The Restigouche River Lodge

The Restigouche River Lodge is located on 3 miles of crystal clear, Atlantic Salmon fly fish water at the junction of the Matapedia River in New Brunswick. The lodge used to be a private retreat but is now open to the public. It is the first camp on the salmon's journey up the Restigouche which is considered by many to be one of the best Atlantic Salmon Rivers. Fish up to 40lbs are hooked each year and there is very good trophy sea trout fishing from the end of May until mid-June and again in September.

The lodge has 10 private pools which can be fished from the bank, wading or from large powered canoes which carry two anglers. One guide looks after two fisherman.

Between 15,000 and 25,000 salmon enter the Restigouche each year, the run in 2011 was the largest since 1974. Prime time is from the beginning of June to the end of the third week of July.

The Lodge accommodates 10 guests either in the main lodge or in one of two cabins. Bedrooms are all double occupancy with private bathrooms and the cabins also have a large living area. The main building houses the lounge and dining room which have lovely views of the River and surrounding Chic-Choc Mountains. Three excellent meals are prepared by the chef each day.

The week starts on Sunday afternoon and clients stay for 7 nights with six and a half days fishing.

Price Includes: One night accommodation in Bathhurst New Brunswick, car hire, 7 nights accommodation on full board with 6 days' fishing.

Not Included: International Flights, fishing licence, meals not listed, gratuities and items of a personal nature

The Miramichi

Fishing in New Brunswick is more akin to the type of fishing we are used to in the UK - the pools for the most part being private to the lodge in which you stay.  The Miramichi, world famous for its Atlantic salmon, flows through the heartland of the Province of New Brunswick.  It is a beautiful river with clear, clean water running over an endless succession of gravel bars, braiding into channels flowing around fertile islands.  Oxbows and backwaters provide habitat for beavers, otters and wildfowl.  Good river management has resulted in large numbers of fish returning each year.  Salmon average 6 - 8lbs, with 10 - 15lb fish taken regularly and 30lb specimens occasionally.

Fishing Seasons: Salmon - 15 June to 15 October (1-15 July & 8 September to 15 October are prime time).

Recommended Accommodation:

Ponds Resort  

Ponds Resort is set amongst pines on the Miramichi, has been owned and operated by the Pond family since 1925 and is Orvis endorsed.  Here you have the choice of excellent fishing based at the lodge on nine miles of private water or spending three nights at their wilderness lodge, McKiel Brook Camp, where there is a further nine miles of fishing.

Accommodation is in cabins spread throughout the property, giving individual privacy with maximum convenience.  The main building houses a licensed restaurant, bar, tackle shop and four further rooms with bathrooms.

Other Activities

Tennis, volleyball, walking trails, golf, canoeing, jogging routes and croquet.

Price Includes: First night at Delta Inn Fredericton, 6 nights accommodation, all meals at lodge, 6 days' fishing, one guide for two fishermen and car hire.

Not Included: International flights, fishing licence, meals not listed, gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Wilsons  

Wilsons have been hosting fishermen since 1855.  Keith Wilson is the latest in the line of family experts to carry on the fishing traditions of the lodge, which is delightfully informal and friendly.  To ensure a memorable fishing experience you will be one of 12 rods.  You will be transported by a traditional "chestnut" canoe to the 16 private pools on the Miramichi and Cain's Rivers and will be guided by some of the best salmon guides.

The "Big Murphy Pool" is home to a new main lodge with a spectacular 20 km view of the Miramichi Valley - with no other dwellings in sight.  The main level has the office, kitchen, dining room (where excellent home-cooked meals are served) and tackle/gift shop, surrounded by nearly 100 feet of covered deck. The lower level begins with a covered deck providing access to a comfortable lounge with fireplace. There is an adjoining bar.  Accommodation is in one of seven cabins nestled among the spruce and white birch trees on the five acre site.  Cabins have private toilets, showers and veranda.

Other Activities

Canoeing, New Brunswick trail for walking or cycling, waterfalls, golf, museums and abundant wildlife. 

Price Includes: First night at Delta Inn Fredericton, 6 nights accommodation, all meals at lodge, 6 days' fishing, one guide for two fishermen and car hire.

Not Included: International flights, fishing licence, meals not listed, items of a personal nature and gratuities.