Delay River Fly-Fishing for Atlantic Salmon & Brook Trout

By David Hartlin, Professional Guide

There are a few places left in the world where fly fishing still feels truly untouched—where the fish are wild, the landscape is unbroken, and every cast feels like an exploration. The Delay River in Nunavik is one of those rare places. Flowing through the remote Arctic wilderness of northern Quebec, the Delay offers world-class fly fishing for Atlantic salmon and trophy brook trout from July through September.

This river is not accessed by road, does not see heavy angling pressure, and remains one of the most pristine fisheries I’ve ever guided. If your idea of the perfect fishing trip includes powerful salmon, oversized brook trout, total solitude, and wild Arctic scenery, the Delay River belongs at the top of your list.

This article is written from personal guiding experience on the river, and fishing the Delay River.

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The Delay River: A Pristine Arctic Fly Fishing Destination

The Delay River drains through the heart of Nunavik before flowing into Ungava Bay. It cuts through vast tundra, ancient rock, and untouched wilderness. There are no roads, no nearby towns, and no easy access—only bush planes and raw wilderness.

What makes the Delay River so special is its diversity of water:

- Long, slow sweeping pools perfect for swinging flies

- Boulder-strewn runs that hold aggressive salmon

- Shallow riffles and structure-filled edges for brook trout

Deep cold pockets where the largest fish live

Because of the river’s isolation, both the Atlantic salmon and brook trout here behave like truly wild fish—strong, aggressive, and willing to move for a properly presented fly.

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Best Times to Fish the Delay River: From July to September

Each month of the season brings a different kind of fishing experience.

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July: Fresh Atlantic Salmon & High-Water Power

July marks the arrival of the first big push of Atlantic salmon. These fish enter the river fresh from the salt—chrome bright and incredibly powerful. Water levels are generally higher, making it ideal for swinging larger flies on sink tips.

Fishing in July is all about:

- Vast amount of water

Strong currents

- Flies heavy

- Explosive first-run salmon

That is usually where anglers connect with their strongest fish of the season.

It is with this form of awareness that the right use of mental faculties becomes possible.

August - Salmon & Trophy Brook Trout at Their Peak

August is the heart of the season on the Delay River. Salmon numbers are at their peak, water levels stabilize, and the brook trout reach true trophy size.

This is when:

Dry-fly fishing for salmon becomes realistic.

- Brook trout push well into the 18–22 inch class and beyond

- Streamer fishing becomes outstanding

Long daylight hours allow for extended fishing days

August offers the best balance of numbers, size, and variety.

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September: Fall Colors, Low Water & Aggressive Fish

September brings frost in the mornings, blazing fall colors on the tundra, and increasingly aggressive fish. Salmon begin showing their fall colors and become highly territorial. Brook trout are at their heaviest and most powerful of the year.

Lower water means:

- Lighter lines

- Smaller flies

- More accurate presentations

But the reward is some of the most visual and exciting fly fishing of the entire season.

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Fly Fishing Gear Checklist for the Delay River

Having the correct gear is critical when targeting powerful Atlantic salmon and oversized Nunavik brook trout in a remote environment.

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Double-Handed (Spey) Rod Setup for Atlantic Salmon

This would constitute the main scheme for most of the river.

- Rods: 12’6” to 14’ Spey rods in 7–9 weight

Skagit heads for heavier water, Scandi heads for lighter flows

Sink Tips: Intermediate, T-8, and T-11

- Reels: Large arbor reels with sealed drag systems

- Backing: 30–40 lb

- Leaders: 8–12 lb fluorocarbon

This setup allows anglers to efficiently cover large runs and present flies at the correct depth throughout the season.

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Single Handed Rod Outfit-Including 8 Weight

Single-handed rods are extremely effective during low-water periods in August and September and are ideal for dry flies, skated patterns, and precision streamer work.

- Rods:

- 9'–10' rods in 7–9 weight for Atlantic salmon

- 9' 8 wt as ideal all-around single-hand salmon rod

5–7 weight rods for brook trout

- Lines: Floating fly lines with long controlled tapers

- Leaders: 9–12 feet

- Tippet:

- 1X–2X for salmon

- 0X–2X for trophy brook trout

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Proven Fly Patterns for the Delay River

While Atlantic salmon will always surprise you, certain patterns consistently produce results on the Delay River. These flies cover all water conditions from high summer flows to low fall water.

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Classic Atlantic Salmon Flies

- Black Bear Green Butt

- Temple Dog–Style Flies

- Sunray Shadows

- Bombers: for skating and waking

- Red Francis

- Cascade

- Ghost Stone Fly

These patterns enable the angler to cover:

Deep water

- Mid-depth swinging lanes

- Surface presentations

- Aggressive stripping techniques

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Trophy Brook Trout Fly Selection

Nunavik brook trout are apex predators, and hit hard on:

Muddler Minnows

Practice using these patterns: - Woolly Buggers

- Leech patterns

- Soft hackles

- Large attractor dry flies

Streamer fishing for these fish often results in lightning-fast, heart-stopping strikes.

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Catch and Release: Preserving this Pristine River System

The Delay River remains special because it is treated with respect. Catch-and-release is not just encouraged—it is essential to preserving this world-class fishery.

Atlantic salmon and brook trout grow slowly in cold Arctic water. Every fish released safely is an investment in the future of the river.

Responsible practices include:

- Using barbless hooks

- Keeping fish in the water during unhooking

- No air exposure

- Proper revival prior to release

These conservation measures ensure that future generations of anglers will experience the same powerful fish and pristine conditions we enjoy today.

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Wildlife you might come across on the Delay River

One of the most unforgettable parts of fishing the Delay River is the wildlife. Every day on the river feels like a live nature documentary.

Common sightings include:

Black bears along the riverbanks

- Large migratory herds of caribou

-wolves traveling gravel bars and ridgelines

- Arctic foxes near the camp

Other eagles, hawks, falcons, and many birds of prey

- Ducks, geese, and a wide variety of waterfowl

It is not uncommon to be fighting a salmon while caribou cross the river upstream or to spot a wolf tracking the shoreline nearby. These moments elevate the trip far beyond fishing alone.

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Why the Delay River Belongs on Your Fly Fishing Bucket List Very few places on Earth still offer: - Real roadless wilderness Strong wild Atlantic salmon runs - Trophy brook trout - Extremely low fishing pressure Total immersion in Arctic nature From the first swing through a glassy run to watching a 20-inch brook trout crush a streamer at your feet, the Delay River delivers an experience that stays with you forever. This is not just another fishing destination; it's a true wilderness adventure. --- Book Your Delay River Fly Fishing Adventure This experience is written from personal time spent guiding on the Delay River. If you are interested in booking a fly fishing trip for Atlantic salmon and trophy brook trout on the Delay River in Nunavik, you can book directly through my website.

Watch the film Quest for Atlantic Silver, filmed on the Delay River Summer of 2025 at Delay River Outfitters.

Book Your Nunavik Fly-fishing experience today!

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— David Hartlin, Professional Guide