New England on the Fly is about fly fishing. It focuses on New England — the issues, the people, the waters, and the fish — but takes in the sport as a whole.
Who am I, and why did I create this site? Fair questions.
My name is Ben Carmichael. I am a lifelong fly fisherman and the son of a bamboo rod maker, antique tackle dealer, and author. I caught my first trout before I can remember, and caught my first Atlantic salmon at seven and a half. I haven’t looked back since.
Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to catch trout in North America and England, chase salmon in Scotland, Norway, and Canada, stalk bonefish and tarpon in warm waters, and land my fair share of stripers, blues, and albies right here in New England. When not fishing, I’m tying flies, fiddling with tackle, and reading or talking about fishing.
My writing and photography have appeared in numerous publications, including The Drake, where I am a Senior Contributor. Other outlets include The Boston Globe, Chasing Silver, Fly Fisherman, Destinations, The Fly Fish Journal, Eastern Fly Fishing, Swing The Fly, The Atlantic Salmon Journal, On Earth, and more. I’ve also edited a few books on topics related to Atlantic salmon and fly fishing, including Ron Swanson’s Grand Cascapedia Giants
I’m fortunate to be a board member of the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) and to serve on an advisory committee with the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. I have been proud to work with The Compleat Angler in Darien, CT, for a few years.
Questions? Suggestions? Free Fishing?
Have questions, suggestions, or tips? Want me to review a book or a piece of tackle? Want to share a tip or have me share a question with this site’s readers? Feel free to be in touch.
You can reach me at: ben @ newenglandonthefly DOT com
Photography
You go, Ben!
Found you website the other day, very nice!!! I am in the early development stage of starting my own fly fishing site. Similar to your story, I am a lifelong fly angler, passionate about just about every facet of the sport from trout to billfish. I started fly fishing at the age of 9 and over the past 30 years or so, instructed several hundred in the arts of fly tying and fly fishing. I very much enjoy introducing the sport to young people through a middle school fly fishing club, and the boy & girl scouts, as well as helping our vets through the Healing Waters Program.
In addition, I hold a USCG 100 Ton Master license and have articles and photographs published in several regional and national magazines.
I hope to make my first trip to Gaspe next year in search of the wild “King”. Connecticut stocks 12 to 20 lb, Atlantics in a couple of streams every fall, but they are nothing like the real deal.
Good luck with your site.
Tight lines…
Captain Bob
Thanks Bob! Good luck with your site and let me know when it’s live! Best, Ben
I am really glad that I found your page Ben.
Ben sorry to miss your talk at the Concord Rod and Gun Club. I will be away fishing in Argentina — I will let you know if the myth of golden dorado is real.
Sorry to miss you, Glen. But good luck down south — looking forward to the stories.
Great Site and resource!!
Hello Ben,
I live in Dover NH. My neighbor and want to chase some False Albacore this September. I understand that is when they come into New England. Could you recommend a good guide
Bernie: Albies! Love ’em. Where would you like to fish for them? They don’t get to NH, but can be great on Cape Cod, the Islands, and south into RI and CT.