Winds from the east fish take the least

Salmon fishing on the Miramichi River was amazing the past week for many fishermen. East winds were the big topic and most fishermen know, that saying winds from the east, mean fish take the least. But this was not the case on many parts of the river as anglers and guides teamed up and done the right things to get there lines tight and fish in the net.

On the middle stretches of the Miramichi fish were on the take at Wilsons Sporting camp. Keith Wilson said many big fish were caught and the east wind did not slow down production as Sunday was their best day for awhile.

Downstream a bit at The Ledges Inn head guide Derek Munn said the last week was remarkable fishing and the theory that fish don’t take in the east winds are only a myth. Many of our guests had 2 and 3 fish and some limiting out with 4. Derek guided Doctor Scott Boley to a 22lb salmon and which he thought at times the fish was going to be victorious over the doctor. Scott said in his 50 years of fishing on the Miramichi he can’t believe how many fish are in the river. We had over 80 fish landed this week by Tuesday night for the Lodge. I fished the Cains at Moore’s Pool and landed a salmon and grilse. In the last couple days we landed and saw several fish on the Cains and at Moore’s Pool alone there were several fish showing.

Below Blackville at Country Haven fishing was very good too. Fishermen were hooking fish on the Renous, Cains River and The South West Miramichi. Byron Coughlan said they were having very good luck at the mouth of Sabbies River at Valentines Pool. They were also hooking a few on the Renous each day. He also said fishing was slow on Tuesday as the water was high and dirty. He said they fished the North West and conditions seemed to be on the high side as they did not get into a fish.

Cathy Colford of Curtis Miramichi River Outfitters fly shop said things were slow and not many fish were being hooked. There were a couple anglers in that said they had some luck on the North West but not much news from the other rivers.

Flies of choice the past week were mostly the fall patterns like Ally Shrimps, GP’s, LT Specials #2, we also used some different Irish shrimps, the Peach Tree was very good, many Marabou Patterns were working like the Green Slime, the Leech, purple grape and Same thing Murray.

River temperatures are getting very cold as yesterday it was 8.8 degrees Celsius (48F) and averaged for the week around 13.6 (56F).

The weekend is looking very good as some nice weather is moving in so this may put the fish in a very good taking mood. Just maybe those big 25 pound plus hook-bills we are seeing will start taking our flies. The hot spot to be fishing this weekend would have to be our famous Fall River the Cains as I saw so many big fish there this week well into their twenties. This is also the time of year to be trying your sinking tip lines and trying to get down to the big males. Try the intermediate sink and keep going heavier until you find the correct depth for the pool your fishing.

You should be able to get them to take with enough trying of different techniques, casting angles and fly selection. Good luck and tight lines.

Our fall salmon run

The beautiful fall colors are coming into affect on the Miramichi River and so are our fall salmon run. The last few days we have saw several fish moving throughout the river system. River levels are about perfect for fishing and boating from pool to pool when required. And even with the few warm days the river temperatures stayed very good around 60 (F) and is almost perfect for Miramichi salmon fishing.

Some good size hook bills are being caught throughout the river. And many anglers are happy to see the fresh fish or at least have the fish moving again. The past couple weeks the fish seem to stop taking the fly and us fishermen call it lockjaw when this happens. Well this week they seemed to open there mouths or eyes and started taking some of the flies we threw at them. I was thinking it was my fly tying that was the problem for a moment; thank the fish Gods for getting them on the take again.

          In the Doaktown area we have saw many fish moving though out the river. The pools at The Ledges Inn are full of fish. You can look down or up the river as far as you can see in some places and see fish jumping, what a sight. Jay and Carol Fargher of Sarnia, Ontario had some great fishing. Carol landed a few grilse and a huge hook bill weighing 16lbs. Jay landed several fish too and one weighing close to 20lbs. Todd Youmans landed a nice 16 to 18lb hook bill. Dr Ed Baker landed a few grilse and a salmon this past week at the Ledges pools. I hooked 4 salmon in the Home Pool of the Ledges Inn and landed two of them for the first ever landed in the Home Pool, something great to remember. I fished with Dr Scott Bolie this week for an evening that had landed a salmon on Tuesday with head guide Derek Munn of the Ledges Inn. Total fish for Tuesday was 16 hooked and 12 landed at the lodge, pretty good after some hard fishing the past couple weeks. For photos of these fish check out our new Facebook page The Ledges Inn.

             In the Boistown area at Tuck-away Lodge Gary Tanner had a good week landing a 37 inch 20lb salmon, a 12lb and a 10lb using his new pattern the Celtic Beauty. 

             Cains River is still fishing well as my father Gary Colford is hooking and landing fish almost every day at Moore’s Pool near Shinnickburn. Richard Lac of Connecticut landed 2 grilse on Monday and Tuesday with a white tail green machine at Moore’s Pool. The River is getting very low on the Cains and we need a little rain to improve the fishing for the rest of the season and get some monster fish up there.

           Fishermen near the Quarryville Pool are still seeing lots of fish and hooking a few too. There are a few hookbills being seen one fisherman told me and still lots of grilse. Anglers are hooking a few on the Renous River the past few days. Country Haven Lodge had been hooking some almost everyday on the Renous, Cains and Dungarvan Rivers.

             Pool 66 is fishing very well as Zachery Colford landed 3 this week on dry flies. Damir Sehic landed a few also on wet and dry flies. The pool was getting to be a perfect level and some big fish were there.

            Weather the next week is looking good for fishing as some rain on the weekend should bring 15 to 20ml if we’re lucky enough to get it and bring the river up a little. The Cains River really needs a raise to get a few more fish up and have good water levels the remainder of the season.

             Well if you’re planning to get out on the water the last few weeks of the season now could be the time. Fish are in the river, levels are good, temperatures are good and the weather is great what else could you ask for. I could tell you what kind of flies we are catching the fish on which is a little help for you. Flies of choice is the Christmas tree wet fly the summer version, White Tail Green Machines, Shady Ladies, Tippet Shrimp, Copper Killer (old school fly), Purple Grape and dry flies were Black Bomber with white tails, Orange and black hackle, brown with brown and white ends and the Blue Bomber with white ends.

            Good luck out there fishing this weekend be safe and tight lines and don’t forget to send me your pictures for my blog at www.miramichifishingreports.blogspot.com and a little note about the catch.

Fall fishing is starting

Fall fishing is starting to be fun and very colourful once again on the Miramichi and tributaries. As the river is starting to get back to normal levels and temperatures perfect for salmon fishing, the fish are still not very interested in taking the fly on the perfect cast. Every now and then one manages to hook a fish or roll a few but there has yet to be any great fall run of salmon for the month of September. One has to think that just maybe after such a great season they all have come in already or let’s hope there late for the fall season perhaps.

The North West Miramichi River is still having some good fishing as water and temperatures are great. Anglers are hooking a few big hook-bills and some grilse. Flies of choice are ally shrimps, GP’s and LT Specials.

The past week on the Sevogle Troy Adams of Dieppe had very good fishing as he released 6 grilse at Squirrel Falls. He hooked them on some bombers he got from me he told me, and some wet flies like the blue smurf pattern.

Renous River is still fishing well too as guide Gary Colford of Country Haven landed a grilse and lost a salmon in the middle stretch of the Renous River. Flies of choice were the shady ladies and Red Francis.

Cains River is very low as it did not get the big raise in water like the Miramichi did. Cains was fishing very good the last week as we had very good luck at Moores Pool. There were days we would hook 6 fish and land 3 while other days land only 1. Most days we did not see many fish but as most fishermen know about the Cains is you usually don’t see them until they hit your fly and run you out into your backing. My father Gary Colford landed several fish this week on the Cains the same fly the shady lady.

The lower stretches of the Miramichi is still a little slow but there is a few fish being caught in pools like the public areas like Grey Rapids and Mods Pool. There are a lot of fish near the Mouth of Cains and Black Brook area but seem to be old fish that have been around for awhile as they are very dark in color. Pool 66 fishermen are landing the odd one and having some fish roll for their flies.

In the Middle Stretches of the River around Doaktown fishermen are hooking the odd one. At the Ledges Inn we are only hooking a few per day and not seeing many fish the past week since the big raise in water. I lost 2 in our Home Pool and raised several more while the water was up on a green machine with white tail. Irishman Terry Coleman landed a 20lb salmon the past week with us. He also landed a few more and some were on tube flies such as the Willy Gun pattern. Andrew Anthony and his client broke our camp record with their 18lb salmon putting us at the time to 797 fish landed this season. The same day head guide Derek Munn and his clients had very good fishing on the Cains. The flies we were using the past week were Green Butt Bear Hair with jungle cock eyes, Undertakers, Red Francis, GP’S, Comet Tube Fly and a Orange Bug that looks like the Green machine.

Upstream a bit near Sutters Salmon Club head Guide Shawn Betts and clients were also hooking a few fish. They had a few spey casters in and were enjoying their day on the river.

So the past week of fishing was not so bad on our Great River. The color of the trees on the hill sides is very beautiful while fishing and to be fishing in the frosty mornings with the fog lifting from the water is Priceless. So get out on the water somewhere before the season ends on October 15^th and give it a try you will be shocked of the scenery in your back yard of New Brunswick Rivers.

You can leave me a comment on my blog at miramichifishingreports.blogspot.com and send me your photos of your great salmon catch. Until next week tight lines.

Fish still seem to have lock jaw

Salmon fishing on the Miramichi the past week is still a little slow. Fish still seem to have lock jaw most days but there are the few that take the fly. The weather is staying very good and river levels are starting to get down to better fishing conditions. The water temperatures are staying in the low 60’s (F) and even down in the 50’s (F). You would think with the conditions we have that we would be landing lots of fish, but I have saw this before and if you know salmon fishing they will only take when the salmon decides to take the fly.

At the Ledges Inn this week we had many fish in most of our pools but yet again the fish were very selective to what they wanted. We had one evening where my client hooked a fish on a LT Special and across the river another client with Derek Munn hooked one on a purple marabou and another on a tippet shrimp. Andrew Anthony and clients were using very opposite patterns and more summer like flies, like the undertaker and a Conrad pattern I tied with jungle-cock eyes. Andrew had one salmon almost 20 pounds this week. We are also hooking and rolling some on bombers.

Mountain Channel in the Blackville area is seeing a few fresh fish but water is still very high for the most part. They have been fishing the Cains River and the far side of the river.

Country Haven Lodge is also hooking a few fish both on the Miramichi and the Cains River. Country Haven was landing fish almost every day in the Shinnick Burn area at Moore’s Pool. Alley Shrimps seems to be working best Kenny Vickers said. Gary Colford fished a couple days also this week and clients landed a salmon and grilse. Gary said he saw a lot of hook bills jumping all over the river the last couple days and said the fall season is here.

For more up to date reports check out the Fly Shops at Curtis Miramichi River Outfitters in Blackville and W.W.Doaks and Sons in Doaktown or on my blog at www.miramichifishingreports.blogspot.com. 

Heavy rains hit the river

Fishing on the Miramichi River over the past week has gotten to be a challenge on many parts of the river. Heavy rains are becoming to be a well mentioned topic on my river reports as once again we were hit by lots of rain to raise the water to like spring levels. And with a 2 to 3 foot rise in water on top of which was high water to begin with really put the pressure on guides and fisherman to hook up with the king of sport fish “The Atlantic Salmon”.

Many fishermen were turning to larger flies and sinking tips, many have to use boats as most pools are just too high to wade at this height with so much water. Fishermen are also starting to use a mixture of patterns and the fall patterns are being mentioned more and more.

Up around Doaktown at the Ledges Inn we are starting to hook a few fish again. Tuesday was a bad day as we did not hook a fish. Yesterday Wednesday we fished again from boats and landed a few. I was guiding Steven and Tami Gross from Atlanta and they hooked their 3^rd grilse using a night hawk. Head guide Derek Munn hooked his 2 salmon on a GP. Before the raise in water we were having very good fishing landing in double digits on some days.

Canoe Missing: This time a 18 foot cranberry red chestnut poling canoe. If anyone has saw the canoe please contact the Ledges Inn at 506 365 0168.

Fishing is starting to pick up again in the Blackville area as a few fish were hooked near the mouth of Cains River and Pool 66.

Cains River is starting to fish again with a few fresh fish moving through. We have landed a few at Moores Pool up near Shinnick Burn on the Cains. There were also a few landed at the Brophy Pool on the lower end of the Cains.

The next week is looking good for fishing with a little less rain in the forecast. Be safe fishing in the high water this fall.

Tight Lines,

Fishing going good on Miramichi

Well we got lots of water for fishing and canoeing on the Miramichi River after Hurricane Irene dumped heavy rains on the Miramichi and raising the river up several feet the first of the week. It is dropping off fast as it dropped about 4 feet on Tuesday night on the lower stretches of the Miramichi. The river is very clear but still spring high and very dangerous for wading, so be careful when you’re out there fishing.

If you’re trying to find a place to fish in the high water take advantage of the smaller rivers like the Renous, Dungarvon, Bartholomew and the Cains River where you can find places to fish and with the high water will make it good for fishing salmon.

The fish started taking again on Tuesday on different stretches of the river.

The Doaktown area of the Miramichi was starting to fish again on Tuesday. Derek Munn of the Ledges Inn said they were hooking some out of boats and the river had dropped about 2 feet. He also said this should bring some new fish in and gets the fall run coming. Bill Ensor hooked a few fish while at the Ledges and when I was fishing with him he hooked one on a number 4 stone fly. The Ledges Inn also done there web site over and it looks very good so check it out.

Wilsons Sporting Camps above Doaktown said the water was too high and looks like a bust for the week or so. Things should pick up by the first of the week.

The lower stretch near the Mouth of Cains River had been fishing very well just before the raise in water and now that the water dropped down it is starting to fish again. Some anglers are starting to hook up again on the lower stretches of the Cains too.

We had great fishing at pool 66 before the raise in water. My son Zachery Colford and myself hooked a few nice salmon. And Damir Sehic of Fredericton landed a salmon. John Vickery and Larry Vanpeurson both landed several salmon. All our fish were mostly hooked on bombers but a few were hooked on wets too.

The weather looks good until Sunday as it looks like another storm is going to hit us with more heavy rain. We don’t need any more rain at this time as fishing would be wiped out for several days if we get what there predicting and there predicting 40 to 70 ml over 3 days.

I am still looking for more reports on the different river areas everyone fishes. Please get the word out to anyone you know and email me the reports and I will gladly post them for you. Thanks again for the reports I received so far.

Tight lines,

Rodney

August fishing is usually low and warm

Could conditions be much better for the month of August this summer for salmon fishing on the Miramichi.  All I can say is the fish are here and the water is too and what more can one ask for after June and July fishing was some of the best we have ever saw on the Miramichi. August fishing is usually low and warm and were complaining wishing we had water well it’s not the case this season.

It’s been a tough season for the lower stretch of the Main South West Miramichi where they need low water for best results. But anglers still have hooked their fair share of fish in the high water conditions. Many fish are still being hooked from the mouth of Cains River down to Quarryville this week.

With reports of a few fresh fish in the system and many old fish hanging around some pools most fisherman were saying. Ken Macloud and Rick Law had excellent fishing as the green and blue bombers seem to be the fly for them. Ken had one 18lber and saw some in the 25 to 30 pound range jumping. Steven Moody also was hooking a few fish on bombers. Lester Vickers was fishing with him and also had some luck.

In the Doaktown area local fisherman are hooking a few but are not seeing many fresh fish around.

The Ledges Inn is seeing a good number of fish in most all their pools. Water conditions are great with temperatures being in the low 60,s (F). After the good rise in water Tuesday and hooking 20 salmon later was a very good day. Wednesday morning was also very good yesterday morning as they hooked 12. Flies of choice were samething murray, green butt and coosebooms.

Cains River was fishing very well from Sabbies down to the mouth of Cains. I hooked 2 on GP,s and 1 on an Alley shrimp and several on dry.

Local fly shops in the area are always on top of the fish reports like WW.Doak & sons and ask for Matt or Bruce. Fredericton Outfitters are always in the scoop with conditions on all rivers in NB and the Miramichi. Curtis River outfitters and George Routledge at Georges Fly Shop will have the gear and advice you are looking for. And if your coming from Saint John and passing through Minto stop in and checkout Ralph Goodwin’s fly shop where he has all the gear too.

And if you’re looking to canoe, kayak or tube the Miramichi River there are several places to check out and to name a few like McCormack Outdoor Adventures if you’re close to Boistown area and in Doaktown there is O’Donnell’s Cottages that are very well known for their canoeing. And if you’re over on the North West area check out Stewarts Tubing on the Little South West Miramichi.
These pictures of our fish were landed on Wednesday.

River conditions should be very good for the weekend so get out of the office and grab your fishing gear and hook up this weekend.

Tight Lines, Rodney Colford

Salmon fishing conditions for the middle of August are almost perfect

Salmon fishing conditions for the middle of August are almost perfect. After all the rain we received the water is up again and temperatures are in the low 60’s degree (F). Who would ever imagine conditions like this on the Miramichi for the middle of August. This should push us through with good water into September. There are lots of fish in the system and still a few fresh fish being put through the counters daily.

Many local anglers in the Blackville area are still hooking or rolling fish. Anglers up near the mouth of the Cains River are still hooking fish. Don Roy and his business associates were enjoying their day fishing the mouth of the Cains. They saw one fisherman hook 9 and land 4 Tuesday morning. They then fished with us at the Ledges Inn and had some luck. Lloyd Lyons clients landed a grilse and lost another on small dry flies. Derek Munn and clients Morley Mooers and Peter Kane were hooking a few. Morley hooked 4 and landed 1 on Tuesday evening and all on small wet flies.

I fished with Steven Moody at Wades Fishing Lodge Friday evening and landed a grilse on a small bomber. Steven rolled several on dry as well. He also said fishing was great there all summer.

Zachery Colford landed 5 this week and rolled several more on bombers all on the lower stretch of the Miramichi.

Anglers on the lower stretches of the Cains are still hooking fish and seeing fish in most pools. Moores Pool on the Cains had lots of fish showing last weekend and early this week.

Keith Wilson of Wilsons Sporting Camps said Conditions could not be better. The water height is perfect, temps are cool and there are plenty of fish in the holding pools. They had a couple of salmon this week that were very bright so it looks like there is still the odd fresh one coming in. Good reports from the Dungarvon and the lower Cains as well. With the high water on the Cains it looks like a lot of fish have moved into the lower 15 km’s or so. Fly of choice this week at Wilson’s was the brown bomber with white tail.

Country Haven Lodge is still picking up a few fish both on the Cains and Miramichi. They said fisherman on their day adventures were doing well.

Flies of choice for most of the area are still Bombers for the dries and undertakers, green butts, shady ladies and all sorts of green machines.

Tip of the week: When using smaller flies use smaller tippet to make your fly move more realistic. And change your angle of your cast from time to time.

The weather for the next week looks bad for sunbathers but very good for the fishermen. Showers for the weekend and heavy rain for the start of the week should be good for the fish. Please post your reports on my blog if you like or email them to me and I will add them in my column for you anytime. My email is on my blog at www.miramichifishingreports.blogspot.com.

Have a great weekend and until next week tight lines.

Miramichi River levels are good for August

River and Fly fishing conditions on the Miramichi the past week is still very good. Anglers are happy with the temperatures of the water and the fish they are seeing. Water temperatures are staying very good in the 60 degree (F) which is very good for salmon fishing. 
This is Zachery Colford with his first salmon of the season. This photo was taken about a month ago.


The level of the river also is very good for the middle and upper stretches of the Miramichi. The lower section is still on the high side as most of the pools need it to be low water for the fish to take better. But the majority of anglers are still hooking their share of fish throughout the river.

This is Brad Kersing
of  Austrailia

With high water on the lower stretch of the Miramichi it is making some anglers see how well Cains River fishes all summer. High water conditions this summer has made the Cains fish very well and reports of fish are being hooked or seen jumping in pools over the entire river.

Me holding Marc Bedards fish.

The North West Miramichi is still fishing very well. Heavy rains made the fish very active and one angler had some very good dry fly fishing. Marc Bedard of Moncton hooked 9 fish over 3 days. He said barbless bombers were his fly of choice. Marc said most of the fish were dark and no sign of them being fresh. This is a fish Marc got at the Ledges Inn back in July when I was fishing with him.

The Ledges Inn the past week has been still hooking a few fish. We have not seen very many new fish except for one day one of the guest landed 4 straight with the 4^th one being very silver. We are fishing mostly dry flies and a few hooked on small wets. Derek Munn and his guest were hooking most fish in early mornings.

Celtic Beauty by
Gary Tanner

The next week is looking good for fishing for those who like the rain. The weather man 
is calling for rain and more rain the start of the week so put your swim suits away and get your rain gear out and get fishing. And for those who never fished before it’s never too late to start. I had an 82 year old lady start fishing this week and she enjoyed it very much. She said it was hard to fish with so much beauty around the Miramichi and NB as rainbows and eagles were in the sky.


And for another week of fly fishing on the Miramichi may your lines be tight and your reels be screeching.

Extraordinary fishing in Cains River

Extraordinary fishing in Cains River for early August. The lower stretch of the Cains was fishing very good Tuesday as many anglers were hooking up or limiting out. Peter Beardsworth and his sons Adam and Chris were fishing with me as we hooked into several salmon and it seemed like every second fish was covered in sea lice. We landed 9 salmon and hooked another 6 all on dry flies.

We returned yesterday and I hooked 4 and landed 2 by noon. My son Zachery landed a 20lb, 15lb and a grilse in the early afternoon also on dry flies. I also saw several locals fishing and many with fresh fish being landed. Flies of choice for many were brown and orange colored bombers and a few on green machines.

Steven Moody of Wades Fishing Lodge was also hooking a few fish. They were hooking fish in the home pool and on the Cains he said. His father Peter who never fished before landed his first on Monday using a bomber. I also tailed two salmon for Lester Vickers on the Cains River, he was using a white tail green machine.

On Lower stretch of the Main SW Miramichi River fishermen at Mountain Channel Club were hooking a few fish even though water levels were on the high side.

The Hershey Pool was fishing very well as Doctors Island were hooking fish almost every day there. They were also hooking fish at their home pool in Blackville.

Black Brook Salmon Club near the mouth of Cains River was having very good luck both on the Miramichi and Cains. Most fish seem to be running on the Camp side and heading up the Cains River.

In the Doaktown area Derek Munn of the Ledges Inn said fishing was good and there were good numbers of fish in all of their pools. He also said fish were getting very selective to fly patterns and they had to go with smaller flies to hook up. Flies of choice were green butt bear hairs, brown and blue bombers.

Local anglers on the North West Miramichi are still hooking a few fish. Between the bridges fishing has slowed down as it is hook and release, but anglers who do get out are seeing their share of fish they tell me. Fishermen fishing near Trout Brook are also hooking some fish. Trout Brook Fly Shop is the place to stop at while fishing the North West for that certain fly or type of gear that others may not have. It is also a great place to get the best fish report on the river as many guides and anglers are in daily.

Local fly shops on the river are always on hand to help you. Check with Curtis Miramichi River Outfitters, Doaks Fly Shop, Herb Barry’s Fly Shop and Georges Fly Shop for the gear you need. These shops all carry different gear so call or check them out when fishing.

When on the River fishing and your limit out early, places to check out is the Atlantic Salmon Museum where you will see lots of history on fly fishing. They have a great selection in their gift shop and such items as the Miramichi River Map, Doug Underhill’s new book Salmon Country along with much more.

McCormack Adventures in Boistown said fishing was very good last week. Many guest said they saw or hooked fish in the mornings. They also reported that tubing in the afternoons was going good while the fishermen take their rest. They also have canoes and kayaks available.

The river temperature is almost perfect and averaging in the 60’s (F). The river levels are a bit high for the lower parts of the river, but it makes it very good for the middle and upper stretches of the river and keeps the fish moving with this high water. Flies of choice are still the summer favorites’ like the green machines, green butts, undertakers and all sorts of bombers for the dry flies.

Until next week keep your lines tight and your reels screeching on the Miramichi.

Several fish in the system

Your Miramichi river report for the past week has had some ups and downs but there are several fish in the system to fish for if you decide to get out on the river.

Starting in the Quarryville area with Goerge Rutledge’s Fly Shop. George said fishing was slow except for a few guys hooking fish in early mornings. He also said this rain should pick things up again.

In the Blackville area at Curtis River Outfitters shop said fishing was average for this time of year and with the heavy rain yesterday it should start getting good again. Canoeing was very good last week and there are always extra canoes for rent.

Mountain Channel was still hooking fish in the mornings but only a few fish were running through.

Country Haven Fishing Lodge was hooking fish everyday in some of their pools. They were also doing well on the Cains River and Renous River.

Pool 66 near Black Brook Pool was fishing very well all week and yesterday in the rain it was fishing extremely well as many huge salmon were taking the fly. Danny Munn of Doaktown landed 2 salmon and a grilse by 10:00 am yesterday on a few of my bombers. My son Zach lost 3 on brown bombers and saw many more fish.

The Bridge Pool in Upper Blackville was fishing in the early mornings and the fly of choice was a green butt moose hair.

In the Doaktown area at the Ledges Inn fishing has been very good the past week in early mornings. Head Guide Derek Munn said the fish were getting more selective in the low water. Derek fished the past couple of weeks with Dr. Scott Boley and his wife Sanda (Sonny) Boley from the Bronx, NY. Dr. Boley said he fished here the past 53 years and can’t remember ever seeing so many fish. Scott told me he was to Russia several times and nothing compares to the Miramichi. Scott and his wife hooked over a hundred fish in 18 days fishing at the Ledges Inn with Derek.

The past week we had some very hot conditions at the Ledges Inn. We decided to take advantage of the cooler mornings and very late evenings. Most mornings we hooked or rolled fish, Andrew Anthony, Lloyd Lyons and I rotated the pools and many mornings we hooked up with our clients.

The River conditions were from 61 (F) in the cold water pools to 76 (F) in the late afternoon in the hot days. Now since the rain yesterday the water is starting to rise and fish are starting to take the flies. Last night the river temperatures were in the low 60’s (F). This rain is a great boost for the month of August. I have seen there be sensational fishing from the rains in August so get out on the river this August or call and we’ll see if we can take you out on the river.

Mathew Doak of Doaks Fly Shop said there were fish taking the regular flies like the green machines and shady ladies.

Cains River is still fishing very well for some anglers. Gary Colford hooked several fish this week at the Brophy Pool and Moores Pool. Tom LeBlanc of Moncton fished the Sabbies Yesterday on the Cains and had no luck. He then went to the Main Miramichi where he hooked a few salmon. Glen Keenan hooked a nice salmon on the Miramichi on one of my bombers.

Flies to take with you that worked the past week are Green Machines, Undertakers, Shady Ladies, and bombers. I also fished the Mighty Quinn, a fly I got from Ralph Goodwin of Minto, NB. Ralph has a Fly Shop there where he carries several fly fishing and spin casting gear. So if you’re in route for the Miramichi drop in and see Ralph at his shop. You can check out my photos of the past weeks fishing or send me your photos and I will add them to my Blog at www.miramichifishingreports.blogspot.com

For another week on the Miramichi keep your lines tight and your reels screeching until next time.

Morning fishing has started to take play

Fly fishing conditions on the Miramichi the past week is slowing down and early morning fishing has started to take play most days we fish. There are lots of fish up and down the river and mostly every pool has fish holding.

The upper stretches of the SW Miramichi has been fishing very well except for the few warm days Monday and Tuesday. River levels are good but a good rain would not hurt one bit.

The lower stretches of the SW Miramichi is at a perfect height. Mountain Channel is fishing very well, as it is a low water pool on this section of the river. They are seeing big numbers of fish through-out the pool.

Country Haven Lodge said fishing is fair and all their pools have fish. They also have been fishing the Cains River where their seeing a good number of fish and landing a good number too. Guide Gary Colford said fishing was good at Moores Pool and Sabbies.

The Hershey Club just below the mouth of Cains River is also fishing very well.

Local fisherman near the mouth of Cains River had great fishing up until the warm weather hit and said early mornings were the best as fish were holding in the brooks the rest of the day.

In the Doaktown area many local fisherman are fishing and reports are very good the past week. The Mill pool was fishing very well and so was the Museum pool.

The Miramichi Salmon Club said on Tuesday some fish moved in one of their pools over night and they hooked 13 in the morning.

The Ledges Inn was fishing very well the past week and mostly every fisherman were hooking fish up until Monday and Tuesday as the heat was a factor. Veteran Guide Lloyd Lyons showed us younger guides up as he had fish both warm days. Brian Forbes of Riverview fished with us last week and returned hoping to hook up again but the warm weather made conditions very tough for us. Angler Luc Gaudet of Moncton hooked a grilse and hooked himself to dry fly fishing on the weekend as I took him to Big Hole Brook. Big Hole Brook had several hundred fish holding near and on the other side of the river from the brook. Dene and Cicile Losiera fished Floe’s Pool where Dene limit out on a couple days and Cecil hooked her share as well. Flies of choice were shady lady and green machines.

Wilson Sporting Camps said fishing was good and water height was perfect. They were hooking their fish on small number 8’s and 10’s.

Don’t forget to check your local fly shops on the River for reports of the river and for a great selection of gear for salmon fishing.

If you’re out on these hot days fishing try and hold your fish closely to the water before taking your photo as they need their oxygen after a great fight, you could also pinch your barbs and have the hook come out easy.

Flies of choice are undertakers with jungle-cock eyes and bombers. Sizes depend on the pool but for the most case in this warm weather size 8 to 12 works well.

The weather over the next week looks very good with rain so this could help the river stay cool and keep the fish running. So if you’re looking to catch an Atlantic Salmon this could be the time.

Until next week may your lines be tight and your reels be screeching on the Miramichi.

Fish biting on Miramichi River

Fishing on the Miramichi River the past week was spectacular despite the warm weather that hit us for a few days.

We then had rain and thunder storms that got the river back in the low to mid 60s F. We did have a couple days that got up over the 70 degree mark, but by fishing early mornings and late evenings we managed to do very well. I will start you out where I guide and fish at the Ledges Inn. Guides Derek Munn, Lloyd Lyons, Andrew Anthony and myself managed to land 175 salmon and grilse since last week.

The area we were fishing was from Ludlow to lower Doaktown. We had many days that guest were limit out with four salmon per day. Just yesterday alone, while guiding Mark Ferguson, Bob and Scott Darling of Darling Construction, we hooked 12 and landed six using a No. 8 smurf pattern.

On the lower stretch of the river, fishing is also going well. My son Zachery, 13 years-old, landed his first salmon of the summer season on his own tied dry fly. Troy Adams of Moncton netted and weighed it for him and said it was 20 pounds. Troy also landed a grilse.

Most pools on the river are fishing very well, like the pool at the Upper Blackville bridge where many anglers fish. The Quarryville Pool is fishing well too as anglers from all over New Brunswick come to fish this famous public pool. The North West Miramichi is now hook and release. Many anglers had reported landing fish on the North West, Sevogle and Little South West Miramichi River the past week.

The North West is a great place to fish if you like releasing your catch as many anglers will be fishing the Main South West River so they can fill their tags. I will keep you posted on the levels of the river next week.

With over a foot raise on Tuesday night on the South West Miramichi, you should see good results on the weekend for fishing. Keep checking with all the local shops for up to date river reports.

W.W. Doaks, Curtis Miramichi River Outfitters, Georges Fly Shop, Trout Brook Fly Shop are many of the local outfitters on the river who all mostly write their report.

You can check my own blog at miramichifishingreports@blogspot.com or Derek Munn's report at the Ledgesinn.com.

Flies of choice for the past week were green machines, blue smurfs, bombers, undertakers, red butt moose hairs and the mighty Quinn tied by Ralph Goodwin of Minto. Until next week, keep your lines tight and your reels screeching on the Miramichi.

* Rodney Colford is a third-generation salmon guide on the Miramichi. He has been guiding fishermen for 28 years. His column appears every Thursday.

The Ledges Inn is Hot!! Burning Hot with catching Atlantic Salmon! Salmon fishing today and last night was just amazing as the river is full of grilse and salmon. Every pool had huge runs of fish and it did not stop again this morning and tonight. My clients Paul Millbury and his son and I hooked 4 and landed 3 at Floe's last night. And this morning they landed 7 fish out of 9 at the Ledge Pool just above the Lodge. Fly of choice was a number 8 double green machine white & black tail with green crystal flash rapped through with the hackle, a fly I just threw together for a laugh.

Tonight we had some new guest that had never fished salmon before and guide Andrew Anthony and myself were not long getting them into a couple fish. We saw several fish at Kelly's Run and Floe's Pool. Fly of choice tonight was a blue charm number 8 single hook.

Head guide Derek Munn and his clients limit out last night around 7 pm.  And also at Mountain Channel Guide Wes Curtis and guides hooked 18 fish with clients this morning, I did not get there count for the evening.

Water temperature was in the 60's today but did get to 72 degree's (F) last evening.

The height of the river on the Main SW is perfect for catching! so get out on the river and hook up!

Hope you like this quick report for you guys that can't make it out on the water! Were thinking of you, when we hear the sound of that Hardy Reel or that Shark Skin line zooming out into the backing after about a half a dozen leaps into the air!! So if it's possible to get out on the water giver a try on one of your secret pools.

Rodney

Hook and release rules return to Northwest Miramichi

Atlantic salmon fishing on the Miramichi is still going strong as huge runs of fish keep coming in from the ocean. All the tributaries of the Miramichi were reporting good runs of salmon and grilse. River conditions are perfect levels and some fish are now starting to hold up longer in the pool which makes the catching a bit easier at times.

The NW Miramichi got hit with a blow for anglers fishing to keep their catch of grilse. For the second season in a row the hook and release method comes into play. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans issued a variation order allowing only hook and release angling on the Northwest Miramichi and its tributaries for at least a portion of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 angling seasons. The department said the decision was made for conservation purposes based on science assessments and is effective as of noon on Wednesday, July 6.

Variation order 2011-056 is for mandatory live release for all of the angling season on the Little Southwest Miramichi and its tributaries upstream from Catamaran Brook, on the Northwest Miramichi upstream from Little River, and on both the north and south branches of the Sevogle upstream from and including Square Forks. In 2012 and beyond, these catch and release restrictions will be in effect for the entire season.

Mandatory live release will be required from noon on July 6 until July 31 on the Northwest Miramichi River from and including Little River downstream to Wayerton Bridge (Route 430). In 2012 and beyond, this catch and release restriction will be in effect from June 1 to July 31.

Salmon fishing on the Upper Stretches of the Main SW Miramichi River is extraordinary. All our pools are fishing very well. Here at the Ledges and Mountain Channel our pools are starting to hold some monster fish. Guide Derek Munn had Tyler and his father James Brown while both landed two fish over the 20 pound mark and several grilse, Tyler also landed a 2lb striped bass. Derek said it was the first time they saw a stripe bass this far up river. You can check out the pictures on our web site at LedgesInn.com. Guide Andrew Anthony also had very good fishing while one morning his clients hooked 12 salmon. Guide Lloyd Lyons was also on the ball as he and his clients were having very good results using the Mighty Quinn pattern tied by Ralph Goodwin of Minto. I was guiding a nice couple that dropped into Doaks Fly Shop in Doaktown on Tuesday and asked which fly was working. They gave them a fly called the Same Thing Murray and they both ended up getting their first ever salmon on the Miramichi.

In the Boistown area Allan McCormack of McCormack’s Tubing said their clients saw several salmon while tubing this week. They said the tubing is going very good now as the weather is helping very much.

Wilson’s Sporting Camps said fishing is also very good with great runs of salmon in all their pools. Guide Karl Wilson netted a 33 incher for his client that was fresh from the ocean.

O’Donnell’s Cottages in the Doaktown area had many canoe’s on the river the past week ranging from young kids to grandparents canoeing. So give them a call for a canoe trip on the Miramichi River.

Local anglers have been hooking up in public pools on the river. You can find your public pools on the Atlantic Salmon Museum maps which they have in Doaktown at the Museum. You can also get them at Curtis Miramichi River Outfitters and W.W.Doaks fly shop.

The lower stretches of the river at Country Haven Lodge said they had very good fishing the past week. Guide Gary Colford and his clients landed a few on Green Machines and Blue Charms.

Mountain Channel is starting to fish very well this week as the pool is a low water pool. So check it out and fish with legend guide of the river Wes Curtis and Brother Boyd whose father use to guide the famous Ted Williams.

Flies of choice for the past week were Green Machine with White Tails, Undertakers with Jungle Cock Cheeks, The Mighty Quinn, the same thing Murray, brown bombers, orange bombers, blue charms, and different color butterflies.

Tips of the week, are you the angler hooking and releasing on the Miramichi. If so pinch your barbs and help release your fish quicker. Use a soft mesh net which helps from hurting the fish when releasing them. And always make sure you hold your fish under the belly and by the tail with their head pointing up stream close to the water for that picture. I hope these tips help you out while catching perhaps that first Miramichi Atlantic Salmon.

Until next week keep your lines tight and your reels a screeching on the Miramichi.

Rodney Colford is a third-generation salmon guide on the Miramichi River. He has been guiding fishermen for the past 28 years. His column appears every Thursday.

Good fishing on the Miramichi

Salmon fishing on the Miramichi seems to be off limits on weekends

as it rains just about every weekend. And this was not just any storm that hit the Miramichi River; it raised the river at least 5 feet. The river was just starting to get to normal conditions to see the pools and getting dumped with the rain set our fishing back a few days that’s for sure.

But that was last weekend and now the fish are biting and jumping again. The river temperatures are perfect and we can`t complain there is no water in the river. So with no excuses have a look at some reports from the Miramichi? And don`t forget to give us a call or email for more up to date reports.

Or drop into your fly shops on the river like WW Doaks, Curtis Miramichi River Outfitters, Georges Fly Shop, Herbs Fly Shop, Trout Brook Fly Shop, Fredericton Outfitters and Anglers to name a few for fishing and river reports.

Head guide Derek Munn at the Ledges hooked a few fish over the past week and said with all the rain and the big rise in water it should be very good fishing on the Upper Stretches of the SW Miramichi as the fish will be up there in record time. There were also a few fish taken at Mountain Channel Pool during the past week on the Lower Stretch of the river and a lower pool of the Ledges.

I started guiding last weekend for the Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Derek Munn the head guide showed me around to their pools. I was not long noticing the beautiful salmon pools of the Ledges Inn. My client was Dr. Palmer of Fredericton and long time salmon fishermen. We had a great time fishing over the three days but all we could do was roll them as salmon leaped in the pools near our flies.

Wilsons Sporting Camps said there is another flood on the Miramichi as we got hit with severe thunderstorms up river. Keith expected fishing to pick up Tuesday or Wednesday of this week after the rise in water.

Valerie O’Donnell of O’Donnell Cottages had a few canoe rentals in last weekend and the odd salmon fisherman.

McCormack Outdoor Adventures in Boistown said water was high for tubing for the most part but said by the weekend the river should be good for tubing. They had some cabins available for renting if you’re from out of town and need a place while fishing or tubing.

Salmon fishing near the mouth of Cains River was slow for a few days but as the water cleared the fish started to show and I was after them. Tuesday I hooked four and landed a salmon and a grilse. I hooked a few of the fish on a very new fly pattern that Tyler Storey created called the Glitter Tot. It`s a green fly with some very good style to it, Tyler said he was a long time getting the fly to where he wanted it to be. I would think he nailed it as it worked very well for me in this high water. I was doing mostly boat fishing and fishing high water pools for the most of the time this week.

Depending we don`t get a rise in water fishing should be very good on the weekend. I saw many fish jumping on the lower stretches of the Cains River so salmon are in the river there too. There are lots of fish running on the Main SW Miramichi.

The North West Miramichi is starting to fish again as Chris Edmonds hooked a grilse on the Sevolge River a branch of the NW on Tuesday. A few other fishermen told me they were going to fish the North West Miramichi on the weekend as they thought the water would be down and fishable.

I also heard that there were a couple fish hooked on the lower stretch of the Renous River on Monday.

The Salmon fishing on the Miramichi should get very good over the next week or two as late June and July runs will be starting to fill the river. So give us a call and we will get you out on the water and catch a salmon of a lifetime.

Keep your reels screeching and your lines tight on the Miramichi River.

Tight Lines, Rodney

Boat & Motor Found

Boat and Motor found near Quarryville this morning. If you can identify it it's yours the guy that found it said. So give a shout to 506 743 7744.

Conditions almost perfect on stretches of river

There have been steady reports of fish being hooked on the Miramichi over the past week. The Main South West Miramichi River was hit hard with heavy rains and thunder and lightning storms on the upper, middle and lower stretches of the river and the water raised about 3 feet last Thursday and Friday. Since the rise in water things are now starting to get back to where it was. The middle stretches of the river from Boistown to Doaktown was almost back to perfect conditions on Tuesday, so by the weekend and without anymore heavy rains it should be awesome fishing in that area of the river. The lower stretches of the river from lower Blissfield to Quarryville area is still very high and could use another 2 feet of a drop if not 3 to be ideal conditions. Temperatures the past week were from the mid 50’s to high 60’s degree F.

On the North West Miramichi the past week anglers were still reporting lots of fish in the river but could use some rain anytime. Many fishermen are telling me they are seeing both salmon and lots of grilse in the river and tributaries of the North West Miramichi. Most anglers this week were hooking there fish on small flies size number 6 and 8. Water temperatures were much the same as the South West.

Fishing and catching the past week was good as Ken Macleod, Paul Hammond and myself were into some nice fish just after the heavy thunderstorm on last Thursday evening. We managed to hook five and land a grilse and a salmon using a fly called a King Rat. We also had one take a brown bomber on a dead drift and skating the fly. Monday evening Ken Macleod and Rick hooked two fish and lost both on a King Rat pattern. Then on Tuesday evening after an all day heavy wind we saw some fish below jump and not long after Rick was into his first grilse of the week on a number four green machine. After landing the grilse, Ken made his way through the pool and raised a grilse on a black cossaboom number 2/0 which on the 2^nd rise struck the fish. Then about 5 minutes later he had a nice salmon take the fly before he spit the hook.

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn landed a salmon on Monday using a Will Taylor Special pattern. Derek said that the water was about a foot higher than it should be on Tuesday when I was up looking at the beautiful pools of the Ledges Inn. I told him it was like a kid in a candy store as he showed me all the great looking pools they had at the Ledges Inn. Derek said fishing should be good by the weekend. There is plenty of space available if you’re looking to get out on the river, give them a call to fish the middle and lower sections of the Main SW Miramichi River.

Other reports up and down the river are anglers at the Upper Blackville Bridge Pool were hooking up several times this week. And the Sullivan Pool below the bridge was also having good luck as a few anglers from Country Haven Lodge were fishing it. There were also some fishermen between the Upper Blackville Bridge and the Mouth of Cains River hooking a few on white tail green machines. Down near Keenan`s Siding anglers were also hooking a few fish as Alley and Johnny Keenan both got into a couple salmon. There Brother Donnie landed a grilse and their fly of choice was the green machine white tail. In the Blackville Pool some local fishermen were hooking a few as Jamie Gillespie landed his first grilse of the season.

For more day to day reports check with your local fly shops in the area as they are always on hand to give you advise on the river conditions. Shops like W.W.Doak in the Doaktown area.Curtis Miramichi River Outfitters in the Blackville area and along with Herb`s Fly Shop in the Blackville area. George`s Fly Shop in Renous/Quarryville area. And in Miramichi check out Miramichi City Surplus for your fly fishing reports. And if you’re heading up the North West a must place to stop or call is Trout Brook Fly Shop for some great tips and advice. And you can always drop me an email anytime for a report of the river.

Until next week keep your lines tight and your reels screeching on the Miramichi.

Fishing wonderful on the Miramichi

Salmon fishing on the Miramichi was wonderful the past week as hundreds of big silver salmon and grilse are running up the rivers. Most anglers are finding it very unusual to see this many grilse so early in the season. Others small rivers like the Sevogle, Little South West Miramichi and the Renous are also producing fish.

The past week I fished on both the North West and the South West Miramichi River and had very good luck. We landed 8 salmon and grilse and 2 striped bass. We lost another 6 fish that were very close to the net. There were many anglers on the North West Miramichi hooking fish and most said they saw lots of fish in the river. Flies were green machine, black ghost, green highlander and some bombers.

The Upper stretches of the Main South West Miramichi near Boistown is starting to see more signs of salmon in the river along with some sea trout the past week. Down near Doaktown Anglers were having very good luck hooking trout and salmon over the past week and some fish hitting the 25 pound range.

On the lower stretches near Upper Blackville to Quarryville fishermen were also having very good luck and one fish I heard being landed between Blackville and the Mouth of Cains River weighing over 30 pounds. Anglers were landing a few salmon on green machines, undertakers, green butt moose hairs and bombers.

If you’re looking to get out over the weekend fishing you’re best chances should be the North West Miramichi or the Upper Stretches of the Main South West Miramichi as the river levels are almost perfect conditions and with water temperatures being in the high 50’s to low 60’s (F) chances are very good to hook up. Flies of choice should be number 2 or number 4 brown bombers with white tails and some wet flies like the green machine, undertakers, black ghost and green highlanders of all different sizes from number 6 to number 2.

Until next week keep your lines tight and your reels screeching on the Miramichi.

*Rodney Colford is a third-generation salmon guide on the Miramichi River. He has been guiding fishermen for the past 28 years. His column appears every Thursday.

Miramichi Salmon and Trout on the Run

Miramichi fishing reports from the SW Miramichi river for May 30th. Salmon are on the run for the last few days and so are the sea trout. I fished the last couple days and saw a dozen or so salmon and hundreds of trout. The trout are very finicky and are reluctant to take. I tried several trout patterns and did not have very much luck in hooking the big trout. I did get a few from 10 to 16 inches today and yesterday but the ones I saw roll were 3 to 6 pounds and some were rolling right next to my boat!

As the word had got out about fish being in the river so did some anglers. Yesterday Chris Munn of Fredericton Outfitters and a few buddies landed some whoppers from

15 to 25 pounds.

This is Robert Glenright with a 25 pound plus beauty caught yesterday with Chris Munn of Fredericton Outfitters.

This is Rob Foster with a nice female salmon.

The North West is fishing very well too as anglers are seeing lots of silver salmon in the river. Chris Edmonds hooked a few and landed a few!

Water is still high on the NW but the fish are there!

This is Chris Edmonds with one of his fish he released alone. Notice the fish is still in the water just to get a photo of this beautiful salmon. Hard to get a nice photo alone so he did the best he could.

The Main SW is still very high on the lower stretches but I would think the upper stretches would be ideal! Water temperature the last couple days was in the mid 50's F. Back in a day or two with hopefully a picture of "my" salmon!!

Also here is a great blog that that Gary Tanner writes. Its very good so please take the time to read and look at the beautiful pictures. www.theriverscourse.blogspot.com

Until next week keep your lines tight and your reels screeching on the Miramichi.

Tight Lines,

Rodney