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.