Miramichi Fishing Report for Thursday, June 22, 2017
MIRAMICHI – Salmon and a few grilse are moving slowly into the system with a few each day, but no run to speak of. There are also good numbers of shad now in the river. Gradually, the striped bass are dispersing from the spawning grounds to other rivers and bays in the Gulf region. The MSA have been busy this week doing fry stockings in various parts of the system.
W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said angling was quieter than last week, but some fish were still being caught. There were some salmon reported in the Upper Blackville area, including a couple of grilse on Tuesday. Over all it was neither dead nor gang busters. The water was getting low on some of the tributaries and in the Doaktown-Boiestown area. So a raise in those parts would be welcome. The temperature was good with most days finishing in the 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Flies of choice were White-tailed Green Machines, Glitter Bears, Butterflies, Shady Ladies and Undertakers on nos. 6 & 8 hooks.
Andrew Anthony of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said anglers were getting into a few salmon and were loosing a fair number. They had landed four salmon and lost several others. Salmon were seen moving through Mountain Channel on Monday. Water levels were fishable in Doaktown and above, but getting low (about 6 to 8 inches from summer low). A nice raise would be welcome. Flies of choice were Jones Specials, Black Ghosts, Butterflies, Smurfs and White-tailed Green Machines on nos. 6 & 8 hooks with no. 4 better at Mountain Channel.
Herb Barry Sr. of Herb’s Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said angling there was a little better than last week with a few being caught, but in no great numbers. He’d heard of four salmon caught and a few lost, but there were no grilse reports yet. The water was getting low and warming. Flies of choice were Green Rats, White-tailed Green Machines, Green-butt Bear Hairs and Undertakers on no. 6 hooks.
Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said fishing had picked up a bit from last week. There were hooking some, but in no great numbers. They had reports of 10 salmon over four days, and an odd grilse. Canoeing was good and they had canoes for rent. The water was an acceptable level, but getting down. Flies of choice were White-tailed Green Machines with Krystal Flash.
Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported a few salmon and an odd grilse being hooked. The striped bass fishing was basically over until the fall, although down river they were doing well. The water was dropping. Generally, there were not a lot of anglers out. Flies of choice were White-tailed Green Machines and Black Ghosts on no. 6 hooks.
Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said angling was improving further up river. Ross Farquhar picked up a 10 and a 15 pound salmon on the Crawford Crown Reserve Stretch on June 15. Peter Nevin’s Crew was skunked at the Stoney Brook Stretch, but Will Doyle followed them and caught a salmon and two grilse. Will said he’d gladly serve as a guide for Nevin on his next trip so he could catch some fish. There were two grilse hooked Monday on the lower part of the Northwest. The water was getting low and could use a nice raise. Syd had heard that Jim Lorentz had caught a salmon on the Little Southwest on Friday. Flies of choice were Shady Ladies, Yellow Butterflies, White-tailed Green Machines and Black Ghosts.
Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said Ben Emery of Old Orchard Beach, Maine hooked a 12-pound salmon last Friday. It was his first time fishing on the Miramichi. The water was seasonally low, more like mid-July than mid June, but still a good fishing level. Striped bass were fizzling out on the Miramichi, but Norton was talking to someone in Caraquet, NB who said it was unreal there. Flies of choice were White-tailed Green Machines.
With more fish coming into the system each day chances are getting better for success, so get out and “on the water”.
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Thought for the Week: “The trout do not rise in the cemetery, so you better do your fishing while you are able.” Anonymous
Bryant Freeman: ALL THINGS FISHING by Doug Underhill
NOW AVAILABLE in Stores
or from Doug Underhill
438 McKinnon Road
Miramichi, NB
E1V 6G2
or Bryant Freeman 1-506-386-6269
Cover price $19.95
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BOOK SIGNING at Cabela’s in Moncton Saturday June 24, 2017
Both Doug Underhill and Bryant Freeman will be at Cabela’s on Saturday June 24 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to sign copies of Doug’s new book BRYANT FREEMAN: ALL THINGS FISHING. Bryant will also be tying some of his famous Carter’s Bugs. So join them and pick up some pieces of NB’s fishing lore, and probably a few stories as well. Fly tyer Elaine Gray will be Cabela’s host and probably tie a few flies as well. Hope to see you there!
The Coalition for Better Salmon Management (CBSM) now has a website at salmonnb.com, which has been expanded and updated. It already has a membership over 1,000 and is a major voice for salmon conservation here in New Brunswick.
Email:
Hi Folks:
I assume most of you have already seen this video, but just in case, here’s the link.
(https://www.facebook.com/bruno.richard.562/posts/10156223245076978?pnref=story)
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My wife, Barb, took a photo of this interesting moth. Naturescope Columnist Nelson Poirier graciously identified it as follows:
“It’s a Big Poplar Sphinx moth AKA Modest Sphinx. It is one of the big guys flying for a few weeks at the moment.”
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Atlantic Salmon Federation News
Wed., June 21, 2017
ASF RIVERNOTES – Salmon Returns Slow in NL, Better in Some Other Places
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The ASF RIVERNOTES has found more than a few surprises in the returns this year. Plus, check out the recent photos of the DIDSON technology for counting Atlantic salmon without handling them.
http://asf.ca/asf-rivernotes-21-june-2017.html
ASF State of the Populations Report Covered US-wide
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The ASF State of the Populations 2017 Report as it affected U.S. Atlantic salmon reached more than 400 newspapers, radio stations and television networks in the U.S., including the Washington Post. Read the article:
http://asf.ca/conservationists-say-imperiled-atlantic-salmon-decline-wors.html
Using Drones to Map West River Sheet Harbour
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This Nova Scotia river has undergone acid rain mitigation for a decade. Now a small drone is being used to map habitat as the river undergoes a rebirth.
http://asf.ca/news-from-the-regions.html
ASF’s Andy Goode Receives Species Restoration Award from NOAA Fisheries
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Andy Goode has worked on the Penobscot river restoration and other projects to bring back healthy runs of Atlantic salmon and other species for nearly 20 years, and continues his involvement today.
http://asf.ca/andy-goode-of-asf-receives-noaa-award.html
Hundreds of Smolts and Kelts Die From Error at Bishops Falls Dam on Exploits River
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A major event occurred on this important Newfoundland river. Read more:
http://asf.ca/bishops-falls-dam-error-kills-hundreds-of-smolts-and-kelts.html
Clearcutting Above Margaree River Raises Concerns
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The Margaree Salmon Association has raised concerns about a planned cut on a hill above this vitally important Cape Breton salmon river.
http://asf.ca/clearcutting-planned-above-margaree-watershed.html
Chain Pickerel Creating Havoc among Nova Scotia Fish Stocks
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An article that provides insightful perspectives on how the introduction of alien species can destroy native species.
http://asf.ca/chain-pickerel-wreaking-havoc-on-ns-fish-stocks.html
ASF Hires Its First Chief Operating Officer
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The COO position allows ASF to renew our focus on defining and coordinating operational priorities and programs with the goal of increasing wild Atlantic salmon populations.
http://asf.ca/asf-hires-its-first-chief-operating-officer.html
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To keep track of breaking news on wild Atlantic salmon, use the Atlantic Salmon Federation’s presence on Facebook. Log in, search for Atlantic Salmon Federation, and click “like”.
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Atlantic Salmon Federation News
Fri., June 16, 2017
ASF RIVERNOTES – the latest reports from the water
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Rivers in many areas have dropped to reasonable levels, and now Atlantic salmon are beginning to return from the sea in some. Read the latest details.
http://asf.ca/asf-rivernotes-15-june-2017.html
Should Anglers in NL release more salmon?
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ASF’s President Bill Taylor on a cross-NL phone in show shares insights into the present Atlantic salmon conditions. Interesting insights from those phoning in.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/programs/crosstalk/should-anglers-be-allowed-to-keep-any-salmon-1.4160644
Minister LeBlanc Promises Action on Greenland and Salmon Management
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Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans speaks on Atlantic salmon and the ways he is planning to address the needs of the species, and those that value it.
http://asf.ca/minister-promises-action-on-greenland-and-river-management.html
FISH FRIENDS Program 25 Years Old
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ASF’s Nathan Wilbur provides a 25-year perspective on how Fish Friends is still going strong. Photos of a fry release in a stream on Canadian Forces Base Camp Gagetown
http://asf.ca/news-from-the-regions.html
First Anniversary of the Penobscot River’s Reconnection with the Ocean
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It has now been a year since the official opening of the Howland Bypass to the Piscataquis River signaled the completion of the great mainstem projects. Read about it.
http://asf.ca/first-anniversary-of-penobscot-reconnection.html
A Researcher’s Holiday – Hitting the Used Book Stores
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ASF’s Graham Chafe gives a personal perspective on how a researcher spends a day in Ottawa when on vacation.
http://asf.ca/research-in-the-field.html
Petitcodiac Gates Removal Project Begins
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A description of the new bridge project that will see the removal of the tidal gates between now and 2020. The first preparation work on the ground is now underway.
http://asf.ca/petitcodiac-bridge-project-begins.html
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To keep track of breaking news on wild Atlantic salmon, use the Atlantic Salmon Federation’s presence on Facebook. Log in, search for Atlantic Salmon Federation, and click “like”.
Anyone wishing to report suspicious fishing activity anonymously is asked to contact the nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477
Until next week
TIGHT LINES
DOUG
Giv’er Miramichi is about “What’s up, what’s new, what’s happening”. We are focused on building people up, supporting one another and celebrating our successes.