Main Southwest Miramichi dropped about 5 inches overnight and a Westerly wind prevailed most of the day. It was a hard day guiding but we did manage to pull in a couple of nice salmon and a grilse in the afternoon. We had several short strikes so it's time to start lopping the tail off the streamers.
There is more to the Miramichi than fishing so for those interested we still have dates open so check our calender if you want to spend time on the Miramichi.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
29th April 2009
Main Southwest Miramichi holding steady although the water seems a little a little more muddy than yesterday probably from the extra warm day we had.
Steve picked up a nice salmon this morning to go with the 4 or 5 he released yesterday. Jason I was bribed to report on this, you can ask him to see the pictures for actual proof. I picked up a couple of grilse in the evening. It was not an overly nice day for fishing cold with steady West wind that never dropped until dusk.
Steve picked up a nice salmon this morning to go with the 4 or 5 he released yesterday. Jason I was bribed to report on this, you can ask him to see the pictures for actual proof. I picked up a couple of grilse in the evening. It was not an overly nice day for fishing cold with steady West wind that never dropped until dusk.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
28th April 2009
Miramichi River dropped about 6 inches overnight and there was a steady wind on the river. A number of sports on the river and all seem to be taking fish.
Wendy and I checked it out for about an hour and hooked into three. At one time we had two on at once, one being a large salmon when Wendy's reel froze solid, one big roll and there went the leader. The reel was toast, an English Reel where one of the dogs slipped and jammed the spindle. The lesson to be learned is that you should pay as much attention to the spring reels as the summer ones.
Those nice salmon that are always the last to drop out are on the move pool by pool.
I noted another article in today's paper about the threat to our salmon stock from Smallmouth Bass. For those of you unaware, someone introduced Smallmouth Bass into Miramichi Lake, they were spotted in 2008 and there is a grave concern that they will migrate into the Miramichi River. They are avid feeders on every species of fish and can devastate the salmon fishery.
Wendy and I checked it out for about an hour and hooked into three. At one time we had two on at once, one being a large salmon when Wendy's reel froze solid, one big roll and there went the leader. The reel was toast, an English Reel where one of the dogs slipped and jammed the spindle. The lesson to be learned is that you should pay as much attention to the spring reels as the summer ones.
Those nice salmon that are always the last to drop out are on the move pool by pool.
I noted another article in today's paper about the threat to our salmon stock from Smallmouth Bass. For those of you unaware, someone introduced Smallmouth Bass into Miramichi Lake, they were spotted in 2008 and there is a grave concern that they will migrate into the Miramichi River. They are avid feeders on every species of fish and can devastate the salmon fishery.
27th April 2009
Main Southwest Miramichi remains high and silty with water levels fluctuating daily due to snow melt, but fishable with good motoring. Guided for a couple of hours in the afternoon and picked up 5 salmon (1 salmon 4 grilse) had a couple of other strikes in close to Islands on a golden eagle (of course).
Nice to see the wildlife starting to move, variety of ducks, Canada geese, Kingfishers, Foxes and lots of deer around.
Anyone interested in booking our cottage, please check the calander for free dates or give us a phone call. It looks like it's going to be a busy summer.
Nice to see the wildlife starting to move, variety of ducks, Canada geese, Kingfishers, Foxes and lots of deer around.
Anyone interested in booking our cottage, please check the calander for free dates or give us a phone call. It looks like it's going to be a busy summer.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
25th April 2009
A gorgious day on the Miramichi River, you don't have to be fishing to enjoy the river as experienced by all the boats cruising by today. Water is still hign and I'm only aware of (1) fish being taken today but on the upside most if not all the shore ice has now disappeared. If we can have a few days of decent weather and a little clearing of the water there are still some fish out there to play with.
Enjpoyed the Salmon Museum Dinner in Doaktown last night, great meal, lots of nice prizes and fishing equipment or packages up for auction. The speaker was current president of MSA and he talked about tracking our salmon. As you already know last year, although a banner year for fish, was a write off due to the loss of counting stations. He did mention that the Main Southwest Miramichi has a strong population of salmon, although the return is very low, in the 3% range. There is a heavy loss of salmon outside the river, the cause yet to be determined. All in all enjoyable, especially when the tab was picked up by a friend.
Enjpoyed the Salmon Museum Dinner in Doaktown last night, great meal, lots of nice prizes and fishing equipment or packages up for auction. The speaker was current president of MSA and he talked about tracking our salmon. As you already know last year, although a banner year for fish, was a write off due to the loss of counting stations. He did mention that the Main Southwest Miramichi has a strong population of salmon, although the return is very low, in the 3% range. There is a heavy loss of salmon outside the river, the cause yet to be determined. All in all enjoyable, especially when the tab was picked up by a friend.
Friday, April 24, 2009
24th April 2009
Miraminchi River remains at flood level: High, fast and muddy, there are no boats on the river in this area. The silver lining being that most of the shore ice has been taken downriver and a lot of salmon will make it unimpeded back to the ocean.
Projected above normal temperatures through the coming weekend. The river should stabilize and depending on weather, drop slightly and start clearing by weeks end. There will still be the odd salmon around, a good bet would be at Island or Back Channel Points or close to their shore lines.
I see we have two fox pups playing along the shore across from the cottage.
Projected above normal temperatures through the coming weekend. The river should stabilize and depending on weather, drop slightly and start clearing by weeks end. There will still be the odd salmon around, a good bet would be at Island or Back Channel Points or close to their shore lines.
I see we have two fox pups playing along the shore across from the cottage.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
22nd April 2009
After a night of rain and with melting snow the Miramichi River is rising as predicted. Water is up, muddy with a lot of shore ice running.
The few boats that ventured forth this morning have left the river.
I expect the water to continue to rise for a few days, level off, then when it drops and clears up we will still see the odd larger salmon dropping down river. This is consistent with 2008 and we still had a few salmon around to the second week in May. These fish are actually more sporting as they are a much stronger fish.
The few boats that ventured forth this morning have left the river.
I expect the water to continue to rise for a few days, level off, then when it drops and clears up we will still see the odd larger salmon dropping down river. This is consistent with 2008 and we still had a few salmon around to the second week in May. These fish are actually more sporting as they are a much stronger fish.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
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 :(
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 :(
Monday, April 20, 2009
20th April 2009
Fishing continues strong. One boat reporting in at 21 salmon, what can one say about unlimited hook & release. It's now 17:00 hr and I have watched boat after boat landing salmon in front of our house and cottage all day, second boat reported 17 taken as of 15:00 hr. Boiestown, Hickey's and Bridge Pool are not reporting the success we are seeing in this area.
Report from area of Priceville Footbridge where one boat took 20 salmon, one fish recently struck by an eagle.
Most of the river boats we have in the water are putting in at Hickey Pool or Swazey's.
Unfortunately although we can manhandle a boat into the river with difficulty, there is no place to tie up due to the amount of shore ice. With the expected rise in water this creates potential for problems. The water is low enough to wade along the shore and fish, and you will take fish, but again the shore ice sliding into the river makes it too dangerous to take the chance , we have already heard of one person trapped underwater by deteriorating shore ice.
Frustrating to say the least, especially when we have to cancel more clients.
Report from area of Priceville Footbridge where one boat took 20 salmon, one fish recently struck by an eagle.
Most of the river boats we have in the water are putting in at Hickey Pool or Swazey's.
Unfortunately although we can manhandle a boat into the river with difficulty, there is no place to tie up due to the amount of shore ice. With the expected rise in water this creates potential for problems. The water is low enough to wade along the shore and fish, and you will take fish, but again the shore ice sliding into the river makes it too dangerous to take the chance , we have already heard of one person trapped underwater by deteriorating shore ice.
Frustrating to say the least, especially when we have to cancel more clients.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
19th April 2009
Miramichi River remains clear at medium level with a slight overnight increase, weather is cool with mild S/E wind.
Weekend fishermen are out and fishing is productive. At 10:30 hr Boats in at Doaktown Bridge, 2 of 3 boats with fish on at Porter Cove Bridge, and the 3 boats in front of our cottage are taking fish regularly during the morning. Reports from up river also indicating fish being taken. By 4PM one boat had released 15 salmon.
Unfortunately we unable to launch boats due to shore ice. We can get a boat in but no place to tie them up and with water levels starting to rise it would be dangerous to leave a boat overnight in the water.
Tuesday calling for showers, then a warming week into double digits so we are bound to see the water level increase. This will float some shore ice, muddy up the water and probably slow fishing down.
Weekend fishermen are out and fishing is productive. At 10:30 hr Boats in at Doaktown Bridge, 2 of 3 boats with fish on at Porter Cove Bridge, and the 3 boats in front of our cottage are taking fish regularly during the morning. Reports from up river also indicating fish being taken. By 4PM one boat had released 15 salmon.
Unfortunately we unable to launch boats due to shore ice. We can get a boat in but no place to tie them up and with water levels starting to rise it would be dangerous to leave a boat overnight in the water.
Tuesday calling for showers, then a warming week into double digits so we are bound to see the water level increase. This will float some shore ice, muddy up the water and probably slow fishing down.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
18th April 2009
Miramichi River remains stable, water low, difficult to navigate rapids with outboard motor and lots of ice remaining along most shore lines. The ice has prevented the usual rash of spring fishing with very few boats on the river in this area although reports from the few that are on the water of decent but not great fishing with most being grilse. Reports of very good fishing in Blackville area, large fish.
Very few boats on the water but those that are not experiencing motor problems :) are having good fishing.
With the amount of ice along the shore and snow yet to melt in the woods the river is bound to rise in the coming days.
Very few boats on the water but those that are not experiencing motor problems :) are having good fishing.
With the amount of ice along the shore and snow yet to melt in the woods the river is bound to rise in the coming days.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
14th April 2009
along shore line and in back channels. We have notified our clients that
the river is going to be difficult to access with a boat and impossible to
fish from shore, especially in front of our cottage as can be seen in
attached photo. There is currently 6-7 ft. of ice piled high and extending
out into the river 40-50ft. It will take some time to melt this out or a
significant rise in water levels.
Monday, April 13, 2009
13th April 2009
Snow and cool nights have seen Main Southwest Miramichi River drop about 8" overnight on top of the 12" it fell the day before.
Ice just below Porter Cove Bridge has dropped down river, main channel still holding an ice jam upstream for about 2 km with water and ice flows by passing along open back channels around two islands. Main river clear to at least above Boiestown. A lot of ice still hugging the north side of the river making access difficult.
At this point I would not suggest rushing out to fish.
Ice just below Porter Cove Bridge has dropped down river, main channel still holding an ice jam upstream for about 2 km with water and ice flows by passing along open back channels around two islands. Main river clear to at least above Boiestown. A lot of ice still hugging the north side of the river making access difficult.
At this point I would not suggest rushing out to fish.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
11th April 2009
Miramichi River Conditions:
A check this date from Doaktown to Hayesville finds some up river stretches clear of ice, however those stretches are few and far between and there is still a lot of ice through Priceville and above the Porter Cove Bridge with a jam at Porter Cove & Hayesville.
Although the days have been nice the nights have been cold with a little ice movement after 1 PM . Water levels have dropped and unless there is a rise in water it is unlikely to see any significant ice movement.
As for fishing, in this area I doubt the ice will be out before the 15th of April and even if it is the river will require a few days to clear up.
Note our new email address: moonshadowcottage@gmail.com
A check this date from Doaktown to Hayesville finds some up river stretches clear of ice, however those stretches are few and far between and there is still a lot of ice through Priceville and above the Porter Cove Bridge with a jam at Porter Cove & Hayesville.
Although the days have been nice the nights have been cold with a little ice movement after 1 PM . Water levels have dropped and unless there is a rise in water it is unlikely to see any significant ice movement.
As for fishing, in this area I doubt the ice will be out before the 15th of April and even if it is the river will require a few days to clear up.
Note our new email address: moonshadowcottage@gmail.com
Thursday, April 9, 2009
9th April 2009
Well we did have some ice movement today, unfortunately most of it jammed up in front of our house and cottage - as if we needed the entertainment. A check at the Porter Cove Bridge finds the river open and likewise at Hickey's Pool although I would surmise there is still pleantly of ice up river to come yet. At this time there is no significent back up of water so it appears to be working through the ice jam.
Change of e-mail address to shawen@xplornet.com
Please note a change in our email address: shawen@xplornet.com
WE finally gave up on dial-up and connected to high speed through satellite.
Shane & Wendy
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
7th April 2009
Miramichi River is holding in this area. We have had heavy rain during the day but the water level although high seems to be holding steady. A small channel has opened in the centre of the river but there is little sign of ice movement as the downriver ice remains in place.
It appears that the calender added to our website is a success as clients are now calling us with predetermined dates based on the calender - we are also able to immediately show those inevitable cancellations you experience when renting.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
5th April 2009
After weekend rains and warm weather the Miramichi River has risen, but still iced in. The ice is very weak but should be out by the start of Salmon Season, April 15th.
For any of those clients looking for July dates we have had a cancellation so July 10th - 26th 2009 are now open.
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