Major Public-Fishing Opportunity In Canada About To Be Lost

Article Date: June 2004

Still on the subject of Atlantic salmon, correspondent Tim Jones tells us a major public-fishing opportunity in Canada is about to be lost. It's due to the impending sale of a first-class lodge on the Miramichi River in New Brunswick. He writes:

"Black Rapids Salmon Club on the Miramichi River is for sale. The asking price is $1 million (US) and includes 85 acres with two lodges (one with a commercial kitchen) and a full mile of river frontage. Here's why this is news: This prime fishing property on the Miramichi has been available to anyone who wished to book time and pay for the privilege of fishing this beautiful water. That may not be the case after the sale.

"I've fished the Black Rapids water often; if your timing is right, the Atlantic salmon and sea trout fishing is spectacular. Black Rapids has the advantage of being positioned low enough on the river (as I recall, it's about a mile or two above tide) to serve as the first resting point for fish entering freshwater.

"In the spring, particularly in May, downstream migrating salmon encounter upstream migrating smelt right in front of the lodge, and the result is total carnage. The salmon gorge themselves, gaining weight and strength by the minute, and the fishing can be simply spectacular. It's not unusual at this time of year to encounter sea trout and the first fresh salmon entering the river while you are catching downstream salmon. There's also excellent grouse and woodcock hunting in the area, and large populations of both whitetail deer and bear.

"There's concern that this property will become a private residence or corporate retreat, closing access to all but the privileged few, though there is still hope that a small group of anglers will buy t........(continued)

CONTACT DETAILS FOR COMPANIES/INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN ARTICLE (if any)

Frank J Parker, Atlantic Advisory Group. Tel. 617-325-0652. E-mail: frank@aagboston.com