21st April 2009

Dear Wendy and Shane,

I really appreciate your river updates, as they are very infomative and its usually one of the first "River update" sites I log on to on a daily basis.

I just wanted to bring to your attention the Daily hook and release limits that are clearly explained in the guide book. There is a daily hook and release limit of 10 fish unless the bag limit is reached. It just kind of struck a nerve that "some" of the boats appear to not be adhering to the rules. Maybe There were two or more people in the boat, I don't know but you would think that ethics/common sense alone would come in to play. By no means am I trying to cause a big stink here. just wanted to let you guys know and maybe you could pass it on to others who take the water. A high percentage of these fish caught and released will not make it back to the River again let alone the Ocean(Estuary). Although with the new Barbless rule put in to place last year, my hope is that a higher percentage of these fish are surviving and making it back to spawn again.It
max?

Thanks for your time guys
Sincerely
Andrew


Hi Andrew,

Yes I am aware of the hook and release limits and yes some of the boats had 2 to 3 fishermen, I was being facetious as I also watch the odd boat take – keep salmon (their daily bag limit), leave and return shortly thereafter, so we have bandits on the water as well as on land.

Another point is that the licenses went on sale in this area with no regulation books available, same in Fredericton I hear. This type of wishy-washy approach to regulating sport fishing makes enforcement difficult and would make a successful prosecution nearly impossible.

Of interest is another regulation that requires a non-resident to purchase a non-residence license (fair game) but allows a non-resident to become a licensed guide in the Province, that could make for some interesting scenarios.

I was at Pond’s camp yesterday there is still a lot of ice along the shore blocking access to the river. The bar may have changed a bit, looks like it may be putting more water against the camp shore which will make for a good fish run.

In response to dates, the only openings we currently have available in June & July are June 1st – 7th, 12-17, 23-24, July 18-25th (result of a cancellation). I suggest you watch our calendar, we do get the odd cancellation but they normally get grabbed up fast. September with it's cool nights and warm days, can be a great fishing month on this river, which seems to be relatively an unknown, consider giving it a try


I like your feedback and will post it anonymously.


River Report:

Miramichi remains constant, medium level, which means you can make it through the rapids with caution, a few boats on the water at this time, weatherman forecasting rain and warmer weather for next few days so we should see a change in water conditions and height, and just maybe a bit of this shore ice will disappear. Several fish taken this morning although the fishing has definitely slowed down, around 15:00 hr the heavens had opened and most boats headed home. You have to pity some of the guides as the die-hard sports stuck it out in the rain with temperature hovering not far above 0 degrees :(