2nd December 2009

Two more bookings today for 2010 - past clients sending new clients our way - we must be doing something right.

The dog had me out for a walk this afternoon and I see lots of fresh deer tracks in the snow with a Bobcat f0llowing them. Talking with a local Ranger yesterday and he advises that the deer population is way down in the area. I don't think that was of any surprise and those that are around are hanging around the populated areas. An article in the paper (Daily Gleaner) today was suggesting a moratorium to bring the numbers back up!

If you have booked and don't see your booking on our website calendar, Google Calendar has been going down recently - it will come back up.

27th November 2009

Click on picture to enlarge.

A mild day with lite rain. Actually saw a salmon laying on the surface yesterday and noticed large deer tracks on the driveway, a bear left it's droppings on my neighbour's steps while the raccoons got into my wife's composter - the night must be alive with critters.

The Olympic Torch went through this morning.

Put the final touches to closing the cottage yesterday. In the spring we will see how good a job we did on the water lines - the proof will be no leaks. We have kept the cottage open year round in the past mostly catering to snowmobilers and a few clients just wanting a country Christmas. The effort didn't justify continuing this practice so we are opting for a more seasonal opening starting in 2010, May through November.

We are getting queries for winter bookings which we are referring and booking the seasonal ones we can handle.

Aaliyah getting dressed for Christmas, Tyler in the torch run :)

22 November 2009

The last day of hunting season and our hunters have all gone home. Poor year for deer, the last two winters have been hard on them and not all that many were seen. Only three (3) bucks taken in the area, all within a mile of the cottage. We did have deer around but mostly does with fawns. A number of our hunters did see moose and some of them had to throw sticks at our raccoons to keep them off the deck. Raccoons we have plenty of.

We had a banner year with lots of great clients, a fair number having already booked returns in 2010. We want to thank every one and look forward to our next season.

The cottage is now closed for renovations until 1st May 2010 and we are going to look forward to taking our vacation now :)

7th November 2009

Weather has been cooling off but with nice days.

Initial reports from hunters, they are not seeing many deer and even fewer partridge. I can report plenty of deer tracks nightly in our gardens and around the apple trees, also some fresh overnight moose tracks. I presume that the deer decided to make themselves scarce during daylight hours after reading this years hunting guide. The birds we can blame on an abundance of coyote, foxes and bob cat.

Our first group of hunters come in tomorrow and we are booked until the end of deer season.

22nd October 2009

Yes Brian we do have lots of critters around and unlike Moncton Zoo, these ones are not in cages.

Our moose came back across the river this morning, unfortunately a neighbour did away with two of our foxes.

19th October 2009

The end of another great fishing season.


Did you know:
That "brook trout" are short lived, 3-4 years.
That a four-year-old "brook trout" inhabiting a perpetually cold spring brook may grow to no more than 6 inches in length and weight only an ounce or so, while a trout of the same age inhabiting a relatively rich lake habitat may be 15 or 20 inches in length and weight up to 4 pounds.
That not all the salmon that return to the river stay in the spawning grounds throughout the winter. Some start dropping back long before the spring ice run off.


Our most recent guests enjoyed the change in leaf colours, reading and relaxing. We have guests arriving from PEI by weeks end. Always thought tourism went the other way :)





Hunters booking through November. December remains open. If booking are slow in December we will shut the cottage down for the 2009 season and start relaxing ourselves.

14th October 2009

Cool and windy with just a bit of sunshine breaking through. The river has dropped back and we have couple of rods on the water but no activity so far.

Saw a sow bear with a couple of cubs last evening, just below us on the road. The cubs were spooked with the truck lights and were running, one stopped to look back and the one behind ran into it just like a Disney movie. A lot of bear around - more than I have seen in years. Black bear are not a problem as long as you use common sense around them. Most of the time they will take off as soon as they get a whiff, if there are cubs around just get out of the area and leave them be. I'm totally against shooting bear because they happen to be there. The only problem bear in our area in the past few years have been those wounded.

Just to add to the wildlife adventures. At 7 pm a cow moose ran between our house and garage, which are about 8 feet apart, jumped down a 10 ft. bank into the river and swam to the far shore.

9th October 2009

Cloudy day, water level is still too high to fish although I did see a couple jump. It's going to be very iffy in getting back on the river for one last fish. I had a Scientific Anglers GPX Mastery line that never lasted the season, discoloured and cracked so back it went this morning, we will see how they stand behind their lines.

Lots of hunters moving into the area, fancy trucks, trailers and fancy ATV's. Remember when you used to borrow a rifle and go back over the hill before a late supper and if you were fortunate enough to bag a deer if was a very late supper.

We still have a few days the first week in November but booking up quickly. We are also getting bookings for the 2010 season.

A friend was telling me about bear problems. Apparently they got tired of a bear tearing apart their garbage box so they called the Rangers who set a live trap. Next morning she saw the Rangers going by with the bear trap and bear, but it was the wrong bear. We do have lots of bear this year but are on our "do not hunt list."

5th October 2009

High, high ,water - up and dirty - although I do see the occasional salmon showing the fishing is basically done until the water drops back and we are running out of season for this year.

Bear everywhere, tis a great year for bear and foxes. Everyone is reporting bear and foxes, but a scarcity of partridge and rabbits. I wonder why?

4th October 2009

Well we did get our overnight rain and it's continuing into the day, water still stable. Rob spent a few minutes on the water this morning picked up a nice 31 inch hookbill (18 lb +/-) and a smaller female that was fresh run. Saw lots of fish moving, some large salmon.

Rob didn't have a bad run tying into 8 or 9 salmon.

Trouble with fishing records is that you have to try and beat them.

Did you know:

That in the mid 1700's Miramichi Bay was called "Mirimiski" and that the Miramichi River was shown as the "Ristigushi",the same name given the Restigouche, although one was known by the name "Little Ristigushi." The Cains River was called the "Chakodi"

3'd October 2009

The last couple of days have been perfect, water just the right level, now look what's coming in.

Tonight
Increasing cloudiness. Periods of rain beginning early this evening. Amount 10 to 15 mm. Wind becoming east 20 km/h before morning. Low 9.

Sunday
Rain at times heavy. Amount 20 to 30 mm. Wind east 20 km/h. High 16.

Sunday night
Rain at times heavy ending after midnight then cloudy. Amount 10 to 15 mm. Wind east 20 km/h becoming light near midnight. Low 12.

Rob tied into 4 salmon and a grilse today using an Ally Shrimp. In one picture you can see his father telling him the salmon headed back out, between his legs - so much for tailing the fish -and in the next picture you see Rob netting a grilse having given up on any assistance.

2nd October 2009

Miramichi dropped 8+ inches overnight, still a mite dark. Unfortunately they are calling for heavy rains which will drive the level back up.

Rob Strange picked up this salmon on an "Ally Shrimp" within the first 10 minutes of hitting the water.

We checked Porter Brook Falls yesterday, no sign of salmon jumping the falls yet.

1st October 2009

We are moving through the year, only 14 more days left in the fishing season. Miramichi dropped slightly but remains high enough to spread the fish all over the river. Although our recent quests saw fish they didn't tie into any. If we can get a bit more drop in water with the bright fish coming in we should be able to tie into a few before season end.

I'm amazed at one particular outfitter's claims found in Doug Underhill's weekly river report, whose clients seemingly take large quantities of salmon even in low fishing periods. There are a number of good pools on the Miramichi and when all but one are reporting weak fishing it makes the one suspect and the locals laugh. My reports are as it is, there are fish or there are no fish.

We still have a few days left open at the beginning of deer season (End of Oct into Nov).

If anyone is interested in booking in December, or around the Holiday Period I recommend you contact us. If we have no bookings in that period confirmed by the end of November the cottage will likely be closed until May 2010. (506) 369-9880

28th September 2009

Heavy overnight rains. The water didn't start raising until around 1pm and then came up about 5 inches, it's a bit brownish at the moment. Calling for rain on and off for the rest of the week, may reduce any fishing.

On the positive side I'm getting reports of fresh run "bright" fall fish being picked up in the area, so it looks like that fall run is starting to come in.,

27th September 2009

The day started our dull and overcast, we saw a few fish moving.

Darcy tied into 4 salmon to add to the one he hooked into yesterday evening, a 15 1/2" trout and a 18 1/2" trout.

Aaron after much swearing and cursing at near misses finally took Darcy's advice which landed him a nice 31" salmon just at dusk on a blue charm.

As Aaron put it, his Miramichi curse is now broken, now he has to establish a new record over that 31" salmon - always a challenge.

Darcy remarked that he was relieved that Aaron caught a fish otherwise it would have been a very quiet and miserable trip back to Nova Scotia.

They are calling for heavy rains - we will have to wait and see what that does to the fishing.

26th September 2009

-6 degrees this morning, with a West wind that came up late morning and lasted until dusk. Aaron & Darcy arrived mid afternoon from Halifax, hit the water early evening. Darcy hooked into a salmon and had a couple of hits, Aaron was satisfied with just hits. His explanation was "well they were so big I would have had to put them back anyway."

Word is that there are some major partying going on in the Dungarvon area tonight - celebrating the moose hunt - mind you - it doesn't take much of a reason to party and celebrate our great fall season.

25th September 2009

High today 10 degrees, burr and supposed to go down to 1 degree tonight. Looks like the moose hunt in this area was relatively successful. Most of the hunters we know got their moose and we saw a number on trucks and trailers along rte 8.

Water came up slightly and is chilly. Saw a number of fish this evening but they have lock jaw for the moment, typical fall fishing.

We had a query about putting a boat in for fishing. With the current water level we would have to take the fish out to put a boat in. The best fishing gear for the moment would be "chest waders with felts or cleats" the rocks being a bit slippery. You can still get to the fish with hip waders but will be somewhat restricted reaching those greener pastures.

With the fishing being hard and deer season yet to open there is nothing wrong with bringing the wife or girlfriend and a nice bottle of wine. The trees are just starting to colour up and there are lots of books in the cottage for those who enjoy getting away and reading. I priced the new Dan Brown book today at Chapters, $39.00 Canadian plus tax, that's hefty, so I suggest Herb Curtis' book "The Americans Are Coming."

24th September 2009

!st day of moose season. Heard trucks headed back into the woods well before dawn. Lots of excited hunters - great for the Irving Garage coffee counter. The Irving garage in Boiestown seems to be the main meeting center for various groups visiting the area to hunt.

Nice morning, sitting on the deck with a coffee watching fish play in the pool.

23'd September 2009

West wind all day but nice and warm. Yes Brian, Mark did get his fish a 22 inch grilse. He appreciates you folks having left some for him.

The raccoons are partying all night in our oak trees eating the acorns and driving Ben (our dog) nuts.

22nd September 2009

Another gorgeous fall day. Starting to see a bit of colour in the leaves.

Lots of fish making their way up river. Very hard to hook into. Landed and released a 7 lb. +/- salmon around 16:30 hr. on a small brown Mudler. The fish took the fly so deep I had to use long forceps to remove the hook.

20th Spetember 2009

Today was a lot nicer than the past two days. The guys in fishing were basically lashing away in a hurricane and unfortunately saw fish but couldn't entice one to take.

No wind this evening and although there were no rods on the water the pool was alive with fish showing all over the place.

Had some folks in who drove across Rte. 123 and told us they saw lots of game, so Mark, when you folks come through be careful and especially for anyone travelling Rte. 123 after dark it can be hazardous this time of year.

18th September 2009

Well this wasn't the nicest day - west wind and on/off again rain.
Some fish showing and moving but not taking. I checked up river and down, same story. I did hear that the Mill Pond in Doaktown saw some action for a short period of time. Typical fall fishing, more like trout fishing, they will only take when they feel like it.

I've been hearing reports of the downriver pools filling up with fish but have yet to see any bright fall run fish in this area.

16th September 2009

Frost last night but missed our garden. The river water is cooling off nicely. Again not many fish showing but they are there, warm evening with lots of hatch, every once in awhile a salmon would take a hatch off the top of the water, problem is that there is so much hatch that they would only take a dry fly by accident.

Raised two and hooked into one tonight by dragging a black bug & modified shady lady across slow water. Of course once they lured me into the slow water at 7:35 pm a decent run of big fish went through which would have been better fished in the faster run, happens every time. They are not showing in the fast water as in past years, lots of playing in deeper pools. I can move the fish around the pool simply by walking on the shoreline.

We have a couple of fishermen coming in early tomorrow morning and more on the 18th so will see how they make out?

I see some trailers moving into the area for the moose hunt. The cottage got grabbed by fishermen for those dates so we will have to wait for deer season before we start getting together once again with our hunters. Check out our calendar to see if there are any dates available you would like. Our rates go into "off season" November 1st.

15th September 2009

Great day for a bike ride, looped down through Renous and back via south side of the Miramichi, just the right temperature.

Hadn't seen much in the way of salmon showing, it appears the fish may be holding up during the day and moving through the night. I did go out for about 30 minutes, hooked into a salmon on a "green machine/white tag" and saw a half dozen more, couple of large fish. They appear to be staying in the flat water and not working up into the runs.

We have Canada geese headed in every direction, I notice a very large flock below the Doaktown Bridge and we had a flock in front of the cottage this morning. (1) humming bird, probably waiting to hitch a ride on the back of a Canada goose.

Last day of trout season :(

13th September 2009

The Miramichi water level continues to drop, we could use a bit of rain, however, the salmon's instinct continues to move them upstream no matter the water level. A number of salmon in the pool last night, ignoring the fly so switched to fishing trout that were taking hatch off the surface and hooked into a number. There are some very nice trout in the river as they drop out of the brooks.

This morning saw about 20 salmon showing and this time some are moving upstream, hooked/released a grilse on a black bug. Trout were not showing or taking.

11th September 2009

(click on pic to enlarge)

Why can't the Fall season lastt longer ?

Water is very low but those fall fish are determined, a few showing this morning, Lika picked up one shown here being released and hooked into another, all on a black bug.

For those who were wondering "sea trout" are "sea run brook trout," of course coming directly in from the sea they are in great shape, good fighters.

These days, “sea trout” in eastern waters can include introduced brown trout (Salmo trutta) or transplanted rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Sea-run rainbows are called “steelhead” in Western Canada. Browns and rainbows were introduced in the late 1800s. Both species have established breeding populations in parts of the east. (Eastern Woods & Waters)

9th September 2009

(click on pic to enlarge)

Cool night, warm day, a typical Fall day and the fish are moving. Saw a fair amount of activity in the pool around 7am which tapered off as the sun got higher in the sky.

Steve picked up this salmon on a modified "shady lady". They also pulled out a few trout. We are still waiting to hear some noise about the expect Fall salmon run coming in, those will be brighter fish. Most fish we are seeing at the moment are small salmon with very few grilse.

7th September 2009

My favourite time of year - look at how clear the water is, just a mite warm but 3 degrees colder than yesterday 15C. We are still playing with the summer fish working up from cold water pools and dark. Saw a few this morning but an early wind came up and stayed most of the day, died down toward evening and around 7pm looked like it was worth a try.

Sorry Enrico, I have to rub a bit of salt in the wound, you left this one in the pool all day and it was getting a bit annoying, jumping around bothering the other fish, so I helped it get past the rock and it's now moved up river. At one time this evening there were at least 8 salmon lounging around. By the way if your son is missing a dinosaur I found one in the driveway and Wendy found a giraff.

2nd September 2009

(click on a photo to enlarge it)

Beautiful Fall day, cool night warm days and a few fish moving.

Yes Jason, Steve picked up this 26" salmon on a # 14 sparse tied hair fly, lost another and caught a 14 inch trout. Lika lost a salmon. The fly doesn't really have a name and it's hard to convince other fishermen that you can hold a large salmon on a small fly and lite tippet. I tied it for low slow water using 5-6# test tippet and over the last few years have taken a number of fish in late summer and throughout the Fall including a 34 inch salmon. When using this fly you should have a pair of needle nose pliers or forceps handy as the fish seem to take the fly deeper in their mouth. A #10 or #12 modified "shady lady" is still working, the modified version has a tendency to sink below the surface where the bug style rides on top with a larger wake.

Steve introduced his new Toyota truck to our deer population last year, the truck lost, so as we drive by the same area and he is reminding me of the incident today, three deer jump out in front of his truck, mind you when you are so paranoid that you now only drive on our roads at 5 km/hr there is not much likelyhood of too severe an incident :)

27th August 2009

"The report this week is generally "slow". We are in the August doldrums with warm water. Fortunately, the water levels are reasonable, although down. There are few fresh entering the system. Most anglers are waiting for the fall runs to begin." (Doug Underhill's weekly River Report)

As for fishing the above quote pretty well says it although we are actually seeing salmon on the surface working through and the water is cooling off by the day and not a bad temperature at this time. I see a number of fishermen in a home pool just down river, but hooking and hooking/playing/releasing a fish in this water would stress them badly and as most are salmon this year it would be better to wait for the water to cool more. That "fall run" should start in the next few weeks we are nearly into September.

Fall is one of the best seasons, cool nights, warm days, just too short a season.

25th August 2009

Due to a cancellation the last weekend in August has just come available.

August 28,29, 30th and 31st are now open. Check our calender for dates.

23'd August 2009

Well Hurricane "Bill" seems to have missed us, but we did have a torrential downpour yesterday evening and a weak thunderstorm. That will cool the water down.

Had an encounter with a very large bobcat yesterday afternoon, it's not often that you get to see one even though there are a number in the area - you are more likely to just see their tracks in the snow. This one sauntered across in front of the truck then stood on side of the road watching us before wandering off into the bush. Also saw a large moose and a fawn still wearing it's spots this morning. It was a very muggy day and at one point an eagle landed on the river, took a bath before swimming ashore. So we do have wildlife on the move, plus the hummingbirds feeders were alive tonight and I imagine they are getting ready to move on.

20th August 2009

Today saw the temperature drop slightly, still hot but bearable. Believe it or not we saw some fish movement in the morning - but when the fishing is slow we watch the "tubers" float down river by the dozen. It must seem like a pinball game to the salmon moving upstream who continually run into the rubber tubes floating down. Tubing is a nice economical way to enjoy a float on the river and it seems to have caught on as we see large number of every variety daily.

Our recent guests took full advantage of the river, the two teenage girls turned into mermaids and it was nice to see them enjoying tubing and swimming. We are awaiting the arrival of guests from the U.S.A. tomorrow and hope that they will get to see some good down east hospitality.

I still see a few fishermen on the river but with the current water temperature playing a fish would stress it out badly and probably kill it so my recommendation would be go tubing - or make this your golf time.

I note a couple of comments in Doug Underhill's River Report and today's gleaner that would interest fishermen frequenting the area & will leave the research to you.

We are awaiting hurricane Bill, who may brush us or not around this coming Sunday. At this time the path takes in the Southwest Corner of New Brunswick.

17th August 2009

HOT - not complaining but the temperature is well up there, the water level good, back to back warm days have brought the river temperature up but still fishable on the low side of the scale.
14th (Friday) was the last fish I saw being (hook/released) - (1) rod on the water this morning, brought a grilse up a couple of times but it moved on. August is not a month for serious fishing.

On the lighter side, went to put my runners on this morning, one had something inside it that turned out to be a frog. Something I didn't know until recently was that the poison frogs secrete can be deadly to dogs :(

10th August 2009

OK, so it looks like a rain forest - I guess we had our summer - both days.

Great for the fish, they are motoring through at 100 mph. I hit the water for about an hour this am and had a grilse on in 10 minutes (Taylor Special) , mind you I only saw 3 fish in that hour.

If we don't see a drop in the water level, the fish will not hold up in the cold water pools. I enjoy going after those fall fish that hold up in pools (straight hook & release). The way it is now you have to hit them on the head with a fly to get their attention as they speed through.

9th August 2009

Overcast day with some sun poking through. Miramichi remains high - only saw one rod on the river and they had a salmon on.


The dates that came open yesterday are now gone but we now have 10,11,12,13th August available. September is filling up but still a few dates open, likewise with October & November, check out our calender.

8th August 2009

Today is more like fall than August, cloudy and cool. A few hardy souls tubing and canoeing.

We got hit with a thunderstorm which brought somewhere around 50 mm rains with it. The river which was dropping so nicely is now back to it's previous high of a week ago and what fish are running will be all over the river.

On the game side, saw a couple of nice moose crossing this morning and a friend told me of two more just above Boiestown toward Astle.

7th August 2009

Water is great, starting to warm a bit but remains dark and at a good level. We are seeing fish daily, mainly large salmon however our recent clients have been non-fisher folk and I have been too busy to cast a line, so I'm not able to comment on how well the fish are taking.

Due to a cancellation the 17-18-19-20th of August have just become available for the cottage rental.

Phone (506) 369-9880

3'd August 2009

Day started out dull but turned very nice. Although the water is still up it is dropping nicely. Our current guests are non-fishers but we did have a rod on the water for about 20 minutes in the afternoon, saw 3 nice grisle running about 12 feet off shore and picked up a very nice salmon on a "Taylor Special."

Tons of canoes/kayaks/tubes on the river enjoying the long weekend. It's nice to see the river being used to it's potential for the enjoyment of all.

31st July 2009

After yesterday's heavy rain the Miramichi is high for this time of year at least 18 inches in this area. We did see a few fish moving yesterday and there is the slight possibility of picking one up from shore, other than that fishing will be very limited until the water drops again. On the positive side I have been hearing of salmon stacking up down river although mostly large fish. This water will move the fish up river.

29th July 2009

Yesterday we had one fish taken in the pool and a few seen during the day. Saw no fish movement during the evening and likewise this morning. Weather has turned hot but river still a decent temperature and lots of water.

27th July 2009

Today started a little slow, the water is dropping but still up & dark. We didn't touch much in the morning, around noon started seeing a few fish moving. Lika is testing a repaired rod on a grilse in the first picture and decided to test the rod on a heavier fish a few minutes later. Both fish are merrily on their way up river. Why the rod was repaired is a story in it's self best told by Lika, so if you see him, just ask.

Picked up a nice grilse just before dusk and was checked by the federal wardens. First time in two decades and nice to see them around. They told me that fishing was slow on the river with majority fish being hooked being salmon and some very large fish in the mix. They also told me there are a few lines in the river from the big fish. Now I don't feel so bad about having a salmon snap my backing line the other night, at least I got my casting line back. I've also heard of a couple of rods in the river, best not to lay your rod on the floor while moving your boat, some of those fish are very capable of pulling the rod overboard.

25th July 2009

Still raining, water rising slowly but still fishable at this time. Saw a couple of grilse in the air this morning and touched a salmon in the pool, other than that fishing was quiet & wet.

Attached are some photos of Stephen with his salmon (click on the photo to enlarge). He rolled one just off shore then hit into this salmon. His first comment when he rolled the fish was "Oh sh-t" his second comment when he tied into the salmon was "what do I do now!" (Taylor Special) This is worth another trip to Fredericton Outfitters (Chris Munns) for more equipment.

Glen & Carl dropped in for a fishing check and I just received a report back that they were very successful this afternoon with two flies I gave them to try in Priceville, a General Practitioner and L.T. Special. (These are normally Blackville flies.) This was Carl's first salmon. They also report lots of fish rolling in the Priceville Pool.

24th July 2009

Just a brief update: Currently the Miramichi has strong cool dark water, rather than hold in cold water pools the fish are continuously on the move, so you have to get a fly in front of them. Yesterday morning we tied into 2 only to loose them, the same thing last night. This morning (1) salmon taken, in the afternoon (1) grilse hooked. A few large salmon showing. The salmon are taking very soft and are hard to hang on to once hooked. Our ratio is well above 75% salmon to grilse.

While watching a couple of eagles yesterday evening a deer swam the river then wandered along the shore. This morning we had a doe and two fawns on the opposite shoreline.

22nd July 2009

This cold rain is just what we needed, would have been nice without the East wind. Saw a few fish this morning, tried 1/2 hr. in the evening, played around with a salmon for a few minutes & saw 4 more, but the wind was too uncomfortable to cast in so called it quits.

Anyway, a couple of guys were on a canoe run last weekend, Blackville to Qaurryville. Unknown to them they had put in at the top of a private pool and decided to fish while waiting for the rest of the crew to get their boats in. As they tell the story it didn't take long before the warden came running over the hill like a three legged deer with a bottle sticking out of every pocket. You would have to know the warden to appreciate the analogy :)

21st July 2009

We haven't had any fishermen in for the past couple of days. (1) salmon H&R yesterday morning, couple hooked and lost, spattering of fish throughout the day as the heat shot up.

This morning saw a run go through around 8am, nothing was taking, another hot day, water dropped and water temperature rose. Saw no fish in the evening. Weatherman calling for showers for next few days, there is lots of water if we can cool it down maybe the fishing will pick up.

It's amazing how two days of sunshine can slow the fishing down.

On another note we notice the lack of "red wing blackbirds" where we used to see flocks there are only one or two birds, we have significantly less hummingbirds this year and haven't seen a bat, the latter were always cruising the river as dusk. This goes along with the decline of Gaspereau & green eels in this area ..................something is changing?

19th July 2009

Off to another beautiful day on the Miramichi.

By 8am a (1) salmon was hooked/released & I took (1) grilse by noon a second (2) large salmon (H/R). I know the river reports are saying this run is about 50/50 salmon/grilse but for this area it appears to be much more weighted toward salmon. We are seeing two salmon for every grilse, either hooked or showing.

There are lots of fish in the river at the moment, unfortunately my fishing is done for the day so I'm going to miss out on a repeat from last night's fishing extravaganza.

In the evening Jean-Guy dropped in with some friends, tied into a couple of salmon before dark. Larry Adair from Adair's Wilderness Lodge, Sussex, cheered on the fisher folk by pointing out the fish rolling behind them.

I forgot to mention that some of the salmon are so large that when that moose was crossing the river last night you could see wakes 10+ inches high from fish headed right for that moose. I didn't see the moose this morning but I did see a seagull disappear under the water.

18 July 2009

Remarkable day on the Miramichi.

We started the morning slow with 2 salmon and although no one was fishing during the day we saw a number of fish moving through. Our current clients are non-fisher folk just enjoying the river. I provided some basic lessons and expect to see them give it a try during their stay.

All heck broke loose in the evening, the river was full of fish there were fins everywhere. I personally lost (1) grilse, then landed (2) salmon then hooked into a very large salmon who obviously realized I was working him into dead water and he made a run for the rapids breaking my backing line. As I went for the boat to try and find my line down river, the fish went by me up stream through the rapids again. Fishermen in a canoe down river recovered my line with leader & fly still attached plus about 10 ft. of broken backing line. I raised at least a dozen fish all on a (3/4 size green bomber with white tuffs.)

Bandit was waiting at the door when I came off the river, she is around all day and quite social but still wild.

PS: If the boys from the cottage had of looked behind them when they were out canoeing at dusk they would have seen a large moose standing in the river.

17th July 2009

Nice run of fish going through this morning, (2) grilse, (2) salmon, a couple of more hooked, saw a dozen or more - maybe we are getting into the real summer run. (rendition of a Shady Lady, not the bug one) I'll attach a picture.





If you are bringing a pet by chance, please be aware our local wildlife are far from nocturnal, for instance we have a mother raccoon & some other critter including a mother bear and cubs, so if you like your pet keep it on leash or well under control, it won't win against these wild critters.

16th July 2009

The day started off good with a nice grilse, then came to an abrupt halt. Around 8pm saw a number of salmon working through the rapids but that was it. The boys gave it better than an honest try, they stayed on the water until 9:30pm, flashlights and glowworms.

"Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said the river was in great shape this week and there were lots of fish, particularly salmon. His groups had landed 52 fish the last seven days, and over half were salmon. Jacques Pinet had great luck Tuesday evening landing a 26, a 20 and an 18 pound salmon." (from Doug Underhill's Fishing Report) - What can I say!

15th July 2009

Beautiful day on the Miramichi River. Not may fish showing, by 8am we had hooked into (2), James had (1) on and by 9am Dave had a (1) salmon on.

Notice the "pipe" - do you know how much skill it takes to hold a beer in one hand, light a pipe with the other and land a salmon at the same time.

The guide in the picture just wants to get back to running his new boat & motor :)

This is "slow" fishing for this river.

14th July 2009

The day started out decent then a s/w wind came up all day and into the evening. Saw a couple of fish in the morning and raised one twice in the evening - all I can say is that it's a good thing we don't depend on fishing to survive so far this year. We had up to 5 rods on the water at various times today (1) grilse taken (1) hooked.

13th July 2009

Miramichi remains stable, dark cool water. Saw a fair number of fish moving today, 7am and 8pm, a few grilse but mostly salmon. (1) 33" salmon released, (1) grilse taken, (1) salmon hooked and released him/herself.

12th July 2009

Cloudy with lite rain on the Miramichi. Hooked into one salmon and a large trout (shady lady), saw a number of salmon moving through, rolling for fly but not taking well. Report from the upriver neighbour that he hasn't been seeing anything in the morning but has taken fish for the past three evenings (green machine w/white tag & Taylor special). Conversely we have seen fish in the morning but not evening?

Evening:

Will have to take that back, saw a small run go through shortly after 7 PM and a nice salmon hooked and released.

11th July 2009

Another nice day on the Miramichi. We saw a run in the morning and that was it. (2) 13-15lb salmon hooked and released. In general although there are a few fish moving the run is far from strong.

As you can see from the photo, just like a road crew, one worker and lots of advice. To fill in the down time they went to McCloskeys and bought rods, Doaks for waders. Just like high school days they all wanted to dress alike. Sorry Luke, just had to throw that in.

10th July 2009

Hot day, finally. Miramichi is dropping daily, rain called for on Sunday.

Luke Cooper and party in, we saw some fish movement in the morning and late afternoon. Attached is a photo of Ed and his grilse, the Eagle was watching but they never noticed :)

9th July 2009

Nice sunny day, water continues to drop, cool and dark but clearing.
Although nothing taken today, we did raise a couple of salmon lower down in the pool, they seemed to come for the fly twice, sort of butt it then not come back. Saw (1) salmon in the air and (2) small grilse flying through the rapids about 5 feet off shore. We saw grilse close to the shore yesterday as well.

If we can keep the rain at bay and the water drops maybe the fish will move back into the normal runs.

WE have some fishermen in from the Plaster Rock Area, a couple are wading without waders, in this water burr :(

8th July 2009

Today was a bit better than yesterday, (1) grilse taken in the pool, and we saw (2) large salmon and (1) small grilse jumping. Water still up which makes fishing with waders a bit difficult.

Wilsons Outfitting reporting a couple of grilse taken (green machine white tag)

7th July 2009

Miramichi dropped about 8 inches overnight but remains high and dark.

Fishing! there was up to 7 rods on the water on and off all day with nary a sign of a fish, correction one trout and one chub taken.

On the bright side fishing can only improve, so we will watch the eagles and raccoons.

4th July 2009

And the rain keeps coming. The river is holding steady, a little high and dark which puts what fish are out there all over the river - ya gotta hit them on the head to get their attention - :(

Greg wanted U all to see what he did with his trout catch.

3'd July 2009

Miramichi remains up and dark, plenty of water for fish movement and an excellent temperature.

Joel tells me he raised a salmon this evening, a neighbour took one and there were upriver reports of fish being hooked with at least one grilse taken. Fishing remains slow but is improving. If we could just get a little break in the weather the water would drop and we could start fishing the pools and runs.

1st July 2009

Miramichi still up slightly and dark.

The Campbells arrived at the cottage late this afternoon, they have returned annually over the years.

Within 30 minutes of hitting the water Joel had a nice large grilse on the bank. Tonight they are celebrating with fireworks.

29th June 2009

Miramichi is up approx. 8" and raising rapidly from heavy morning rain. I did see a grilse jump in the center of the river around 16:30 hr. By 21:00 hr the river was up 12" or more.

Report from up river of some fishing success yesterday and today. The same for down river with reports of fish bumping the fly or striking short.

Newly Opened Dates: We had one party with two bookings cancel out.

July 27 & 28 and August 20-26th inclusive are now available.

28th June 2009

A slow day on the river, we had rods on the river for a good part of the day until a Northeast wind came up and cut the day short. Not a sign of a salmon. The water's good, lots of it, nice and cool and the day was dark, so perfect day for fishing, now if we could just get a bit more action.

As Aaron stated this is why we are considered fishermen and not food gatherers :)

27th June 2009

Some folks in from Nova Scotia for a few days, Aaron & Aaron (yes two Aarons).

Well Aaron picked up a nice 33 inch Salmon and a few trout on a "green machine" and Aaron stuck with catching trout. Aaron explained that he wanted Aaron to cherish his moment being Aaron's first salmon and he didn't want to overshadow him (I guess that's as good an excuse as any).

Ernie hooked into a salmon about the same time, so we must have had a small run going through.

25th June 2009

When Miramichi Guides start telling you stories on the bear and moose they have recently seen, that's a good indication there are very few fish around.

From my perspective I have seen no salmon for close to 3+ weeks and the trout fishing has dropped off. That being said, I note from Doug Underhill's Report that the last 2 years saw early runs of bright salmon and we have just returned to normal seasonal runs. The gaspereau boats have been picking up a few salmon so there is faint movement.

A good time to get all that other work done up so the wife won't complain when the fish do start to come in :)

21st June 2009

Rain again today, river has been rising slightly, still fishable along the shoreline although no boats on the water in this area. Weatherman calling for rain the rest of the week, if we get any amount the river will continue to rise which is great for fish movement although a bit hard to wade and the fish will be all over the river outside the normal runs.

Entertained with a black bear cub up a tree just above the cottage, we really didn't bother it much as mother must have been close by and we didn't want to upset her.

19th June 2009

Great water for fish movement.

Compared to how we ended the 2008 season everyone has high expectations for 2009 and based on that we are a little disappointed that we haven't seen a decent run of summer salmon so far this year, however, I checked my notes from last year and the first run we hit in this area was 18th of June 2008. The reports from down river were exactly the same as last year, "a trickle of large salmon are just entering the river."

I don't think there is any question that the "sea trout" got by us in a much shorter time then the last couple of years. The water has been dropping is currently at a good level and rain is forecast, all good signs for fish movement.

Report from the Cains - no trout of any size.

One of my neighbours spotted a grilse working through the rapids early afternoon - a good sign.

17th June 2009

The boys flogged the water pretty hard for the last 3 days, not a sign of a salmon but the trout fishing continues to be good and they took a few home to prove they had actually been fishing.

Had a hard time finding them tonight, they had dropped out of the slow pools into a dry fly hole at the top of a set of rapids. When we did find them it was pure enjoyment with 13 - 18 inch trout hitting a "white wulff" as fast as you could get it back on the water. They had already destroyed my "green bomber" the night before. It may be my imagination but the trout fishing just seems to be getting better on the Miramichi with each passing year :)

15th June 2009

Decent day, a sun shower with clouds so wasn't too hot on the water. Lika tied into something big enough to force him through the rapids before he lost it. We focused on trout in the evening and had a grand time with all sorts of river trout. We were wading along the shoreline and the flies nearly ate us alive but the fishing made up for the bugs :)

PS: Large moose crossed the river to our side below the cottage this morning and the eagles have been putting up a fuss all day.

14th June 2009

Miramichi River remains up slightly with rains in the evening. Water is a bit dark but great height and temperature for fish travel.

Greg came up with a nice trout but we didn't see any sign of salmon. I checked with some of the guides taking the Boating Course in Doaktown on Saturday and they advised that although a salmon had been taken in Doaktown that morning the salmon were scarce at this point and the same report from further down river, contrary to that I've also been told that they have taken a number of salmon upriver at Norrads Bridge, how they got there is antibody's guess although we did have some early fish scoot through. Same with the "sea trout" I've had reports of the run not coming in and other reports of the run having gone through with a large count at the Juniper counting station. We saw lots of river trout but not many sea trout. Report from the Cains, no trout to lots of trout all in the upper stretch. We have people going in to the Cains so will have an accurate report shortly. I've also been told there have been no gaspereau which used to be plentiful in this area and have been dwindling for the past few years. Sea trout were often picked up in the gaspereau nets.

PS: We had a black bear touring the shore across from the cottage.

11th June 2009

Miramichi River remains at a good level, clear but a little dark.

We are starting to see a bit of movement with reports of a couple of large salmon seen working over the bars today, so maybe we will be seeing a stronger run in the next week. Also reports of a few "sea trout" being taken this morning at the head of the rapids. Picked up a good number (hook & release) of 13-14 inch "river trout" in the slower water this evening, appears they have dropped back out of the fast water - green bomber was the fly of choice.

Reports from down river indicate slow fishing on the Main Southwest.

6th June 2009

Miramichi River continues to drop, is at the normal level for this time of year. Lots of canoes on the river this weekend, leading up to graduation week, everyone enjoying nature.

Fishing, has been very slow in this area, the occasional "sea trout" but no quantity. Reports for the lower end of the Cains River, no trout fishing. Upper Miramichi the same report. We haven't hit any salmon since last Tuesday. Continued West wind that doesn't drop till dusk, doesn't make for pleasant fishing so there are very few rods on the river in this area.

3'rd June 2009

Miramichi river is a little dark from earlier rains, we had a strong West wind most of the day it dropped off in the evening. We picked up a few "sea trout" one just shy of 19 inches. The flies are out in force, so if you are going into the woods, make sure you are prepared for them.

2nd June 2009

Miramichi is up a bit and slightly silty, there must have been heavy upriver rains. Two boats on the water, both hooked into large salmon so it's nice to see the brights are on their way. The trout fishing has dropped off, either the "sea trout run" has gone through and was not as strong as the last couple of years, or the main run has yet to come in.

30th May 2009

Water up slightly after overnight rain. Still picking up nice size river trout, some in 16-19" range but we haven't seen a sea trout since Thursday. JR took a 18.5" trout on a Mickey finn this morning.

We had two calls today for the cottage, unfortunately the dates were taken. It's very difficult to accommodate last minute bookings but we do get the rare cancellation so please monitor our calender on this website and call quickly if you see free dates you would like.

29th May 2009

Met with Father Walter Lynch "Fisher of People & Classic Fly Dresser," in Miramichi today, he is gearing up for an exciting season, his favourite being White Butterfly and a Brown Bomber, the latter doesn't seem to be as effective in this area. He has a nice collection of Classic Flies, some framed or as broaches, for sale , (506) 622-5950.

Was a cold rainy day so didn't pay much attention to the river. Speaking with one of the local guides who confirms the trout season is under way in this area.

If you are looking for a booking, please check our calender on this website and don't leave it too long, we had three enquiries today for the same dates and it's first come first served.

For those local boat operators especially guides. I note that the National Boating Safety School is running a Safe Boating Course, June 13th 2009 at the Doaktown Salmon Museum and you will need that Mandatory Pleasure Craft Operator's Course by the end of 2009. It would be embarrassing to be fined for noncompliance when actually guiding a sport. Early registration is $75, which includes training, exam and card, $80 at the door, phone 1-866-744-1670 at anytime.

For all those returning clients (friends), we are looking forward on catching up on the news and re-introducing you to the beautiful Miramichi River.

28th May 2009

Trout fishing has been extremely good but for those of you who have been waiting, the "sea trout" finally showed up in our area this morning. The trout have been hitting small black dry flies in slow water and occasionally white butterfly's where there is any current. The "sea trout" were going after "white mottled dry fly" akin to the white millers dancing along the surface.

The picture is a fish taken in the area by Junior Woodland last week. The river is full of 10-11" trout with the occasional going 12"-17" and beyond although I haven't seen the beyond yet this year. As a result of my evening fishing I have to change the results, I'm now able to add a 17" sea trout to the days catch. Another boat out took a 19" trout.

Rick, you have to put a fly in the water to catch fish :)

25th May 2009

No "sea trout" but some decent trout fishing.

Try this out for "Gold at the end of a rainbow."

22nd May 2009

Nice day with slight West wind died off toward evening.

We put a boat out in the evening and took a nice string of river trout, of course the big one got away and on top of that the dog jumped from the canoe into the river after a fish we had on so we had to take time out to land him :)

21st May 2009

Nice warm day, 32C, strong West wind, died off toward evening.

Threw a couple of flies around, white butterfly in Strong water and green bomber w/white tufts in slower water, the "River Trout" seemed to like them and were taking nicely. My preference is the bomber fished dry, you can go after a nice fish repeatedly.

No "sea trout" yet but they will be along shortly.

The flies are out in force so if you are venturing near the woods or islands be prepared, I lost one half a trout of a 12 inch trout variety to flies, before I got it cleaned.

19th May 2009

Main Southwest Miramichi continues to drop, decent water for canoeing, and cold as discovered by a couple of canoes that were unable to stay right side up. As report6ed "fishing's great, just no fish around." Did have a report on a nice "sea trout" taken in the area yesterday, I wasn't able to verify it as a "sea trout" possibly a river trout as I have seen a few but they are not taking well.

If anyone has or knows of an 18 ft. Olgavie canvass, in need of work that they would let go for a reasonable price I have had a query from a student who wants to make a summer project out of restoring one.

14th May 2009

Extremely windy day, Main Southwest Miramichi continues to drop. Canoes are now evident on the water making their way down river. Fishing has ground to a halt in this area, a few river trout around but not taking well. Hatch on the surface but very few fish are surface feeding. It's time to take a break, get that yard work done, dig out the summer equipment, check the leader, knots, reel and get ready for that summer bright run in from the ocean.

September can be a beautiful time to fish those fall salmon runs, we picked up our first booking today and are getting queries so if you are planning ahead make that booking while they are still open.

10th May 2009

Rainy windy day on the Miramichi with very few patches of sunshine. Well I think we can safely say that the Spring Black Salmon Run has come to an end in this area, we did hook into a grilse or large trout after a hard day fishing, never boated it so remains a mystery. Still hearing of Black Salmon fishing downriver. Some "river trout" showing, taking the odd Mayfly Hatch off the slack water so it's about time to switch fishing equipment and start playing with the river trout while waiting for the "sea trout" run to come in.

7th May 2009

Cold rainy day - not at all nice, however the fish don't mind getting wet so we do have the diehards trying to catch them. About 30 minutes this evening, had boated one and lost one, saw several on the surface. Starting to see a few decent size river trout around and getting a few trout hits but they are striking short. It is difficult to keep a salmon on right now, soft mouth or whatever, they are shaking the barbless hooks more often than not.

6th May 2009

Rain all day. One boat on the water hooked into 3 salmon and landed about a 10# salmon, they are fighting hard an difficult to land. Reports from down river in the Blackville area of good fishing.

5th May 2009

Miramichi River continues to drop, nice day, fishing has dropped off considerably but Chris took a grilse off the shore in front of the cottage and BBQ'd it up for supper. Party left today happy with another party coming directly in. Calling for rain rest of the week through into the weekend.

4th May 2009

Main Southwest Miramichi continues to drop so you will have to start watching those rapids for rocks. Lots of boats out on a nice Monday although we did have a West wind for most of the day. One boat reporting in at 4 or 5 hooked (1) boated. Wendy & I went out for an hour in the evening, had one strike. What fish are around are striking short which is consistent with this time in the run.

On the other side, all the critters are paring up, saw couple of red foxes in the field, muskrats, and lots of birds in full colour. Shortly we will be going into a few weeks downtime as per fishing, great water for canoeing, too cold for tubes, or just sit around the campfire and howl at the moon cause nice weather is finally here :)