Thursday, April 11, 2013

2013 Fishing Season Starts on Monday

Its that time of the year in New Brunswick again as salmon season on the Miramichi River opens on Monday April 15th. Many anglers have been preparing for opening day for the past few weeks.

River conditions are very low on the Miramichi with still some ice jams left on the Main South West up in the Boistown area of the river. Anglers will have to keep an eye out for ice, as with a rise in water more ice will be flowing down stream.

In the McNamee area Keith Wilson of Wilsons Sporting Camps said the river is very low and in much need of some rain to improve the river for opening day.

In the Doaktown area of the river Derek Munn of the Ledges Inn said their should be good fishing on opening day but conditions of the river is low and will be challenging for boaters.

In my neck of the woods in the Blackville area conditions too are very low. So rain and warmer weather to help melt the remaining snow would be ideal for fishing. Cains river, Bartholomew and the Renous is open but also very low for this time of year.

Down River a little further in the Grey Rapids at Country Haven Lodge, said conditions need some rain to raise the river for better boating. But with any luck there should be good fishing come opening day.

Brock Curtis of Miramichi River Outfitters said conditions on the North West Miramichi River is still iced in. But he saw a change the last couple days as a few open areas have appeared, so maybe it will go over the next couple of days he said. Brock also said the shop will open on Friday the 12th and will have fishing licences there. They are also have openings for fly casting courses being put on this spring and summer.

CE Salmon Flies & Guiding on the Miramichi said the ice is jammed up in the Miramichi City area but also was frozen in on the North West.

Fredericton Outfitters is having a Fishing Season Opening Day Party on Saturday the 13th. There will be specials and give aways all day. Along with a free barbecue, chances to try out all brands of fly rods and there Pro Staff will be on hand to answer your questions. Norm Betts will be there from Miramichi Smoked Salmon and it is awesome.

Rods tip of the week for opening day is to use sink tips or intermediate lines. Streamers patterns like the Renous and Christmas Tree. And also if the water stays clear and low try using some darker flies like the Grey Ghost and dark Marabous.

 Fingers crossed and with the right weather conditions hopefully all the rivers will be clear of ice and debris by opening day.

Until next week tight lines.
Rodney Colford