What are the top reasons to go?
- Fish with a lodge that has access to more pools than any other operation on the Southwest Miramichi system
- Experience a down home, friendly, comfortable, family-run lodge
- Take in the history and culture of Atlantic salmon fishing on the Miramichi
- Target healthy runs of Atlantic salmon with experienced local New Brunswick guides
- Experience a great value in Atlantic salmon fishing with stays of varying length and un-catered packages available
Who is best suited to this destination? Anglers interested in experiencing the rich history of fly fishing while stepping foot in one of the healthiest wild Atlantic salmon fisheries in North America. Guests who value a warm and modest atmosphere will appreciate this operation and their friendly team of guides and staff.
Where is the lodge? It is located five miles above tide water in Grey Rapids, near the town of Blackville, along the banks of the Southwest Miramichi River in New Brunswick, Canada.
How do I get there? To get to Country Haven Lodge, guests will need to fly to Fredericton (YFC), or Moncton (YQM), New Brunswick, Canada. Guests will be met by a lodge representative and transferred approximately two hours to the lodge. It is also possible to fly to Halifax (YHZ), Nova Scotia and drive approximately four hours to the lodge. Guests can also drive to the lodge from the United States.
When should I go? The season runs April 15th to October 15th. Anglers target fresh summer-run Atlantic salmon mid-June through August. From September through mid-October anglers will target productive pools where the salmon hold for extended periods.
How will I fish? Guests fish 1 – 3 anglers per guide and have exclusive access to 25 different private pools on the Southwest Miramichi River and tributaries. Each named pool is a long section of river that can typically take two or more well-spaced anglers at a time. Most pools are accessed by vehicle, while a limited number are accessed by a flatbottom boat with an outboard motor. All fishing is traditional down and across swing fishing using both single and double-handed rods. Nearly all fishing is done with floating lines. Skated and dead drifted dry flies are also used and weighted flies are not allowed.
Is there wade fishing? Yes. Most fishing is wade fishing, but there can be limited boat fishing.
Where will I fish? Country Haven has access to 25 different private pools along the Miramichi, Cains, Renous, and Dungarvon rivers. Guests will have exclusive access to one of these pools for each fishing session.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Some pools are just minutes from the lodge while the longest drives can be up to an hour away.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? Country Haven Lodge is first and foremost an Atlantic salmon lodge, but at certain times of the year guests can target resident and sea-run brook trout. There is also a robust population of striped bass in the system that make up by-catch at certain times of the year.
How many fish will I catch? Catch rates will differ depending on the time of year, but in general Atlantic salmon are not a numbers game and you can expect one opportunity per session on average over multiple fishing days. Weather and water conditions vary throughout the season and can influence the success rate.
Will I see other anglers? Guests may see other anglers in different pools on the river, but there will never be other anglers in the same pool that you are fishing.
What are the guides like? The guides are experienced local anglers from New Brunswick, many of them having grown up on the Miramichi River and neighboring communities. They are friendly and very knowledgeable about Atlantic salmon fishing. They are somewhat hands off and tend to fish the classic Atlantic salmon patterns based on their local experiences and traditions.
What are the physical demands? None. Wading is generally very easy.
Are there any special skills required? Long casts are not required but are helpful to cover more water depending on the pool and river height.
Does the lodge provide equipment? Yes. The lodge can provide waders, boots, single-hand rods, flies, and terminal tackle but guests are welcome to bring their own.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? A 13’0” 7 weight Spey rod will cover most fishing situations, and a 9’0” 8 weight single hand rod can be helpful as the season progresses and the river lowers.
What are the top flies? Classic salmon flies like the White Tail Green Machine, Undertaker, Blue Charm, Black Ghost, Black Bear Green Butt, Silver Rat, Carter Bug, and Same Thing Murray. During the summer dry fly season guests can fish bombers in many colors with peach being particularly effective.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging? The Miramichi, Cains, Renous, and Dungarvon rivers are free flowing and it is rare, but possible, for the rivers to blow out. Country Haven Lodge has access to over 25 pools that will fish at low, medium, and high-water levels, offering one of the best fishing programs in the area that can cover a wide range of water conditions.
What is a typical day like? Fishing days are divided into split sessions. After breakfast the guides meet you at the lodge or at your cabin at 8 AM to take you to the river. You will fish one beat, called a pool, for the first session and return to the cabin between 12:30 – 1PM for dinner (the large meal of the day). The guides will pick you up again around 5 PM to fish the evening session at a different pool until dark. During the long summer days, a lighter meal is then typically served at 9:30PM.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The lodge is warm and laid back, and guests are treated as if they are part of the family.
Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? Yes. The owner Byron “Byzie” Coughlan is always available for guests.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? All meals are taken at the main lodge. The cuisine is hardy and home cooked. Eastern Canada is known for its seafood, and their salmon and fiddlehead special is highly regarded and deserves special recognition. Guests are also welcomed to self-cater if they would prefer.
What is the alcohol policy? Alcohol is not included, and guests are welcome to bring their own.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Country Haven has a main lodge and three cottages that are available to guests. The main lodge is a 4,000 square foot log home with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a kitchen and dining area. There is an open lounge area with a great view of the Miramichi River. There are also three- and two-bedroom cottages that offer a more private experience for families and groups. In addition, Country Haven has access to numerous other camps that can accommodate groups of 6-8.
Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes. There is cell service, and all cabins have reliable wireless internet.
Are there other activities? Yes. Guests can canoe, kayak, and float tube the river. There are several local fly shops to visit, and the Atlantic Salmon Museum is located in Doaktown, a 30-minute drive from the lodge.
Are there any other expenses? No.
Do I need a visa? No.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? The mosquitos and black flies can be thick at certain times of the year. We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.
