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.