This week’s report will have some “bright news”. Some of the big ones have arrived on the Northwest Miramichi and there are spattered reports of sea-trout in the whole system.

Keith Pond of Pond’s Resort in Porter Cove Road said he was catching a few trout, but not sea-trout yet. He had picked up four in the one-pound range on Tuesday. He had not seen or heard of any bright salmon as of Wednesday. The water was down a bit and he felt the rain would certainly help.

Flies of choice were brown Muddlers with silver bodies.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said there were stirring rumours and unconfirmed reports for both sea-trout and bright salmon, but it is getting to the time when one can exp3ect to see them. Anglers could still run boats with care.

Flies of choice were the Muddlers, small Streamers, and White-tailed Green Machines.

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said they were picking up a few sea-trout along with the winter trout, but there was no big run of the fresh fellows yet. Those caught were in the 1 ½ pound range, although there had been a couple reported in the four pound range. There was also a report or two of bright salmon in the Doaktown area.

Flies of choice were Green Machines with white tails, Shady Ladies, Muddlers and some small Maribous in green and black separately.

Herb Barry Sr. of Herb’s Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said there were reports of a couple of bright salmon in the Howards area, a couple in Doaktown and one in Blissville. Anglers were also picking up a mix of black or winter trout and sea-trout in the 2 to 3 pound range. The water was low, but clear and this week’s rain would certainly help keep it at a good level.

Flies of choice were the Humpies, Muddlers, Rat-Faced McDougall’s and a few Killer Whiskers with lime green butts.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said they had heard of a few sea-trout, but no bright salmon being caught. Some of the trout were reported to be in the 4-5 pound range. The water was a good level, but cold.

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 White Maribous, Blue Alvers, Muddlers and L.T. Specials.

George Routledge of George’s Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville had the best news: George is home from the hospital and feeling well. He reported hearing of a couple of good-sized trout in the 5-7 pound range early last week, but lately they have just been getting a few winter trout. He said the gaspereaux fishermen have put their nets in at the Anderson Bridge and the sea-trout usually follow the gaspereaux. He expected to see sea-trout around June 5th to 6th. He had no reports of any bright salmon. The water was a perfect height, but dropping.

Flies of choice were the small Mickey Finns, Copper Killers, Muddlers and Black Ghosts.

Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported hearing of the odd bright salmon on the Northwest, and some trout in the Main Miramichi. The water was a steady level. Trout anglers were catching and releasing a lot of bass as incidental catches.

Flies of choice were the Black Ghosts, Muddlers, White-tailed Green Machines and Yellow-winged Butterflies.

Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said there was at least one confirmed report of a bright salmon caught by Rick Miller. He had also heard of several other unconfirmed reports of bright salmon. There were also some sea-trout reported in the Main Miramichi, but it was still winter trout being caught along the Northwest. Wayne “Blackie” MacDonald did catch a nice trout in the 3-4 pound range. As the story goes, it put up an awful fight, pulling Blackie into the water up to his neck.

Flies of choice were the Black Ghosts, Yellow-winged Butterflies and White-tailed Green Machines.

Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said anglers were picking up a mix of winter and sea-trout, but no great numbers of either. There was the odd report of a few bright salmon on the Northwest. The Little Southwest Miramichi was still recording good numbers of smolt making their way out to sea.

Flies of choice were small Maribous

So as the week goes on, there should be more bright salmon and sea-trout arriving into the system. Traditionally, trout follow the gaspereaux up the river about four to five days behind them, so 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. Send along your stories and photos.

Be sure to drop into Eskape Anglers in Riverview for all of your fishing needs, and pick up a few Carter’s Bugs, and a few good stories from Bryant Freeman.

As well when in Miramichi, pick up that supply of groceries for the fishing trip at Deals 4 U on Petrie St, and don’t forget to add a few nice Cubans from their humidor to relax and /or celebrate the catch of the day. Both of these businesses support us, so let’s support them.

Thought for the Week: “Fly-fishing is to fishing as ballet is to walking.”-Howell Raines

LOST ROD: Ted Votour misplaced his fly rod last fall near Wayerton Bridge on the Northwest Miramichi as the fishing season ended. If anyone has found a rod please call him or me for its return.

Last week and probably some of this coming week are know as the “in-between time” on the rivers. This is when the spring salmon season is more or less over, but the bright sea trout and salmon have not arrived yet. But this also could be the week we start to hear of both fresh trout and salmon starting to arrive. Traditionally, the Northwest is the first river to see the big brights, unless one is lucky enough to catch one of the “Football-Shaped” Rocky Brook run on the Main Southwest. There are also some fiddleheads popping up, especially with the warm temperatures forecast for today.

Keith Pond of Pond’s Resort in Porter Cove Road said angling there was quiet except for some river trout or black trout as some call them. He had caught three in the one-pound range on Tuesday evening. The spring salmon have pretty well gone out and the sea-trout are not in yet to speak of. The water conditions were clear and cold. He felt Thursday’s warm temperatures should help trout take even better.

Flies of choice were Muddler Minnows.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said angling there was quiet with spring salmon winding down and no great numbers of fresh trout yet. There were a few river trout being caught. They would not be surprised to hear of sea-trout reports this week. The water was in good shape and holding well.

Flies of choice were the Muddler Minnows, Wooly Buggers and still some streamers for big trout and maybe even an early bright salmon.

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said angling was quite slow in the Doaktown area. He had fished at Quarryville Wednesday evening and had caught a few sea-trout in the 1 ½ pound range and a couple of spring salmon. But generally, angling was slow along the system.

Flies of choice were Green Machines, Mickey Finns and Muddler Minnows.

Herb Barry Sr. of Herb’s Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said angling there was slow with the salmon gone and no fresh ones in yet. Anglers were catching some river trout, but he felt that it would be another week before the sea-trout arrived in any numbers. The water was in good shape and still high enough for boats to run. There had been a number of canoes and kayaks out on the long weekend.

Flies of choice were the Muddler Minnows.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said some anglers were reporting the odd sea-trout, but most that were being caught were river trout, and not in great numbers. The spring salmon had tapered off and there were no reports of brights. The water was in good shape with a number of canoes on the river.

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 Muddlers for trout and streamers such as the Christmas Tree, Renous Special, Blue Smelt and Maribous.

George Routledge of George’s Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville is still unfortunately in the hospital. Hopefully he will be home soon. Mrs. Routledge said that there had been a couple of good fishing days last week, but things were quiet. The gulls were having a great feed on smelts and gaspereaux.

Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported a few river trout being hooked, but no sea-trout to speak of. The spring salmon were pretty well gone, and there were no reports of brights yet, but he would not be surprised to hear of some on the Northwest this week. There were a good number of bass in the river, but anglers are reminded that they must be released as there is no season for bass. The latest is that the regulations are back to a single barbless hook with either a spinner or worm, but not both.

Flies of choice were the White-tailed Green Machines, Undertakers and Black Ghosts in hopes of some bright salmon, and Muddler Minnows for trout.

Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said the Northwest was quiet as well. He said there were few anglers out in this “in-between” time of the angling year. There had been no reports of bright salmon yet, but this week should produce some, and possibly some sea-trout as well. Water conditions were excellent. There were some fiddleheads out, but not to peak picking yet.

Flies of choice were the Black Ghosts and White-tailed Green Machines on no. 2 or 4 hooks for salmon, and Muddler Minnows for trout.

Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said angling was quiet, except for some odd trout, some smelts, and a good run of bass for which there is no season. Any incidental catch of bass must be released. She was hoping for some bright trout and some bright salmon in the coming week. The smolt run going out is in full swing with good numbers being reported. For those who like a feed of fiddleheads, they were hitting their stride.

Flies of choice were the June Bug and Muddler Minnows.

So, with both hope and rod in hand, 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: “The music of angling is more compelling to me than anything contrived in the greatest symphony hall”.- A. J. McClane

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: They make this column available for all of us. Drop into Eskape Anglers in Riverview for your fishing and tying needs. Pick up a Carter’s Bug and chat with Bryant Freeman.

Should you be passing through Miramichi, or live there, drop into Deals 4 U on Petrie St. for great grocery specials and some smooth Cubans from their humidor to relax after an enjoyable day on the river or lake.

LOST ROD: I received an e-mail this week asking help in finding a lost fishing rod. All anglers know that unique feeling we each have for our own special rod, and the loss of it hurts. So if anyone does find a rod belonging to Marcel Caissie, please contact him or me about its return.

At the end of April while fishing the Northwest at High Bridge pool on Mullins Road, Caissie left his rod behind in its tube. The rod is a special to Caissie as it is a Meiser 14-foot Spey rod, black in color with his name (Marcel Caissie) written on the first section. If you hear of any information about the rod, please contact Marcel Caissie at 506-382-3412 or me at 506-773-6659 or at my e-mail: djunder@nbnet.nb.ca

Friday May 15 is the beginning of a two-week period where trout anglers can use their spinning equipment on some portions of some rivers, such as the Renous. On June 1 angling returns to fly fishing only. Friday is also the opening day for lakes and ponds.

Over all, angling is a bit quiet. It is the “in-between” time when the spring salmon are slowing, and the bright trout and salmon have not yet arrived. There are still spring fish around, but with the high numbers of smelts in the system, few are taking.

This weekend is the annual Metepenagiag Hook & Release Trout derby with some great prizes in several categories. The derby goes Friday to Sunday with registration at the Red Bank wharf.

Keith Pond of Pond’s Resort in Porter Cove Road said angling there had tapered off considerably. They had a couple of good days toward the end of last week, but this week has been different. The water has dropped and is clear. Anglers are just waiting for the bright salmon and trout to arrive. There has been the odd trout caught, but nothing great to speak of, and no fresh trout.

Flies of choice were Muddler Minnows.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said there were still fish around with some being caught. The water was a good height and cold for the time of year. Those who were successful, were landing and releasing more salmon than grilse. There were a few trout in the one to two pound range, and even a couple in the five-pound range reported. However, anglers were getting ready in anticipation of the bright salmon and sea trout which could arrive within a week, but colder water temperatures could possibly delay things.

Flies of choice were the Christmas Tree, Renous Special and the Black Ghost.

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said angling on the Main Southwest was pretty slow with only the odd salmon and grilse being caught, along with a few trout, but not the fresh sea trout yet. He had his sports on the Northwest on Wednesday, and between two they caught seven fish and lost a few others. The water levels were good for the time of year, with anglers still able to run boats.

Flies of choice were white and green Maribous.

Herb Barry Sr. of Herb’s Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said anglers were still getting some fish, but mostly grilse, but it was not great fishing by any count. There were massive amounts of smelts in, so the salmon and grilse were not too interested in looking at flies. A few old trout in the two-pound range were being caught. The water was a good level for the time of year.

Flies of choice were the Blue Smelt, Miramichi Smelt and some green Slimes.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said angling there was very quiet as the run of smelts was still very heavy, so the fish were hard to entice to a fly. There were no great reports of trout to speak of. 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, Black Ghost and Golden Eagle.

George Routledge of George’s Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville was unavailable for comment as he is in the hospital waiting for an adjustment to equipment for his heart condition. Mrs. Routledge arrived home from her stay just in time for George to go in. WE wish them both good health. The water levels at Quarryville had dropped with part of the island starting to show. The smelts were in hard and the ospreys were having a feast on them, although anglers weren’t having much luck.

Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported slow conditions for salmon and grilse. There were only a few black trout reported. Laws had spend the past week lobbying successfully to change the law regarding the use of a single barbless hook and what was allowed to be on it. He was perturbed that authorities were sending kids off the river as they were fishing both a spinner and a worm. When I talked to him, he was on his way to the local authorities to give them the contact person higher up who had agreed to change the regulation which apparently now allows both a spinner and a worm with a single barbless hook. Anglers have Jim Laws to thank for taking the time, effort and interest to make changes for the benefit of all anglers. It will also take pressure off enforcement officers who really did not like putting people off the river, but they had to do what the regulations stated. They have a very thankless job as they try to protect the resource that we all love, so cut them a little slack as well. They do a good job and deserve our support and co-operation.

Flies of choice were the Renous Special, Golden Eagle, Christmas Tree and some Muddler Minnows for the trout.

Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said angling there was quiet. There were fish around, but they weren’t in looking at a fly. He reported no trout to speak of. Syd said he has two “private hawks” that he uses as a gauge to know when the bright fish are starting and when the fiddleheads are ready. They are Wayne “Blackie” MacDonald and Bill Sergeant. “If they are not around, you know it’s not time yet,” said Syd, chuckling. “But I expect to see them in a week or so,” he added.

Flies of choice were the Maggot Smelt, Black Ghost, Gray Ghost and Golden Eagle.

Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said the water levels were good, but dropping. There were fish around, but someone was keeping the secret to making them take. The smelt numbers were massive. They were putting through 15-20 thousand a day in the smolt wheels. The smolt themselves were just starting to move with maybe counts of 35 a day, so these are hardly a trickle yet. Norton said they were successful in implanting 25 spring fish with tracking transmitters this week. All were working and the fish are now heading out of the system. The plan is to track them right through the Strait of Belle Isle.

Flies of choice were anything in the tackle box, but nothing was working with the number of smelts around.

Don’t forget to check out the sponsors at the top of the page. They make our column possible, so give them your support in return. Drop into Eskape Anglers in Riverview. Not only is it the “Home of the Carter’s Bug”, but there you can find almost anything you’ll need for an enjoyable fishing or tying, not to mention a good story or three.

And for those who like great grocery prices, not to mention a smooth Cuban from their humidor to relax after a day on the river, drop into Deals 4 U on Petrie St. in Miramichi.

So with the lakes open, the expectation of both bright salmon and sea trout, and even a few spring salmon, make 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. And send along your good stories and photos.

Thought for the Week: “Perhaps fishing is, for me, only an excuse to be near rivers. If so, I’m glad I thought of it.” …Roderick Haig-Brown

There are still lots of spring salmon and grilse in the system, and anglers are also picking up some good trout.  Hopefully, rain on Wednesday, today and Friday will not destroy the fishing conditions.

Keith Pond of Pond's Resort in Porter Cove Road said angling has been consistent with decent catches.  The water had dropped and was clear, at least prior to Wednesday's rain.  Anglers were catching both salmon and grilse, with the salmon being a decent size.  There were no trout catches to speak of.  Keith also noted he has a colony of six or eight Pileated Woodpeckers doing some lumbering around his premises. "They are sure nice to watch", he said.

Flies of choice were Green Highlanders, Smelts, and Gray Ghosts in smaller sized streamers.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said angling was better this week than last.  The water had dropped to a fishable level, although it was high for the time of year.  There still good numbers of fish around and if anyone was interested in spring fishing, there was still time. The water had been cool as there is still snow in the woods, and it had been clear, at least until the rains started Wednesday.  Anglers were catching more salmon than earlier in the season.  There was the odd trout being reported in the two-to-four pound range.

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

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said they were still hooking fish, especially salmon. He had hooked a 42-incher on Tuesday and they had a couple in the 39 inch range on the weekend.  The water had dropped, but was still a good height and there were still good numbers of fish around, with some starting to show and jump a bit.  There was only the odd last year's trout being hooked.

Flies of choice were the Black Rabbit Strip and a variety of colours of Maribous.

Herb Barry Sr. of Herb's Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said angling was still pretty good. On Wednesday, there were more salmon reported than grilse, and the odd trout in the two-pound range.  The water was still high and clear heading into the rain on Wednesday.

Flies of choice were the Gray Ghost, Black Ghost, Renous Special and the G.T. Special.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said fishing was still on the good side with more salmon being caught.  The water levels were good and there were a few trout in the two-to-four pound range being reported.

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 Renous Special, Golden Eagle and Christmas Tree.

George Routledge of George's Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville said angling had not been great earlier this week with only the odd grilse or salmon being hooked.  There were a few trout being hooked around the Doyle's Brook area.  The water had dropped, but would likely raise with the rain forecast yesterday, today and Friday. The smelts have been in for about a week, making the fish a little harder to catch.

Flies of choice were the Black Ghost, Renous Special, Blue Smelt and Mickey Finn as they were good for both salmon and trout.  A few had been using Copper Killers for trout as well.

Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported angling as "up and down".  Some nice trout had been reported in the Doyle's Brook area with a few in the four-to-five pound range.  Spring fishing was still producing some salmon and grilse.  The water had been in good shape prior to the rain, but he felt it probably would go up for the weekend.

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

Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said angling there had been good, but there weren't a lot of anglers out.  A party of two sports had hooked 15 fish between them Tuesday.  One angler had landed a nice 19-inch trout.  Syd said there was still a lot of snow in the woods north of the Miners Bridge.

Fly of choice was the Golden Eagle.

Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said they were still having very good fishing.  There were lots of grilse and some big salmon.  Fred Blackmore landed a 42-incher Tuesday.  Willard Wright hooked and released a 17-inch trout and saw another that had been caught on the Northwest that weighed eight to nine pounds.  The Kelt-Tracking program is now operational with transmitters being attached to out-going salmon which are being tracked through the Strait of Belle Isle.  The smolt wheels are also in for smolt counting as they begin to leave the river for their ocean stay, returning as grilse or salmon.          

Flies of choice were the Smelt and Pink Panties.

If you are in the Riverview area, check out Eskape Anglers, the "Home of the Carter's Bug".  Bryant Freeman has a good selection of flies, and fly-tying materials, along with most anything the angler will need. Take a close look at his line of Reddington rods.

As well, for those who like to celebrate the big catch or just a relaxing day on the water, drop into "Deals 4 U" on Petrie St. in Miramichi and pick up some fresh "Cubans" from their humidor.  (Check out both of the above websites at the top of this column)

So if the rain is not too heavy and the water stays clean and at a decent height, the weekend should be good 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.

Clarification Note for Trout: 

I've checked with authorities about the confusion regarding angling for trout in the lower part Miramichi system.  Here's what it boils down to:

From both Doyle's Brook on the Main Southwest Miramichi and the Red Bank Bridge on the Northwest Miramichi down to the Centennial Bridge in the City of Miramichi, anglers MUST use a SINGLE BARBLESS hook.  Now the tricky part.  You can add ONE of two.    Either fish a barbless single hook with a worm OR a barbless single hook with a spinner.  NOT BOTH.

The idea is to avoid "Two attrackants" to help preserve the stock.

Thought for the Week: Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.