July 23/10
Nice fish Paul.
July 18/10
The summer is flying by, we held our Upper Oxbow Salmo Salar Derby and guess who won?
Marina Chase from NH defending champion-winner 09 and 10
July 9/10
Save the last dance for me.
July 3/10
Attack chipmunk at 94-beware anglers.
July 1/2010
Happy Canada days- UPPER OXBOW SALMO SALAR DERBY is in full swing- we have our incumbent Rina Chase ahead on the leader board with 4 points with 2 grilse and 1 salmon followed by Lew with 1 point and Bonnie, Jimmy and Gary all with 1 point.
Not to be outdone by the men, we had a young lady in camp who took a very nice bear.
June 27/10
Great father and son bears.
June 22/10
Now that is SILVER
June 7, 2010
Hi Lew - See who is hanging out in our woods, guess this may answer your life long question.
June 2/10
Paul and Stephanie Elson took this on the headwaters last Saturday, we had quite a wind which tossed up this vortex.
This loon was travelling with them.
Momma and her baby from last year.
May 22/10
Another great week and thanks to our guests, we are still at 100% with our bear hunting for the season.
Les's wife Cory had never hunted bear before so he stayed with her on Monday night and she harvested a respectful bear 200+ pounds.
On Thursday night, Les was in his stand waiting for the big one, the flies were licking their lips at the possibility of torturing Les, the evening dragged on, frogs were drumming up a storm and POW, Les felt his tree move and low and behold a good sized bear was coming up the tree clicking his jaw and threatening what Les thought was him, suddenly the hunter became the hunted or was he really being hunted. In the next moment the true king of the forest stepped into view and the bear up Les's tree took off. This new aggressor was full a Strong record bear as evidenced by the trail camera pictures. Unfortunately, he was not to be taken that night.
As the boys were leaving the area for the ride home, they rounded a turn to see what appeared in the dark to be a moose until it turned and the boys knew they were looking at the biggest bear they had ever witnessed. As he ducked into the cover of the forest, the boys realized although this is not a fish story, the true big one got away for yet another day. Les harvested his bear on Friday night.
So there it is boys, the king of the forest is still there for our upcoming hunters. Stay tuned. HONEST TO GOD I WOULDN"T LIE TO YOU
May 17/10
Sorry for the lapse in posts folks, we have had a terrible tragedy in the community with an accident taking one of our young people.
The BOB BLACKMORE TRANSCONTINENTAL CHALLENGE was once again played out this year on the waters of our beloved MIRAMICHI
With the river full of the best crop of smelt that we have ever witnessed, the catching was much slower than normal for spring fishing. When the challenge was over and the counting was done, the North Americans were triumphed claiming their second consecutive victory.
The crew finishes dessert as the numbers are crunched and not to have the North American team claim all the fun, the federation of the right ole gits society (frogs) had a little initiation party of their own promoting their tadpoles to full fledged frogs and bringing the North Americans in as honorary members with their lovely tartan hats complete with full heads of hair.
Captain David Smith from the frogs bringing Senator Larry Powers and Dr. Bryan Wierall (the Wisconsin twins) into the fold.
Friday nights delegation.
Debbie presents the trophy to the 2010 champions Dar, Blair, Larry and Bryan
Congratulations to all participants on a job well done.
May 2/10
Smelt still hanging around, catching some nice trout and salmon
April 30/10 A few of our wall of famers with their wild Atlantic salmon
April 29/10
We waited all winter and then it arrived on April 28/10 - 20 years of ASS (American Salmon Syndicate)
Guess I was the big winner-I received a proclamation declaring April 29 from here on will be an official holiday - The Debbie B Norton day and a nice digital frame with 20 years of ASS memories.
The cooks, Paula and Diane are all smiles.
Dennis has a Somali pirate bandana for brother Fred
Fred raffles off art work of artist Dave Tibbits for Upper Oxbow staff - proud winner Angela from the entertainment dept
Part of the party crew
Bob and Mom square off for a little friendly fishing competition
Salmon-21 Grilse-29 Trout-8
Now Tom caught a clam before and many have reported the same feat but yesterday Dennis and Gerald took the cake for a new catch 1 rod 1 reel 1 line and 2 flies.
Cold miserable, windy afternoon but great to be on the water.
Well the ASS crew hit town last night, it was great catching up on the stories and of course their lobsters from NH are always a big hit - THANKS JIM. I'm not sure about this flyer they presented me at breakfast, a lovely crew they are.
April 24/10
Well boys we are about to get some fishing done. Regular crews starting to hit camp tonight. Sun is coming up and promising to a great day.
April 22/10
April 18/10
Dr.Smith and a good looking lady.
COLD SNOW RAIN
but we still did a little fishing and catching now keep in mind the ice is not supposed to be out and most of the regular customers have not arrived yet therefore we had our ice out party and danced the night away on Friday....and then a few friends tried their hand at fishing.
April 13/10
Well now, 2 more sleeps until we can fish, it seems like everyone is like little kids waiting for Santa.
I have had many anglers catch huge fish including Dr. Tom Parkinson who is a member of our 47 inch club however Tom is our only angler with a clam on a mickey finn to their credit. Speaking to Tom on Sunday who has thrown down the gauntlet and challenges all of you to get a clam on a hook, like I said, know of nobody else to accomplish this..
April 1/10
Congrads goes out to BIG BEAR JERRY STRONG all the way from Alabama.
Jerry just received this certificate from Safari Club International acknowledging his bear as a GOLD MEDAL TROPHY, not too shabby Jerry considering that out of the 5 bears that Jim Shocky has registered, that only one is bigger than yours.
Hats off to Jerry, oh by the way, did I mention that Jerry's trophy was found here at UPPER OXBOW - that's right boys read the certificate carefully.
American Salmon Syndicate
20th Anniversary 1990-2010
Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures
Red Bank, New Brunswick
Canada
WHAT?
A.S.S. will be fishing the Monday, April 26th through Friday, April 30th and take time out to celebrate 20 years of fishing on the Miramichi with a gala Cocktail and Hors d'oeuvres Party.
There will be answers to all of your burning questions form over the years like . . .
WHEN?
Wednesday April 28th, 6:30 – ‘til the last lies stories are told
WHERE?
The World Headquarters of A.S.S. on the Miramichi
Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures Lodge on the Little Sou’west Miramichi,
Remember – If You Didn’t Read This, You Aren’t Invited!
March 16/10
Sorry ASS guys, we may have found the culprit!!!!!!!!
March 14/10
Low and behold, as Robert Frost a beloved poet once said,"The northern lights have seen strange sights" well none could be stranger than our view of the river this morning. Some people will do anything to get a head start on scouting for spring fish. We believe it may be an underground sleeper cell of the ASS group trying to gain an ADVANTAGE OVER THE OTHER ANGLERS IN CAMP.
March 5/10
Mornin Lew - More of what is to come.
March 3/10
NOT TODAY BUT OF DAYS TO COME - 6 or 7 weeks time
March 1/10
And who said that winter was over, took this photo yesterday in the middle of the snow storm. Oh well, will just give us more water for spring fishing, only 6 weeks to opening day.
February 21/10
Hard to believe but just 8 weeks and all these happy ASSES will be back on the deck for 20th year reunion.
SS Pigtail got its name from Doug, now it appeared that after losing a fish, Doug's leader often had a curly tail like a pig's and finally there came a day that the guide insisted on tying on the flies.
Virginia Boy AK Jeff after a hard day - in the couch pool.
Some of the motley crew on their way to Upper Oxbow.
The boys showed up with their own t-shirts and naughtily removed our other friends flag and replaced it with their t-shirt. You have heard tell of pantie raids, well this was a flag raid.
OK folks this is the way that I am going to write this story, each time I put up something new, I will put it here at the top and then when I add something new, I will put what is on the top down in the story where it goes and to see the whole story, start at the top and scroll down.
Now these boys were not always know as the American Salmon Syndicate (ASS), they had some inspiration from some our British friends who showed up from their favorite pub, the Tiptoe Internationl Trout Syndicate (TITS) and not to be outdone by the Brits, ASS was founded.
Meet our British friends - TITS who inspired ASS
Twenty Year celebration of American Salmon Syndicate (ASS)-Upper Oxbow spring 2010
Stay tuned and follow along for 20 years with the ASS gang.
It is hard to believe that these guys showed up twenty years ago, normal routine is laugh until your sides hurt when this crew hits camp. Here we have ASS elders Denise, Rob and Freddy. Notice they are sporting their nice grey ASS elder ties.
Being such darn fine fellows as they are they brought Deb an ASS tie as well, of course its not an elder tie just a plain ole green member tie.
And of course they brought ties for all their good friends
And of course being the gentlemen the all are they made Phoebe a member and gave her a tie - Last time I heard they were chasing her for dues - buggers, I am sure they told her it was complimentary.
Man time flies, somehow I seem busier than ever. Lew your flies arrived for the dinner, many thanks.
Who lives here? Like many of us, the creatures who live here are buried in for the winter. Those of you who spring fish with us-can you identify this spot below. Nancy and Bob have pulled a lot of salmon from these waters. 
Days of last year, yet another great bear taken by Kevin.
January 10/2010
Our salmon fund raising dinner will be held in Miramichi at the Rodd on February 16, let me know if you would like a ticket. It is a wonderful sunny winter day here. We have about a foot of snow with very hard crust. Dale and I just returned from a stroll up river where we captured these images.
January 1, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE OXBOW
Abbi is growing and looking forward to spring when she can get out and about in grandma's new 26 foot canoe "Queen Of The Miramichi". She patiently awaits the ice to go all decked out in her LLBean fishing vest embroidered with a pretty fly and Upper Oxbow
Ice on the river today, looks a lot like spring.
Willard, Gary, Debbie and a strange angler trying to angle off table rock at the palisades.
Once upon a time my good buddy Gary, myself and some friends went for a little adventure upriver, here we are at Smith Forks at Uncle Hubert's camp.
A proud Michican man.
Have you received your winter edition of the Atlantic Salmon Journal, check out the story on page 49-"Pioneer Spirit"
You know we took some nice bears this year.
December 2/098
Lew, Rina and Frank getting geared up for the weather and of course Rina is looking for a fish this big.
Nov 27/09
Cold rainy and deplorable and we are off to watch the Olympic torch..Days of October
Nov 25/09
One month from today it will be Christmas, hope that I have been good so that Santa finds me.
Went for a little adventure with an old friend here is a story.
Guiding on a cold October morning.
November 24/09
Got my braces off yesterday-yahoo
SEEN THESE GIRLS BEFORE ?
Well folks tomorrow sees us off to get our new boat - 26 feet long, may have to take it clean to the Northwest just to get her turned around. Stay tuned for picture tomorrow.
November 19/09
This fall we had we had the opportunity to make trips a memory for a lifetime for Richard Falvey and his grandson Zachary Acunzo from CT. Long time friend Ken Dugas from Fl accompanied them on their trip of cast and blast. Both Ken and Richard were awesome mentors but then I believe Zac was a gifted student. The following are some of Zac's experiences. Scroll down to follow story.
IN THE BEGINNING - Zac sure casts a nice line for a 14 year old - somewhere in the deep woods on the Miramichi - stay tuned for tomorrow.
AND THE FIGHT IS ON
GETTING READY TO COLLECT THE PRIZE
AND WHAT A PRIZE SHE IS AND HOW BIG IS SHE-DON'T FORGET THERE IS A BIG PIECE HIDING UNDER ZAC's ARM-SHOW YOU TOMORROW
SHE WAS THAT BIG-GOING THE DISTANCE ON THE ROD BETWEEN ZAC'S FINGERS
AND ZAC DID OK IN THE FIELD AS WELL
November 12/09
Great weather yesterday for Remembrance day, it is usually cold and dreary but yesterday bright and sunny. Great day for cleaning up for winter and putting the boats away.
Tim and Bonnie starting into Ramsey rock. Willard says he made the trip twice on this day,"his first and last", it is a bit on the intimidating side.
Went to Freeport on the weekend to the Miramichi Salmon Ass board of directors meeting, good meeting. Upcoming dinner in Boston on February 6, would love to see you there, let me know if you would like to join us and I will arrange some tickets.
A picture narrative of our run down the Little Southwest, scroll down for more pictures.
AND OF COURSE kEVIN HAS TO TELL A FISH STORY - IT WAS THIS BIG
Kevin's and Tim's boat have landed for a break and here comes Dale and I in the right hand corner.
Pulled up to get BBQ started for lunch, notice the drop to the river, you can actually see it running down hill.
I was told by my buddy Lew from New Hampshire that coyotes were known to have stalked hunters in that state. I am saddened to tell you that 2 coyotes mauled a 20 year old young woman in the highlands of Cape Breton last week. She was out walking on a trail in the park and some folks heard her screaming but when they got their she could not be saved so if you are going out and about be safe.
Picture 4, looks like we are heading down the lazy river. Look out, those dry bags and the throw rope attached to the front are not there for decorations.
Where does time go. The snow finally turned to water, we had a lot of rain and yes, the water came up again, no trouble to drive a motor boat again, guess it would make good duck hunting on the islands.
Here is a picture story of our recent trip down the Little Southwest Miramichi, some rocks as big as cars. AWESOME In the beginning, Deb doesn't look to happy because she knows what is to come. Catch the next picture tomorrow. Man, I hate sitting doing nothing, makes me feel helpless.
Picture 3 - oh, poop, Tim does a cross over maneuver and Bonnie looks CONCERNED - Pictures 1 and 2 below
Picture 1 above - Dale and Deb in the beginning Picture 2 above Tim and Bonnie coming into Ramsey rock
Oct 22/09
OH NO THAT DREEDED 4 LETTER S WORD SNOW
Oct 20/09
OK American Salmon Syndicate Elders - who says that Fred and Jimmy didn't catch any salmo salar and that Debbie doesn't have any dancin boots.
Oct 18/09
GUNNERS WANTED - HEY UPLAND ENTHUSIASTS PUT YOURSELF IN THE PICTURE
Kevin has a great run finding both grouse and timberdoodles (woodcock). We have had grouse flushes of 21 a day and woodcock over 40 on native birds.
Here Kevin is returning from his speciality trip - hunting areas inaccessible to most operations because they don't have a Kevin.
Oct 15/09
Season closed on a frigid note - literally - water was 37 degrees and too cold for the salmon to take, but oh what a season - TRULY THE YEAR OF THE BIG SALMON
Oct 14/09
Well here's the tale of Sandy and Ken and the castor.
Off they went fishing one fine afternoon and they fished and they fished and they fished. Now after Ken's casting arm was longer than the other. it was time to return home. So they loaded up the Jimmy and headed out the road through the bushes and brambles until they came to the turn in the road which had a huge poplar tree across the road. Now after the sized up both boys realized that the only way out was on foot or else wait for the Debinator to arrive for the rescue. They decided to hoof her out, so after some rapid exercise the boys saw head lights, eureka, we are rescued. The lady in the van had other plans, seeing as how she was being closely pursued by a man in an old blue truck who was not interested in helping either, the boys moved on on foot as the tail lights of the vechicles disappeared into the darkness. Now Sandy had his own thoughts on what was happening but we won't go there.
Dale and Paul Jr. loaded up and were off to the rescue, first they brought back Sandy and Ken and returned with the gas axe to cut the tree up so that they could bring the Jimmy home with them, now all is well that ends well, especially when they returned the next day and found this lovely lady.
And the poor old beaver lost his big stick.
Oct 10/09
Just another day of bird hunting at Upper Oxbow - oh, what a day!
Rich Falvey and grandson Zach from New London Connecticut.
Oct 9/09
Today the water went up again, Paul and Paul caught fish, I think they have a horse shoe some where on their anatomy.
Willard and Bill went feeding the birds.
Oct 8/09
Another great day on the Miramichi. Water was dropping and salmon were taking. Betty landed 2 beauties, with Paul Sr. coming second with 1. Not to be outdone, Paul Jr.stepped into a rivewr and stole a 15 pounder from under noses.
In the field another exceptional day with hunters having over 45 flushes for the day.
Oct 7/09
Great day hunting.
Oct 6/09
Recognize any of these ladies? Classic dinner 09
Not a bad salmon Betty.
Oct 5/09
Bernie caught silver.
Oct 3/09
Great day yesterday, Bernie caught 2 salmon and some trout, dimestore fisherman had 2 and the list went on.
Oct 2/09
Bird season yesterday, great day. There's a new dog in town.
Meet Remington.
Oct 1/09
First day of grouse season, yesterday was great for woodcock. I saw 4 sitting by the mud puddle last night when we were coming out from fishing. I had the dimestore fisherman out and we came close losing a beautiful salmon over 30 inches.
Sept 30/09
Yesterday, was a great day Sandy caught 2 beautiful salmon. Here is one.
Sept 29/09
Things to come.
Sept 28/09
Dave from Flordia gets a beauty.
And of course not to be out done, after Dave left, Sandy went back and caught this beautiful female salmon, that Sandy is quite the ladies man, even fish fear him.
Now all you folks reading this coming this week should know you are going to hit it just right. It is currently raining cats and dogs which will bring the water up to decent heights for the rest of the season. Lew, you and Rena should be getting in the truck and trucking her up towards the end of this week.
And if you are reading this and wish you had booked, you should be giving me a call.