Welcome
Spey casting is an extremely efficient method of prospecting a pool for salmon. Indeed, spey casting is so efficient it is banned in some salmon river pools. The spey cast has the advantages of effortlessly throwing long lines coupled with the fact that there is no back cast. The Jim Rusher Spey Schools run from June 1st through September 30th. Come join Jim on the Gaspe Peninsula and learn how to spey cast to the king of fish; the Atlantic Salmon. The base of operations for Jim's spey schools is the Matapedia River. The Matapedia River has long been considered one of the jewels of the peninsula. Each year salmon in the 40 pound range are caught, with the common salmon weighing in at around 20 pounds. Depending on the water levels, the spey schools are also conducted on the Restigouche, Patapedia, Grand Cascapedia and Bonaventure Rivers. Spey lessons can be arranged from 1 to 7 days. Emphasis will be placed on the single spey cast from both sides; left handed and right handed. The single spey is the cast of choice and is the most frequently used. You will also learn the double spey, snap T and snake roll. Time will also be designated for knots, leaders and reading the water. The overwhelming response to our classes/lessons has been, "Why didn't I do this sooner?" So why not stay at La Chapelle while availing yourself of the Jim Rusher Spey Schools? The schools accommodate everyone from the absolute beginner to advanced spey caster looking to become more proficient. Even Tiger Woods still takes lessons. Speaking of which, Jim was also a PGA member for 15 years. Bring your driver and get a few pointers during lunch. The boys have been known to tee it up across the river from time to time. The rates for the Jim Rusher Spey Schools, specializing in the traditional English spey cast, are as follows:
- 1 person - $325 US per day
- 2 people - $550 US per day
- 3 people - $775 US per day
- 4 people - $800 US per day
The Matapedia River's $70 per day river usage fee, known as a "water fee," not included. Each day of lessons consists of an 8-hour day, usually split between the morning and early evening.