October 17th, 2026
A Season to Remember – Great Fishing, Great Friendships, and One Big Family
With the 2026 Atlantic Salmon fishing season now behind us, we couldn't have asked for a much better finish on the Mighty Miramichi! Our final week was another productive one, with plenty of Salmon and Grilse landed, Fathers and Sons enjoying successful days together, and first-time anglers experiencing the unforgettable thrill of catching their first Wild Atlantic Salmon.
One thing that really stood out this fall was the number of large Salmon hooked - and unfortunately, lost! We probably have seen and lost more big Salmon this fall than in many previous seasons at Country Haven. There could be several reasons, including the challenges of fighting powerful fish in lower water conditions, but we all agree on one thing: we simply hooked an exceptional number of large Salmon this fall! Some of those battles were just too much for even experienced anglers.
Looking back, we can honestly say that 2026 was one of our most successful seasons ever, both in the number of guests visiting Country Haven and in our overall fishing success. Compared with some of the more challenging seasons in recent years, the difference was remarkable. And this was despite less than ideal water conditions at times, particularly on our beloved Cains River, where low water limited our fishing opportunities throughout much of the season.
One of the highlights was finishing the season with Salmon or Grilse landed every single day for the final 21 consecutive days! That is something we haven't experienced in quite some time. It gives all of us renewed optimism for next spring and, hopefully, for the future of our Wild Atlantic Salmon despite the large number of Stripers and other challenges for the Salmo Salar.
More Than Fishing – It's About the People
As much as we love seeing Salmon landed, what makes Country Haven truly special has always been the people.
We are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such a wonderful team of Guides and Staff who consistently go above and beyond to make every guest's experience memorable. We couldn't do what we do without them, and we are grateful for each and every one.
It was also wonderful to finish another season surrounded by old friends, some of whom have been returning to the Miramichi for decades.
Every year, when the fishing season ends and things finally quiet down, we get a little time to reflect. Our guests remind us daily how lucky we are to live and work here, but sometimes we probably take it for granted ourselves.
What a special place the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, Canada, really is!
This season, we welcomed around 400 guests from 11 different countries, all 10 Canadian Provinces, and more than 30 U.S. States. The continued support from our American friends, especially, means so much to us.
With everything happening in the world today, it's remarkable how the Wild Atlantic Salmon brings people together. No matter where you come from, what your political beliefs are, what religion you follow, or what language you speak, once you're standing together on the Banks of the Miramichi, none of those differences seem to matter.
We all speak the same language - the language of fly fishing. And what a wonderful language that is!
"Byzie, We Are Family"
With all the guests this season, there are countless special moments, conversations, stories, and friendships that will stay with us. I treasure every one of them. But each season, there's usually one particular moment that stands out above the rest.
This year, it came from our longtime returning guest and dear friend, John Ruckno from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
John first came to the Miramichi some 50 years ago, fishing Dr. Island and Tom Boyd's Camp, and has spent the last 20 years fishing with us at Country Haven.
His connection to this river runs deep. His longtime fishing buddy and brother, Louie, loved the Miramichi so much that his ashes were laid to rest here at Country Haven and at Brophy Pool on the Cains River. What a beautiful and lasting testament to the love these two brothers have for this special place.
As I was leaving the Lodge for the final time for the season, always a sad time, the last words was spoken by John:
"Byz, we are family."
Those words sure hit home this year.
And John is absolutely right. After all these years, Country Haven has become much more than a Fishing Lodge. It has become a family of Anglers, Guides, Staff, and Friends from around the world, all brought together by our shared love for the Miramichi and the Atlantic Salmon.
No distance, borders, tariffs, political disagreements, or troubles in this world can ever take away the friendships and the bond we share through this wonderful river.
Until We Meet Again
To every one of our guests who visited us in 2026, whether it was your first trip or your fiftieth, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for your friendship, your loyalty, your stories, your laughter, and for making Country Haven what it is today.
To our incredible Guides, Kitchen Team, and all our Staff, thank you for another outstanding season. You are the heart of Country Haven. And we like to thank all of our friends and supporters who helped our business in any way over the years.
The rods may be put away for another year, but the memories and friendships remain. And with the encouraging Salmon returns we experienced this season, we have plenty of reasons to look forward to Spring 2027.
Most importantly, we hope that the positive signs we saw this year are the beginning of a brighter future for the Wild Atlantic Salmon and the Mighty Miramichi.
Until next season, stay healthy, stay safe, and remember: you are all part of the Country Haven family.
Tight Lines and thank you all!
Byzie and the entire Country Haven Team
Greg Mulholland lets it go…