LODGE HEADLINES Guide Michael French, shown right, doing what he loved. Michael French—Atlantic Salmon SweetnessIt is with the deepest sorrow that we have to report the very sad news of the passing of Michael French. Mike, “Frenchie” had just joined the Restigouche River Lodge guide team only a couple of seasons ago. In addition to losing a wonderful fellow the Atlantic salmon world has also lost one of the very best guides. It did not take long for Frenchie to learn the Restigouche River and I am sure he related all of his many seasons of guiding on the Saint John to his new river, The Restigouche. Michael loved being on the river. I know he was happy settling in at the lodge where he could feed his passion for Atlantic salmon fishing and guiding. He was in his glory while being on a big river fishing or guiding. Woods and water, bird dogs and Atlantic salmon, this was his world, with an occasional trip to the Far East! Frenchie could get you a fish, a big fish, as can be confirmed by his RRL sports. A joyful and knowledgeable conversationalist, in addition to his great guiding skills, our few guests were very fortunate to have spent a day on the Restigouche with Mike. Such a delightful and easy going man, I will miss Michael immensely, as I am sure will the partners, staff and guests of the Restigouche River Lodge. In closing this sad note, I would just like to think that Frenchie, while passing in his sleep, was in the mist of dreaming of a big salmon on! —William Hartnett, RRL September 3, 2021 Looking Forward To A Virus Free Time-The Joy of Atlantic Salmon Fly Fishing is Coming Back
I think we can all agree that we have had just enough of this rotten Covid-19 virus. The Restigouche River Lodge has gone through two tough seasons and we somehow have managed to keeps things going. It has been the partners desire to provide the necessary weeks, allowing the staffs benefits to stay in effect. The lodge also benefited from the small projects and lodge maintenance that has been completed by the girls and a few of the guys. We do have our sacred cows! We have been able to bring in a few Canadian anglers and that’s kept our sacred cows fishing. Read more Home Pool 2021July 5, 2021
Cold air temps and a bit of rain are finally bringing in some salmon. Here are two from Home pool Friday the 2nd of July. Emily’s 2021 Atlantic SalmonJune 1, 2021
Here is the evidence of the low water during the last week in May 2021. Emily did a great job in hooking, fighting and landing this large Restigouche Atlantic salmon. As you can see the river was gin clear and very low. With few fish coming in to the the Restigouche river under these tough conditions, the RRL hat is tipped to Emily!
 Emily Rodger with her magnificent Restigouche Atlantic salmon A Fight Between Two LadiesBy William Hartnett June 10, 2020 Colin Huff and Emily Rodger came in to the Restigouche River Lodge for a couple of days on the Restigouche River. Due to Coronavirus, they had to stay on the Quebec side and fish with Rodney, one of our Quebec guides. This virus has made things very difficult for the lodge and our staff. Well the two anglers took advantage of all the river could offer for those two days. Colin had shots on a few fish, lost a massive salmon and landed a 33 pound Atlantic. Emily also lost a very large fish and had action from other salmon. Read more…  Colin Huff and a Restigouche Atlantic Salmon Colin Huff’s Atlantic SalmonJune 6, 2020
Colin Huff got his big Restigouche Atlantic! Get another, Colin.  Greg Dixon’s second Atlantic Salmon for 2020 Greg “Magic Touch” Dixon with a great buckJune 5, 2020
I guess were getting tired of seeing this guy’s mug with another large Atlantic salmon! The man has the “magic touch” This fish was from yesterdays evening fishing. This morning Mr. Magic only managed a 20lb from the top of Ledges. First couple of casts, then BANG! Yes he will be on the water tonight.  Dixon with a beauty Greg Dixon’s Atlantic Salmon 2020June 2, 2020
Greg Dixon with a beauty from tonight.  Toby’s Atlantic Salmon 2020 RRL guide Toby Gilbert’s Atlantic 2020May 28, 2020
Here is a Restigouche Atlantic salmon landed by RRL guide Toby Gilbert. Times keep getting tougher in these Days of the Coronavirus. Despite the new outbreak in the Campbellton hospital, the Restigouche River Lodge is keeping our staff working for as long as we can. We have the hope of opening at some point this season. Maybe at the next date June 21. People need to work. Never say die! A Memorial Day Story
By Bill Hartnett During one of my frequent phone conversations with Jim Lewis, a dear friend of the Lodge and myself, the topic of family history came up. As it often does our conversion evolves to something along the lines of history. Our discussion of Atlantic salmon fishing turned to the subject of WWII and the service of Jim’s father came up. By using a large crowbar I was able to pry this story from Jim. Read more…
 Ice on the move. photo credit Seagull Cooling Ice on the move 2020The ice is running on the Restigouche River! As of April 14th the river ice is not moving at the Restigouche River Lodge in Mann’s Mountain. This photo from Seagull shows the Restigouche River from Camp Harmony looking down river. Yes all this stuff is on its way to the lodge once it gets going. The Restigouche is backing up the Upsalquitch River and doing some flooding there. Follow us on Friends of the Restigouche River Lodge for updated information.
Happy EasterApril 12, 2020 The Restigouche River Lodge wishes everyone a Happy Easter and Passover. Stay well and keep safe.
Passing of Dave BrandtMarch 27, 2020
It brings us great sadness to post this information of the passing of Dave Brandt. Dave was a magnetic Catskill Fly Fishing Legend, he was the head instructor at the renowned Wulff Fly Casting School, past President of the Catskill Fly Tier’s Guild and inducted into the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum Legends in 2017. Dave tied those traditional “Catskill Style” flies, always a favorite at all the fishing shows. Nothing like those dry fly’s with the wood duck wings! Sadly for us he never got to the RRL as we had planned. We will all miss Dave and the RRL’s deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends.
 Toby with Mark’s Atlantic Restigouche River Lodge 2021 Week Request ListMarch 17, 2020
Salmon anglers are becoming more aware of the very large Atlantic’s that enter the Restigouche River from May through early June and into the second week of July each season. At the Restigouche River Lodge we fish the first prime holding water on the Restigouche. This fact has enabled our guest to land many of these magnificent salmon yearly. Anglers worldwide are interested in booking these weeks making the opportunities of booking a week increasingly more difficult each season. The Restigouche River lodge policy gives anglers at the completion of their week the opportunity to re-book the week for the following season. If they choose not to take advantage of this opportunity the week comes available to the public. We are building this list now, if you would like to be added please follow the instructions below. Email the Restigouche River Lodge at info@restigouchelodge.com with your request to have your name placed on the list. Include your email, phone number and if you are looking to book one or two rods. Each request (one per angler) is limited to two rods, if your group is larger just have another member of your group make a request. When a week becomes available anglers will be contacted by the order of the list, (order of the list formed by date and time of receipt of your email request) you will receive a phone call and email with the next angler on the list notified by the hour. The Restigouche River lodge has formed this list so as to give our followers an equal fair opportunity to book one of these great weeks on the Restigouche. Salmon Fishing Club-Facebook PostMarch 5, 2020
We occasionally post a photo on the Facebook group the Salmon Fishing Club. Hamish Young, Admin • July 5, 2019 RRL guide Michael and guest Anthony with a very special Restigouche River Atlantic! The boys did a fine job that evening, not only landing this one but another of equal size. The action took place early June, 2019 in our Ledges Pool. Needless to say I, Anthony and frequent guest Jim Elie finished off a bottle of single malt scotch that night.
The Mystique of Atlantic Salmon fly fishing A bright Atlantic Fly Fishing Show Pleasanton, CA — February 21-23, 2020February 7, 2020
The Restigouche River Lodge is busy traveling the Fly Fishing Show circuit. Next stop is Pleasanton, Ca. We are looking forward to a great show and visiting with the increasing RRL West Coast guests and lodge followers. 2020 Fly Fishing Show Edison, NJ—January 24-26January 23, 2020
The Restigouche River Lodge will be at the Edison, N.J. show. It will be a great weekend of fun. See you there! https://  Alex with the first Atlantic Salmon of 2019 Spot Available, June 24-28, 2020We have a spot available, June 24-28, 2020 Merry Christmas and Happy New YearDecember 23, 2019
Toby to Return to the RRLDecember 18, 2019
Last season Toby made a one week cameo appearance. He is returning for the entire prime weeks in 2020.  Toby with a beauty! Salmon showing in good numbersSeptember 29, 2019
 RRL guide Sandy with our guest Randy We have been seeing good numbers of fish this week, hooking a few. Following a nice raise of water from the rain yesterday it looks like the season will end with a few more salmon being landed. Greg’s beautiful fall AtlanticSeptember 22, 2019
 Greg Dixon with a fall beauty We have been seeing good numbers of grilse and salmon over the last few weeks. They have just not been in the taking mood. We do have a few pics to put up. this one is from this morning, Greg Dixon and a nice buck. Steve’s Salmon Steve’s Atlantic Steve did not put his fish in the book from his September trip. We added them in but he has been on the bad boy list. Here is one of his two salmon. The fellow also managed a grilse and missing a few others. good work Steve! Early August AtlanticAugust 13, 2019
 RRL guide Raymond and guest Mike with an early August Atlantic salmon RRL guide Raymond and guest Mike with a very nice early August Atlantic salmon. Mike and his pal Frank were just in for a few days plenty of grilse action and lost other salmon. A beautiful Atlantic Salmon at the end of JuneJuly 1, 2019
 An Atlantic at the railroad bridge Raymond with a nice salmon landed by RRL guest KenJune 19, 2019
 Guide Raymond and guest Ken with a bright Atlantic Joe and his guide SandyJune 17, 2019
 Guide Sandy and Joe with a beauty Jim Lewis’s fish from Poker PoolJune 17, 2019
 Guide Paul with Jim Lewis’s Atlantic Salmon from Poker Pool RRL guide Paul with Jim Lewis’s addition to the log book. Poker Pool yesterday morning. Guide Sandy and Jim with an Atlantic on cane. Guide Sandy and Jim with a nice Atlantic Salmon on the cane rod Jim and his guide Sandy. We have been hooking and losing salmon over the past week and some very large ones. Nice to bring a few home, pics to come. Wink the large lad out of Texas, landed his first ever Atlantic salmon. Wink’s Atlantic Wink the large lad out of Texas, landed his first ever Atlantic salmon. Way to go Wink! Pictured is RRL guide Paul with the salmon. Anthony with another ledges salmon! Anthony with another beautiful Ledges salmon! Anthony’s two fish from an epic night in Ledges. Anthony’s second salmon from an unforgettable night in Ledges  Anthony’s one of two fish from a night in Ledges Toby and Bruce with a chrome Atlantic salmon Toby and Bruce with a chrome Atlantic salmon Toby and Bruce with a chrome Atlantic salmon from last week. The Restigouche! Mark Huber and nice Restigouche Atlantic salmonMay 31, 2019  Mark Huber with a bright Atlantic Salmon  Toby with Mark’s Atlantic Robert Lewis and a beautiful Atlantic SalmonMay 31, 2019
 Rob Lewis and guide Paul with a Restigouche Atlantic Robert Lewis and RRL guide Paul with Roberts entry to the club. Great fish Robert! Bruce’s black nosed Atlantic salmonMay 29, 2019
 Bruce’s black nosed Atlantic salmon  Toby with Bruce’s 30lber Bruce Williams joins the RRL 30lb club with this black nosed Atlantic salmon! His first on his fist Atlantic salmon trip. Way to go Bruce. Jere’s fresh Atlantic 2019May 29, 2019
 Sandy with Jere’s 30lber Jere got the fresh Atlantic yesterday that’s in the hands of his guide Sandy Alex Medoff opens the 2019 Atlantic Salmon seasonMay 29, 2019
 Alex with the first Atlantic Salmon of 2019 Alex Medoff is first in the RRL Log Book for the 2019 Atlantic salmon season, way to go Alex! Memorial Day 2019May 27, 2019
Memorial Day, we honor those that gave all so we can live free. Take a moment to remember them. In the Zone of an Atlantic Salmon Guest Mark in Ledges with a beauty Recently a question popped up “what gives me the best chance to get an Atlantic salmon?” Guide Ricky Gray PassesApril 7, 2019
 Guide Ricky Gray and Doctor Joe’s bright Atlantic from Ledges pool Today we must pass a bit of very sad news. Ricky Gray passed away last night.
Four rods available May 2019October 12, 2018
 Bill Anderson–Home Pool 2017 Four rods have just opened up in the last week of May 2019. 5/26/ – 6/2 if your interested let us know. Cooler weather and active grilseSeptember 25, 2018
RRL guest Hue and his first ever Atlantic salmon. Way to go Hue!July 1, 2018
 Hue’s Atlantic Salmon Guide Sandy Mazerall with guest Mark’s Atlantic SalmonJune 29, 2018
 Sandy Mazerall and Mark’s Atlantic  Sandy Mazerall and another of Mark’s Atlantic Salmon Diane and her husband get into a few fishJune 27, 2018
 Guide Raymond and Diane with a beautiful Atlantic  Diane’s husbands Atlantic Salmon Jim Lewis and his RRL Atlantic SalmonJune 25, 2018
 Guide Paul and Jim Lewis with a Restigouche Atlantic Salmon RRL guest David Wood III lands a beautiful Atlantic SalmonJune 21, 2018
 David Wood III and his dad with a fine Restigouche salmon  Guide Ricky with David’s Salmon RRL guest Diane and her first Restigouche Atlantic salmon!June 19, 2018
 Raymond and Diane with an RRL Atlantic Salmon Michael’s Restigouche salmonJune 16, 2018
 Michael’s Atlantic Salmon Mark one of the PA boys and his guide Sandy with a Home Pool salmon.June 10, 2018
 Guide Sandy and Mark with a beautiful Atlantic Salmon in Home pool Doctor Joe’s Atlantic SalmonJune 9, 2018
Doctor Joe’s bright Atlantic from Ledges pool RRL guest Alistair with a salmon from LedgesJune 4, 2018
 Alistair and a Ledges salmon Chris from Drift Outfitters with the first Atlantic salmon of 2018May 24, 2018
 Chris from Drift Outfitters with the first RRL bright Atlantic salmon of the 2018 season. June 3-10–Prime Week AvailableApril 26, 2018 · Posted in Recent News
 RRL guide Paul, May 2017 One rod has just come available in the week of June 3rd – 10th. If you would like to get in on this spot contact us at info@restigouchelodge.com
Ice Runs on the RestigoucheApril 26, 2018 · Posted in Recent News
 Ice Runs on the Restigouche It took a warm afternoon on Tuesday, April 24 to finally get the ice moving on the Restigouche River. Although the ice and heavy snow pack has hung around late this season, it might just mean an easier transition to great early fishing conditions. Normally when the ice goes out the shore is solid with walls of ice bordering the river. We have had a slow melt eroding the ice from underneath and not a huge raise of water lifting and busting free the river’s ice. With the river covered in a deep blanket of snow, it has aided in a gradual controlled melt. The slow melt has moved the calendar date for the ice out and with that comes warmer temperatures. Warmer weather means little ice damming and hopefully no flooding. We will just have to wait and see what else Mother Nature has in store for the Restigouche River this spring. Read more…  Greg’s 30lb Ledges Atlantic Salmon RRL Prime Weeks ListThe Restigouche River Lodge has had excellent trip bookings in preparation for the start of the 2018 Atlantic salmon season. We are looking forward to the upcoming visits of our guests and wish to thank them all. We are sorry that we had to turn away so many that wanted to book one of our prime weeks. We have a new list for anyone that would like to book a 2019 prime week trip from mid-May through mid-July. As our 2018 weeks conclude spots that have not been rebooked are than available. If you would like to be the first to know join our prime week list. Email us at info@restigouchelodge.com include your phone contact. Let us know the week or weeks that you are interested in and if any other friends wish to join you. Notice To Our Airline FlyersApril 18, 2018
 United Jet Restigouche River Lodge guests traveling by air need to be aware that as of June 30, 2018 Penair has discontinued their service between Boston and Presque Isle Maine. The flights to and from Presque Isle will be taken over by United Airlines. The Presque Isle RRL flyers will be going through Newark Airport in New Jersey. Please check with your carrier or travel agent for any detail’s and updates. To our flying guests have a great trip and see you at the lodge! Hovercraft Leaves the RestigoucheApril 18, 2018
 Hovercraft ice breaker The Hovercraft has left the frozen Restigouche to open up waters for the crabbers. The Bay of Chaleur has no open water from above the RRL camp to the Town of Dalhousie, she is covered with ice. The ice breaking vessel spent a few days on the river from the Campbellton Bridge upriver to Tide Head. However since the bay being frozen and no way for the ice to move out she left for another mission. Mother Nature will now do her part as we wait for the return of the hovercraft. Between the two of them, let’s get the river open and welcome the Restigouche’s large Atlantic’s September 2018 TripsWe are now booking September 2018 trips on the Restigouche River at the RRL. Contact us to get in on the fall action. info@restigouchelodge.com wrhartnett@yahoo.com or call 201-788-2920
 Alex with a Restigouche Atlantic Atlantic salmon “They’re not for Everyone”New Jersey Fly Fishing Show 2018–January 26-28January 22, 2018
Sam with his dad and a beautiful Atlantic SalmonHere is 10 year old Sam with his Dad Rick and a nice Restigouche Atlantic salmon. The young angler also landed four grilse. Great job Sam!  Sam and his dad with a Restigouche Atlantic Salmon Alex with a Restigouche AtlanticBen’s son Alex, Ludger and a landed salmon.  Alex with a Restigouche Atlantic Guest Ben with a nice Restigouche salmonRRL guide Ludger and guest Ben with a nice Restigouche salmon.  Guest Ben and a fresh Atlantic Salmon RRL guide Sandy with David and his first Atlantic salmonRRL guide Sandy with David and his first Atlantic salmon.  Guest David and his first bright Atlantic Salmon Marshall Hoffman’s fine Atlantic salmonRRL guide Ricky with Marshall Hoffman’s fine Atlantic salmon. The senior gentleman out fished all the juniors in camp last week. Thanks for a great visit, Marshall.  Marshall Hoffman’s fine Atlantic salmon Guest Ernies Atlantic Salmon in Ledges PoolRRL guest Ernie with a nice 22 lb. salmon from Ledges the other day. Finally got some rain and needing more.  Guest Ernie and another Ledges Atlantic Mark’s Ledges salmonSandy and RRL guest Mark with a ledges Atlantic salmon, sure brings smiles to their faces.  Guest Mark in Ledges with a beauty Karl’s first bright AtlanticThe Restigouche River welcomes RRL guest Karl with his first ever bright Atlantic salmon. Pictured her with his guide Ludger. Karl’s brother Mark also got his first this week way to go men!  Karl and Guide Ludger with a nice Atlantic Paul’s birthday salmonRRL guest Paul with his 27 lb Birthday salmon assisted by his guide Sandy. Paul was in last week and we have another Birthday boy in camp, Doctor Joe. Lets go Doc keep the string going.  Paul with a Birthday salmon RRL guest Glen Urban and a BeautyAnother nice Atlantic salmon landed by RRL guest Glen Urban.  Glen Urban and a Beauty Bill Anderson’s first Atlantic, Home PoolA RRL Home Pool Atlantic, landed by our guest Bill Anderson. His first ever landed Atlantic. Congratulations to bill and his RRL guide Sandy. Bill Anderson–Home Pool 2017 Jere’s 30lb Atlantic SalmonJune 1, 2017
Here is Jere Eshleman’s contribution to RRL thirty pound club.  Jere’s 30lb Atlantic Salmon 3rd week of May and bright chromeMay 26, 2017
Here is the lucky lad with another of his 3rd week in May “chromer”  May chrome Chris K closes out week with a beautiful fishMay 26, 2017
Chris K left camp yesterday here is one of the six bright Atlantic’s he left behind. A bright Atlantic Christopher Krysciak 2017 AtlanticMay 20, 2017
Here is a 29 lbr from yesterday landed by RRL guest Christopher Krysciak with his guide Raymond. Way to go guys keep it going!  Christopher Krysciak’s Salmon Booking an Atlantic Salmon TripMarch 13, 2017
 Patrick’s Salmon from 2016 For anglers wishing to book a trip with the RRL during the prime weeks there is now a new option. We are organizing a prime week availability call list. At the completion of a guest’s full week trip, they have an option to book their week for the following season. The guests not re-booking their week for the following season will than have given up their option. Read more… Weird FishFebruary 10, 2017
Fly Fishing Shows 2017January 12, 2017
The Fly Fishing Shows are rolling in! The Restigouche River lodge will be at these two shows and some others. We have a new show booth and look forward to your visit. Happy ThanksgivingOctober 10, 2016
Good morning Canada!
New lodge UPDATESeptember 12, 2016
The new camp is progressing well. We are really excited to get it completed. Read more…  New lodge progressing Bobby’s 14lb Salmon from Adams poolJune 25, 2016
Guest Bobby with a 14lb salmon.  Sandy holding Bobby’s 14lb salmon. Greg Dixon’s 30lber from LedgesJune 23, 2016
Greg Dixon got his 30lb this morning in Ledges. Greg’s 30lb Ledges Atlantic Salmon
|
|
The New Jersey Fly Fishing Show is this coming weekend. The show looks to be the best ever with a new location and a great weather forecast. See you there!
Restigouche River Lodge guide Mathieu spends a good amount of the winter month’s ice fishing on the Chaleur Bay. Out on the ice this morning he heard screaming from the shanty next door. Looking into his neighbor shanty he found his Cousin Philip cornered by this strange looking fish. After reviving the lads they were safely released and the fish headed back to the deep. 
