Happy Holidays

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2009, we'd like to thank everyone for their friendship, loyalty, guidance and advice during this rather challenging year. We're excited about 2010 - Bigger fish will be swimming, we just know it - and hope you are too!

Please help us make 2010 even better by taking a brief survey on our website, and as always, please subscribe to our mailing list to ensure you stay up-to-the-minute on news, fishing reports, and travel specials shared by MBR.

This Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year, remember to take a few moments to breathe deep and celebrate life's blessings along with the love and reward our families and friends bring us. See you in 2010!

Treasure or Trash? Marketing Giveaway Ideas Needed!

With the Holidays right around the corner, we’ve been working on our plans for the winter and spring fly fishing trade shows we’ll be attending prior to the beginning of fishing season. A question came to mind, and we thought it could be best answered by our faithful readers … what’s the neatest/coolest/most memorable giveaway item you’ve received at a trade show? What did you like about it? What made it “work” for you?

We’ve had drink “koozies,” key chains, mini-flashlights, pens, pencils and bags in the past, and are looking for new ideas for 2010. Email brslodge@westervelt.com or call us at (800) 281-7991 with your feedback. We always enjoy hearing from you!


If you’ll be attending The Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, New Jersey, January 22-24, 2010 or the Maine Sportsman Show April 2-4, 2010, stop by our booth and see our final decision!

If you are looking for the perfect holiday gift for the angler in your life (or yourself!) our pre-season specials  are valid through the end of the year.

Welcome the Olympic flame to New Brunswick!

Vancouver, British Columbia, on Canada’s Pacific coast, will host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, February 12-28, 2010. Following Olympic tradition, a torch relay began on October 30, 2009, in Victoria, British Columbia, and reached New Brunswick on Day 26, and the Miramichi area on Day 29.

"The Olympic Flame arrived at the celebration site at 11:20am and departed at 12:20pm in Miramichi.  The celebration entertainment started at 10am with the torch arriving at 11:20am at the James M. Hill Memorial High School.  Entertainment on the square in Newcastle was provided for those who could not make it to James M. Hill Memorial High School."

What an exciting time to be in the Miramichi River Valley! Follow the torch throughout the rest of its journey through Canada.

Miramichi Book Club: The Americans Are Coming

December began with the first big snowfall on the lodge in New Brunswick, signifying the beginning of winter and several months of modified dormancy in the Maritimes. We think it sounds like a great opportunity to curl up in front of the fire with a good book and, as such, are continuing on with our winter reading list and review.

This week we’re reviewing a book recommended by Linda Gaston, Executive Director of the Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown, New Brunswick.


“The Americans are Coming” by Herb Curtis, a well known writer in the Miramichi River Valley, now includes an afterward by David Adams Richards. The flair of “good ole river tales,” which have been passed down from generation to generation, sets a lively backdrop for showcasing New Brunswick and its unique culture.

Synopsis:

An invasion? For teenagers Dryfly Ramsey and Shadrack Nash, poor and ignorant in the world's terms but rich in the lore of the magical Miramichi, the annual influx of American anglers, with their money, fishing gear, and thirst for salmon seems like one, and it sets the stage for action. A cast of quirky, unforgettable characters - Nutbeam, a large-nosed, floppy-eared hermit; Shirley, Brennan Siding's toothless postmistress and Ramsey family matriarch; and Buck, who appears once a year to sire another child - conspire to capture the imagination in Herb Curtis's now classic novel. And what of the Whooper, that mystical beast whose cries result in amazingly tall tales? In The Americans are Coming, the voices of Brennan Siding ring out in the rich vernacular of New Brunswick's Miramichi region, a world immersed in myth, folklore, and the sulpherous belch of a nearby pulp mill, and where ghosts and demons are as real as the Lone Ranger or the spring run of gaspereaux.

About the Author:

Herb Curtis was nominated for the Stephen Leacock Award for his collection of humourous stories, Luther Corhern's Salmon Camp Chronicles. The Americans Are Coming is the first novel in his acclaimed Brennan Siding trilogy. He has won the Thomas Head Raddall Prize for fiction and been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Prize (Canada and the Caribbean). Although born near the Dungarvon River, he now lives in Fredericton.


What do you think? We'd love to hear your insight into this, or any other books, we're including on our winter reading list. Leave us a comment here or on the Notes section of our Facebook page.

Seasonal Slideshow

While we're still enjoying warm temperatures in Alabama, our thoughts continue to reflect on the wonderful season we enjoyed in 2009. The 7 months the lodge is open seem to fly by, and we thought you'd enjoy this reflective slideshow as much as we have. Which image is your favorite?

The ASF fund-raiser last week in New York City was certainly a fun affair to attend. It was held at The Plaza - my first time to visit - and the hotel itself is rife with history and tradition: I found it really intriguing as I listened to many guests recount their memories. 

I flew to New York on Veterans Day, and was so proud to see so much camaraderie amongst our veterans. On every flight Veterans were asked to raise their hands, and a round of applause was given to recognize their service. And it’s never too late or inappropriate to say thanks to all who have served in the armed forces for both the United States of America and Canada. We are very thankful of our freedom.

Mr. Stanley Bogdan of The Bogdan Reel (an Atlantic salmon tradition) was the guest of honor, and in his short talk he mentioned his son joining his business just after returning from his tour in Vietnam.  Heavy with humor, Mr. Bogdan said, “Since he joined the business he has been doing all the work, and I’ve been getting the credit for it.”  He did a great job connecting Atlantic salmon fishing - a father/son tradition – with the spirit of patriotism on Veterans Day, to produce a refined, heartfelt speech.

Cache and Conservation

Just because we’re not in the water doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy Atlantic salmon, does it? Of course not, and as this week’s schedule indicates, it’s certain to be both fun and informative. The Atlantic Salmon Federation is having their annual fund-raising dinner this week in New York City at The Plaza. The guest speaker will be world-renowned Bogdan Reel maker, Stanley E. Bogdan.

Proceeds will benefit the ASF, one of North America’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations founded a half century ago by individuals who shared a deep commitment to conservation and abiding respect for a majestic and severely threatened fish and its environment. ASF is a powerful conservation force with seven regional councils and 150 local river-based organizations in eastern Canada and New England, representing a combined membership of more than 40,000 dedicated conservationists.

Miramichi Black Rapids is contributing to the Atlantic Salmon Federation event by donating a 4-3-2 package (4 nights, 3 days, 2 rods) to our lodge in New Brunswick. Maybe we’ll see you in 2010?

A book which dovetails perfectly with this event is Gary Anderson’s “Atlantic Salmon: Fact and Fantasy.” It is a very well illustrated book with lots of details and theories about Atlantic salmon fly-fishing, and I reference it on a regular basis. In fact, I encourage all anglers who visit our lodge to at least thumb through it during their stay.

Like most things that appeal to a distinguished group, it’s not the easiest book to find, but here are two links which should get you started: Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble.

For other interesting items, visit Angler’s Cache on the Atlantic Salmon Federation website.

Miramichi Book Club: The Nine Lives Of Charlotte Taylor

 Many of our clients mention spending the winter catching up on their reading (the frozen-over Miramichi River lends itself to this pastime) and though we’re now prepping for the 2010 season at our winter base in Alabama, we thought we might stay connected to New Brunswick by reading and reviewing books highlighting the diverse culture and history of the Miramichi region.

“The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor” by Sally Armstrong was a book given to me by a person I have gotten to know through the last several fishing seasons in New Brunswick. Her family has very strong roots in New Brunswick, and her father actually still lives there.

In a brief review of the book done by Amazon.com you can see Charlotte’s path was a true testimony of perseverance in tough times:

“The epic true story of Charlotte Taylor, as told by her great-great-great-granddaughter, one of Canada’s foremost journalists.

In 1775, twenty-year-old Charlotte Taylor fled her English country house with her lover, the family’s black butler. To escape the fury of her father, they boarded a ship for the West Indies, but ten days after reaching shore, Charlotte’s lover died of yellow fever, leaving her alone and pregnant in Jamaica.

Undaunted, Charlotte swiftly made an alliance with a British naval commodore, who plied a trading route between the islands and British North America, and traveled north with him. She landed at the Baie de Chaleur, in what is present-day New Brunswick, where she found refuge with the Mi’kmaq and birthed her baby. In the sixty-six years that followed, she would have three husbands, nine more children and a lifelong relationship with an aboriginal man.

Charlotte Taylor lived in the front row of history, walking the same paths as the expelled Acadians, the privateers of the British-American War and the newly arriving Loyalists. In a rough and beautiful landscape, she struggled to clear and claim land, and battled the devastating epidemics that stalked her growing family. Using a seamless blend of fact and fiction, Charlotte Taylor’s great-great-great-granddaughter, Sally Armstrong, reclaims the life of a dauntless and unusual woman and delivers living history with all the drama and sweep of a novel.”

In reading the book I felt a strong connection to the culture that continues to exist in the Maritimes. Charlotte Taylor was a woman who followed her heart to survival, which has inspired me as a female in the same area she helped settle. So far we’re at a 100% positive review rate … I highly recommend!

The Season Ends With Wingshooting

Image Copyright Nancy Whitehead

Fall in the Miramichi River Valley is breath taking, and when the colors of the trees are fading, the brief wingshooting season is a great way to round out the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities available in the Maritimes.

The peak season of woodcock falls typically around Canadian Thanksgiving, which is the second week of October. After several frosts, the ground conditions for bird hunting in New Brunswick were ideal, and for the most part, our clients enjoyed a week full of excellent cool but sunny weather.

Our guide worked hard to put clients in the position to shoot numerous flushes of woodcock a day. The average flush for peak week rounded out to be about 45 flushes a day. We can not give the guide all the credit - the dogs worked well in the cool conditions, which makes time in the woods very enjoyable!

Watching a working dog is truly a magical experience. The communication between guide and canine is incredible, and observing this collaboration gives new meaning to “teamwork.” We have worked with an incredible photographer in the past, Nancy Whitehead, whose stunning images of working dogs have graced magazines and publications across the globe. Visit Nancy’s site for a photographic treat. If you like what you see, Nancy's book of sporting dog photography makes a really special gift.

We closed the fishing season out with light flurries of snow on the Miramichi River. The river temperature was in the 40’s and had dropped a good bit after the amount of rainfall the week prior, so our hopes were high as we waded the Miramichi on the last day of the season.

Thanks to all who visited us in New Brunswick this year? We hope to stay in touch and see you again next year. Although the seasons have wrapped up, we are already starting on 2010 plans.

Having Fun While The Seasons Change

The first big frost a few days ago came just in time; the leaves have seen their peak colors and have started to fall, giving a little relief to the thick woodcock covers and getting us very excited about the wingshooting season.

Autumn in the Maritimes is a splendid experience. The spectacular colors that radiate from the native hardwood forests are something to bottle up as a reminder of the hard work that goes into a full operational year.

Traditionally the largest salmon are caught in September, as the fish return up the river to spawn. Late summer rains are optimal and usually put the river at the right height for fall fishing, but this year the rain came late. We’re not, however, wallowing in regret. We’re looking to maximize and are planning to fish until the last day of the season.

Canadian Thanksgiving was celebrated this week, and we wish our Canadian clients a very happy Thanksgiving. Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge is thankful for our clients who have supported us throughout the 2009 fishing and wingshooting season. We hope to see you again in 2010, so please let us know when you begin planning either a weekend of fishing or a summer vacation with your family.

Even though the season is coming to a close, our plans for 2010 have begun taking shape. We will be attending some fly-fishing shows on the East Coast of the United States, though we’re still waiting for dates to be announced and will, of course, notify you when we might be nearby. We’d love to visit with you outside the lodge too! We’ll also be working with Miramichi Salmon Association to organize the 2010 Youth Fly-Fishing School.

Please do not forget to check out our trophy room to see the featured salmon of the season. We are very proud of all of our clients who caught and released their Atlantic salmon trophies. We will also stay current with plans via our Facebook Group, so please follow us there.

We’ll leave this blog with news that the Fly Rod Chronicles episode featuring MBR is airing again this week on the Sportsman Channel  (use their locator to check availability) beginning today. We mentioned this in July, and had lots of fun watching it the first time it aired.

The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, Oct. 13,  1:00PM EST
Wednesday Oct. 14, 3:30AM EST
Saturday Oct. 17, 11:30PM EST
Monday Oct. 19, 1:00AM EST

Salmo!

Did you know both Gauls and Romans referred to the Atlantic salmon by its ability to leap? It was known as “salmo” in Gaellic, and “salar” in Roman – both mean “leaper.” In fact, Linnaeus used these words when he was codifying the names of species in the 18th century: Salmo salar.  Not much has changed over thousands of years. We’re seeing fall leapers daily as they travel up the river.

Our lodge is filled with anglers who have fished for Atlantic salmon for many years, and others who are working hard to land their first. Regardless of experience level, the first lesson learned is quite simple: it takes time, and it takes patience. And when it comes together, it’s nothing short of perfection!

On Monday a guest hooked and released a six pound grilse fishing with a spey rod and using a tube fly he tied himself. Other flies our anglers are finding successful are Undertakers, Ally Shrimps, and of course, the Black Bear Green Butt.

Our pools fish well in the low water, and with rain in the forecast we’re optimistic the seasonal change will continue making the fishing even better.

Autumn Arrives

 

The anticipation has been building for several weeks, and the arrival of autumn has not disappointed the expectations.  With leaves committing to colors, a few light frosts, and the promise of great fishing, the village is lively with fall anglers.

Today Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge kicks off the fall season. The grounds are groomed and arriving clients will help us christen a new fire pit overlooking the Miramichi River later this evening. Our low water pools have taken shape after the high water we had last month subsided, and we are ready to hit the river in search of the large hook bill Atlantic salmon returning to spawn.

Another recreation opportunity we’re welcoming this week is the opening of woodcock season. The thick cover in the New Brunswick woods provides a perfect habitat for these small game birds, and a morning amidst the spectacular foliage with a trained bird dog and guide adds another dimension to the sporting experience.

Welcome fall! We are looking forward to a fun season with great sportsmen from all over the world!

A Memorable Season

 

Each fall we enjoy reflecting on the memories we make during our annual fishing season. At Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge, each of our guests lends their own unique qualities to create such special experiences, like Frank Logan who arrived by train from Ontario in early July for his first visit to MBR.

One evening on the water Frank and his guide, Darryl, began discussing a rock on the river which Darryl used as a landmark to designate one of our pools. He took the opportunity to explain how it signified where he should begin wading, and then where to fish. At some point in the conversation, they nicknamed the landmark “Kat’s Rock,” and decided they would have a plaque created and installed to make it an official marker.

Conditions on his first trip were not ideal but he said “You took care of me as promised,” and before he had gotten home he’d begun planning a return visit for later in the month.

We decided to surprise Frank for his return and painted "Kat’s Rock" in bright silver, and it almost glows at sunset. He was taken aback, though, because he’d also followed up on the joke and had ordered a plaque he intended to have installed! It will be installed prior to the close of the season and before the silver paint fades away.

The second trip proved more successful, with Frank landing a nice 9 lb. grilse, then catching and releasing another beautiful 18 lb. Atlantic salmon.  The fishing made him so happy he extended his trip for a few more days.

With just a hint of fall in the air, the leaves are on the precipice of changing colors. As usual the season has flown by, with only 37 fishing days remaining. It isn’t too late to plan a trip for a fall getaway. Contact us for additional details.   

 

Adopt-A-Salmon

What better way to support Atlantic salmon conservation than the Atlantic Salmon Museum’s Adopt-A-Salmon Program? Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge has adopted a family of salmon parr that have been released into the Miramichi River. Learn more about this worthwhile cause by visiting their website.

Words of Wisdom

American baseball legend Ted Williams mentioned in his book “Fishing the Big Three,” that August conditions were usually the worst for catching fish. From our perspective, his comments were dead-on where 2009 was concerned, mostly due to heat. While clients have certainly caught fish, the runs haven’t been abundant.

That should be changing as we progress into September and begin to see the fall run of salmon. We were happy to have missed the brunt of Hurricane Bill, though we did receive a fair amount of rain which raised the river level - a good thing as we see it.

Other inspirational and interesting bullet points from Williams’ book include:

• He liked “… the water on the build of a moon. The tides are getting higher and the fish move in that water all night and into the mid-morning.” [Note: The tides from the Miramichi Bay bring the fish to the Southwest Miramichi River.]
• He mentioned “ … the good runs are all gravel and rock bottomed. Fish lay below the bars in the shallow, gravelly places three to six feet deep, depending on the height of the water.”
• His preference was “high water over low water any day, because when the water’s high the fish come.”

We have not forgotten about our non-anglers. The fall season is young, and the spectacular foliage during the leaf change has yet to arrive. With so much to see and do in New Brunswick, we hope you’ll take advantage of our fall specials and visit us very soon.

Shivers and Excitement

Our Miramichi River morning dawned in the high 40’s (8 C), with the crisp fresh air wafting in on a cool breeze and bringing with it the first glints of autumn. For our customers in warmer climates it might be hard to imagine, and even we realize it’s just a temporary front. But it helps us keep our eye on fall fishing and wingshooting, and we can’t help but get excited at the prospect.

Our August 23-26 Parent/Youth Camp with the Miramichi Salmon Association continues to build steam, with Doug Underhill mentioning it today on his River Report, and heralds a dynamic transition to September, when we’re usually booked nicely with outdoorsmen and women who enjoy both angling and wingshooting.

The golden light that shimmers through the vivid fall leaf change can have a surreal quality as you follow a guide and trained pointer on foot to flush some of the best woodcock and grouse covers in the Miramichi River Valley. After a morning in the woods, a famous MBR lunch, (possibly a nap) and an afternoon of casting on the river, the setting is perfect for blending recreation with relaxation.

Don’t forget to follow the salmon and grilse returns, as well as weather conditions, at our site, where booking specials are also available.

Happy New Brunswick Day

Happy New Brunswick Day!

The Southwest Miramichi River below the Black Rapids pool has been high for most of the summer. The river temperature has been consistent for the last week in the low to mid 50's (F), and the springs coming into the river are a surprising 46 degrees.

Have you taken advantage of our summer and fall specials and now you're counting down the days until you travel? Here's a way to whet your appetite for Atlantic salmon fishing even more ... follow the river conditions on our website any time of the day or night. .

Even though the river conditions were not in his favor, a current guest and his guide covered a lot of water, allowing him to catch and release a 9-pound grilse and a really nice 18-pound salmon. Because we're seeing a lot of salmon jumping, we keep trying to determine what they're "hungry for." Seems we're getting good rolls on different flies such as the shady lady, green machine white tail, and of course our time-tested black bear green butt.

With the still young and the river up and running, canoeing and kayaking are fantastic options for non-angling guests. Local New Brunswick tourism is a "must" when traveling to Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge, and we're happy to help you experience as much of our friendly province as possible.

Leapers!

Spotting the "leaper" in late summer is always an encouraging sign for a big fall run as Atlantic salmon being their return to the river for winter. While the Miramichi's water is temporarily high, it's dropping quickly, and with the river's temperature up into the 60's (F), we'll begin using our dry flies as soon as the water level lowers.

As cliche as it may seem, time really does fly when you're having fun. Already it's the end of July and we're keeping our fingers crossed (and spotters looking for those leapers!) that 2009 will parallel the 2008 season, which is when we saw our first big run of grilse. Prior to the waters rising, we'd caught and released some really nice grilse, and we're optimistic we'll see some big salmon over the next few months.

Of course, we're not just waiting for the fish to arrive; we're teaching youths how to catch them when they do! We're really eager to present the Youth Fly-Fishing School along with the Miramichi Salmon Association August 23-26, 2009. Learn more about it by visiting our website, and don't forget to check out our Summer/Fall booking specials.

Experience the magic of the legendary Miramichi River this summer or fall. It's a decision you won't regret.

MSA Fly Fishing Camp

While it's unlikely Atlantic salmon fly fishing will ever be as popular an activity as hockey, soccer, or football, it has a few advantages:

• It's accessible to just about anyone, regardless of age or gender (provided they can travel to New Brunswick, where Atlantic salmon runs are legendary), though the sooner you begin learning, the longer you'll have to enjoy it.
• Special exercise or conditioning consists primarily of ensuring your casting wrist and shoulder remains flexible, and the ability to "dream big" is constantly nurtured. And it has an upswing: the risk of broken bones is greatly decreased.
• Any dietary needs are easily accommodated, though we tend to favor hearty, well-balanced meals in lieu of protein powder and egg white omelets.
• Your coach won't yell at you or force you through excrutiating drills, but your guide will give you excellent instruction and help you cast for the biggest salmon possible.

We've partnered with the Miramichi Salmon Association to deliver at least one, and possibly two, youth fly fishing schools this August. Details are included on our website.

If you'd like to assist a youth in developing skills that provide lifelong fulfillment, consider this unique opportunity.

Action! Camera! Lights!

Check your local listings and get your DVR's set to record: Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge will be featured on a soon-to-air episode of Fly Rod Chronicles. We just wish the crew would've been here to film this gorgeous 20-lb. salmon our guest Darryl caught and released on June 27 (he was using a black bear green butt). Oh well, all the more reason to return!

Fly Rod Chronicles will air four times the week of July 13th -19th on The Sportsman Channel, which is their national carrier. The program will repeat in October for four airings. Local affiliates will air at different times throughout the year as well. Make sure you visit their site and keep your eyes out for their visit to Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge.

Warming Trends On The Miramichi

It seems like it was just yesterday we arrived at the lodge to begin chipping away the ice and “hurrying along” the snow melt. Now we look around and the landscape is completely green with trees leafed-out, and bald eagles, black ducks, loons and, of course, Canadian geese filling the sky.

During this time the Atlantic salmon around whom we so diligently plan our calendars are feeding in the open ocean, and while we’re eagerly awaiting their return we’re spending our slow fishing days taking in some of the other sites and scenes offered here in New Brunswick. The culture and history of the Maritimes are a very important part of the Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge.

Our “Must-Do Short List” includes:

*Beaubears Island

Beaubears Island, situated in the Miramichi River, is located just outside the boundaries of the City of Miramichi, between the former Town of Newcastle and the Village of Nelson-Miramichi. In 2002 Beaubears Island was recognized for two designations of historical significance by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. This month afternoon and evening boat tours will depart from Bicentennial Parke, Nelson-Miramichi waterfront.

*Atlantic Salmon Museum

Located along the banks of the main southwest Miramichi River in the Village of Doaktown, the museum is a short ride from the lodge. Through its many interpretive displays, the museum illustrates the life and history of the Atlantic Salmon – as well as the people who live to cast for it.

Our spring season has been wonderful and we wish to thank our customers for supporting MBR. We caught and released fish ranging from large to small, but whether it was a 46-inch salmon or a 3-pound trout, each carried with it a great story of how it was caught, and what it meant to the angler. That’s what we’re about – creating experiences that lead to stories, and stories that lead to lasting memories.

Salmon and Stars

When the 4-man filming crew from Fly Rod Chronicles arrived at the airport in Fredericton, I could just hear host Curtis Fleming saying “We are here today on the banks of the Miramichi River …” We knew Douglas, Greg, Gene and Steve – who hail collectively from Virginia and West Virginia – were eager for an authentic Miramichi River experience fishing for Atlantic salmon and trout, and we were ready to live up to those expectations.

The crew was filming for a show scheduled to air in August, and we hope you’ll visit their site frequently to stay posted on details.

Only minutes after hitting the water, Greg hooked a nice salmon that was released on the Pink Lady, just downriver from Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge. It’s always exciting when a nice fish is caught early on, as it sets the mood for the duration of the trip.

Greg’s morning success earned him the esteemed position at the head of the table, a long-established MBR tradition honoring the guest who catches and releases the largest salmon of the day. This practice also sets the tone for even more competition, and though he eventually reigned over the table for the entire trip - despite the beautiful salmon Douglas landed on the second afternoon – the group gave him a hard time as they pressed for the head seat.

Along with the nice salmon caught and released, the group also had opportunities to catch some sea-run brook trout, a favorite pastime as the weather continues warming. Other activities and tourism options are available at the Mighty Miramichi Tourism site. Visit to learn more about an authentic Miramichi experience, and call us if you’re interested in fishing the famous river for the legendary Atlantic salmon.

Fiddleheads Emerge ... Bring On Summer!

The unfurled fronds of a fern as it begins growing each spring are known as “fiddleheads.” A seasonal delicacy in the Canadian Maritimes, they represent the eagerly anticipated and rapidly approaching summer, inspiring song lyrics about “fiddlehead and gaspereau,”* though at Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge, we pair them with salmon – purchased, of course, and never from our catch-and-release river!

Learn more about fiddleheads here.

The gathering of fiddleheads signifies the transition from spring to summer fishing, giving us something more to anticipate as June approaches.

Why is June such a great month for fishing?

• The first run beginning around June 10 – end of month usually consists of larger salmon.
• Fish caught in June have not been in the river long; they’re very fresh and take the fly eagerly as the water is still cool!
• Great brook trout (the salmon actually don’t have a monopoly on the river!) with fish averaging between .5lb. to 7 lbs. And the good news? You CAN keep and clean them!

Interested in a weekend lodging adventure during this glorious time of year? We’ll be happy to accommodate your group. Family and friends will find plenty to do (or not do, depending on preference) at our warm and inviting lodge. Children can float the river in a canoe while dad fishes, and mom can watch it unfold from the front porch with her feet propped up and a great book in her hands.

Learn more by visiting our website, calling (800) 281-7991, or email brslodge@westervelt.com.

*Gaspereau is a rural community in Nova Scotia, named for the Gaspereau fish which migrates up its river each spring.

Full Swing, Here We Come!

The river has melted.
The bread has been baked.
All that’s missing is you!

The smiling faces on our guests arriving at Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge for their annual visit give our staff a huge sense of accomplishment … we work hard to make our lodge welcoming, so you’re comfortable kicking up your feet or getting a fly wet in the mighty Miramichi.!

As the river continues dropping, the conditions improve and clients are beginning to land some nice salmon, with the Mickey Finn fly, once again, pulling through for the dedicated anglers. With smelt strongly moving up the river, we’re reaching for the floating line, though depending on where we’re fishing the sinking line or sink tip are also practical choices. Our guides tend to know best and help guests make those decisions.

The brook trout run will be here any day and there is still time to book. Spread the word (or not, depending on how much you like to fish!) amongst your angling peers, and remember, the first wave of bright salmon will be coming up the river before we know it. We wait a long time to see the spectacular return – don’t miss it!

Be a part of our Facebook group, where updates are routinely made. Search for “Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge.”

For information on booking, contact Katherine Hughes at (800) 281-7991 or email brslodge@westervelt.com.

Breaking Ice

At last! The ice is breaking up and we are so close to getting on the water we can almost taste it. The spring run fishing is done from small boats, fully guided. If the water levels recede enough, wading is an option. Either way, the fish are migrating back to the ocean after spending the winter spawning under ice; even though they might weigh up to 20 pounds, they're still hungry and ready to take flies!

Our regular customers are booked and prepping for their stays, and we're looking for new 2009 guests we can soon call "regulars." We realize fly fishing for Atlantic salmon isn't common in most parts of the world, so here's a suggestion that might get you thinking.

Corporate executives are falling for fly fishing now more than ever. Fly Fishing is a clever way to build business relationships. Provide clients with something a little different than a round of golf, or take your staff through a different kind of team building exercise while learning a new skill and building camaraderie.

Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge provides guides, equipment and exceptional customer service, making it an ideal setting for corporate groups, incentive or rewards trips, or as a planning retreat.

We are running several booking specials - it's great time to trade in your business suit for a pair of waders.

Salmon Stimulus Package

Looking for an incentive to book an Atlantic salmon fishing trip in New Brunswick? Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge has a "stimulating" opportunity for you! Book a trip for 4 at regular rates and you come for 1/2 price! While the river is still iced over and thaw is a few weeks off, the season's official start is April 15, and our guides are ready to get you on the water. Dates are available the second and third weeks of May, and into the summer months.

Imagine an action-packed day on the mighty Miramichi, followed by a relaxed evening enjoying libations and our famous cheese bread - either inside the lodge or on the banks of the river around the fire pit. Regardless of the setting, the story swapping (and truth stretching!) doesn't get any better.

Call Katherine Hughes at (800) 281-7991 or email brslodge@westervelt.com for more information.

disclaimer: 3 guests must book at regular price in order for 4th guest to receive 1/2 price on regularly published day rates. Discount applies only to day rates; all other costs remain unchanged.

Signs Of Life

Even though we’re still hibernating in Canada, we’ve scheduled step one – snow plowing - in our open-the-lodge process. It won’t be long now before the sunny spring we’ve been enjoying in the South makes its way to New Brunswick and we’re picking fiddleheads and casting for hard-hitting Atlantic salmon.

Making sure Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge is in tip-top shape for our guests is a priority. Our guides and lodge staff have their assignments, we’ve confirmed booking details, including the all-important equipment, with our clients, and will put a buff and shine on our beautiful wooden walls and floors and throw open the windows (even though it might be a bit cool, and only then for a few minutes) to give the lodge its first breath of the season.

I began organizing my spring flies one evening last week, changing my line from fall to spring and putting those smaller flies toward the back of my box in anticipation of September, I was overcome with a shiver of delight and excitement as I thought of the upcoming season and how spring fever takes hold of us no matter how extreme our winter climates may be (or not be).

Have you changed your line yet? There’s just 16 days left until the official season begins!

Fit To Be Tied

In just 22 days Atlantic Salmon season will begin in New Brunswick. We're so excited we can hardly stand it. Our lodge is still asleep beneath snow and ice, but as soon as the thaw begins we'll have lots of work to do to prepare for our first guests.

In the meantime, we'd like to know what our guests and fans are doing to countdown to the opening of the season. Have you packed and repacked your bags, ensuring your gear is in tip-top shape? Or are you taking inventory of your fly box, ensuring your flies are top-rate and ready for your first cast into the Miramichi River?

David McPhail ties flies in Scotland, and graciously agreed to us posting this video of several of his Atlantic salmon flies. You can find more of David's detailed tying videos via his channel on YouTube.



Do you like to tie your own flies? Have you ever caught an Atlantic salmon at Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge? We'd love to hear about it! Send us your story: any pictures or video would be greatly appreciated. We'll enter you in a drawing for an MBR "swag basket."

Complex Catch (And Release!)

During a recent conversation with a potential client in Japan, I was reminded how complex the Atlantic salmon species actually is. Comparatively speaking, the Atlantic salmon differs from the Pacific salmon in that does not die after it returns from the ocean to spawn, routinely adjusts between fresh and saltwater throughout its life, and travels up to 4000 km of ocean yet still returns to its river of birth to procreate.

I have traveled to Europe, Africa, and throughout North America, but have never been as fascinated by a species of fish. My knowledge base has expanded as a result of our interaction with the Atlantic Salmon Federation. This organization is passionate about its commitment to the conservation and preservation of the Atlantic salmon, working year round to educate multiple groups on their projects and how the species can be sustained and enjoyed.

In 2008 Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge was recognized by the ASF as one of eight lodges on the Miramichi River promoting catch and release of Atlantic salmon. We’re looking forward to 2009, and working with Geoff Giffin, New Brunswick Regional Director for ASF, to continue improving proper release techniques with both our guides and guests.

You can keep abreast of information provided by the ASF by visiting their newsroom. And if you’d like to experience the diversity of this famous fish, contact us to book a trip.

Only 57 days are left until the fly fishing season starts!

Somerset Fly Fishing Show Wrap Up

Our week at the Somerset Fly Fishing Show (New Jersey) was a great success. We enjoyed visiting with our existing clients as well as developing new relationships with those interested in traveling to our Atlantic salmon fishing lodge in New Brunswick.

Our relationships also include other businesses, and we appreciated the time we spent with:

Nomads of the Sea
Rocky River Sportsmen Lodge
The Canadian Fly Fisher
Frontiers
Atlantic Salmon Federation

and many others who represented the northwest and southwest branches of the Miramichi River very well.

New Jersey offered some really great dining opportunities. A local favorite was O’Connor’s Beef N’ Chowder House we felt the clam chowder we serve at our lodge was a little better!

There are only 63 days left until the fly fishing season starts. Contact us to book your trip.

2009 Is Off To A Bang

Even though our lodge is currently tucked away for winter, as this December photograph illustrates, we’re busily making preparations for our 2009 season … it’s just 83 days away!

One of our 2009 goals is to make our lodge 24/7 accessible to our customers and potential customers, and we’re excited about our website and our new Facebook page. You can find both easily by visiting http://www.miramichiblackrapids.com/ or search “Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge” at http://www.facebook.com/ (you must be a member). We’re eager to provide this outlet which allows guests to post images from their trip, stay connected with existing friends, and make new friends who share a passion for Atlantic salmon fly fishing. We’ll also be publishing our events – like our June Fly Fishing Clinic – here.

Speaking of, it’s never too late to start planning. Whether you’re a mother or a father, or an entire family, our Fly Fishing Clinic provides a perfect backdrop for a recreational vacation. We’re easily accessible by car from most northeast U.S. locations. Please email if you’re interested in more information.

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we’ll be flying to New Jersey for the Somerset Fly Fishing Show. Are you attending? If so please stop by our booth and visit. We’re offering an at-show discount for booking 2009 trips!

We’re exciting about 2009. It’s off to a bang and it’s only going to get better!