December 28th 2007

We have about 1 foot of snow on the ground after the weekend of warm weather, river is frozen over, unsafe for snowmobiles at this point. Weatherman calling for lite snow over the next few days.

Our Country Christmas Clients appeared to have enjoyed themselves and we are now awaiting some cross country skiers.

Already receiving booking well into 2008, mostly repeat customers at this time which means we must be doing something right. Our booking for 2007 reached 36% which is very high in the industry.

Nov 16th 2007

Our four groups of hunters appear to have enjoyed themselves the last group having left yesterday being successful with a buck & doe. The weather turned so warm that they had to get their game out of the woods as soon as possible. One group left us with a nice selection of french wines, which will be put to good use over the Christmas Season. All have been exceptionally nice people and indicated a desire to return for 2008 hunting season, some having already booked.

Wendy & I are sure that none of these hunters want to let their wives know how much effort they put in to leaving the cottage clean for us when they leave, it's very much appreciated :)

We now have a few weeks vacancy until late December where our client has decided to have a "Country Christmas" and 2008 is starting to book.

Nov. 3'd 2007

Moose season was extremely warm, our guests saw moose but left them in the wild. Currently have deer hunter in, they have seen some moose, few partridge and a critter took their rabbit overnight.

We have a number of black bear hanging around near the cottage raiding apple trees, lots of does and a couple of fawns but only a few bucks have been spotted. The raccoons are nightly visitors up to their normal mischief.

The fringe of tropical storm NOEL is scheduled to hit tonight.

Oct. 21st 2007

Recent rain has brought river and streams up. For the last few days Porter Brook Falls has been drawing spectators watching the salmon attempt to jump the falls. This is good local entertainment considering there are no longer local dumps and bear watching is getting harder :)

Oct 15th 2007

Well we had heavy rains in the past few days the water came up 14 inches and has dropped about 5 inches, so that really slowed things down and spread the fish all over the river, that being said, (1) landed/released and a nice strong hit this evening.

That's the end of the 2007 season for the Miramichi, everything gets cleaned up and put away until April 2008. :(

Although lower than the last few years we had a good yield from this pool :)

Oct. 11th 2007

Water remains low. Saw approx. 20 fish however constant East Wind with lite rain, raised a couple but no takers.

Wind & rain dropped by evening and a New Fishing Party came in around 18:45 hr., landed/released (1) grilse by 19:10.

Oct 10th 2007

Fished for approx. 40 minutes before dark, saw 4 grisle or 1 grilse four times ? Raised one fish on a dry fly, did not come back for a second look.

The Fall fishing remains hard and will probably finish out the 2007 season this way, the Miramichi is going to need some water before a decent Fall Salmon Run comes in. It's a good thing most fishermen are out for the enjoyment of being on the water and a colourful Fall just adds to the relaxation.

Oct. 9th 2007

Water level remains low.

Saw very few fish throughout the day and only three in the evening, one about a 14# salmon landed (#14 black gnat dry fly over slow water)

We now have a black bear visiting (like apples).

Oct. 7th 2007

Water Level remains low.
Steady run of fish, lite compared to past years, the odd one raised to the fly.

In approx. 30 minutes just prior to dusk 2 rods, raised (2) and hooked (2) salmon, netted a Bat that happened by as we were putting the equipment away. (black #10 bug & black #14 dry fly)

As normal your odds are higher 07:30 - 08:30 and 18:00 - dusk.

Oct 5th 2007

Water back to very low although a good temperature.

See fish daily, more pooling during night and in the evening so best fishing time would be morning and just before dusk - this is not the normal Fall Run, the fish are dark and don't have the strength of fresh run, they have been in the river for some time.
(1) grilse taken morning 4th, evening 5th raised (2) just before dusk on #14 black dry fly in the slow water.

Oct. 1st 2007

Water level holding, plenty for salmon travel and cold.

Party of two had hooked a couple of fish by noon including a nice trout.
Flys: black "Conrad" # 12, and (the no name nymph) # 14 - gotta name that thing soon :)
Dave took a picture of it so I presume will be among the winter fly tying.

Evening fishing, wind had dropped, party hooked/released two grilse and a nice trout, had three rises - made for a nice fall evening. # 12 Conrad, # 12 Cosseboom.

Sept. 30th 2007

Water up slightly, nice and cold.

Spent 20 minutes on water in the evening, saw approx. 8 fish, approx. 1/2 large salmon. Hooked/released nice 8# +/- salmon on the #14 fly previously described, going to have to name that thing and tie up some more over the winter. Seems small but fish catch the fly in the hard part of their mouth and you have to use forceps to remove it :)

Sept. 29th 2007

Water up slightly, wind most of the day, saw the occasional fish travelling through, no amount.

Dungarvon Counting Station opened it's gates this morning around 274, that makes the 2007 salmon count on the Dungarvon way down.

Sept 28th 2007

Significant rain overnight, water rising slowly.

Lots of fish on the surface in the holding pool early morning - no rods on the water.

09:30 - 16:00 (2) rods on the water, had one rise and hooked another on that # 14 fall fly that worked so well a couple of years ago (no name).

Saw approx. 20 fish during the day, a far cry from the normal Fall Run, wind came up in the evening, no rods on the water.

Sept. 26th 2007

Water low.

A few fish milling around in the pool this morning, 08:15 picked up a grilse on a bomber.

Sept 25th 2007

Fishing:

Water continues to drop but still sufficient for salmon to travel.

Visible increase in fish presence today, on the water for approx. 1.5 hr saw 8 fish and had three rise to my fly although just a pull and away. Fly was a silver rat style with crystal flash tail, tied very skimpy # 14 hook. A couple of Falls ago this fly worked very well hooking 27 fish between three rods in one afternoon/evening.

Couple of interesting quotes from latest issue Eastern Woods & Waters:

"--- [Atlantic Provinces] salmon [count] down [Quebec, Maine and Europe] as much as 90 per cent from last season."
"Since the month of July numbers have picked up, we're 70 to 75 % [compared] to last year [2006]." (Eastern Woods & Waters p9)

"--- we have reports of huge declines in the [salmon] runs this year = as much as 60% in the Miramichi, --- yet we see aboriginal New Brunswickers acting totally outside the law and in clear breach of negotiated and signed agreement --- jigging protected large spawners ---." (Eastern Woods & Waters, Publisher's Desk (Jim Gourlay) p5)

Hunting:

Our Moose Hunters have arrived and start scouting. It's very warm weather for a moose hunt, however initial reports are that a number of moose are in the area and moving.
The watched 3 deer eating apples in the field and we observed 2 other deer cross the river meeting a flock of Canada Geese mid-stream. We also still have reports of a small bear in the area and first hand knowledge of skunks and raccoons.

Sept 22-24th 2007

Water level low and continues to drop.

We have fish in the pool every morning with very few showing during the rest of the day.

Four rods on the water 22 -23 however they were battling strong winds and had no luck other than one strike. 24th fish showing in the pool early morning - no rods on the water.

Report from a friend that his son took salmon & grilse at Pond's Sept. 19th, small black fly.

A check with Blackville during the week and they feel the fall salmon run may be running 3 weeks behind, same as this year's spring black salmon run going out.

Wilsons are reporting "great fishing" with "fresh run" et al, they are located just down river (obviously have not reached here yet.)

Have a look at Doug Underhill's Sept. 19th Report:
We are still awaiting the fall run which has not appeared yet, but there is hope.
There are a few fresh fish coming into the system each day, so there is slight improvement.
Generally anglers are seeing fish, but they are not taking well.
Keith Pond of Pond's Resort on the Main Southwest Miramichi in Ludlow said angling was spotty and the water low.
The fish were staying near the bottom. They were fishing sinking tip lines and getting a few.
Flies of choice were Copper Killers and Ally's Shrimps.
Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown said they have been getting a few every day, but it was hard fishing. On Tuesday they caught four fish with two being salmon over 20 pounds each. On Wednesday they landed a 16-pound salmon and a grilse. The water was low, but cool.
Flies of choice were Bombers, White-tailed Green Machines, the Green Slime and Purple Maribou.
W.W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown reported a slight raise in water last weekend. There are reports here and there of some bright fish. There are good numbers of old and a few new in the traditional holding pools with anglers getting a few each day, but certainly no great numbers. Very few are responding to a fly. In short, the fish are there, but catching them is often a challenge.
They are expecting the fall run soon. They reported a few brighter spots, with one guest angler reporting five fish hooked in a couple of days. Two were salmon in the 20-pound range.
Flies of choice were in three groups. There were the small dark wet flies such as Undertakers, Shady Ladies and Bear Hairs. Others were using the traditional fall patterns such as the Ally's Shrimps and General Practitioners, while a third group were resorting to Bombers and Dry Flies.
Herb Barry Sr. of Herb's Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said angling was slow for the most part. There was the odd fish being caught, but no great numbers. Most were salmon. The water had come up about four inches, but then dropped off again.
Fortunately, the temperature was holding well. Most anglers were at least seeing fish. Otis MacKenzie landed his first grilse of the season on a red""butt Bear Hair. Another angler landed one on a Blue Rat. It was a time to try almost any fly in the box just to get something different over the fish.
Flies of choice were the Blue Smurf, Blue Rat and the traditional fall patterns such as the Shrimps and GPs.
Curtis Miramichi River Outfitters in Blackville said angling was fairly quiet. The weekend rain had produced a few fish. Sports were seeing good numbers, but few were taking. The water had risen, but was dropping off again quickly. There were a few canoers out.
Flies of choice were Ally's Shrimps and Green Machines with the Krystal Flash.
George Routledge of George's Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville said angling had picked up a bit on the weekend with the rain.
There had been seven fish hooked and four landed on both Saturday and Sunday. Monday, however, produced none, while Tuesday saw five hooked.
So over all, there was a slight improvement. The water was up a little and temperatures were holding. There was a good mix of salmon and grilse.
Flies of choice were Undertakers, Shady Ladies and Ally's Shrimps.
Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported a slight raise in water, but it had dropped off again and was in the low range. There were some fish taking, but they were few and far between.
Flies of choice were Green Machines, Shady Ladies and Bombers.
Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said angling was relatively quiet.
There was a good raise of water, but it was mostly the lower end of the river that was producing a few fish. Betty Ward had caught a salmon on the weekend. Other anglers had seen fish, but they were not taking well. Ray Kokkonen did catch a grilse on Monday. Dave Ingersoll hooked a grilse on a Wolf Dry Fly on Wednesday.
Flies of choice were Ally's Shrimp, Green Machines and Undertakers.
Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said they were seeing some fish, but they were hard to get to take. Those that did were often taking short. She had heard of a couple of salmon in the 15-20 pound range on the Main Southwest.
The water was getting low, but was still alright.
Flies of choice were small Undertakers, Shady Ladies and Green Machines.



Moose hunters coming in Tuesday for the season.

September 18th 2007

Water low and cold.

One rod on the water, hooked (1) salmon 15:00 hr., seeing the occasional salmon jumping in the pool throughout the day.

Still no main fall run.

Sept. 16/17 2007

After Saturday's dream fishing we still are seeing a few daily in the air - no rods on the water, so we are leaving them for upriver. Saturdays fish were without a doubt salmon that had been holding in cold water pools down river who happen to pass trout dropping out of the brooks and ran into a stonefly hatch.

The normal fall run is not yet in !

Sept 15th 2007

Rain all day, water still low but nice temperature.

The ice is finally broken, around 14:00 hr (2 PM) we had a nice run of salmon come in along with large trout laying in the pool, they were taking hatch off the slow water, so with a little # 12 black dry fly we were able to trick four (4) grilse (3) landed and several trout, had numerous rises.

In the evening still had both trout and salmon in the pool, some jumping, but not taking well, one grilse or large trout hooked.

12th Sept 2007

Water temperature good, level, low to so-so, sufficient for fish.

According to reports from down river, Country Haven - Reel Reports - Smoker Brook & Wilson's there are some fish in the lower stretches of the river which are described as moving up.

If fish are moving it must be at night, the water level is low enough so we would normally see them during the day either holding or moving plus Sept. has always produced an Ariel display which has yet to materialize, I'm more of a mind to say that the main fall run has yet to come in.

The tidal camps are reporting some success using flies such as the - Almost, General Practitioner, LT Special and Eco Beach Green Machine.

Check Doug Underhill's Sept. 6th Report - there is one report of good fishing above Boiestown, however this is not consistent with my sources all the way to Clearwater - there are some in-the-river fish with very little movement and I concur that the fall salmon run has yet to come in. We are also not seeing any fall trout, usually trout are dropping out of the brooks as the river cools and the main river is definitely cool enough ?

Sept 5th 2007

Cool nights, decent water = fish but where!

A few hook & release taken during past week at Ponds just down river. Wilson's talking potential, Blackville, Gray Rapids, very little movement.

August 31st 2007

Lots of rain, water up 5 inches and cooling. From all reports fish in the cold water pools are moving out, I have heard of several hooked Pond's last few days, so if the temperature holds we should start to see some movement, the fist to show will have been in the river of some time and probably dark.

On the sad side, locals are talking of salmon being jigged with spinning rods in "Big Hole Brook Pool" a few days ago, then on Thursday a retail fish store on Fredericton's North Side was showing fresh large salmon they claimed came from an "Irving Pool" near Doaktown, which would probably be "Big Hole Brook", the store clerk claimed to have more "out back."

August 24th 2007

Patience is a virtue and we all know a fisherman requires lots of patience.

No sign of fish movement, although the nights are cooling off and the water level is sufficient. Wilson's approx. 6 miles downriver are reporting some fresh run August fish mixing with fish holding in the cold water pools. Pond's approx. 1 mile downriver have had a couple of salmon hooked this past week, again holding in cold water. Some fish are undoubtedly travelling at night.

I expect to see fish showing any day now and will be putting a couple of rods on the water this coming week.

If you are ever in the Dungarvon area drop in to the counting station, most fish come in at night, are counted during the summer and released around Moose Season. Moose - there is a cow and two calf's in the area at this time along with a small bear.

Hunting fever is setting in, we are booked solid with the exception of 4 days and have had to turn down bookings, for the whole hunting season.

August 14th 2007

Water level remains low and hot (74*). The last salmon I have seen in this pool was on the 9th, which means they are holding in the cold water pools.

Patience --- cool nights will start to drop the water temperature and the fish will begin to move even if the water level remains low.

August 7th 2007

Water conditions:
Decent height @ 68* this morning. Saw no fish this am, average seeing (1) every other day although the report is that they are just not showing that much.
Ponds @ Porter Cove Bridge produced (1) salmon on 6th and the claims are that there are a lot of fish holding in this cold water boggan. Also reports of fish holding and people jigging at Porcupine. The odd fish being spotted daily. Rocky Bend, not producing well, (1) taken there this am.
Water temp at 20:00 hr was 72*.

The cool nights and some rain will bring water temperature down and start some movement.

August 1st 2007

Water continues to drop with hot days, still at a good level.

10:00 hr. saw (1) grilse traveling through, one fisherman had a weak strike at the same time so may have been a small run.

August 31st 2007

Water level now dropping, still plenty for fish, water temperature around 70*, have seen no fish movement in past few days.

29th July 2007

Heavy rain overnight has returned the water level to that of mid July and cooled the water significantly. Doaktown weather report shows a mixed bag for coming week, cloud/showers with possible thunderstorms and then into sun toward weeks end.

Saw one salmon around 14:00 hr.

We may see some fish movement but I would suggest bringing along a good book to read, at this point in time.

July 24th 2007

Water level dropped 3 inches overnight, which means the water will warm in the coming hot days and the fish will start holding in cold water pools.

07:30 hr. raised one large salmon, no fish showing other than this one. (Bomber)

The bomber is not an especially good fly in this area at this time of year, more a fall fly but it works really well in determining if there are any fish in the pool, seems like they cannot resist a look at the fly even if they don't take it.

July 23'd 2007

Water level down slightly but still good level & temperature with cool nights.

Plenty of fish in the pool this morning, not touching a wet fly, raised several (6) on "bomber & dry fly.

07:30 hr. landed 32.5" salmon hooked on "muddler with green tail" fished dry by skipping across surface. Three fish came for this, including a the a/m salmon who eventually grabbed it.

Weatherman predicting high temperatures will lower and warm the water.

July 22nd 2007

Water level remains good, slight rise overnight, high than normal for July.

06:00-08:00 (8-10) fish showing with a few moving upriver.

A few fish continued to show all day into evening - hot day -no rods on the water.

July 21st 2007

Water level good & stable may rise slightly after overnight rain, has cleared some but still copper colour.

06:30 hr saw about a dozen fish on the surface moving up. Had one weak hit. There are fish around but not taking well, this is consistent with reports from down river.

08:45 hr saw a salmon hooked/lost Ponds Resort.

Sporadic fish seen moving through pool all day.

Spoke with some guides at Curtis Tackle in Blackville. They are experiencing the same conditions however the good news is that they report waves of fish going through, fish hooked mostly large salmon. Staff at Curtis spoke of the influx of fishermen this year from Quebec and they are bringing along the flies that have worked for them up there and seem to work well on the Miramichi, one popular fly is called the "Bon Bon."

July 20th 2007

Water stable, lite rain

Fish seen moving through pool in morning, 07:45 (1) grilse landed, (2) hooked. 08:45 (1) raised.

Evening fishing, no fish touched or showing.

July 19th 2007

No change in the water conditions, temp. 62-64 degree range.

06:00 - 07:30 saw (6) fish move through pool, threw every colour fly at them in my fly box, but they are not interested in their part of the sport (fishing) at this time.

A few fish moving through all day with one large salmon remaining in the pool for hours, not taking.

19:30 (1) grilse landed (1) hooked.

Spoke to fishermen from upriver and they claim the fish are not showing at all up river and they are touching any (fish). (Some are going by here so they must be upriver,)

WWDoak.com are reporting a good count for the Main Southwest Miramichi, confirms fish are not holding in cold water pools due to river temperature, alludes to good fishing but doesn't specifically address this week.

July 18th 2007

Water dropped 3" overnight and cleared a little, still dark, temperature good.
Saw (5) fish 07:30 moving out of pool, four rods on the water and no one touched a fish. This continues same as the last few days, there are a few fish showing in the morning, and again in the evening.

It's not uncommon to see early morning and evening be the best fishing times, this year the evening run is very late (20:00 - 21:00) and very few fish showing during the day. The fish are not taking as well as they did last week with reports of just the odd fish being taken each day.

09:30, a check of Burtland Brook Pool. Local who fishes there every morning advises that they are taking nothing out of that pool, seen no fish for last few days. Check on McLoskey Pool, no fish being taken.

18:00, raised a salmon on a (Taylor Special). Fished to 20:45 and this was the only one seen.

July 17th 2007

Water continues to slowly rise and is very dark, about 2 inches overnight, so water conditions good and not too warm. Weatherman calling for rain into the weekend which could see the river rise further and will move fish up river but also put them all over the river.

Last two days have seen fish moving around 06:30 (observed approx. 12 each day on the surface), then very little showing until 20:00 hr with 3 to 4 showing. The fish are not taking well in this pool at this time although one was taken around 19:30 at the next pool down river.

July 15th 2007

06:00 hr, observed several fish surfacing in pool with a few working through. 07:30 hr. landed (1) grilse (Shady Lady). 18:30 evening run (1) grilse landed.

PS: Young doe sitting in middle of river (cooling off!), unusual markings, white up both sides.

July 14th 2007

Water decent up approx. 4 inches. Approx. 07:00 hr. fish holding in pool started to move out, one strike. 20:00 hr evening a few fish going through pool not holding.

July 13th 2007

Water level up approx 4 inches overnight, (2) grilse landed by 07:15 hr. (Black Glitter Bug/Shady Lady) Number of fish seen moving through in early morning.

July 12th 2007

Water level has dropped although rain in morning. (1) grilse landed by 07:00 hr, second hooked 14:00 hr.

July 11th 2007

River continues to drop and remains dark but clearing. A few salmon showing during the day less than on the 10th. A couple grilse landed and a few poor strikes. (Shady Lady & White Butterfly)

July 10th 2007

Observed approx. 20+ salmon in home pool or passing through this date, two (2) hooked (1) landed (White Butterfly), water is dropping but remains dark.

July 9th 2007

Good day on the river, first a check of Porcupine (no fishing), Burtland @ Cache Pool (no fishing), the home pool, saw approx 24 salmon, (07:45 on), two grilse hooked (10:00 hr) grilse and 31" salmon hooked (landed) around (20:00 hr) (white butterfly).

The run appears to be increasing daily.

July 8th 2007

Water level dropped approx. 4 inches overnight. Saw several salmon in morning, touched one, approx. 5 PM small run started through saw approx. 8 fish, hooked into (2), landed nice grilse (white butterfly) (1 rod on water).

July 5th 2007

Heavy overnight rain which continued throughout the day with thunder showers, water rising quickly. Saw several salmon in early morning and one late evening, with (1) landed.

Weather forecast calling for more rain over next (5) days, the fish will still be running but will now be all over the river, wader fishing home pool will be difficult.

July 4th 2007

Water: Decent level and temperature raining.

Fishing: A few salmon showing early morning, toward afternoon they were not showing as well but running (1) grilse taken. (Shady Lady) (Only one rod on water).

July 3'd 2007

Water: Remains at a decent level for fishing.

Fishing: Between 6-8 am, strong summer salmon run, approx. (14) fish observed moving up river (1) salmon, (1) grilse hooked. Shady Lady current fly of choice.

July 2nd 2007

Fishing:

It appears the main summer run is now coming in, several grilse hooked in home pool, including (1) by a 6 yr. old, with a number see jumping. Around noon the home pool was full of fish slow in the evening with only (1) or (2) fish seen moving.

July 1st 2007

Fishing: A few advance salmon being picked up, the main run appears to be about 2 weeks behind and is just starting to come in at Renous, so expect with current water conditions (good) to start seeing more fish toward weeks end.

June 27th 2007

Fishing:

Home pool, saw a grilse in the morning, (1) grilse taken in evening.

June 23'd 2007

River: Heavy rains last two days, so the water level will be rising, was at a good level,

Fishing: Saw two grilse in the morning, lost a fly to one, and landed a 36" bright salmon (butterfly) in the evening. Expect the fishing to improve in the next few weeks.

Birds: Saw the first "loon" in many years on the river this evening.

June 21st 2007

Water: Moderate level & temperature and clearing after recent rains.

Fishing: Bright salmon (summer run) are just starting to come in, several seen in home pool this AM, still a few sea trout around.

Birds: Lots of water fowl with their various chicks to be seen.

June 16th 2007

River: Water level continues to drop, some rapids will now require getting out and walking the canoe through.

Fishing: The shad are in, can be heard at night splashing around. The first bright summer run salmon arrived today, hook & release (inadvertent) approx. 10# salmon in home pool, early evening. Some sea trout remain although this must be toward the end of the run.

June 12th 2007

Fishing: We have had a steady East wind for the past three days not dropping until dark so there has basically been no fishing.

Check with fishermen in Doaktown there are still some "sea trout" in that area.

June 8th 2007

River: Dropping back to previous level before rain, good for canoeing.

Fishing: Sea trout still running. Not feeding well from surface which make dry fly fishing success spotty, more success in strong water with a wet fly.

Wildlife: Spotted today, moose, beaver, muskrat and our two Canada geese families have goslings.

June 6th 2007

Fishing: Water level up due to recent rain, fishing dropped off, some sea trout taken and large salmon seen in pool.

Wildlife: Resident Canada Geese now have goslings with them, muskrat with crooked tail and beaver out cruising this evening.

Water: It will take a couple of days for the water level to drop again notwithstanding more rain.

June 4th 2007

Fishing: The "sea trout" run appears to be strengthening in this area, they were feeding off the top of the water in late afternoon, number of large trout taken and others seen moving.

This evenin the first "Rocky Brook Salmon" has shown up, hooked & released.

A moderate East wind continues to make life on the water difficult for fishing.

June 2nd 2007

River: Fairly good height for June, unable to motor through most rapids at this level.

Fishing: Sea trout run definitely here with a 24 inch and several 16-18 inch taken in home pool, still hard fishing and many fun hours spent awaiting that keeper.

Fiddleheads: That season has now ended for the year.

Events: NB's celebrating rivers canoe run, a decent turn out with a few dozen canoes traveling between Porter Cove and Doaktown with a lunch and music stop at Trout Brook before taking out in Doaktown. Canoes would drag slightly on rocks passing through several rapids.

Birds: Spotted some Canada Geese with young chicks along the shore.

May 31st 2007

River Level: Dropped slightly overnight

Fishing: Sea trout are finally starting to show, 18.5 inch, 16.5 inch and lots of 7 to 10 inch trout. Just starting to feed off the surface.

May 30th 2007

River: Rose slightly after recent rains, is at a good level for fishing and canoeing.

Fishing: Best described as "hard fishing" although a few "sea trout" around you have to put in the hours to catch them. This evening was a bit more productive which is a good sign, however fish are not feeding well off the surface yet.

Fiddleheads: Believe it or not a few still around and no recent frost to kill them off.

Game: Bear season is open, two (both wounded in fall 2006) in our immediate area have both now been shot, there is a mother and two cubs remaining. Deer seen each morning grazing on shoreline.

Canoeing: Miramichi run from Porter Cove to Doaktown takes place this weekend, June 2nd.

May 25th 2007

River: River level dropping quickly, it will soon be difficult to navigate the rapids with a motor.

Fishing: Picking up a few sea trout, mainly in the evening, today is the first day observed surface feeding. Taking small brown or black dry flies, not responding well to bombers. The main run has yet to come in.

Fiddleheads: This should be a good weekend with the high temperatures after days of morning frost kill.

May 22nd 2007

River: Starting to drop fast after three days on/off rain, at a good level for canoeing.

Fishing: Although the weather is not cooperating with steady East & Southeast winds there are a few sea trout hugging the shoreline.

Fiddleheads: Last two nights of heavy frost have hit the fiddleheads, still if the weather stays warm overnight we should see decent picking by weeks end.

May 19th 2007

Weather: Cool & wet with constant East wind that makes life unpleasant on the water.

River: Rising slowly from all the rain. Great level for canoe run although cool/windy weather.

Fishing: Took approx. 10+ lb spring salmon, hooked grilse, took some sea trout, had many trout hits but striking short. Some hatch on surface which fish are not taking, all the above mentioned results by using 3/4 size spring fly on sinking line.

Overview: We still have some spring salmon in the river, the first run sea trout are coming in.

Game: We have a black bear in the immediate area, Rangers have set a live trap.

Birds: Even more migratory showing today, this is the time of year for those bird watchers.

May 18th 2007

River: Med height, excellent for canoeing or small motors.

Fishing: East & Southeast wind for last several days, no fishing although a couple of sea trout early in the week.

Fiddleheads: Season running behind, frost kill overnight and cold weekend projected, with any improvement in temperature should see good fiddlehead picking by May 25th.

Birds: Several migrating birds showing, interesting to watch some rare species to the area.

Flowers: May flowers out, trillions coming into blossom.

May 13th 2007

River: Good depth for canoeing.

Fishing: Still the odd Black Salmon & winter trout around. Salmon taken in front of cottage May 12th, fish starting to show some interest in summer flies however not taking well.

Fiddleheads: Just breaking through in the early spots, should be good picking by weeks end.

General: Lots of migrating birds are back, including an abundance of water birds.

May 5th 2007

Fishing: Salmon rolling and jumping in the evenings, not taking a streamer as well as earlier, so if one can find the secret fly there are still fish in the river.

Birds: Great assortment of water and migratory birds along with those that winter here, eagles, partridge, woodpeckers etc.

Game: A very large moose visiting along with the ever roaming raccoons.

River: Dropping quickly but very clear. Great for canoeing.

Fiddleheads: Early signs that we can expect a good crop in coming weeks.

May 3'd 2007

Reports:

1. Norrad's Bridge area still experiencing good fishing.

2. Porter Cove, large number of salmon with excellent fishing in the evening although a cold day. Fishing picked in the evening with one boat taking (8) in 1 hour. A number of large salmon taken in fast water.

3. Below Porter Cove Bridge, good fishing.

4. Excellent fishing in Qarryville, large salmon, one boat reporting (7) "sea trout" taken and photos forwarded as proof.

The first run of large sea trout usually goes through around May 24th, it appears they may be a bit early this year.

May 1st 2007

Fishing continues, although it has slowed down in spots and mostly large salmon being taken. Reports of excellent fishing Norrad's Bridge Monday evening.

28-29-30 April 2007

The tail end of the Black Salmon Run is now passing through, although we are still picking up a number of large salmon and the occasional small salmon (grilse). Water height remains good.

Salmon from this run will be harder to find toward the first weekend in May.

April 27th 2007

River up well although dropped 4 inches overnight.

Good fishing, daily high was (1) fisherman with 10 salmon by 12 noon. Wendy landed about a 12 lb. salmon in the morning. Salmon taken estimate from the home pool would be in the (30) range for this date.

Reports in from Doaktown, Bloomfield and Porter Cove reflected strong fishing in the morning tapering off after lunch into the evening. The good news being that there are still plenty of fish up river from our location and although rain predicted, it will probably not effect the water level and it will continue to clear.

April 26th 2007

River clearing, reports of a few fish being taken.

Personally went out for 1 hour at supper time hooked/released (2) grilse and (1) 12 pound salmon.

Weatherman calling for showers next few days.

April 25th 2007

River now at spring peak, water very dirty, however the motor boats are now appearing and a few salmon are being picked up along the Islands. This weekend should see the water clearing and if any of the salmon migration remains, decent fishing.

April 24th 2007

Water stabilized then started to rise again this afternoon, now at spring high. Reports that the ice has moved out above Rocky Brook although some shore ice still present.

Some hardy fishermen are picking a few salmon up in the back pools from motor boats. By weekend we should know if the main migration is underway or the salmon left the upper river earlier, there will remain some stragglers, usually the larger salmon to the end of April and probably into the first of May this year due to the later river opening.

April 22nd 2007

Water rising and getting dirty, up river ice breaking up. We may see a substantial clearing of the river ice by weeks end if temperatures stay up.

No one fishing Boiestown area as river access restricted by ice at this time.

April 21st, 2007

Warm weather has started snow melting, water is starting to rise and subsequently ice starting to move and water is getting browner. Heavy snow/ice pack remains from Boiestown upriver however showing signs of weakening.

Unsafe to use boats at this time, lots of shore ice running and heavy ice run yet to follow. DO NOT leave boats overnight along shoreline unless placed on high ground.

Should have a better reading on fishing this area in a few days. From down river accounts it appears the fish being caught wintered in the pools reporting.

April 20th, 2007

Fishing remians slow although some success from shore. Water low but with high daily temperatures the water is starting to rise which creates ice-flows to be wary of. Up river ice from Boiestown still holding.

April 18th 2007

Ice holding in river which is very low for this time of year. Open pool in front of the cottage. Fished 10 minutes in evening after wind died down, hooked salmon from shore.

Currently the most appropriate approach in this pool would be with insulated chest waders.

Weatherman predicting an improvement with climbing temperatures. This should cause the water level to come up.

April 17th 2007

River ice still holding with only some open areas down river from Boiestown. Reports Big Hole Brook down river to Doaktown Bridge open with some fishing.

April 16, 17, 18 another winter storm moving through area. March conditions.

April 15th 2007

Fishing Season has opened for salmon.

Water: Extremely low for this time of year with only portions open between Boiestown and Miramichi Bay. Open at Hickeys Pool to Porter Cove, just above and below Priceville Footbridge, Ledges west of Doaktown past Doaktown Bridge, Upper Blackville to Bay.

Large amount of ice in river above Boiestown, to either melt or run. DO NOT LEAVE WATER CRAFT ALONG SHORE.

Fishing: No activity at any of the open locations this date, appears fish are holding up river as there has been minimal ice movement or water height.

Note some of the changes when you recieve your 2007 fishing regulations pertaining to hook & release (salmon) and (trout) retention.

You can now monitor river/fishing/hunting conditions by viewing our website "moonshadowcottage.ca".

April 11th 2007

Spring is running at least two weeks behind on the Miramichi. The river is extremely low for this time of year and ice remains in the Boiestown area with the exception of a few glades.

As a courtesy to our fishing clients we insure they are made aware that the Miramachi River may not be open for the normal season opening April 15th, 2007. On the plus side, one of the local favourite spring pools in front of our cottage is presently open and can be fished easily from the shore. That could change with any ice movement.

Game: Our friendly fox remains a daily visitor has been seen taking food home to his den and our most recent deer count was (111).

Fishing licenses are finally in the local stores.

27 March 2007

March 27th, 2007

Snow: going quickly.

River condition: Open glades, unsafe for snowmobiles, looking good for April 15th season
opening.

Game: short drive in vicinity, counted 128 deer, look in good condition, snow is too
deep in some of the deer yard areas for much movement.
Saw a few partridge, so the foxes haven't got them all.

March 19th 2007

Weather: Alternating cold/warm days.

• Fishing: River just starting to show signs of opening, a glade here and there. Should be open by April 15th for "black salmon fishing."

• Entertainment: Red foxes and bald eagles out daily, a few more deer showing.

• Snowmobiling: Still a few machines out but conditions deteriorating quickly, river unsafe.

Feb 28th 2007

Approx. .5 m snow on ground with another storm due. Weather is turning milder. Last party snowmobilers, cut across country to Campbellton and looped back via Miramichi, along with some local runs into Rocky Brook and Clearwater Area, 2700+ Km on their machines and stated they had a great time.

Local game: Two yearling red foxes are daily visitors, the adults are in the area, also a lone coyote. Some deer movement to the open roads.

February 17th 2007

Has been bitter cold, -31. However recent snow fall has left us with 2 feet, excellent for cross country skiing, snowmobiling. snowshowing. We have four (4) foxes, presume mother and pups playing on the ice. Some deer sign but not a lot at this time, too much snow for the deer to break cover. Party of snowmobilers arriving from Ontario.

January 20th 2007

Overnight storm fresh snow, approx. 30.5 cm (12") accumulation on ground and blowing. Snowmobilers out and about.

January 16, 2007

4 inches snow +/- on ground, currently snowing moderately. Snowmobiler's booking February.

River closed in last three days, (unsafe for crossing).

Red fox on river ice this morning.

January 10th 2007

RIVER STILL OPEN
Weather has been mild, very little snow, makes for icy conditions, river is open - reports that some of the hibernating game is starting to move around - bears, raccoons.

Bookings starting, hunting season and some summer queries. If we don't get more snow there will be no snowmobiling or cross country skiing in the area.

WW Doaks fly tackle in Doaktown are preparing for another season and will have their 2007 catalogue out shortly.

Checked with DNR today and they have identified Nov 12th - 17th 2007 as the last week of hunting season, tentatively. There has been a lot of confusion as 2006 had an early season, makes it difficult for hunters trying to book accommodations for that last week when they don't really know what it is. Hunting/Fishing schedules are not yet out.

December (Vol 22 No 6) issue Eastern Woods & Waters had decent article on "Deer Season Timing in New Brunswick", a move afoot to have the season later on as the bucks are not coming into rut until the last week of the current season. Also articles on [native] Market Hunting, Clear Cutting etc.

January 1 2007

New Years Eve guests saw 2007 in, very little snow and river still open, mild weather.
We had several queries for New Years Eve, didn't realize people may like that type of get-a-way with friends. Debated renting for only one night due to the amount of work required in cleaning up after, however decided to make an exception this time. We find that if clients find the place clean, they make a real attempt to leave it the same way, which we much appreciate.

2006

2006 on the Miramichi should be considered highly successful. April 15th river opened with spring fishing. The spring migration downriver was smaller than usual there having been an early ice run in January, however the fishermen staying at our cottage lucked out and went home very happy.

May - June saw an unusually strong "sea trout run" with about 2 1/2 weeks of non stop trout fishing - trout take best early morning or evening, some up to 5 lbs. First fresh run salmon came in with last of sea trout. We did not have a strong run of shad or gaspereau in 2006. Water stayed up all summer into fall with the exception of 1 1/2 weeks in July the salmon fishing was good into early Oct. when fish stopped taking.

Oct. 9th, 2006 released salmon tagged August 1st, 2004, S/W Miamichi at Millerton, 82.9cm at time of tagging. If you report tagged salmon Fisheries & Oceans will provide you with the salmons profile, plus enter you in a draw for $2,500 or $1,000 US.

We had visitors in from Nova Scotia, Ontario & USA, bird watching and running the river in canoes, tubes etc.

Hunting season very successful, visitors were able to spot lots of game (deer - moose, etc) right
by the cottage, although we have an understanding with hunters that game in the immediate vicinity is off limits. All hunters spotted their game, some chose to take pictures instead, we commonly heard that game was more prolific than they had ever seen. Most or all of November 2007 has been pre-booked with hunters.

It is our intent to run this blog as a basis of information for our clients, keeping them aware of fishing water conditions, and other such information. We will also try and provide some common answers to questions.