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!