I’ve been dreaming of a trip to the Margaree for years. And now, finally, I’m planning one.
Of the salmon rivers in Canada — the Grand, the Resitgouche, the Miramichi, the Bonnie — the Margaree is often not mentioned in the same breath. It comes second, but when discussed has always, to my ears, had a mystical ring to it. This is, I think, simply a factor of distance: from Boston, it’s a 12.5 hour drive, not including traffic, border crossings, refueling, stops at Walmart, the need to examine every river you cross for signs of fish, or the need to regularly stop and gape at the beautiful scenery. Who could drive through Bangor, or Houlton, and not marvel at the wonders of New England?
Let it simply be said: It’s far away. It’s not on many people’s “must fish” list. And that may be for the best. (Hardly anyone reads this blog anyway, so I’m not giving a damn thing away!)
The photos of it’s pools boast beautiful characteristics that speak to classic salmon water, especially in fall when the fishing is apparently at its best.
The Margaree valley, flowing out of Cape Breton’s Highlands, in fall.
I’m looking forward to the trip, even though it may be a short one. And even though it may be far too early in the season. I plan on a day or two in early to mid-June. One person on the Speypages forum described catching a fish there in early June like “winning the lottery.” But then, to judge from the fish he caught, it was worth playing the game.
See you at Gillis Island. No? Lower Tompkins. No? That’s fine by me.
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