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.