Friday is May 1 and that's means anglers fishing in the Miramichi area are allowed to catch and keep trout from brooks, streams and rivers.  However, the lakes and ponds remain closed until May 15.

Keith Pond of Pond's Resort in Porter Cove Road fishing was still good.  Monday had been off a bit due to high and dirty water, but since then they have done well, especially fishing the back bogans. Over all it was a good week with lots of fish around.  There was a good mix of grilse and salmon, but nothing extraordinary in size, with the salmon in the 10-12 pound range.  The water was still a little cloudy, so bright flies were the ones being used.

Flies of choice were the Mickey Finn, Green Highlander, Golden Eagle, Smelt and Renous Special.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said conditions and angling were better than last week when the water was very high.  The water was staying up and was still high and dirty on Wednesday, but was starting to clear and was fishable.  They felt angling should be good this weekend if we do not get too much rain on Saturday.  Most anglers were catching grilse, with only a few salmon reported. 

Flies of choice were the Black Ghost, Renous Special and Mickey Finn.

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said they had a few slow days with the high water, but things were back on track and they were catching fish.  There was a good mix of salmon and grilse, with the average catch around eight a day. The largest was 38 inches. 

Flies of choice were Maribous in a variety of colours.

Herb Barry Sr. of Herb's Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said anglers were getting fish and over all it was not bad fishing.  There was a good mix of grilse and salmon, but no monsters to report.  The water was in good shape and clear.  Most of the fishing was being done from boats.

Flies of choice were the Renous Special, Black Ghost, Gray Ghost, with the most successful being the G.T. Special which has a lot of yellow to it.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said the water was raising on Wednesday from the higher temperatures and snow-melt on Tuesday, but anglers were still having some success, although not as much as last week.  The fish being caught were reported to be very healthy looking.  The largest reported there was 40 inches.

Norma Brennan, who works at the Curtis shop, has a special project on the go this year.  She is keeping a journal which she is calling "Catch of The Day", and she would appreciate anglers dropping in to record their catches with her.

Flies of choice were the Blue Smelt, Renous Special, Christmas Tree, Miramichi Special and Golden Eagle.

George Routledge of George's Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville did not have a report except for high water. Unfortunately, George's wife had a serious fall and is recovering in the Miramichi Hospital, so on behalf of the fishing community, we wish her a speedy recovery.

Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported a lot of high water with a lot of debris, but nevertheless, angling was still fairly good.  Most anglers were using boats as the water was too high for shore-fishing.  He felt that the cooler nights should provide good fishing for the weekend.

Flies of choice were the Renous Special, Mickey Finn, Golden Eagle and Black Ghost.

Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said they had a few slow days with high water, but then good days as it dropped off some.  One angler was into his shop early as he had limited out.  The water was still up a bit, but he expected good fishing for the weekend.  Anglers were also catching some two-three pound trout and releasing them as the season does not open until Friday.

Syd said that "Old Ugly Stick", Bob Chapman should be sparkling clean after his cool spring ice-cube dip.  Syd also noted that Chapman has retired the "Old Ugly Stick" (one of the stories in my book Miramichi Fishing Stories: All True of Course) to his shop, so anyone dropping in can inquire and get a good story.

Flies of choice were the Mickey Finn, Golden Eagle, Renous Special and Black Ghost.

Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said they were having good fishing. Since the start of the season, her sports have landed and released 222 grilse, 31 salmon (a couple in the 40-inch range) and nine trout.  Tuesday of this week had been terrific, but the water came up Wednesday and angling slowed.  Team US of Larry Powers and Bryan Wierill won the Bob Blackmore Memorial Cup downing Team Canada and Team UK.  Norton reported smelts in the Northwest and in the Little Southwest up to Oxbow.          

Fly of choice was the Pink Panties.

Please check the fish 2009 Guide for clarification regarding "restricted Gear Waters".  Page 23 notes "all angling for all species is restricted to a single barbless hook.  During the period from April 15 to May 15, barbless flies must now be used for angling all species (including Atlantic Salmon and brook trout) on the following rivers.  Tributaries are not included. Bartholomew, Bartibog, Big Sevogle, Cains, Dungarvon, Little Southwest, Renous, North Branch Southwest Miramichi, Northwest
Miramichi, South Branch Southwest Miramichi and Tabusintac.

So with the trout season to start and a promising looking weekend for spring salmon, it's time to get out and "on the water".

P.S.  Thanks to the large number of people who have signed up for the column and to those who have graciously agreed to sponsorship, as well as to those who have given feedback.  We can still use more support and more sign-ups, so tell your friends.

Thought for the Week: "Some go to church and think about fishing; Others go fishing and think about God"....Anonymous.

FINAL NOTE:  I received the following note from an angler:

"I was fishing the shore in Quarryville around the bridge and hooked into a very large salmon. I was struggling with this fish as it was large to begin with but also had the sharp current to contend with as well. This fish was heading upriver so I started to turn and all of a sudden I noticed a boat coming full speed about 20 feet from me. He saw me and did not slow at all. All of a sudden the boat hooked my line between me and the hooked fish. My line took off faster than lightning and before I knew it my line, backing and the fish were gone. Not to mention it took my reel off of the rod but I managed to grab it in the water.  My concern is for my safety and also what may have happened to the salmon as I am sure if he was hooked well he went for a ride as well."

Bottom line is boaters should be careful when cruising in areas where there are shore anglers and/or other boats which are anchored.  Be courteous and slow down, or take a wide berth so as to avoid creating waves or catching a line.

By all accounts, spring angling so far has been terrific with many anglers limiting out with 10 a day.

The ice has generally cleared from most of the river, although there is still a lot on the shores, making it difficult to get to the river in many places. However, rain this week combined with higher temperatures and sunny days should help to clear this up. But on the down-side, the rivers will be raising and dirty for a while due to snowmelt. In short, Mother Nature is taking her course on her time.

Keith Pond of Pond’s Resort in Porter Cove Road reported very good fishing last weekend and early this week until the river came up after Tuesday’s rain. They were catching a good mix of salmon and grilse, with a few salmon in the 15-pound range. The fish were described as very healthy and putting up a good fight.

Flies of choice were large streamers such as Mickey Finns, Smelts and Green Highlanders. Anglers had dropped to no. 4 hooks by Monday, but will have to go back to large with the higher water.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said the season had a very good start which continued through the weekend, but was slowing Wednesday with the higher and dirtier water. They had recorded an inch of rain by Wednesday afternoon and expected the water to raise more with the warmer temperatures for this weekend. There were good numbers of fish and a decent mix of salmon and grilse. Anglers were reporting that the fish were in excellent shape and were putting up great fights. One angler had been into his backing about three times. A good number of anglers were limiting out. The higher water should clean the river shores of the ice.

Flies of choice were the Black ghost and Renous Special.

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids .area said fishing was very good last week with many anglers getting their limit. The largest salmon caught was 43 inches. There was a good mix of salmon and grilse, but certainly more grilse. With the rain, Munn said the water had come up, but it had been low. It was not too high for fishing, but was very dirty on Wednesday.

Flies of choice were Maribous, Black Ghosts and Renous Specials

Herb Barry Sr. of Herb’s Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said angling was “terrific, the best I’ve seen”. Most anglers were catching their limit. One group of three had 90 fish in three days between them. There were a couple of 42 inchers reported and generally the fish were putting up a very good fight, and were even jumping on some runs. There were also reports of some good-sized trout in the two pound range. However, things slowed Wednesday as the water became higher and dirty. Shore ice was starting to float off into the river.

Flies of choice were the Maribous and Christmas Trees, along with a new streamer called the B. T. Special. This new fly is predominately yellow and silver, and is tied a bit like a Muddler, but doesn’t have the rounded head. Instead it has deer hair sticking straight up.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said fishing was phenomenal, but had slowed on Wednesday with the high and dirty water. There was still a lot of shore ice around and as of late Wednesday, the water was on the rise and dirty. Norma Brennan, who works at the Curtis shop, has a special project on the go this year. She is keeping a journal which she is calling “Catch of The Day”, and she would appreciate anglers dropping in to record their catches with her.

Flies of choice were hard to pick as the fish were taking almost anything, but anglers were still using the old standbys such as Black Ghost, Renous Special and Christmas Tree.

George Routledge of George’s Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville said the river had been full of fish until the high water started on Wednesday. He also reported a good number of trout being hooked and released. One angler had one break his rod. He estimated the trout at 4 ½ pounds. There was a good mix of salmon and grilse. Two anglers had 17 between them and another four had 27. There were a lot catching their limit. With the high water, Routledge said he was unsure what it would bring for the shore anglers this weekend. There had been a small three-foot path between the ice on shore and the river, but that was gone with the raise in water, making it treacherous at best to get in front of the ice and have it come down behind you. He also cautioned boaters to look for sporadic small rafts of ice coming from brooks and the shores up river. So it is to be a heads-up situation this weekend.

Flies of choice were the Golden Eagle, Mickey Finn and Renous Special.

Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported lots of fish being caught until Wednesday when the water came up. Anglers were certainly averaging a half dozen or more a day. He felt the high water and warmer temperatures this weekend should clear the shores a bit.

Flies of choice were the Renous Special and Golden Eagle.

Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said angling there had been very good. Four boats had taken 40 fish with only one being a salmon. The water had risen Wednesday and he felt there could be a couple of quiet days before it picked up again.

Flies of choice were the Mickey Finn, Black Ghost and Golden Eagle.

Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said The ice was still in at the mouth of the Little Southwest on Wednesday evening, but the Northwest side at Sunny Corner was open. Angling had been good until Wednesday with two New Hampshire anglers limiting out. Five-year-old Cody Lee caught and landed his first ever salmon, and added two grilse on Monday.

Flies of choice were Maribous, Golden Eagles and Renous Specials.

So, although the weather is predicted to be wonderful this weekend, it could play havoc with the fishing, making the rivers high and dirty with a lot of shore ice and trees coming down. Extreme caution is advised as angler get out and “on the water”.

P.S. Thanks to the large number of people who have signed up for the column and to those who have graciously agreed to sponsorship, as well as to those who have given feedback. We can still use more support and more sign-ups, more of your stories and photos, so tell your friends.

Thought for the Week: Eugene Field (1850-1895)
“I never lost a little fish – yes, I am free to say It always was the biggest fish I caught that got away.”

Cheers,
Doug

Opening Day has come and gone, and surprisingly, there were a few anglers who actually did brave the elements and ice conditions, and did land some fish.  However, the safety factor is still a concern, as are ice conditions in some parts of the system.  Generally speaking, it will be late in the weekend, or more likely early next week, before we see considerable improvement.

Keith Pond of Pond’s Resort in Porter Cove Road said the ice had gone in his section of the river and that the water was actually low, so low in fact that it would be hard to run a boat with some sandbars showing.  The water was also dirty, so he was looking to warmer weather and more snow-melt to bring up the water level.

Flies of choice were the Smelt and Golden Eagle, but on smaller hooks than normal spring streamers.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said that a few anglers in boats had made it onto the river Wednesday morning, but ice runs by noon had pretty much kept them off the water for the rest of the day.  As a result of the ice movement, the water had dropped, and there were more ice jams yet to make their way down river.  There was the odd fish caught, but nothing spectacular.  Doak is open six days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Friday when they close at 9 p.m.  They are always closed on Sundays.

Flies of choice were the Renous River Special, Golden Eagle, Black Ghost, Mickey Finn and Blue Smelt.

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said it was hard to get out, but a few boats had made it Wednesday morning.  However, mid day ice runs brought them off the water.  He said the water is low and that we needed some warm days to create more run-off which would raise the levels and clear the ice.

Flies of choice were different colours of Maribous, the Black Ghost and Renous Special.

Herb Barry Sr. of Herb’s Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said the ice was out in the Blackville area.  He’d heard that it was clear from the Quarryville Bridge up river to above the Mouth of the Cains, with a jam reported where Luther Peterson lives.  He could hear motor boats in the river Wednesday, but said the majority of sports were not coming until the weekend at the earliest.

Flies of choice were the Christmas Tree and Renous Special.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said the river there was free of ice on Wednesday and clear to Quarryville down river.  However, there was still a lot of ice to come down yet, so caution is to be observed.  Some boats did get out from the boat launch in Blackville.  Rodney Colford’s sports had decent angling at the Mouth of the Cains. They noted that most people were saying that it would be Saturday before conditions showed a marked improvement.  Norma Brennan, who works at the Curtis shop, has a special project on the go this year.  She is keeping a journal which she is calling “Catch of The Day”, and she would appreciate anglers dropping in to record their catches with her.

Flies of choice were Green Maribous, the Christmas Tree and Blue Smelt.

George Routledge of George’s Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville said the ice moved from the Main Southwest after dinner Wednesday and was clear to above Blackville.  However, the Mouth of the Renous was still iced in.  He had heard that there was an ice jam a mile long in the Blissville area, and that it would be coming down river.  As such, he cautioned putting a boat in the water before next week.  He said there was still a lot of ice on the shores at Quarryville which was making it even dangerous to fish from shore.

Flies of choice were the Black Ghost, Blue Smelt, Renous Special and Mickey Finn.

Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported that there was still a lot of ice in the City of Miramichi area that was only moving in and out with the tides.  It might be next week before conditions permitted anglers to really take to the water, but anglers were hoping.

Flies of choice were the Renous Special, Miramichi Smelt, Golden Eagle and Mickey Finn.

Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said that the Northwest was pretty much cleared of ice around the loop from Miners Bridge to Wayerton.  The huge ice jam at Wayerton had moved from above the Bridge to below it, jamming around the Trout Brook area, so angling might be on hold until next week.  There was also a jam at Big Hole, and solid ice from there to Sunny Corner.  Generally, the water was low due to slow run-off from the colder weather.  There is still lots of snow, but it is melting slowly.

Flies of choice were the Mickey Finn, Black ghost and Golden Eagle.

Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said the Little Southwest was still iced in on Wednesday, but she was hoping for some clearance by the end of the weekend.  She had heard of jams at Big Hole on the Northwest and at Otter Brook on the Little Southwest.  She advised anyone going out by boat or even fishing from shore to wear a life jacket.

Norton also mention several projects which are on tap in the near future.  The Northumberland Salmon Protection Association and the Miramichi Salmon Association in conjunction with the Atlantic Salmon Federation will be doing kelt-tracking again this year.  Spring salmon going out will be fitted with transmitters and will be tracked as they make their way by Newfoundland.  These transmitters will be placed on a number of captured fish in the Quarryville and Red Bank areas.  As such, committee members and workers will be asking anglers with fish on to allow them to capture the fish before being released so they can be fitted for tracking.  There will also be some extensive tracking done in the Cabot Straight as well this year.  Soon, smolt wheels will be installed to count the number of smolt leaving the river.

A third project involves the danger of small mouth bass escaping from Miramichi Lake into the whole Miramichi system.  Norton said that the permits are already in place for the field work to be started to prevent this from happening.

Flies of choice were Maribous, Golden Eagles, Black Ghosts and Renous Specials.

So exercise extreme caution if venturing to the rivers in the next few days as you get out and “on the water”.

P.S.  Thanks to the large number of people who have signed up for the column and to those who have graciously agreed to sponsorship, as well as to those who have given feedback.  We can still use more support and more sign-ups, so tell your friends.

Thought for the Week: American writer Henry David Thoreau wrote: “A man has to believe in something.  I believe I’ll go fishing.”

There was some confusion this past weekend as whether to wish our friends a “Merry Christmas” or a “Happy Easter”.

Whereas Wednesday is officially opening day, and my regular report comes out on Thursday, I felt it would be helpful to give an update on river conditions.

Generally, the best advice is to stay away from the river on Wednesday. Conditions are unsafe at best. I have done some calling around and here are the results.

The ice was still in at Quarryville late Monday, and George Routledge did not feel there would be any angling opening day. There were still ice jams in the Rapids area and very high water. Some camps were touch (and hopefully not) GO. One did lose a deck and there were reports of another being pushed from its foundation, but still there.

The ice in Renous had moved from the Pineville Bridge which had been closed last Thursday evening until the ice had moved. There is open water, but getting to it just might be a tad difficult. Perhaps a helicopter with pontoons would be the only way.

The upper stretches of the Northwest around Miners Bridge had run, but there was 10 feet of ice on either shore according to Syd Matchett. Syd also said that there was a big ice jam above the Wayerton Bridge and below it, as well as at Big Hole. The river from there down was pretty much still iced in to Sunny Corner. The Little Southwest was also still in the grips of winter.

There were moving jams of ice in the Blackville area and lots of ice on shore, with still more to come from up river according to Herb Barry Sr. He had also heard that there was still a considerable amount of ice around the Doaktown area.

Even in the City of Miramichi itself, the ice was solid, with the exception of a few open spots near the mouths of brooks.

So even though we have the urge, patience is the better road for a while. There are few if any, spots for a boat, and few if any to get them out if ice comes down behind you, so the best advice is to leave them on the trailers ready to go.

Shore wading in these high and frigid waters conditions is dangerous at best, and climbing over shore ice is asking for trouble. The bottom line is maybe a few more days of dreaming of making that first cast.

I’ll also do my regular Thursday column this week and hope to have a better update from all parts of the river. In the meantime, why not head out early and buy your angling license when there is no rush?

Till Thursday ……“Patient Lines”…

Cheers,
Doug

By Doug Underhill

MIRAMICHI – Welcome to another angling season.  As you are well aware, I have moved from the newspapers to this format, and I heartily appreciate all who have signed up to receive the report each week, and the support you have given me in this endeavour.

That long awaited April 15 is fast approaching.  After a successful Dieppe Fly-Tying Forum, the angling juices are revving up, and anglers have the fever for opening day.  After a long hard winter, it’s time to get ready. 

I took a drive to the Quarryville/Renous area on Wednesday, and conditions look like they could be decent for opening day as far as the ice goes.  Although still iced in at Quarryville on both the Main Southwest and Renous, the ice had moved below Blackville and there was very high water and ice jams above and below the Pineville Bridge on the Renous.  The water was flowing over the road below George Routledge’s Fly Shop, so something has to give soon.

There were open spots on the north side above and below the Quarryville Bridge.  I have included some photos to give a visual idea of the conditions.  The Northwest was still solid from the Anderson Bridge up river, but this river and the Little Southwest usually will run long before this section moves.  The Main River in the City of Miramichi area was still solid, but looking weak, with some open water at French Fort Cove.  The present conditions could create flooding where the jams are, and the water is high, so a better report will be upcoming.  In the meantime, one still has to make preparations for that first day out when ever it comes, so a few reminders.

First, buy a license.  You don’t need to be getting ready the night before and suddenly realize "I don't have my license".  Next, be sure to have at least one tag in your possession.  Most anglers do not keep black salmon and therefore do not think they need to have a tag, but the law says that anglers must have a tag if angling for salmon.

With some time before opening day, it’s nice to get into the mood with a hands-on look at equipment. George Routledge of George's Fly Shop in Renous had the following suggestions.  First check the reel.  Most probably have forgotten to look after it last fall when angling was over.  Routledge suggested giving it a good cleaning and dusting, along with a coat of light oil.  He prefers light heat resistant oil like 3-in1, Singer sewing machine oil or a gun-oil rather than grease, as grease tends to harden. This oiling should take place several times throughout the season for best results.

Next the fly line.  For those new to angling for black salmon, a sinking line is recommended, as opposed to the floating line used during summer.  Unlike bright salmon, blacks tend to rest in deeper water as they drop down, choosing slack water, eddies, and deeper holes out of the current.

For shore-fishing, Routledge suggested a fast sinking (no. 5 sink) for early fishing, and later in the season a no. 2 or 3.  Sinking lines will range from $13.00 to $45.00 depending on brand and quality.

Old lines must be checked for cuts and cracks, and cleaned and greased with silicone.  Check where it is tied to the backing to see if all is in good shape.  Lacquer covering the joint must be smooth and uncracked.  Backing should also be checked for rot from oil or fly dope.  Failure could ruin a day on the river if it breaks on the first fish.

Routledge suggests 12 to 15 pound-test leader, averaging three to five feet in length.  He recommends new leader each year, especially if one prefers no. 6 or 8. 

"For the price of a new leader, losing a big fish is not worth it.  Not only the fish, but the story also gets away,” said Routledge.

The rod should be examined, paying attention to the guides.  Make sure they’re tight and the lashing isn’t frayed.  If so, repair them or take them to a tackle shop.  Before putting a rod together, add oil or silicone so sections will come apart easily.  A crude method is to rub the male end along the side of your nose.  This will often be enough.  Check the reel seat to make sure it is functioning and tight.  You do not want it to plop into the water with a fish on.      Waders should be examined for cracks and leaks with some goop applied where necessary. 

Now’s the time to do some re-organizing.  Put streamer flies into one box, hairwings in another, dryflies and bombers in another and maybe, if you’re like me, carrying more flies than I'll ever use, the few most often used in another box.    

Sharpen hooks.  A dull hook may slip and gouge a fish you’re planning to release anyway.  A whetstone or special sharpener will put hooks into top form.  Note: Fly fishing only with barbless hooks is the requirement for the spring salmon season.  Daily catch and release limit is 10.

Check to see if new streamers are needed. Then buy them, or head for the tying bench.  A few nights with a friend, a few stories (never lies, of course!) will certainly set the mood.  Get or tie big streamers in the 5/0 and 3/0 ranges.  Then make sure the streamer box goes back into the vest.

With the excitement of getting back onto the river, we might tend to be over anxious, forgetting the common sense needed for safe angling.  One mistake can be too many given conditions and temperatures this time of year.  Currents are extremely strong as rivers are flooded with spring run-off and ice, and the water is COLD.  A dip means hypothermia in literally minutes.  It may be too late for a second chance.

First, I'll address "shore angling."  Although a lot of shore ice has gone, there is still some around.  Many times spring ice will completely cover the shore after the river opens making it necessary to crawl over it.  This can produce nasty falls.  The ice can also be soft and give way causing twisted knees.

If one slips, he may end up in fast current and be gone, especially with heavy clothes on.  Most shore anglers never think to wear a life jacket.  Even if he manages to grab on to something, equipment may be lost as well.

Even if one does successfully navigate over bank ice, he has to still keep an eye on it.  Melting may collapse the ice sending it sliding into the river behind you.  If you aren’t careful it can trap you knocking you into the water.

Wading this time of year is very dangerous.  Even what was familiar ground becomes strange in spring high current.  One step too many can throw an angler off balance in heavy current, and getting over ice usually means there are no bushes handy enough to grab.

Even if the shore is clear and one knows the ground to be level, he still has to be checking up river for ice which may have slipped into the water.

Of course, one should never venture forth alone.  If anything happens, you are on your own.

Now for boats.  Common sense should prevail.  A stupid move could be deadly in spring water.

The anchor should always be heavy enough to hold in strong current.  A heavy chain link is recommended but attach it by a rope.  Most do this, but some may try a cable or chain.  If the boat is anchored and up-river ice suddenly comes down, there may be no time to pull anchor. 

If ice hits the anchor rope, it will sink the boat and anglers will likely be caught under a floating raft of ice.  Using a rope enables one to cut it in an emergency.  Therefore, have a sharp knife HANDY.

Some boats use two anchors which most consider dangerous.  Make sure the bow is pointing into the current when the anchor(s) is dropped.  A side-ways boat is a sure invitation to flip.

Always follow the recommended number for the boat.  Don’t cram five into a boat built for three. Be careful of having too much weight at the front of the boat when the anchor is dropped.  When it grabs, the front will naturally take a dip.  Too much weight in front may mean anglers taking a dip.

A bailing can on board is a smart idea, not only for when a leak occurs, but when heading up river at a pretty good clip, there’s often a lot of spray that accumulates in the boat.  This will be enough to wet lunches, ruin cameras or other materials placed on the floor.

Every boat must also have at least an oar or paddle in case the motor quits.  A pair of either is even better as one person trying to guide a boat in fast water may lead you in circles.  A set pole to push off shore is also a good idea.

When starting the engine, make sure everyone is ready and seated.  A sudden start can knock a person off balance.  When moving around in the boat, be careful making certain not everyone moves in one direction at the same time. Have life jackets for each person and WEAR THEM.

Even a spare fuel can is not a bad idea.  Sometimes travelling up and down the river you may hit heavier water than expected and use more fuel than anticipated.  Always check and fill the tank before leaving.  It is also wise to have an extra plug and plug wrench along with a few basic tools.

Should the motor fail, a tow rope makes life a lot easier should another angler offer help and to throw to someone overboard.  A whistle and water-proof flash light are required items.

When approaching another boat, take a wide berth and slow down so as not to cause a wake which could rock another boat.  If someone is anchored, don't stop too close.  When angling for spring salmon, many fishermen let out tremendous amounts of line and then reel in.  You don't want your line in someone else's territory.

A neat idea for measuring the length of fish is to have a scale marked along the top sides of the boat.  This way length can be taken quickly and the fish released, or better still the angler can gauge the length with a quick look with the fish still in the water.  Some have a scale marked on the middle seat of the boat where the fish can be laid quickly and released.  This saves time and fumbling for a measuring tape and often prevents a good tape from getting wet or bent.  Remember, no salmon can be kept even in spring.  Anything over 63 cm must go back.

A pocket journal is a good way to record a day's fishing.  It’s always nice to look back and know exactly who caught what.  This can settle friendly arguments, should anyone's imagination go adrift.

Dress warmly in layers and have a rain coat.  You can always take it off, but without enough clothes, it can be a miserable day should a cool wind come up.  A thermos of coffee or tea can be a welcome treat.

So, as we get ready to hit the water for another year, common sense and a few preparations can make for an enjoyable start for time on the water.