Atlantic Salmon Fishing RIVER REPORT 2007 Excerpts from the Atlantic Salmon Journal, Sue Scott, winter issue 2008: - Labrador & NFLD ........" the runs were disappointing".  Rivers were down and varied from 6% - 29% on tributaries of the Gander , and another 5 rivers  from the northeast coast. On the south coast, Northeast Brook,Rocky,and Conne river returns fell by 52% ,47% and 56% respectively. On the West coast in Bay St.George in Harry's River, the counting fence indicated a decline of 30%. On the Northern Peninsula down 27% & 33%. In Southern Labrador, Sand Hill, Muddy Bay Brook, and Paradise were down 22%, 46% and 34% respectively.   - Quebec rivers were no better with a decline on the Bonaventure of 45% compared to the previous 5 years average.   - New Brunswick.....On the Miramichi (Main Southwest Miramichi), anglers were having luck the first 2 weeks of the season, then famine for the rest of the year. By October 10, the major fall run had not entered the river. To September 30th, the Main Southwest Millerton Trapnet, and these 2 counting stations, the Dungarvon Protection barrier and the SouthWest Juniper barrier were all showing considerably reduced runs in Salmon & Grilse from 2006.   Our river, the Little SouthWest Miramichi and the Little Northwest Miramichi, are both tributaries of the Main NorthWest Miramichi. The Cassilis Trap net is installed way downriver on the Main NorthWest, as Salmon enter the brackish Water and 15 Km upriver, in Red Bank, the Little SouthWest and the Little NorthWest empty into the Main Northwest. The Main NorthWest Cassilis Trap Net had 48% more grilse and Double the Salmon in 2007 than it did have in 2006! These Fish were going to spawn in either the Little SouthWest or the Little NorthWest Miramichi or the tributaries to these 2 rivers. There is no counting station for our river, the Little SouthWest Miramichi, but the NorthWest Protection barrier upriver on the little Northwest had 25% fewer Salmon and slighty more Grilse than 2006. I will let you figure out what our river, the " Little SouthWest Miramichi " had coming for spawners, starting as early as June, all the way to November 2007, as the salmon were very late coming into the system, fall of 2007. This is good news for the Little South West Miramichi, And Miramichi Inn!   Let's face it, it is also the cleanest with no villages, mining operations or the like above the lodge. All that is above us ......... 40 / 70 km of fast running water exempt of pollution  except for what comes from above and carried over mainly from our far away neighbors from the South and the Southwest . The best of it all, it is a well kept secret and I hope it stays this way. We are also 20 to 45 minutes away from another 5 Salmon river, and if you want to go for the day and take a shore lunch we will be happy to accommodate you. RIVER REPORT 2006 Excerpts from the Atlantic Salmon Journal Sue Scott winter issue 2007: “Constantly high water has allowed fish easier passage to go upstream. In August, anglers on the Miramichi system encountered a lot of large salmon, from ten to thirty pounds. Fishing in general was very good and the pools were full of fish. Fishing was above average on the Little Southwest Miramichi. Both salmon and grilse were plentiful , but anglers and guides saw more Salmon than grilse. The good news is that for the past few years there has been a huge increase in large Salmon. There were lots of fish left in the system come fall fishing, many of them very large, one of them weighing 42 lbs, and fishing was great.” RIVER REPORT 2005 Excerpts from Spring 2006 Atlantic Salmon Journal “We are seeing the re-establishment of a robust Atlantic salmon population structure on the Miramichi River. This river has gone from a virtual absence of repeat spawners to the point that it is now common to find fish coming back for a second and third spawning, and there are even a few individuals each year that are turning to the river for their seventh run! We have reason to believe that these older, more experienced fish are more successful in the business of reproduction, so the conservation measures that have rebuilt the repeat spawning componenet of the river will make this population more robust against future stresses. It will also position this river for a spectacular run resurgence when the factors in the ocean that are presently depressing salmon returns in general, let up. The repeat spawners are also larger, and I have yet to hear an angler complain about that.”

Atlantic Salmon (Sea Run) ... and last year more than thirty thousand of them rose to the challenge in New Brunswick. This year, make it your fly that takes the King of gamefish. Come be our Guest!   New Brunswick Atlantic Salmon are world famous. Specimens in the 30 to 40 pound range are taken each year, and occasionally one of between 40 and 50 pounds! New Brunswick rivers usually yield over 30,000 fish to angler's flies. Our "River For All Seasons" provides endless Fly Fishing Challenges!

Spring Salmon (April 15 to May 30) - Sea Run Trout - Tens of thousands of Salmon stay in our rivers after fall spawning, and in the springtime, they are hungry and eagerly take flies, with fishermen taking from 10 to 15 each day. Spring fishing is the "Best Kept Secret" on Atlantic Salmon. Also, around the last week of May, sea run brookies come up river, and the run lasts for 2 weeks, or so, they average 10" to 22" and weigh up to 5 lbs. Very nice run each year.

Summer Salmon (June, July, August) In June, the world's largest run of Salmon begins on the Miramichi.. The fish are fat and sea-bright. The silvery shadows move up-river, pausing, stopping and moving again with changing water levels. Cast your fly! With the help of experienced professional guides, experience the rise and sudden take of an Atlantic Salmon, the landing and the release in the wild - surrounded by the awesome beauty of this great Salmon river. The experience will create unforgettable memories that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Autumn Salmon (September & October) As in springtime, the water is full of Atlantic Salmon as the newly arrived fish join the summer-run residents. The river waters become cool and the salmon play in the long holding pools, providing spectacular Arial shows and slow-motion rises to your fly, against a backdrop of brilliant fall foliage. The biggest fish are now in the river, waiting for the right cast and the right fly - your fly!

Salmon fishing program at the Miramichi Inn
 
APRIL 15 - MAY 31 - Fishing is done from a boat with one guide per fisherman. A pair of short waterproof boots will be satisfactory for this type of fishing.

The weather can vary a lot at this time of year, so good warm clothes, gloves, warm hat, rain gear and the like is a must! Temperature can vary from 40 degrees F (4-5 C) to the high 60's (15+ C)! Insect repellant is not necessary at this time of year!

* We strongly recommend that all anglers wear a floatation vest when fishing from a boat in the springtime.

JUNE - SEPTEMBER - Our rates include one guide to two or three rods, depending on the groups. Fishing is done by wading the river and all waders must have a felt sole for better traction.  
 

EQUIPMENT - A 9' fly rod with a floating line, size #8 or #9, and about 100 yards of backing should do the trick. Ordinary leader and braided nylon sinking leaders - depending on water conditions. Spare spool with sinking tip for high water is a must for spring fishing! We carry a large inventory of flies that we suggest you purchase at the lodge to ensure right patterns - wet flies for spring fishing, dry for other times. We do rent rods and reels at a nominal cost. You must bring your own waders.

REGULATIONS - "Hook and Release" applies to all adult Salmon over 63cm (24.8") in all seasons. On a 7 day license you will be allowed to retain up to 4 grilse, and your daily bag limit is one grilse only, if you wish to keep one. All others must be released, with the exception of trout - according to regulations.

ACCOMMODATIONS - at Miramichi Inn are mixed in the main lodge with twin beds in each bedroom. All rooms have private bathrooms in the main Lodge. Also, a separate log cabin which has three bedrooms - twin beds to each room. All linen, bedding, towels etc... included. For more details on our accommodations, please visit our "Accommodations" page!
 
The Place to be... Miramichi Inn: HAVEN on the Little Sou'west - Atlantic Salmon Journal summer 1995 -by- Jim Bashline, contributing editor.

"With his wife Susan, hotelier André Godin made the dreams of his youth come true. He opened a lodge where the cuisine, guides, grilse and fall salmon are all fit for the gods - but available to mere mortals"

"Like many New Brunswick rivers, the Little Sou'west sees the start of it's biggest run of grilse and two-sea-winter fish in late June. It lasts till early August. In September, a smaller run of bright grilse arrives, along with a flotilla of much larger fish. These are the multi-sea-winter salmon and repeat spawners of autumn, and last fall sports saw at least one salmon of more than 25 lbs. in each pool. Such news tends to keep one's casting arm in motion!"

"... the Miramichi Inn is not just a "place to be." As nearly every angler who goes there discovers, it's also a place to be part of. Most return. Me too!"