Making Memories Fishing The Miramichi

Having a laugh at the Ledges Inn with the Campbell group 

Many memories are made salmon fishing on the Miramichi river, and fall salmon fishing is a time when many are made. So many of those memories are not from catching several fish, as it is to that particular fish that may have caused a heart stopping moment that you'll never forget for the rest of your life. For many, just to be there on such a beautiful river, watching the foliage change, perhaps seeing a deer or a moose come down to the rivers edge for a drink, having a beaver swim only a few feet from you, before slapping his tail to say this is my turf. All this and more is part of Atlantic salmon fishing on the Miramichi river.
 

Ledges Real Time Monitoring 

Keith Wilson of Wilson's Sporting Camps said they saw a few older fish and catching a few too, but know sign of any fall run. Keith said they usually see the fall run any-time from mid to late September and with all the high water hoping a bit sooner.

Martin Depuis and myself on the Cains Wednesday

The past week at The Ledges Inn was very slow with lots of rain and high water. We had a couple days that we were blown out and decided not to even fish. We started seeing a few fish on Monday, but was Tuesday before Veteran Guide Lloyd Lyons broke the ice when his client landed a grilse on a Yellow Ally Shrimp at the Car Pool. Guide Andrew Anthony ran the Cain's with a couple guest but had no hook-ups but saw several fish. Andrew said there we're many anglers fishing the Cains around Sabbies River and Salmon Brook. Notice the picture above from the Real Time Monitoring System. Normal conditions this is high in dry on land. Please check this site out at Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee if you haven't already.

Fishing Moores Pool Wednesday on the Cains

Country Haven Lodge on the lower stretch of the Miramichi said fishing was slow with the raise in water. They started hooking a few fish on Monday and a few more on Tuesday. Cains was treating them very good with a few fishermen.

Linda Warren of Princeton, MA

Dan Bullock of Bullock's Lodge in Boistown said angling was very challenging the past week. Dan said they had some success before the raise in water hooking a few fish and rolling many on Glitter Bears. Dan also said a monster male hook-bill 38 inches in length was landed by Linda Warren of Princeton, MA. Linda may have won her battle with this monster salmon, but her Sage Z-Axis was not so lucky, and may need to have some warranty work done on it. Fly of choice for Linda was created and dressed by her husband Bob Warren called the Cuttysark. That's a great memory Linda WTG! Dan also said he hopes we received our quota of rain for the season and expects good fishing in the coming days.

Fishing around the Mouth of Cain's River area is very slow with very high conditions. Anglers are picking up a few and seeing a few fish but conditions was very slow overall. River levels are at least 3 feet above normal conditions for this area of the river.

Remember back in July when we asked for more water to work with, when our river was low and warm. Well we got that wish since late July and that is a memory that will be with us for awhile to come.

http://www.mreac.org

Miramichi river levels were very high over the weekend again and looked more like spring fishing than fall fishing conditions. Conditions have improved and looks very promising heading into the weekend. There are a few fish around and may be even a few that have been hanging around in some pools way to long. Temperatures are awesome hoovering in the 50's (F).



So what excuses do we have this time salmon fishing, we can't say if the water was lower we could work with it. We could have more fish in the system for sure, but there are fish around to hook. Time is running out for 2013 salmon season and with know more time for excuses, it's time to get your lines tight.

Rodney Colford

Heavy Rains Hammer the Miramichi

When it rains it pours, and that is exactly what happened on the Miramichi river system this week. As the banks of the Miramichi River was finally starting to get to perfect levels for fishing pools and having fish hold up a bit.

When! Old Mother Nature had a much different look at things, as the river got hammered hard with heavy rains Monday and Tuesday morning. With so much rain in a short period of time the levels were rising very fast on the river Tuesday afternoon.

Grilse I released using the new Hardy Jet series 14 Spey Rod

Then late Tuesday night the SW Miramichi got hit with over another inch of rain in Clearwater and conditions were still rising Wednesday.

Visibility is good despite the high water conditions but the few fish that were jumping was not taking a thing.

Conditions were just getting good on the lower stretches of the river and almost to perfect levels before the rain.The upper stretches from Doaktown to Boistown were at great levels but with all the rain it will be a week or so before conditions improve again.Temperatures are perfect in the high 50's and low 60's which is awesome going into September.

Last weekend and up until Tuesday morning we were picking up a few salmon. Flies again was the Paul Caron stone fly, wt green machine, samething Murray's and bombers.

This is a picture of a boat I rescued this week in the Doaktown area. The owner was very happy.

Paul Caron Stone Fly

Stonefly Caron Signature / A. Jackson.
David Bishop says this is one of his favourite flies ever. Paul Caron, a good friend and awesome angler developed this fly. You NEED them in ALL SIZES. Period! Find out more by going to www.salmonsteelheadflies.com and see many great looking patterns that David has on hand.

At The Ledges Inn in Doaktown we were having half decent fishing. With all the rain our pools are a bit high to fish properly so back to boat fishing. It will take a few days to improve. This is a picture I took of guide Derek Munn and Richard Campbell of PEI just before the rise in water. We hooked 3 and landed two that night. The other salmon was landed by Allan Moore of PEI and all fish were landed on Hardy gear.

Guest at Bullocks Lodge

Dan Bullock of Bullocks Lodge had a good week of fishing in Boiestown. Fish were caught almost every day with great conditions and fish starting to show in bigger numbers. The fly of the week was definitely the Yellow Winged Butterfly, with the RBM Muddlers and Glitter Bear also being noteworthy. 3 1/8inches of rain in past 24 hours are going to make the next few days a challenge.







Wilson Sporting Camps said conditions were slow in their area. A few fish were around but seemed to be a lot of old fish. With all the rain it's looking good going into September for the fish.

Country Haven Lodge said before the raise in water on the lower stretch of the SW Miramichi river fish were just starting to hold in their pools. They landed fish last week and Monday on peach carter bugs. But with the rain monday and Tuesday night and rising water this morning, fish will probably be on the move again.

Larry Van-Pearson fishing at the Ledges Inn

The Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown, New Brunswick, will host its annual ‘Hall of Fame Award Banquet’ on Saturday, September 14th. For those attending the dinner, there will be an open house at the Atlantic Salmon Museum from 4 – 5 p.m. followed by a ‘meet and greet’ reception at 5 p.m. in the Doaktown Curling Club.
A buffet style dinner including beef, salmon and fiddleheads will be served at the Curling Club at 6 p.m. The price for this special event is $75, and a tax receipt for $40 will be issued. A limited number of tickets are available, and they go quickly.
During the banquet, there will be a live auction of 2014 donated fishing waters plus much more. Please call (506) 365-7787 to pay for your ticket or stop by the Museum, 263 Main Street in Doaktown.
Inductees for 2013 include: David Adams Richards, Vivian Harris-Astle and Dieppe Fly Tying Club.



A dry fly fishermen throwing a fly from the bench at Mill Brook.












Paraglidders having a blast on the river over the weekend as anglers fish below.











Ghislain Basque posted this for a friend, this may help him. (My folding Frabill net ($80.00) was stolen at the Cache pool today. We were parked on the shore below the pool and stood the net half way of the pool. While we were lunching on the tailgate someone came down the trail at the head of the pool and fished for a while where we could see him from the truck. The net was on shore around enough of a bend that we couldn't see him take it but when he left it was gone! It has my name and number on it; John Farnham 375-8655 )... also a video from you tube. Perhaps someone picked it up by mistake and is looking to return it.

Many fishermen are hoping the fall run of salmon will start with this high water we have. I'd say the Miramichi is about high enough, lets hope they make their way in soon.


Until next week keep your lines tight and reels screaming on the river.

Rodney Colford

Ideal August conditions on the Miramichi

Salmon fishing in August on the Miramichi is usually slow, hot and not many fish around. But this August season was far from a hot month for salmon fishing. Angling was great, with lots of water and perfect river temperatures for fly fishing. Now the catching was a little slow for many anglers, but there were lots of fish around, and some days a few fresh fish made their way into the system to get our hopes up for another day on the water.

Guide Wesley Curtis and guest releasing a fish at Mountain Channel Pool.

So with September on our doorsteps and cooler temperatures starting, our fall weather is not far off. With a few hook-bills in the river already many anglers are prepared for the fall run of salmon that make their way in to spawn. Anglers like myself, that have taken days off in the slow fishing times, have prepared lots of fall fly patterns to have ready for the colourful time of year on the Miramichi river. Flies like the famous copper killer, ally shrimps, General Practitioner and the green slime which everybody hates to admit they fish, but works well in the fall and cold water temps. This is just a few patterns of hundreds that will work throughout the fall on the rivers of New Brunswick.

Andrew Huxter of Fredericton landed a nice hook-bill at Big Hole Brook a few days ago which was a beautiful looking fish. He also said he saw lots of fish around but not taking as good as he wished.

Keith Wilson of Wilson's Sporting Camps said the river is at a perfect level and cool temperatures are just around the corner. Keith said it's a normal August with slow taking fish but a few reports of fresh fish coming in, which is always good to hear.Michelle-Marie Collin with her first Atlantic Salmon with her dad Serge and guide Henry.

 Michelle-Marie Collin 

The Ledges Inn are seeing a few fish around but said their not taking well. We have been landing a few, but numbers could be better. River levels for our pools are very good and temperatures were perfect. We have David Bishop in from Hardy the next few days and trying rods and reels and looking to make them heat up with some fine casting. I landed a nice grilse in our Home pool and one at the Ledge Pool this week.

 Our Mountain Channel Camp is also landing a few fish and seeing the odd runs moving through. And don't forget our special price $250.00 per person per day for Mountain Channel Lodge the rest of the season, give us a call today at 506 365 1820 to book your stay and fish the Miramichi.

Trudy Mcbrine-Cox releasing a nice grilse at Mountain Channel

Country Haven Fishing Lodge said fishing was good for August with a good number of fish hooked. Most fish they landed were on the Main SW and Cains River pools. They landed a few this week and had a few fresh salmon released. Flies of choice were green machines, ally shrimps and bombers.

Guides at Black Brook Salmon Club said they were seeing lots of fish. Many fish seemed to be heading up Cains River. They were having good luck in their Cains River Pools. River levels were still high and needs to drop at least a foot to improve conditions.

The Miramichi Salmon Club in the Doaktown area said angling was spotty but were picking up a few everyday. They managed to snag a few fresh ones this week and were hoping a fall run would soon be in the river.

Angler with a fish on at Miramichi Salmon Club

Conditions on the North West is improving to a much better level for fishing. Anglers are seeing a few fish around but we're looking for a fresh run of salmon to make their way in. The Little SW was a little high on Monday but should be very good for the weekend fishing.

So with ideal conditions for fly fishing on the Miramichi River and tributaries. And levels very good overall and temperatures perfect for salmon to come in to the system. We should start to hear good reports from the Miramichi Salmon Association and Atlantic Salmon Federation when salmon runs start. So check their web sites from time to time for updates.

And your local fly shops like Green Diamond Outfitters, new in the Miramichi city area. W.W.Doaks in Doaktown are always up to date on river conditions in their area, and have a great selection of gear on hand. And if your on your way from the US and heading to the Miramichi, The Fredericton Outfitters is a must fly shop to visit as their selection is overwhelming and a hard store to get out of when entered with a full wallet.

Flies of choice for the week is a mixture of patterns again like many dry flies are the blue bombers, brown with orange hackle bombers, christmas tree bomber which is brown with yellow and orange hackle and white tails and for wet flies Paul Caron stone fly was a big hit this week for the Ledges Inn, under takers, shady ladies for the Miramichi Salmon Club, the Bonnie Belle was the fly for Wilsons Sporting Camps, and bombers was the eye catcher on the Cains River for Country Haven Lodge.

All in all it's been a good August fishing month for the Miramichi River and extremely great month for the fish with the levels we have had. I sure hope my readers are as excited as I am heading into September with great levels everywhere.

Until next week may your lines be tight and your reels be screaming on the River.

Rodney Colford

Prayers being answered for Rain on the Miramichi

The hot topic on the Miramichi river is high water. Anglers were praying for rain all of July, and were their prayers ever answered for August. River levels are very high and leaving many pools barely fish-able for the most part. 

Temperatures are hovering around the 60 to 65 (F) and the clairity is tea like, which is always good color for fishing. 

Evelock Gilks of the Miramichi Salmon Club in Doaktown area said the water was very high and fishing was slow. They only landed 12 salmon with 12 anglers the past week. 

Derek Munn of the Ledges Inn said Miramichi River levels were very good for the month of August. Fishing was very good at the beginning of the week but slowed down the ladder part of the week. Hardy Rep David Bishop fished at the Ledges this week and had very good success using the two handed Hardy Spey Rods. 

Mountain Channel Lodge on the lower stretch of the river had good fishing the past week on both sides of the river. Water was high for the most part but we managed to pick up 3 or 4 salmon per day. We still have lots of openings available at very low special prices. Were only a few minutes from the tide water and fresh fish are always close by, so give a call or email for more information.

Keith Wilson of Wilson Sporting Camps said river levels were 6 inches above normal and was perfect for their section of the river, and they are hooking fish. Keith said don't forget the great deals on for August.

In the Boistown area of the river Dan Bullock of Bullocks Lodge said they hooked 6 salmon last week on the Morrison bug. Water was perfect, but raised another another foot to 18 inches since the weekend. Also raised a few fish on dry flies. We saw a few salmon jump yesterday but river needs to drop a foot to improve.

Byron Coughlan of Country Haven Lodge had some luck this week on a few rivers. Cains River and the SW Miramichi was the place to be for some of his clients as they landed a salmon most days this week. Salmon were up as far as Moores Pool on the Cains River in the Shinnickburn area of the river. Flies of choice were the Francine pattern that looked like a green machine and Red Francis. We only had one salmon with sea lice.

Paul Gillespie of Doaktown had very good luck fishing this week. Paul had some friends fishing with him and hooked well over 20 fish on dry and wet fly patterns. 

I landed a few salmon this week at The Ledges, and a couple had sea lice. Laurent St. Pierre of Montreal landed a 16lber on a glitter bear. I also landed a few on the Jon Olan pattern. Most pools are very high on the river and needs to drop in river levels to improve conditions.

Flies of choice for the past week have been a mix batch of patterns from small to big patterns, and a mix of sizes from number 8 to 1's. The pacasse yellow and orange, Green Spey, Green Machines, Glitter bears, Ally shrimps, GP'S and many bugs and a few bombers. 

Well with lots of water in the system and cool nights started. We should be set up good, going into the back part of the season. And looking like more rain in the forecast the next few days.

 So having your prayers answered for rain the past week its time to get up of your knees and go fishing, because we have enough water at the moment on the Miramichi River and tributaries. But if you decide to ask for bigger runs of fish, please do.

Until next week may your reels be screaming on the river.

Rodney Colford

River up in the Alders on Miramichi

Well if you were fishing on the Miramichi River the past week, you would not have to get in the water to get your feet wet.

Four inches of rain fell and put the river up into the alders. Leaving many anglers going from wading to boating to hook up. Salmon pools that were to low and warm to fish were now to high and dirty with debre to fish.

Just before the river started to raise, fishing was very good. Many anglers were hooking fish and some limiting out with 4 per day.

Byron Coughlan of Country Haven Lodge of the lower stretch of the Miramichi said the river is full of fresh fish since Sunday. Fishermen were having very good luck. Fish seemed to be moving through and the ones they were hooking was close to shore. Water conditions are still high for the lower stretch. Cains river was still to high, the upper Renous was fishable, lower Renous was still to high.

Guides Donald and Eddie Colford of Black Brook Salmon Club said fishing was very good the past week. Many sports limit out on many different patterns of flies. Conditions are still to high for the Mouth of Cains river area but lots of fish moving.

Derek Munn of the Ledges Inn in the Doaktown Area of the river said fishing was good. We landed almost 50 salmon at the lodge this week, one weighing 27 pounds. Conditions seem to slow down yesterday, but rumours of fresh fish down river is great to hear. The river raised Tuesday night about 6 inches. Flies of choice were pacas, green machines, shady ladies and smurfs. At our Mountain Channel Lodge we were picking up 2 or 3 salmon per day.

Keith Wilson of Wilsons Sporting Camps said salmon anglers are never ones to complain about a nice raise of water in late July but this is a little much. Heavy rain brought the water up in McNamee app 3 feet and was very dirty. Keith said the MSA reported the best numbers of the season coming through the Millerton trap net this past week, so combined with the big raise in water we should see much improved fishing going into the month of August.

Dan Bullock of Bullocks Lodge in Boistown said they received 4" of rain in past week. Water is high, but very fishable. Probably 2-3 days away from ideal height for our pools.
We did land a few fish last week, including a salmon on the RBM Muddler tied by Renate Bullock. Looking forward to what should be excellent fishing next couple of weeks.

Chris Edmonds of Miramichi Fish and Game Club and C.E.Salmon Flies and Guiding was hooking a few fish. Conditions were very good on the NW and should be awesome by the weekend.

So with lots of water in the system for the Miramichi river and tributaries we should see some great fishing over the next few days as the water drops. River temperatures are in the low 60's (f) which is ideal.

A few flies to try while your out this weekend on the water is green machines, undertakers, smurfs, green highlanders and try some dry flies in this high water. Tight to shore with those dries you'll see, you might just catch a whopper.

Until next week keep those reels screaming on the river.
Rodney Colford

Success in tough conditions

Atlantic salmon fishing is a cold water sport by far. And over the past week old Mother Nature has thrown lots of great weather too us, but the odd few of us are salmon fishermen and we like cloudy damp days 75% of the time. So if she could cool off a bit would be awesome to get the fish moving again.

Over the past week at the Ledges Inn where I guide some of the finest fishermen, in some of the finest pools on the Miramichi. We were fortunate to hook an above average amount of fish in these warm conditions.

Fishing early mornings were key to our guides success to having our clients hook up.

Mentioning a few names that were lucky to hook salmon were: Len Lockhart with a grilse taken on a Almost fly, Wes Armour with a grilse, Deni Losier landed a grilse and lost a salmon on a shady lady, Sandy Kitchen and Earl Brewer of Fredericton hooked 7 and landed 3 using an Almost and blue bombers, Jaques Penet landed a grilse on a Butterfly, Andrew Anthony's guest landed a 40 incher on one of my irresistible Adams patterns. Derek Muun and Dr. Boley have been landing a few each day.

Country Haven Fishing Lodge are also hooking a few according to guide Gary Colford. Pools on the Miramichi and Cains river have been successful for many guest.

Keith Wilson of wilson sporting camps said angling is slow over the past 4 days. The river level is good in the area of MacNamee just the temperatures are bad.

River temperatures are still ranging from 56 to 60 degrees in brooks in morning to night and up to 70 - 75 degrees out in the runs morning until night.

With very little rain expected in the forecast over the next week anglers are already starting to worry about the river shutting down.

So lets hope for a change in weather and cool nights to keep things fishable.

Pictured below is Sandy Kitchen with two nice salmon. And Len Lockhart with a grilse.

Until next week may you reels be screaming on the Miramichi.

Rodney Colford

Fishing good on the Miramichi

With ideal conditions on the Miramichi it has been a bit of mixed fishing the past week. Where some anglers are hooking fish, while others are seeing fish and saying there not taking too well.
With the middle section of the river getting into prime levels for fishing the lower stretch is still very high with fish everywhere.

Derek Munn of the Ledges Inn said fishing was good with guest hooking a few fish. River levels are ideal and a few fresh fish were showing moving up stream. Our sister lodge at Mountain Channel was having good luck and hooked 9 salmon on Tuesday.

W.W.Doaks & Sons said fishing was picking up. Fishermen were hooking a few on shady ladies, bonnie bells and white tail green machines.

Norma Brennan of Curtis Miramichi River Outfitters said fishing was very good in the Blackville area. Many fishermen were landing fish. Norma said fish were jumping all over the river.
Temperatures are very good as of Wednesday around 62 to 65 (f).

Keith Wilson of Wilson's Sporting Camps said fishing was superb and guest were very happy with seeing fresh fish.

Guide Gary Colford of Country Haven said fishing was good and saw lots of fish. He hooked and landed 5 this week on white tail green machines.

So with a great run on the way for the start of July and a mix of salmon and grilse it's looking good for the system.
Lets hope with the warm weather on the way the next few days will be short stay to keep the salmon running.

Tip for the coming week is to beat the heat and fish early mornings and late evenings to up your catch.

Tight lines and may your reels be screeching on the Miramichi.

Fishing weather improving on the Miramichi

After a great weekend on the Miramichi, Salmon fishing was slow on the river Monday and Tuesday as hot weather drove river temps up into the 70's and fish were not taking very well.
Wednesday was much better as river conditions were back in the 60's (f).
This should keep fish coming into the system like they have been doing.
Salmon have already started to hold up in colder water pools at the mouth of brooks and streams.
A few anglers have been hooking up in the mornings, but the evening fishing was very slow the last few days.

Derek Munn of the Ledges Inn said fishing was very good the past week. They landed over 20 salmon. Conditions were good until the warm days heated the river up.

Keith Wilson of Wilson’s Sporting Camps said the weather warmed up a bit but conditions are still ideal for migrating salmon . We are seeing plenty of salmon on the move and plenty of smiles from anglers up and down the system .
Byron Coughlan of Country Haven Lodge said fishing was good the past week. A couple days were slow as the river warmed up. We are seeing lots of fish moving up stream maybe most we have ever saw for the month of June, even with the warm weather.
Miramichi City Surplus said anglers were seeing a good run of fish on the Sevogle River. Fly of choice was a silver grey.
The NW Miramichi is getting very low. Michael Mackinnon said fishing was great the past week but the catching was a little slow. Two rods only landed 5 fish, and saw very few fish moving.
Fly of choice for most of the river is the white tail green machine number 8 & 6's, Conrad's, and a few bombers of different colours.
The next week is looking good for fishing as the weather is calling for a mix of rain and cloudy weather, fishermen's weather. This should get the North West back to much better conditions.
As for the South West Miramichi, just cooler temperatures would be awesome to improve the fishing.
Until next time have tight lines on the river. Rodney Colford

Miramichi River Salmon Fishing Improving

Salmon fishing is picking up on the Miramichi and all the tributaries have fish in the system.

Many anglers are hooking or seeing fish on the river and though we have high water conditions, fishermen are managing the river levels very good.

Dan Depres of Fredericton Outfitters

In the Blissfield area of the Miramichi at the Miramichi Salmon Club Evelock Gilks landed his first of the season. Myles Woods of Ludlow landed his first of the season. Merle Colford of Blackville landed a salmon around the mouth of Cains river area. Peter Doiron landed a salmon on a yellow wing butterfly below the Cains River.

Evelock Gilks

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown got into a few fish the past week. Andrew Anthony landed a nice hookbill on the Dungarvan river. Barry Storey landed a grilse and saw a few more fish.

Derek Munn on the Dungarvan this week

Keith Wilson of Wilson Sporting Camps said the river is still higher than normal with cool air temperatures and all good for fishing. Great reports up and down the river.

Myles Woods of Ludlow

Renous river and its tributaries have produced several salmon over the past week. Levels are still on the high side though. Dick Tucker said he was hooking a few and saw lots of fish moving through the river.

Bartholomew and Cains river is high and with no reports of any salmon hooked or landed doesn't mean there not there. There is good reports of trout on the Cains. Peter Clark landed several trout on the lower stretch of the Cains in the 2-4 pound range.

Byron Coughlan of Country Haven Lodge said water was high but were still catching some nice fish from the river bank. Two salmon and a grilse were landed.

The NW Miramichi is starting to get down to a good level again. Anglers are still landing fish from miners bridge down and a few reports of grilse hooked. I tailed a nice salmon on the NW for Ray Whittle last Thursday, he was using a black ghost.

Scott Cormier with number 6 of the season, WTG!

Friday I landed this salmon below and Tiger Jeans lost a salmon and a grilse. And Gordon Holloway lost his salmon after a great battle of having his line untie from the backing. I yelled for Tiger to grab the line which he did, after a charge through the fast water to grab it! (which he did). I told Gordon to put the line through the guides which he did, and I retied it on. Mean while the fish was still jumping while I was holding the line. Gordon and Tiger both laughed and said they would have never believed that this could happen if they didn't see it first hand. We had the salmon almost to the net before he won the battle and got away.

Tiger Jeans and myself on the NW Friday

Gordon Holloway and the one that got away

The Little SW and Sevogle river should be at a good level by the weekend. There is reports of salmon landed on the Little Sw the past week. And this is the time of year these two rivers start fishing so expect good reports over the next week.

The NW Miramichi the past week

River temperatures are very good for the mornings in the high 50's and the later time of day in the low 60's. The conditions are very clear on the river. Looking forward to seeing more of the great pictures of salmon over the next week.

Tight lines Rodney Colford