could hardly believe the videos of these brook trout striking these huge flies. Those who have been exposed to fishing for brook trout on mice agree it is some of the most visually exciting fishing imaginable!

Saturday saw the temperatures plummet and heavy snows came to Denver. The visits to the booth were slow early on but steadily picked up as the day progressed. Again, we had many enjoyable and interesting conversations about brook trout. Many stopped by simply to glare at the pictures of Minipi’s colorful August brook trout, with some even claiming that it is simply not possible that a trout could exhibit such amazing oranges and reds. We encouraged these folks to come and see for themselves, as they will not be disappointed! I gave the same presentation again on mousing and had another good turnout. We had great dialog on patterns, how to tie them and then how to retrieve the mouse to engage the interest of a monster brookie. We were all wishing that this long and dreadful winter would soon end so we could get our feet and flies wet and wake up those brookies from their winter slumber!

By Sunday we were in the death grip of a deep freeze with highs not passing 15F. Again, visits to the booth were slow but steadily picked up through the day. We encountered new faces but also got a few re-visits from folks who had stopped by the earlier in the show. We shared stories of those perfect brook trout and how they must be doing this time of the year. We talked about the different stages of the fishing season and some pondered whether to catch these monster fish on huge drakes or tiny spinners. Others only want to fish with mice. But one thing is for certain: everyone wants to catch one or two of these treasures and admire their size and beauty at least once. The summer cannot get here soon enough!