Bugs Are Out!

Bugs. They’re in the air now, so bring on the salmon … its time to fish!

Today is a cloudy day and we are hoping it will rain. The river looks in May like it normally does in July. A good rain will help fish to move into the system; the challenge is keeping optimal water levels for fishing. Ideally the river stays moderately low, as our pools fish well in this condition. As long as the air temperatures aren’t too hot, and rain over the next few weeks brings fish into the system, we’ll have prime conditions for a summer full of wonderful memories.

Don’t forget you can follow the river conditions this summer on our website. View the river report here.

There are other links listed on the site as well. Once returns start hitting the river system they’re great fun to follow.

Don’t forget about the events going on around the lodge:

The MBR Tourism Package, offered all summer for anyone passing through.

May 29 - the Miramichi Salmon Museum’s Spring Fling (and other events).

August 22nd -25th (First session): First Cast - Youth Fishing School

Weight-Forward Floating: Summer's Right Around The Corner!

One thing we love about fly-fishing is the gear and gadgets that come along with the sport. "Which one works?" "When do I or should I use ___ ?" Anglers ask these questions before hitting the water, when the hopes of hooking into a big one are high. As spring fishing is coming to a close on the Miramichi, the all-sink lines we used at the beginning of the season have changed to sinking-line-floating-tip and now find us with almost all weight-forward floating lines (WFF).

Since half the fun of fly fishing is figuring out what to use in certain conditions, having the right line and loading it properly is essential if you want to be successful once you start casting. We had the pleasure of a visit from Marc and Line Madore one day last week, who demonstrated different lines, rods and casting techniques. Line even took the time to show me how to cast her two-handed road, focusing on establishing a smooth rhythm. She saw the smile on my face after the first cast and said, “It's nice isn’t it?” and boy was she right: I have to get one!  A valuable resource they left was a DVD by Mel Krieger, The Essence of Fly Casting which reminded me to never stop learning. We want to thank them for their time, and we hope to fish together soon.

Where flies are concerned, everyone has their theories and preferences. But if you don't have a fly in the water you're not going to land a fish so it's really a matter of trying as many as possible until you find what works on the day. We're now starting to use (and see others using) the Green Machine and butterfly patterns, along with the infamous Black Bear Green Butt, which is really fun to say! If you are interested in seeing some very well-tied flies, check out some of Marc Madore’s videos here.

This summer is looking promising at MBR and we hope you'll get the chance to be part of it. Here are some things going on in New Brunswick:

The MBR Tourism Package, offered all summer for anyone passing through.

Miramichi Salmon Association Moncton Dinner.

May 29 - the Miramichi Salmon Museum’s Spring Fling (and other events).

August 22nd -25th (First session): First Cast - Youth Fishing School

Tell us about your favorite fly. Leave a comment here, or post it on our Facebook Fan Page!

Breaking The Ice

The Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) Ice Breaker, held on Saturday, was a sellout event. It was great fun, and it’s always nice to spend time with our clients and friends away from the river. (But make no mistake, it's more exciting when we’re casting!) If you would like to catch up on the latest news from MSA, please read their newsletter online.

You’ll see on page 6 of the newsletter, MBR is mentioned as part of the MSA First Cast Program, spearheaded by MSA board member Paul Valeri. The MBR event is just one of several being held this summer to help introduce younger generations to the river and fly-fishing. Our event is scheduled August 22-25, 2010.

One of the sessions we will be offering, fly-casting techniques, will feature Joan Wulff, a local and experienced Atlantic salmon guide. We believe this is the best way to help youth learn more about fly-fishing and the Miramichi River: from someone who knows it like the back of her hand!

We need your help to keep the tradition of Atlantic salmon fly-fishing going for future generations. Spots are available but they are going quickly. Please call if you’d like to be part this special event. If you're not interested in booking, please share the link with friends, family, or even media contacts who might help highlight such a unique opportunity.

Meanwhile, Down Under

We’re pleased to link you to an article that has just run in Forbes Magazine online. Poronui, owned by our parent company, has been listed as one of their Top-10 Best Fly Fishing Lodges in the world. Congratulations Poronui!