Low water conditions for opening day

This is off the Upper Blackville Bridge

Cains River at Moores Pool

 Well the wait will be over this Sunday on the Miramichi for the 2012 salmon season opening day. And it can’t come soon enough for many anglers as the river ice let go over 3 weeks ago and many anglers are eager to hook up.

The lower end of the School House Pool

Down River from Quarryville

Up river from Quarryville Bridge

Many fly fishermen are wondering, will the fish still be in the river for the Spring Salmon fishing. I can tell you there are lots of fish in the river as they have been jumping for over a couple weeks now. River conditions are very low and very clear and could make this a very good spring season. I have saw fishing very good in low water in early May so why not with low water on April 15^th. It will also give many anglers a chance to see the fish lying still on the bottom and even better see the fish going for your fly before he strikes it. 

Many places all you will need is your floating line. Some places where the water is deep your sinking lines will work but most places floating lines and a short sink tip should be fine. 

Flies of choice are Renous Special, Red Eagle, Golden Eagle, Blue Smelt and Christmas Tree. I would think smaller flies would be worth a try size 2 to 1/0. This should be a great spring for the fly caster casting to their catch.

Up river near Boistown and Doaktown fishing conditions are very similar with low water. The river came up 8 to 10 inches from the rains and snow we got. Hopefully the warm weather expected this week will melt some snow in the woods and raise the river more.

 Derek Munn at the Ledges Inn said the fishing should be very good opening day. He also thought most fish will stay in the river until it starts warming up more before their return.

All the tributaries are very low as well but all are reporting seeing fish throughout. Anglers must remember to pinch the barbs on their hooks and single hooks only until May15th.

A June Salmon 2011

I am looking forward to hearing about all your hook ups this weekend so tight lines until next week.

Rodney C

Ice Condtions on the Miramichi River

Colfords Atlantic Salmon Fishing River Conditions and Fly Fishing Reports by guide Rodney Colford on the Main South West Miramichi River in Eastern Canada for March 30th 2009.


With such good weather all weekend we woke up this morning on the Miramichi area with another winter storm! There must be close to a foot of snow down and still snowing in most areas.




For the ice out conditions its not looking so good but there is warmer weather in the forecast and rain by the end of the week. I have added some photos of the lower section of the main south west Miramichi by Quarryville.

These photos are taken last night before the storm and can give you a little look at what the ice conditions look like.

One photo was taken at the mouth of Barnaby River, another 2 at the bridge in Quarryville and 1 looking up from the bridge off route 8 on the Renous River.

















Dieppe Fly Fishing Forum
A few thousand people turned out for a great Fly Fishing Show held by the Dieppe Fly Fishing Forum over the weekend. People showed up from all over the province of NB and PEI, NS, Quebec, NFL & Labrador even visitors from Germany were among the crowd. Some guest were Doug Underhill, Paul Mariner, Dennis Grant and many more. This show is getting very popular amongst all Canadians for its sixth year. Really shows that there are a lot of fly fishers out there and a lot that are looking to learn more about the sport. Have a look at the Fly Fishing Forum web site and see who else was at the show.









Atlantic Salmon Federation Dinner
I attended the Atlantic Salmon Federation dinner over the weekend at the Fox Creek Golf Club in Dieppe. There were 175 tickets sold and several auctions to some great lodges on the Miramichi, Restigouche and the Cains River. Also other auctions on several prints and fishing gear. For more info please check the web site at Atlantic Salmon Federation

Tight Lines from the Miramichi and please enjoy the photos.
Rodney