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!

Cast While They’re Running; Shoot While They’re Flying

And old saying we hear a lot in New Brunswick is “Make hay while the sun shines.” With such a range of climate – from summer heat to iced-over in winter – the Maritimes of Canada know how important it is to take advantage of optimum conditions.

Nothing could be more reflective of this than our just-concluded autumn season. While the lodge is now safely battened-down for winter, just weeks ago it was brimming with activity and already we’re planning for its triumphant opening in April.

September started us off with Al and Melissa Romans visiting from Tennessee. The Romans visited quite a bit of Eastern Canada, and actually found their way to New Brunswick via the train from Montreal. The water level was ideal during their stay, allowing them to fish home pool with great success each day.

We also entertained guests from Massachusetts, and even one from Japan!

The river had found its comfortable low fill and fishing was just getting ideal for the end of the season when Hurricane Kyle threw a wrench in things with days of torrential rain. Fortunately we were equipped with Spey rods, which originated in Scotland and are designed to have no back-cast. This is ideal for fishing from the banks, which our guests were eager to do, even though it was a bit soggy. In fact, a guest who visits from the United Kingdom debuted his Spey rod four years ago, proving once again that if you want to spot a trend, just look to the heart of the source … after all, Atlantic salmon fishing originated in Scotland.

October ushered in the peak of the wing shooting season, which is a popular activity alongside the fall run of salmon. Since the river was still high, a father/son group from Ohio sent to us from Frontiers Travel spent quite a bit of time hunting the elusive woodcock and grouse over pointers with our guide Jerry. Fortunately they had quite a bit of success in the woods, but one stood out on the river: Bryan landed a Cains river salmon on his 4 weight rod, the result of hard work and practice on his casting.

Katherine Hughes has returned to Alabama for the winter season, and in addition to making preparations for the Miramichi Black Rapids 2009 season, is helping out at sister-lodge Westervelt Lodge in Aliceville, Alabama. Look for Katherine at the Somerset Fly Fishing Show January 23-25, 2009, in Somerset, New Jersey, email, or call her at 205.562.5388.

Fall Arrives, And So Do The Salmon!

When we look across the river and see the leaves changing from their healthy summer green to vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow, we know fall has arrived. We welcome the clean, crisp air and know the river will soon be full of salmon and eagerly anticipate the challenge of the fall run.

Fly patterns are similar to the foliage colors we enjoy here in New Brunswick: orange, red and different shades of brown. (Get your #8- 10 Bombers and Shrimp patterns ready when you come to see us in the fall!)

If you’ve fished with us previously, you know we have some of the best low water pools on the Miramichi River. September traditionally produces our largest salmon of the season. In fact, over the past three years the Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge record Atlantic salmon has been landed in September. And it could be you this year!

Check out last year’s winner, Paul Smith, here, and if you’re up for the challenge of beating that record, give us a call. We have some space available and are ready to share the glory of the New Brunswick fall with you.

Increase In Numbers Gives Hope To All

Inspired art etchings over 20,000 years ago?
An international symbol representing “wild?”
Mentioned in the Magna Carta?

The answer is “yes,” and our friends at the Miramichi Salmon Association explain how few fish have attracted as much attention throughout the ages as the Atlantic salmon.
We all know Atlantic salmon numbers have been down for the past few years, but this year salmon and grilse returns are catching up quickly with the final numbers of last year’s total return.

If you are an avid Atlantic salmon angler this is the year to experience the “Salmo salar.” Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge is very excited about the fall run of salmon, and we want you to experience this invigorating angling opportunity.

Conveniently located on the banks of the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, anglers visiting Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge can literally wake up, strap on their waders and begin fishing. The lodge offers private bedrooms with private baths, incredible meals and professional guides. We have received a four star rating from the Canadian grading authority.

ASF Auction Winners

Bill Donald of Chatam, New Brunswick, used the private fishing waters auction item he won at the 2008 Atlantic Salmon Museum’s Spring Salmon Fling fundraising dinner on August 16 at Miramich Black Rapids Lodge.

MBR donated two rods over one day, fully-guided fishing trip on our private pools on the Miramichi River. Bill brought his friend, 2007 winner Bill MacKinnon, of Doaktown as his guest.
The morning of the 16th was one of the coolest we’ve had since the spring, and there was lots of fog on the river. While the water is higher than typical August levels, the salmon were still jumping. Daryll Curtis guided both men all day, and the weather turned out perfect as the day progressed.

”The fishing could not have been any better than it was today,” said Daryll, when they returned to the lodge for dinner that evening. They experienced the joy of salmon rolling all around them and spent the evening sharing fish tales with big smiles on their faces.

Limited space is still available for the legendary Atlantic salmon fall run on the Miramichi River. The Miramichi Black Rapids Lodge is well regarded as the finest low water salmon pools on the southwest Miramichi River. Fishing conditions for the 2008 season have been exceptional, and the fall run is setting up to be one that Atlantic salmon anglers will not want to miss.

For more information contact Westervelt Sporting Lodges 800-281-7991, or visit us on the web at www.miramichiblackrapids.com.