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"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of Light, it was the season of darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us; we all going directly to heaven, we were all going the other way."

It was America, 2008.

Hello All!

'Nuff said. I can't improve on Dickens. In spite of recent economic woes, on balance, 2008 was a fine year at Brigadoon. We had above average rainfall so the water levels recovered from 4 years of semi - drought. We suffered no losses to hot water this summer. The wing was finally completed and the old lodge refurbished and opened for corporate groups. The trout are plentiful and healthy. The hemlocks are responding well to treatment and are putting out new growth. In spite of the economy there is a lot to be Thankful for in 2008. We wish you and yours the very best this Holiday Season. 

The Fishing in Spring 2008 was sensational. The number of companies hosting corporate retreats and events increased when the "old lodge" became available. (We now have private bedrooms for 14). We weathered the summer well. Although we can always use more rain, the water levels remained above critically low and the water temperatures rarely became lethal. We lost very few fish due to hot weather.  Fall 2008 was the most vibrant leaf color in twenty years. It turned cold early and has remained so. Fall also brought quite a few cancellations. But there's even a bright side to that - the river certainly hasn't been "over fished" - those fish just haven't seen too many flies. In short, it was a great year to be a trout at Brigadoon Lodge: fat, happy and with little chance of the whole 'hook-in-jaw' experience.

More Bright Side:

The unexpectedly light fall schedule afforded the opportunity (read: time on hands) to become more involved with a couple of charitable organizations. Brigadoon has long supported the humanitarian efforts of the Carter Center by donating a trip for ten for two days to Brigadoon. The two Brigadoon packages brought in an astonishing $ 247,000 at the 2008 Annual Carter Center Auction. The trips were purchased by Brent Slay and John Moores this year. All guests caught splendid trout, both rainbows and browns, many over 24 inches in length. Please visit the Carter Center auction site to bid on the 2009 Brigadoon trip. The Brigadoon packages have also been hugely successful for the American Heart Association, Wounded and Fallen Warriors, Healing Waters, Veterans of Modern Warfare, and the Blank Foundation, to name a few. Its been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside these outstanding organizations.

A Big Fish Story

Last week an old friend brought his 14 year old son to Brigadoon to learn to fly fish. Said child had a chum in tow and a "ghillie" giving basic casting instructions. On cast THREE the little devil snagged a 34 inch, 18 lb hooked jaw brown male. By far the largest caught here in years. Not to be outdone his little pal promptly caught a SLIGHTLY LARGER- by an inch and a pound says the guide - rainbow. Both to the net. Both within an hour of the other. Can you IMAGINE? These two tykes are ruined for life.

Recent Photos:

What's Working

Every fly listed below has caught fish but a lot of other flies have worked too. Tippet size should be 1X through 4X flourocarbon. Preferred rod sizes are 5 to 7 weight, 6 to 9 ft lengths. Unless you plan to dry fly fish all day, a 4 weight is too weak. Hundreds of fish have not made it to the net because of a light weight rod.

Dry flies - (size 14 - 22)
Stimulators, royall Wulffs, yellow and natural Humpies, Eastern Blue Wing Olives, March Browns, Elk Hair Caddis, Beetles and Ants (size 18 - 24), Adams, (Peacock, Black, Tan and cream), Midges and Cahills.

Wet flies - (Size 8 - 18)
Black, Olive and Tan Wooly Buggers, Wooly worms, San Juan Worms (pink, hot pink, rust, red and natural), Egg Patterns, Bitch Creeks, Yuk Bugs, Black and Brown Stonefly, nymphs (with and without legs), black Sparkle Stones, Muddler Minnows, Beadhead Pheasant Tails, Sft Hackle Emergers (Olive, Brown and Tan)

Ho. Ho. Ho.

Gift Certificates Available!

Can you think of ANYTHING your Beloved Angler would enjoy more that a trip to Brigadoon? Gift Certificates are available and make the perfect gift for anyone who owns a fly rod. Or aspires to. And, conveniently, they can be delivered instantly via e mail!!!

We wish you and yours the very best in 2009. Happy Holidays From Brigadoon Lodge!!!

Rebekah and the Beagles

General information:
Winter Rates

• Full day - 250.00
• 1/2 day - 150.00
• Guides are optional -start at 100.00
• Lodging - 100.00 per head per night
  

Brigadoon is the perfect destination for your next corporate retreat!  We offer discounts for charities and group packages.

For More Information Contact:
Rebekah Stewart – Rebekah@brigadoonlodge.com
(706) 754 - 1558