27th October 2011

For all you FLY TYERS out there:

I haven't seen a fky tying book much better than "Salmon and Steelhead Flies" by Chris Mann.  A bit expensive as it's fairly new but a very good pattern book.  So put it on your Christmas list.  I've seen the price range from $68 - $106 and it's on back order in some storees.  Once on the shelf for awhile you should be able to pick it up a bit cheaper.

GOGGLE it and have a look-see.

26th Ocober 2011

Sould be about time for salmon to be jumping the Porter Brook Falls.

What to do when confronted by a bear!

This afternoon a local tree planter passed along his bosses advice to me.  Don't run, bears can out run and out wrestle you, climb the nearest tree.  It's not that bears can't climb trees, but they have to hold on,  so can only swing at you with one paw and that gives you half of a chance.  This guy actually believed this.

25 October 2011

Fish still jumping, some good size, haven't had a chance to check Porter Brook Falls.  Bears are still puttering around.  The bigger of the two goes around 350#.  Was discussing with a neighbour on how close you could get to them and he made a point I never thought of.  They have been eating all the fermenting apples laying on the ground and are probably drunk.

15th October 2011

Windy and not very inviting on the water but we have die-hard fishermen getting in those last memories to take them through the cold frozen winter.

What a season, the "black salmon run" was strong and lasted into the 1st week of May, the "sea trout run" was short, only about a week, the "Rocky Brook salmon run" showed up at he same time as the sea trout at the end of May, the "main summer salmon run" started in this area around June 17th and just never stopped although they got a bit more finickey toward the end of the season, fish were still being taken daily.

Lots of talk about this being a banner fishing year however with the exception of a very hot week in July 2010, where we saw a fish kill, the last three years have seen strong fishing. 

If you want to review photos of this season - you may even be on the site - go to the moonshadowcottage facebook site and open the 2011 Fishing folder. The folder can also be reached by clicking on the facebook icon at the bottom of each "moonshadowcottage.ca" website page.

13th October 2011

Days started off decent then turned to light rain.  Again lots of fish moving, not showing all that much.  Landed a nice salmon this morning and touched at least 5 more on a small black dry fly fished wet.  Touching the fly very softly, didn't even know the salmon hit until I started to strip the line.

13th October 2011

Not showing but there. 
The fly that worked this morning was a #12 black dry fly fished wet, even enticed a nice trout.

11th October 2011

Woke up this morning wandered out to the garage,  a very large black bear standing on the road, he wandered up the hill to visit the neighbour before I could get the camera.  He has been around for a few weeks feeding off berries and apples, good shape and bothering no one, so I hope he survives long enough to go into hibernation.  We also have a smaller one but they are never together.  He has been wandering around the property at night along with the raccoons, driving the dog crazy.

Fish, we have lots of them, all headed one way.  No one fishing the pool until evening, they have lock jaw and are travelling through at full steam.  The best time will be to hit them in the morning.  Probably some jumping Porter Brook Falls about now.

9th October 2011

A fighter

Rob with a 38" salmon

Best fishing was in morning, tapered off toward evening although there were lots of fish showing moving through the pool, especially just before dusk they just stopped taking.

8th October 2011

Martin with his salmon

 What a great day in comparsion to the cold windy ones a few days ago.  Rob landed (2) grilse, Martin (1) salmon (1) grilse, and I only landed (1) salmon, did raise a couple more.  Seemed to get lock jaw as the day went on.

7th October 2011

Finally, a decent day.  Water excellent level, very dark.  Fish are not showing but did pick up (1) salmon, (2) grilse and lost a grilse within an hour, all on a General Pratcitioner.

3'd October 2011

Little overnight rain, water excellent, landed (3) hookbills in less than (1) hour this afternoon on a "General Practitioner # 6," about the 6th or 7th fish for that fly, it's all chewed to pieces.

1st October 2011



When are we going fishing?

Lloyd 2, Eric 0, and a bit upset.

Steve within 5 miinutes

30th September 2011

Lloyd five minutes in on a #4 Allie's Shrimp

Gave it a whirl this evening, tied into 2 grilse and a 40" salmon, all on a "General Practitioner" #8. Saw a number of large salmon moving just before dusk, prior to that mostly grilse.  I'm supposed to add that Eric really did go fishing.

30th September 2011

Just a note on fishing:

Lot's of fish around and started getting reports of the odd one taking in past couple of days.  Seeing some large salmon, lots of small grilse.

Hooked into one yesterday evening on an Allie's Shrimp - I suggest with this water level going to a # 10 shrimp may work for you.

Greg claiming success with the "Brown Fairy", awful black fish though :)

27th September 2011

Fish, fish everywhere and not a one will take.  Must have seen 100 fish in an hour this evening, threw everything except a stick of dynamite and not a touch.  Tis that time of year when they will decide when they are going to take and you just have to be there. Seems to be the same up and down the river.  Fishing season draws to a close up river from Burntland Brook end of month, we still have two weeks to go in this area.

Everyone in the area reporting bears on the move, guess it's that time of year, raccoons have cleaned out all our grapes, bluejays working on the oak trees, Canada geese extra noisy, blue herons flying in pairs and a pileated woodpecker is hiding behind the hydro pole.

22nd September 2011

Cloudy day, no one on this water yet!

One of the Rocky Brook Guides reports landing a 42 inch slamon, guess it got by here.  Also reporting with 7 days left they are going for the camp record.  As of today they would have taken 1020 fish taken and 8 more days to go, the record being 1057 .

Bear - bear - bear, we done got bear, everyplace we turn around we are seeing one.  Friend reported (4) crossing the road in Ludlow at Murphy Lane, we saw (1) there a couple of days ago,  they are even in our yard and on my neighbour's patio.

Moose, yeah the first day of the season and we have seen several, can you believe a moose in the trunk of a car, more than just a bit hanging out, you can tell there was a lot of planning went into that trip.

Cats, we don't own a one but the place is  over-run, so from now each booking receives a free cat to take home!

20th September 2011

Cool nights warm days.  Saw another bear today, roaming looking to fatten up for winter.

Fish - lots around, Wendy and I went out around 5PM and picked up 4 on the same #4 fly that has been so successful in this high dark water, hasn't really got a name. I'll try to describe it,  Black wool body wrapped gold tinsel, black feathers crested with turkey wing feathers.  Not a lot left of it at the moment. Wanta bet I will be tying more of thos up this winter.

We still have a vacancy for the weekend of 23,24,25 Sept. 

Dates now taken.

September 19

We have just had a cancellation for Sept. 23,24 weekend if anyone out there is interested in giving fall salmon fishing a try or maybe just getting away to fall colours, cool evenings and fish occasionally jumping! 

A bit of boat wandering today.  John started off taking a nice grilse at the Palace by the Priceville Footbridge, Glen another at Porcupine and I took another in the upper end of the Priceville pool, all were nice and bright females and taken on # 4 brown flys with black bodies, like a Black Ferry. Great day for being on the river.

17th September 2011

Miramichi dropped considerably over night. 

Tim took a grilse along the shoreline this morning, it was injured so he had to keep it.  This ended his day of fishing early.

16th September 2011

Well trout season is over for another year :(

Yesterday's rain did a real number on the Miramichi which is once again high and dirty although I did see a salmon jump about 2 ft off shore this morning - so it's back to shore fishing.  We never got to low Summer level and it doesn't look like the river will drop to normal Fall level at this rate.

12th September 2011

Miramichi is dropping clear but dark tea colour. Early afternoon the river was teeming with fish, counted 50 fish in 20 minutes, tapered off around 5pm with just t he occassional fish showing into evening.  Threw a line out briefly, hit two salmon on a blackbear #4.

11th September 2011



Glen with his 31" salmon

John netting his own grilse

8th September 2011

Miramichi dropped several inches overnight,  chest waders along the shore or boats.  Based on weather forecast for the weekend the river should continue to drop, however water remains dark.  On the positive side our non-fishing guests reported seeing a number of fish jumping in front of the cottage, some silver.  I spent approx. 20 minutes on the river this afternoon and had one strike, saw two  fish in the air, all close to the shore.   It's not going to be great fishing but there are fish moving.  

Doe and two fawns eating at the apple tree this morning by the cottage.       

5th September 2011

What a downpour we had this afternoon, that's sure to bring the Miramichi up and it was already high.

The boys gave it a good honest try and did see fish, 7 or 8 this morning alone, pulls and rises but that was all, the fish were just not taking.  Leo you left your ketchup behind.

3'd September 2011

What a change in weather, wet and windy but not too cold. 

A few fish moving a grilse taken around noon on  a green/white bomber.  We had some fishermen arrive after lunch, will see how they make out.

1st September 2011

Had a great opportunity to fish at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moonshadow-Cottage-Rental/148034491892274 last evening and landed a nice grilse on an ally's shrimp that made his way back into the river...thanks for a great evening guys!

31st August 2011

Greg hooking

Releasing

Started the morning watching a beaver search for the remnants of his house after the high water, Lika landed this dark hookbill off the shore on a Golden Eagle, 8 yr old Tyler another on a LT Special, while Ben and I came literally face to face with a black bear just below the cottage.   Beaver and salmon still in the river, the bear is in the field eating apples.  Greg picked up a nice grilse in the eveni9ng on an Allie's Shrimp.

30th August 2011

Evan

Sending it on upriver

Miramichi was definitely up after hurricane Irene's rain but dropped about 8 inches overnight.

Typically for this height of water the fish are hugging the shore, Lika picked up a grilse this morning on an LT Special and shortly after Evan landed his first salmon on an Allie's Shrimp.

27th August 2011

U fish  ponds - surplus trout

This is what happens when you throw in a bit of food

        Thanks to Glen we took a tour of the fish hachery outside Miramichi City - a must see,  a trip on a lobster boat ending with an excellent  BBQ all compliments of  Barb and Mark Hambrook.

23 August 2011

Well yesterday's rain brought the Miramichi up - nearly back to motor time.  Allison thanks for leaving the cottage so tidy, were you guys even there?  Nice to hear you picked up a couple of grilse on the way home (Dungarvon).

How would you like to see this on the banks of the Miramichi

22 August 2011

Nice rain to cool thing of and brting the Miramichi up a bit  Fishing has slowed down with the odd fish moving, tubing and kayaks picked up.

We have an opening 23'd - 28th August 2011 if anyone looking for a get-a-way on short notice.

18th August 2011

“ we had an awesome time here and can’t  wait  till  next time. “

All the best

P.S. Again           “this place is beautiful.”

Chip, Barry and Ben

14th August 2011

Another great day, bit warmer than yesterday and Miramichi is down about 4 inches overnight.  Water temperature good and lots of fish showing, our count by 4PM  is well over 20 fish - lots of rises but at this time only (1) hooked, all on green/white bomber in slower water.

Anyone coming in take care on these country roads, no $ for roadside brush cutting and we have had several near misses with deer and one or two that were not so lucky.

12th August 2011

Bit of a fishing update, Allan and his in-laws came in around 11am, had landed their first hook-bill within 15 minutes and second a short while later.  Down river fishing friend played around with one yesterday morning Mill Pond before losing it - so not too bad for August.  Telling you it's climate change and Carl please keep our water clean.

10th August 2011

Water holding good, it should we have rain at least every other day.  John has been beating the water and seeing lots of salmon but they are not taking anything he has thrown at them. 

He says what a life, up early watching the deer and eagles, in for breakfast and coffee then back on the river.

7th August 2011

Pass me another beer and I will give you you're hat back

Miramichi River is holding well with a decent temperature and fish still moving, we are seeing a few each day and the guys hooked into one this morning (green machine w/butt)  - when it's really slow just jump into a tube and drift awhile right back to the cottage.

2nd August 2011

Mum

Saw nice salmon jump in the pool while watching  these guys.

Twins

Nope Triplets

31st July 2011

To be honest the fishing has slowed to a crawl, the fishermen who were in for past few days, saw some fish moving in the mornings, had one good grab and that was it - good sports - claimed any day on the river is a good day, fish or not.  Plenty of cool water but not a lot of fish moving and those that are don't pay much heed to a fly at the moment.

A raccoon tried to walk off with the food chest the boys had on the front deck and when challanged it wasn't the raccoon that backed down :)

I expect we will experience a few typical summer weeks where we can recover, check the equipment over and get ready for that fall run and let the tubers and kayakers have their fun.

For the most part the cottage will now swing over to out of province vacationers coming back East for weddings, reunions and family gatherings.  These have a tendency to be longer stays and we don't have to work so hard at turn arounds - Wendy and I are due for a bit of a rest after the fishing frenzy.

29th July 2011

July is coming to an end, summer is slipping by.

Over the past few days our fishermen have reported seeing fish porposing but they are not taking.  I'll have to give them credit for being on the water in the pouring rain, claimed they were at least honing their casting skills.  On the positive side DFO are still reporting 25-30 salmon entering the system daily.

As for cottage bookings September and October are starting to fill up and
July 2012 with the exception of the last two days is now booked solid. 

In the past few years, from my records we started picking up the evasive Rocky Brook Run end of May first of June and got into the Main Summer Run around 17th or 18th of June.  June water levels can vary on this river.  Chest waders may suffice or you may require a boat to get on the river.

25th July 2011

Couldna done it with out Ashley :)

Nice day, turned a little hot, water temperature and height good, still seeing fish move.  Tim tied into a nice grilse late morning (#10 green machine white tag) had raised several more.

24th July 2011

Miramichi River is dropping, water a bit dark, temperature good, we are seeing a few fish moving but not taking well, typical for this time of year.

In response to a question posed.

Must rapirian rights be reflected in each deed or certificate of title?

"In common law the owner of lands adjoining a river, stream or lake has certain rights related to the uses of water.  The rights arises from the ownership of the bank, that portion that adjoins the upland with the water itself.  The latin word for bank is "ripa" hence the rights are called "riparian", and the owner similarly referred to as "riparian owner".  Since riparian rights are part of common law, there is no requirement for them to be expressly conveyed in a deed or title certificate."  Government Services Canada,  Valuation Guidelines 2011

21st July 2011

Very hot day on the river although heavy rain in the late PM has cooled things off with a slight rise in water.  Fish  showing throughout the day, rising but not taking, which is to be expected in this weather.

Lots of fish in the system but definitely slowing down, expect we will now see more holding in the cold water pools.  Reports of a number of dead salmon in the area in past few days.  I have seen a few drifting down river.

19th July 2011

By 7:30 am, Todd, Ed and Luke all hooked into salmon, Lee is still working away at it. 

Ah, Lee finally got his grilse - it was the Walmart Line, after he figured out a $10 sinking line was not the best for summer  fishing and casting up river seldom works, every thing clicked. 

Ed continued to hook fish and Todd did everything he could to make sure Ed never got a fish to shore, even to the point of trying to net one tail first, according to Ed.

I'll add some pics later when I have a desktop computer up and running again.

Boys report Nelson Hollow full of  fish, so lots still to come, lets hope the water holds up a bit longer.

18th July 2011

Hard fishing today, there were fish around, a few good tugs, but not taking well.  Luke did finally pick up a grilse around 7pm., Todd got his by trolling sort of, he was walking back up river with the rod over his shoulder taking to the Canada geese when a salmon hit his fly - sort of an accidental catch :)

17th July 2011

Good start to the morning, Stephen B landed a large grilse, and I tied into a couple all on  a "green machine/white butt #8" and saw a few more.  Didn't take him long to book in again for this fall and next year, he's tryng to hit the "sea trout run."

Around 11am another run went through.

Neighbour Steve reports in with a 32 and 33 incher.

Todd picked up a grilse this afternoon after a downpour you could hear him yelling throughout the valley, he also volunteered to pump all the water from my boats.

16th July 2011

Wow, a hot day.  Water at a good level, still dark.  We still had fish moving through the pool in runs, will rise to the fly but not taking solid, even so reports of fish taking this morning both up and down river with down river reporting  lots of fish headed this way. 

Hearing through the grapevine that some of the upriver pools are being swept at night - guess there will always be poachers with that mentality.

Received another booking for July 2012, only a few days left.

Our neighbourhood bear seems to have crossed back over the river to this side, now in the immediate area, 
we have more problems with raccoons than any bear.

Loads of tubes on the river today along with a few canoes even Pierrette and Louise took their first tube run with us.  We now have another tube rental, this one up river.  They seem to be doing a booming business, even ran one of my fishermen down yesterday -  I don't think he minded the 4 bikini clad occupants.

14th July 2011

Water dropped approx. 4 inches overnight still up a bit and very dark.  No one has been fishing this pool for a couple of days.  Lika had a salmon on within five minutes of hitting the river this evening, his leader snapped. (8 lb Maxima Chameleon).  On checking the spool it appears to all be bad, not all that uncommon, so make sure you buy fresh stock when purchasing leader.  Had several fish rise to the fly.

Fish were moving close against both shores.  One grilse jumped so high in the air it looked like a low flying plane.

July 2012 is nearly booked, 5 days left. We continue to receive spur of the moment calls looking for summer dates, for fishing, visits, canoeing etc., unless there is a cancellation we are unable to accomodate so please plan ahead and do check our calendar at moonshadowcottage.ca.

12th July 2011

Overcast and extremely humid, few fish moving this morning, Corey landed a grilse, other than that very quiet, fishing died off afternoon into evening and water is rising, must have had more rain in the Clearwater Area than we experienced down river plus more predicted tonight.

Seeing the odd dead fish floating by, folks it's getting to that time when it's best to snap the leader or your going to kill the fish, especially the big ones - pretend you landed it and take the pictures while it's in the river, put some effort into making sure it's revived and just doesn't swim off a few feet to go belly up a few minutes later.

I know that there is some debate on how to best release a fish, here is part of a recent article on releaseing Atlantic Salmon.

"Often a tired fish will need some time to revive before you release it. Hold the fish upright and allow the fish some time to catch its breath and recover from the fight Turn the fish into the current so that water flows over its gills. In slow moving water, move it backward and forward in the water, so that water flows through the gills. When the fish starts to kick hard with its tail and seems to have regained its strength, let it go. If everything is done properly, your fish will live to fight another day. And most importantly, it will live to spawn. "

11th July 2011

Cloudy day ending with thunderstorms - not the time to be on the river holding a graphite rod.  Lots of fish still showing.  The water is warming although the overnight rain should cool things down.  We did see a very large salmon drift by and thats a good reminder not to stress those large fish too much in the warmer water, break them off, you will feel good about it and can always buy another $3 fly.

10th July 2011

Another great day for fishing, Allen had his first fish on withing 5 minutes of hitting the water, finished up by landing his (4) for the had numerous raises on a green machine white butt,  his buddy (1) grilse in an hour.  I handled a salmon and grilse this evening on a modified shadylady #10.  

My main computer is down so bear with the spelling etc. and if you don't get a timely email responsed try the phone number on our website - moonshadowcottage.ca.

9th July 2011

One of Aaron's

Rain this AM, cloudy day and beautiful evening on the river, sky all pretty like and salmon all over the place - everyone on the river in this area took fish today, some several.  A few had tired arms.  I was only out for a few minutes but hooked into a salmon and grilse - using barbless hooks now - you could actually play with the fish today, dragging a green machine arcross the top of the water and getting them to chase it.

Poling the boat along the shore and spooked a grilse out of the river right up onto the shore grass.

We done got a bear in the area, this is the second one or the second sighting, one or the other and I'm told we have a doe with triplets plus coons in the garbage can at the cottage again - the never ending war.

8th July 2011

Sun/clouds and lots of salmon.  By 10am Aaron and (2) grilse, Keith (1) with a number of near misses. All pools reporting fish.  Saw dozens of salmon working up river through the rapids and reports from down river of lots more to come.

7th July 2011

Having computer problems so reports will be a little off until we get straightened out.

Yesterday was hot with bright sky, very slow fishing although we saw 7 fish, (1) taken, today, saw a dozen or more and Aaron hooked into a nice 13 pounder - you could hear him all over the valley.  Couple of fishermen from Halifax booked into a camp down river (which I will leave un-named) went to check on their reservations, stated the camp was completely run down and two other fisherment were in the pool, they had also booked in, no one showed at the camp including their guide so they just went fishing.  Unfortunate black eye on the outfitting industry.

5th July 2011

Beautiful 29 degree day with slight wind.  We didn't get the major thunderstorm and rain that struck the Frdericton area last night so the water continues to drop, clearing nicely, a good temperature and very wadeable although still a brown tinge.  Drop the hook size.

Peter got his salmon yesterday evening, I hooked (1) and raised a fish everytime I went through the pool, at least (2) others landed I was aware of.  They are there but not showing as much as they had been a few days ago.

I'vc seen a few fish surface today and (1) landed, mindful no one has really been on the water all day.  Will give it a try this evening after the wind drops.  Report that Doaktown was fishing well but not as strong as a few days ago.

Here is the response we got to our question on where The Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee stands on SHALE GAS development in the vicinity of our brooks, streams, rivers and wetlands.

"The Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee is a community based, multi-stakeholder organization, and by virtue of this profile, multi-sectorial. As such we are not a lobby or advocacy organization. Our organization has been quite engaged in informing ourselves about this industry sector with guest speakers and by attending the open houses. I do know there is a diversity of opinion among our members."

3'd July 2011

David Green's Victoria Day Weekend encounter

The day started out with fish showing into early afternoon then things quieted down.  (1) salmon hooked in the evening, nothing showing - the first mad rush may be over in this area we will have to wait and see.  I reported earlier reports of strong fishing down stream in the past few days so maybe we will see those runs come in shortly.

Water is still up a bit and dark but wadeable.  July 2012 is booking up every day so keep an eye on our website calendar if you are thinking of dates in July.

2nd July 2011

What a way to celebrate the Canada Day weekend - the river is absolutely full of salmon - we hooked into at least (7) by 1pm and saw hundreds, if this keeps up we may have no fall fishing.  Manager from one of the camps on the Miramichi at mouth of Cains dropped in this morning, he reported fishing yesterday evening like he has never seen, eveyone had fish on at the same time.  The fish are there but choosy.   I worked through the fly selection, (1) on a Taylor Special #4, which is a bit too big as the water is dropping, the next (2) that paid attention were on a Oriole # 6. 

Day end count was (9) - majority grilse and not all landed.

Fishings not the only river enjoyment, let's not allow industry to ruin it with waste water from hydro-fracking causing contamination.

1st July 2011

Water still very dark but dropping.  We had fish all day but the run died out into the evening, unlike yesterday.  Corey had a grilse about 5 minutes after  hitting the river and his partner tied into a couple.

At the moment fishing is easier from a boat as the water is too dark to see bottom and makes wading difficult.

I believe they decreed the Northwest Miramichi will be hook & release this year and  they are offering refunds on Crown Lease Water.




Corey sitting on the live well

30th June 2011



Chris and a full size one
















Rain and more rain with a bit of thunder thrown in. Water was rising slightly and remains very dark which makes it hard for wading.

  Chris  finished off his day with this nice grilse on a Taylor Special.  All together I think the count for the pool was in the vicinity of 10, mostly salmon and not all landed. There are lots of fish moving if you can get a fly in front of them.

29th June 2011

Cloudy day, lite East wind, dark water and still a bit high.  Difficult to fish with chest waders as you can't really see bottom and have to feel your way around.  Fish are all over the river.

We had a nice run go through around 7  PM yesterday evening and a heavy run worked through around 8 AM this morning.  Raised a couple before this one decided to go for it (shadylady #4).  Hearing great stories from the Dungarvon, unconfirmed reports of the best fishing ever for that river !

Boys at the cottage struck a few salmon and landed a trout or two.  One of them even tried to join the migration upstream when he in went beyond his waders - a moose started across the river to join them but decided they were acting a little too wild and returned to the other river bank :)

27th June 2010

Fishing fiasco on the Miramichi, a true story:

 So after 2 hours of fishing, 2 strikes and 1 raise I'm begining to think there is something wrong with my Taylor Special #4, I drop down into slower water with every intention of changing the fly after that "one more cast" - a  large salmon grabs the fly, does a complete loop around the boat as I wait to get some distance between the fish and boat before starting the motor and heading for shore.  Finally the salmon wanders off and I pull on the anchor rope which breaks nicely leaving me setting on the boat floor hold a peice of rope in one hand and a salmon in the other.  Now I have to make my way to the front of the boat and try to pull up the anchor which is wedged behind a rock on the river bottom, I end up feeding the rest of that cord out the pully as I'm using the famous "Miramichi invented pully and catch system."  Still with the salmon on and that done I return the stern to start the motor, of course the choke had got knocked on and the motor floods, with the salmon still on I mange to get the motor started and head for shore running over the leader, the fish has given up on me by now and left, enroute to shore to gather myself I run out of gas.  I didn't want the salmon anyway but sure didn't need the entertainment that went with it.  The rest of the day will be simple chores on dry land.

Oh I should add that I went back out and the water pump stopped working - not a day to buy a lotto ticket.

(1) grilse landed (1) salmon lost - lots of hits but - water is up and dirter than yesterday.

26th June 2011

Nice day for fishing, overcast but the water is up from yesterday's rain and still dark.  Neighbour(s) landed a grilse and salmon. I raised (2) salmon and struck (1) to no avail , guess it's fish soup for supper.

(silkworm moth) cottage wildlife

26th June 2011

No East wind, but rain. (1) grilse landed (1) grilse lost in the morning (Taylor Special #4). A few canoes on the river - I guess once you have committed you take what comes :)

24th June 2011

Water is holding good but very dark, East wind, the scorn of fishermen and we had it from dawn to dusk.  JR did land a nice 32 1/2" salmon this morning, took him for a walk, a jog, then he eventually had to jump into a motor boat to catch up with it.  (Taylor Special #4) .

Another 33" salmon taken in the evening. Only saw a couple of fish other than that one, all salmon.  Right now it appears to be about 40/60 grilse/salmon.

We had an unfortunate boating incident upriver yesterday, the search boats are still combing the river for a missing fisherman.

The last two days  from our cancellation  July (27-28)   are now taken, we had three calls on them.

23'd June 2011

Another rough day on the Miramichi, water continues to drop but still a bit high and dark. Seeing fish. By 2:30 pm we had two grilse landed and a salmon lost (Taylor Special #6).   They like that green in this dark water.  Hearing great reports from Dungarvon Counting Station for this time of year.

22nd June 2011

Miramichi has dropped and is now back at a fishable level.  Reports of fishing in Blackville area, and fish holding in the Bay.  Observed fish movement close to shore in the afternoon and reports of  2 large salmon being taken upriver in the evening.

If you are headed out don't forget the fly dope, blackfiles and mosquitos are bad at the moment.

19th June 2011

Wild day, periods rain, thunder, wind and more rain.  Weatherman calling for clearing periods to mid week then more rain Thursday, Friday, Saturday.  Water high and dirty, however Lika did hook into a salmon along the shore using a 3/4 size Golden Eagle and we have seen fish showing both along the shore and in the centre of the river. 

JR that check on your canoe, it's fine for the moment, if we get more water will move it to higher ground.

Click to enlarge, upper right our shore chairs under water

18th June 2011

Water up again over night and remains dark.  We are seeing more and more salmon, by noon saw (5) broaching or jumping and a grilse taken.  Reports from up river of one salmon taken this morning.  In this water they are all over the river.  Also reports of decent size trout, which we have also seen jumping. 

Afternoon has seen constant rain with the river is rising steadly, dirty with lots of tree limbs etc. I would hazard that we are going to need some sunshine and a bit of a rain break before the river is back to decent a fishable condition..

River is starting to come alive again :)

July 29th & 30th are now taken which leaves only July 26,  27 & 28th available. 

Just a reminder we are struggling to prepare the cottage for incoming clients, that's why check in time is 3 pm and check out 11 am.  On occassion if no one is leaving or coming in that day we can flex a bit one way or the other so do check with us.

17th June 2011

A bit of an update for those watching the river.  In the middle of a thunderstorm as I write.

We are coming, hopefully toward the end of that "in between period" have picked up a few trout and are seeing the very occassional grilse.  A check up river,  they are getting the odd decent trout - sports coming into the upriver camps this weekend.

Water is a good  height, a little too dark at the moment, but all is in place for good salmon movement and we will be putting people on the river starting tomorrow.  I should mention that our cleints last weekend did pick up a few trout, one lady her fist ever fish, you could hear her from Boiestown.

July 23'd to 26th are now rebooked with  some days in July pending confirmation.

For those interested in Shale Gas Exploration in our area.  Speaking with their NB CEO and there is seismic testing now underway in the Holtville area.  My concern was drilling close to a water ways, feeding into the Miramichi as SWN has leased the rights basically from Plaster Rock Hwy South and that would include, Dungarvon, Taxis, Miarmichi, Cains, Renous and the whole Clearwater/Cains water shed pluys some major books.  He advised me if/when they drill any wells it will not be close to any rivers.  I don't have an answer on close yet.  The current testing in this area may be to identify the  fringe of the gas field. From the maps I have seen most interest for Central NB will be in the Chipman Area - scary stuff this.  Government sent representatives to a recent Taymouth meeting on the subject, the second such meeting, Natural Rsources Minister never showed but SWN CEO attended and the show is obviously on the road but from the response to questions the government reps have a lot of catching up to do. The government is hanging their hat on EIA Regulations and enforcement of same. To me that brings back things like Fish & Wildlife Regulations and reduction of enforcement officers,  mapping of wetlands and ministerial reversal, shifting of oversight from health inspectors to certified septic system installers, identification of wetlands by land surveryors, an so forth - I'm only asking that people become informed on the issue, we no longer have an opposition in House to pose those serious questions and make them public, it was the opposition that opened pandoras box.  I don't care if they drill as long as they don't destroy rural NB and head back to the USA.

We have emailed Miramichi Salmon Assoc and asked their position on Shale Gas Drilling and been advised that at this point they don't have a position.

14th June 2011

Cool windy day with water up.

Due to a cancellation, July 23'd - 31st 2011 inclusive are now available.  Unfortunately we had 2 calls today alone for July and had to tell the callers we were booked, cell phones show as PNB so we are unable to get back to callers.

10th June 2011

Fishing has pretty well tapered off in this area.  The overnight thunderstorm dumped a lot of water and Miramichi is currently high and dirty.  Sea trout run was much shorter this year than the past two years but the Rocy Brook Salmon Run appeared stronger with lots of fish showing.  They had an almost translucent purple sheen to them.  The upriver major fishing camps are calling in their guides and preparing for the late June,July brights.

7th June 2011

Beautiful day, even could call it hot.

As of 4PM there has been (4) salmon hooked and (1) grilse taken. green/white bomber, green machine.

No trout taken.

6th June 2011

32 1/2" approx 13 1/2 lb

Nice day with a little East wind to make casting a bit more difficult.  Water continues to drop and is getting very fishable.

So far todays count  for this area is (10) sea trout taken a number of good size ones lost, the largest 16", (3) salmon hooked, landed  32 1/2 inches on a white/green bomber (Lika).

East wind just never dropped til dark, saw 5 or 6 salmon jumping in the evening, so lots of salmon moving.

5th June 2011

Sunny day with that good old East wind. Water is dropping quickly.

Tom and his buddies left this morning, touched some trout but nothing to take home.  I got a lesson in how to fillet a fish I will never forget, those Newfoundlanders used to processing cod can make that fillet knife fly.  I felt like going out and getting another fish just to watch them at work.

Seeing good size trout on surface but hard to get them to take, took (4) on an Orange Allie's Shrimp sinking line.

Canoes, 1st weekend of June and the river was full of canoes, presume a lot from the Graduating Class but we saw lots coming from Fredericton.  Brian sorry missed you and Beth, so many had gone by I stopped looking at them.

FREE - GASLAND -  ignite your interest, become informed.  A documentary look at the HYDRO FRACKING INDUSTRY and the negative impact it may have on our beautiful Miramichi Valley.
                                          Upper Miramichi Rural Community Office (BOIESTOWN)
                                          Tuesday June 7th at (7 PM)
                                          Admission FREE

                                          Salmon Museum (DOAKTOWN)
                                          Wednesday June 8th at (7PM)
                                           Admission FREE

4th June 2011



18.5 inches on Blue Smelt Streamer


Water dark and cold, fish are not taking well off top so you have to go down for them.

Boys have hooked into a few trout, salmon taken bottom of pool and reports of more in Holtville area.  Norrads Bridge area large trout on spring streamers.

2nd June 2011

Water remains very dark but dropping.  Sea trout are not taking well, but more like one here, one there, often going for the salmon parr you have just hooked.   Reports of bright salmon being taken this morning, Norrads Bridge and we have seen a few this area.

Sheldon picked up a nice 18" trout, Jason a 13" one, wind picked up and never dropped until dark, with the wind and temperature drop, evening fishing was a washout.

31st May 2011

OK here we go: 

I now have reports of Sea Run Trout being taken in Holtville and this area as of yesterday evening.  We are also seeing the first Bright Salmon run (Rocky Brook Run), large salmon moving through, so it's time to get out there.

Catch you later - GONE FISHING -

The water is up and very dark. Most trout are showing in the shallow water.

Happy to report back a successful venture, largest was little over 18", most ran 12-13 inches and they are all continuing their run up river.  Taking like typical trout, off/on. Tons of food on the surface so it's a challange. Fishing a small (#12 or #14) black dry fly. When using a dry fly in slower water, just hit the water a little upriver or directly on top of their rise and they will grab it, they will not take down river or on a swing, so touch the water like a fly dropping it's eggs, and lift the dry fly right away to touch another spot, sometimes a dead down river drift will work. works with these guys.  Didn't see any salmon this evening.

29th May 2011

Dull overcast day and water is up.

Stephen was in looking for sea trout, nothing showing yet. We do hear that they are taking some in the Dungarvon so we should see them any day now.

 A lot of winter trout around, feeding on hatch, not taking well but every now and again one would hit on a dry black Mayfly.  He did finish up his stay with some very nice trout.

Lets hope for some decent weatrher and a drop in the water level.

26th May 2011

Beautiful day - we need more like this and some fishing to go with it.


My Rant for the day:
See that South West Gas/Oil have now arrived in the area, lots of trucks and equipment even requests to drill on private property.  They conducted tests along the Cains River last year and are back for more.  I understand that they will be conducting seismic testing using a special vehicle and explosives where they can't access with their vehicle.  Had an opportunity to speak with a crew member who worked in this field out West, he informed me that part of his job was to pacify people who had wells damaged from explosive seismic testing.  He advised that they experienced a lot of damage and in some cases impacted on wells over a 1/4 mile from the test site.  Another worker recently returned from Alberta stated that once the wells were in, basically everyone left, except for a skeleton crew who drove water trucks and monitored a computer - very few jobs are created.

Miramichi Salmon Assoc.  have yet to announce their position.  It's unfortunate that prime drilling areas appear to be in watersheds and in the vicinity of rivers and populated areas.  Please become informed on the subject and voice any concerns you may have.  Take a look at this site http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/02/27/us/fracking.html
                               
I recall the good old "bud worm spraying days" when  some of the cowboy pilots used to dump their load of DDT rather than spend time using the spray bars.  Two Rangers were soaked with DDT in one such occurrence in the Dungarvon area.  I recall a letter to the Editor complaining about pilots not cutting their spray off when crossing a river, only to witness the following day, a plane fly directly up the river with spray bars wide open. If the Oil Companies intend to truck waste (hydraulic fracking fluid) from drill site to Nova Scotia and you consider the cost of trucking, the cost of processing the waste fluid, think of the temptation to just dump it in one of our wooded areas!

25th May 2011

The first decent day we have had for awhile and rain forcast for the next few days.  Spent half an hour on the water this evening, picked up a 14" winter trout, he goes back to grow, raised a couple more but nothing exciting at the moment.  Water is a good level for canoeing, could stand to drop a bit for  good trout fishing, when they do arrive.

The river is alive with water birds,  eagles chasing  ducks, crows chasing eagles, ducks and Canada geese chasing each other. Even see some geese with young.   Hummingbirds are back in full force.  

21st May 2011

Not much to report, the weatherman has not given us much of a break, we did have a few sunny days that started things in the right direction, today cool and windy with threats of frost overnight and rain called for into next week.  At the moment the water is decent level, just a bit too high for good trout fishing, great for canoeing, as long as you stay in the boat. The sea run trout are not in yet although we are picking up some 13-14 inch winter trout.  Fiddleheads are just starting but being snatched as soon as they pop up, lots of fiddleheaders around this year.

We need sunshine :)

17th May 2011

Thank you God

We discovered - through the grapevine, that shale-gas test drilling is taking place in close vicinity.  With all the pristine watersheds that could be adversely impacted and the sheer lack of public information that has been provided, we felt compelled to voice oiur opinion.

Attached is a letter to MLA, Local Councillor and Media.
PS: This is a cut and paste so I don't know how the font will turn out.


Dear Sir:
It appears that shale gas exploration in the beautiful Miramichi Valley is moving forward without public information forums in our community. (see image map DNR – oil and gas in NB - Natural Resources website). An information session held recently in Doaktown was so low key that only after the fact, did residents become aware of the meeting. This Government should be more forth-coming with information on shale gas exploration in New Brunswick.

As a retired citizen of NB and resident of this beautiful valley, I would like assurances from government (provincial and municipal) that our water will remain safe and that our environment and in particular our river(s) will be protected.

Government must recognize the importance of the environment when considering shale gas operations in New Brunswick. All the people of NB have a right to be informed before the oil & gas companies are given permission to drill test sites throughout our valley/province. The following concerns must be addressed before we move headlong into a process that will affect the lives of everyone in this province, for decades to come.
-effects on surface water and drinking water,
-impacts on our land, such as potential soil and river contamination,
-waste management including no surface ponds or underground retention of contaminated water,
-management of the additives used in hydraulic fracturing fluids,
-site restoration,
-security for homes/businesses adversely affected by this mining.
Wendy Clowater
Porter Cove, NB

16th May 2011

This in response to a query re: "sea run trout."

Water is at a decent level, could be a bit lower. We have had some folks fishing along the shore line for past couple of days, they have picked up some "winter trout" no fresh "sea run" yet although they report seeing larger fish moving and the swallows are feeding off hatch on the water in the evening. They may also be seeing some remaining "black salmon" there are still a few around. It's that "in-between period" although I would expect some of that initial run of larger "sea run trout" to be sneaking through, bottom feeding.

The humming birds are coming back and my neighbour has reported his annual arrival (May 14th) of whip-pour-wills, lots of colourful birds including fly catchers.

Several "moose" on the loose in the area, one looks like he's got 18 inch wheels, that big.

7th May 2011

Just an update for you folks coming in. The water dropped at least 12 inchs overnight, if it continues as is for a few days it should be down to a decent fishing level, notwithstanding more rain.

6th May 2011

Gary Tanner presided over the April 30th MSA Dinner in the capacity of auctioneer, raising an impressive amount of $. Gary was the executive director of the American Museum of Fly Fishing for some 7 years and has made me aware of his website where you will find a number of current fly patterns.

Check LINKS below: www.theriverscourse.blogspot.com

5th May 2011

Heavy rains throughout the night and this morning will bring the Miramichi back to highwater level. We need some sun,warm weather and lower water to reach that "sea run trout mode."

6pm confirmed river is now as high as it has been this year and still coming up - that's the end of fishing for awhile.

4th May 2011

Miramichi River continues to drop, unfortunately the weatherman is calling for rain through the coming weekend.

Black Salmon in decent numbers are still being taken close to the shoreline.

1st May 2011

Cottage is offically open and we received two more booking today.

Miramichi Salmon Assoc. Ice Breaker dinner yesterday evening, well attended, lively auction, obviously lots of $ around. Informed prediction is that we sould be experiencing a very good grilse run this summer.

Currently the water level is high although is dropping daily and I have been advised that they are still picking up the odd black salmon along the shoreline and backwaters.

Couple of queries relating to "sea run trout" it's a bit early and water is too high at the moment.

26th April 2011

Turned out to be a nice day. The water is slowly rising.

Not many boats on the river. I did go out and give it a short try, picked up a grilse and had a number of trout strikes.

The cottage season officially begins May 1st. There are still May dates available, check our calendar out. Lots of wildlife around, moose in the driveway, deer in the yard, eagles along the shore.

25th April 2011

A beautiful day on the River. We had boats drifting down river with their motors lifted and the occupants stretched out soaking up the sunshine. Ah life's good on the Miramichi.

On the fishing side we had two boats in the pool. They hooked into (4) fish in about an hour, other than that it was rather slow. The weatherman calling for about 30mm of rain in the next day or so, that should just about finish spring fishing for this area other than the last of the big salmon who will slowly work down over the next week or so.

We had better start planning for the first of the sea-run trout. These will be the big guys that always seem to get by us, the 5lb +/- that we hear about and get to see an occassional photo or two.

This run will be followed by the smaller sea-run trout which may be bottom or surface feeding depending on the water/air conditions. If it's cool they too will be bottom feeding, if the weather warms up and there is lots of hatch then the dry fly's and bombers will be on the menu.

24th April 2011

Happy Easter

Morning started out nice but the weather digressed into a strong cool East wind again. Had a couple of boats out for about an hour each, one took (3) salmon, the second tied into (3) but never landed, a few strong hits, again the fish are center of river striking short.

The Black Salmon Run in this area is starting to peter out as the migration moves down-stream, to be followed by those ardent fishermen.

The weather is supposed to take a wet turn, this will see a rise in the water and dirty it up a bit which will make fishing even harder.

Reports of some illegal hardware and spinning rods being used Friday behind the McCarty Flat mill at the foot of McCarty Island - we can never seem to get rid of the poaching mentality. Please report this activity to the Fisheries Officers or Rangers when you see it occurring.

23'd April 2011

Morning was decent but around noon the weather took a turn and we have had constant strong West winds and the temperature started dropping.  The only boats on the water were some hardy guides pushing sports around. They did take the odd fish but the guides should get awards for staying out there.

It would take a lot of incentive before I'd sit out there all day in miserable weather.

PS: We had a "White-winged Crossbill" at he feeder this am, first one I have seen in this area for some time.

22nd April 2011


 

Good afternoon on the water

Human's "blue smelts" and "sinking lines" they think they know it all.

This party tied into 6 or 7 including a big salmon, late afternoon using "blue smelt" fishing centre of the river with the dog's (Sidney)  keen sense of smell.









22nd April 2011

One of the nicest days on the water since the season opened, at least the morning part has been, a East wind started coming up around noon. 

The water is nice and clear and our boat hooked into 6 grilse in a little over 30 minutes.  Most of the fish appear to be centre-river or in the deep holes at the moment although I did take one off the shore yesterday evening.  Saw a few fish being taken by other boats in the pool.

The afternoon was a bit slower, wind came up so cut the fishing short, picked up one grilse had a number of short strikes.  Maybe time to cut back (shorten) on that fly hair. Like this morning other boats on the water have picked up a few.

We had a query re the early salmon run or what is locally referred to as the Rocky Brook Run for this area.  I don't recall 2010 date but it was June 16th. (2007),  June 1st (2008), June 2nd (2009).

The main bright salmon run for past 4 years, June 18th (2010), June 27th (2009), June 19th (2008), June 21st (2007).

Sea run trout, May 8th (2010), May 18th (2009), May 2nd (2008) May 31st (2007).

21st April 2011

She's not a day to be on the river, snow, rain with a strong afternoon East wind.  Talking with a guide in Doaktown who says that they have had several day's of decent fishing although the weather has been a bit of a hinderance.  We have had boats in the pool all day but I haven't paid much attention as to their success or not.  There's bound to be fish still around, it's a matter of comfort when it comes to going after them :)

20th April 2011

I've had a few complaints about not being up-to-date, sorry for the delays will try to do better when there is anything to report.  The odd fish being picked up today but only those die-hard fishermen or "sports" are on the water. Cool turned to snow in the afternoon.

We have a bit of a dispute going on who got the largest fish?



Larger?






Larger ?