With the fishing season over and equipment taken care of, I’ll wrap up another season with my annual Christmas shopping suggestions for the angler. I’ve checked with my friends in the tackle shops and have an estimated price range for many items mentioned. This column is the "clip and paste" on the fridge with certain items highlighted, as a sort of a hint.

But first we must extend a BIG THANK YOU to our sponsors, organizations and donors who have support us in keeping this column going this year. These include Deals 4 U, Eskape Anglers, Miramichi Salmon Association, Moncton Fish & Game Association, Fredericton Outfitters, Paul Marriner, Herbert Sheppard, and two anonymous donors.

I must also THANK my weekly contacts who are the real ones who make this report possible, as well as those who have submitted stories, photos and comments via e-mail.

With more and more ladies getting "on the water", this might help the gentleman angler solve his Christmas shopping as well.

New (at least to me) this year is the digital water thermometer. It clips on the vest, looks like a small pen, you point it at the water, click it and have the temperature instantly. A lot easier and quicker than the older models. I believe they run in the $30-$40 range.

For many of the following items, check with W.W. Doak and Sons (365-7828) in the Doaktown area, Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting (843-2481) in Blackville, Herb’s Fly Shop (843-6354) in Blackville, George's Fly Shop in Renous (622-8226), Miramichi Hunting and Fishing (622-3071) in Miramichi and Trout Brook Fly Shop (622-0676) on the Northwest for more detailed prices. A visit to Bryant Freeman’s Eskape Anglers (386-6269) on Wentworth Street in Riverview is always fun. Drop into Chris Munn’s Fredericton Outfitters (450-4044) at 285 Canada St. in Fredericton (authorized Orvis dealer).

First the big items. Maybe a new rod may be in order. These could run anywhere from $100 to $1000. I like the Emery Streamside Rods. They offer a very good product at a reasonable price range $125 to $200. Streamside has a four-piece rod with its own case, which is ideal to carry on an ATV, walking a trail to a favourite pool, or packing to travel. They also have a very nice Streamside Elite, my favourite rod, that is a 10-footer, priced under $200, and it throws a very nice line. A nice 9-foot Streamside is the SS909 graphite with a five-year warranty. Eskape Anglers has a nice selection of Reddington Rods, and Fredericton Outfitters can get you the Orvis you want. If you want a rod especially made for you, contact Luc Gagne at his shop (L & G Fly & Rod) in the Edmundston, NB area at 111, Route 161, Clair (Caron-Brook) NB, E7A 1X8 (506)992-3008 or www.lgflyrod.com

Next look at waders (George Routledge has some nice Emery Streamside Compac in hip, chest along with the breathable. There are also the stocking-foot waders with the wading shoe, some with felt and studs, for both men and women, and neoprenes). Syd Matchett carries a line of Snobees which are a good buy as well.

Then consider reels. (Emery Streamside puts out a nice affordable Classic Cast Deluxe at $50 to $100, along with the LA 3000 Legacy models. I like the large arbor for quick reeling. This series will cost from $250-$300). Orvis also has a great line with a varying price range as does Reddington.

Rain suits: ($100), rain jackets ($35), rod cases where the reel stays attacked ($35-60), vests ($30-$100) (Emery has a beautiful new vest with detachable sleeves and more pockets than you can count in its Streamside wear, as well as an adjustable Lady’s vest), landing nets ($20-$50) (Try to get one that will not scratch the eyes of the fish), Bug Jackets ($25-$40), and Inflatable fishing vests with a pull cord to inflate immediately in case the water gets too deep unexpectedly or slips in fast water ($150), and a new fly line.

Now for the "also" category. A new hat ($5-$20), polarized sunglasses ($15 -$25), pliers for removing the hook from the fish quickly and efficiently, not to mention protecting your own hands on from the fall hook bills (($10-$15), a new set of braces for the waders ($15), a good knife ($6-$10), or a really good one $60-70), tape measure preferable attachable to the vest ($5), thermometer and depth gauge (for the lake angler) ($10-$20) Fly boxes (plastic $10, aluminum $15-25), and a box with a dozen flies ($30).

Then there are the stocking stuffers. These include retractable clippers ($5), landing gloves ($8-$10), Gink and Xink for making the flies float or sink ($5), dry fly spray ($5), scents ($ 5-$10), glasses holders ($3), hook sharpeners ($3), leather man micro tools ($30-$75), and new felts for the waders.

For the reader there are angling books such as Wayne Curtis' "Fly Fishing The Miramichi" or "River Guides of the Miramichi", David Adams Richards' "Lines On The Water", George Frederick Clarke's "Song of The Reel" and "Six Salmon Rivers and Another", Lee Wulff's many books especially on dry fly fishing, Michael Brislain's "Bugging The Atlantic Salmon", "The Main Southwest Miramichi River" book of coloured maps marking pools and open water ($25.00) to the coffee table books such as Gary Anderson's "Atlantic Salmon: Fact and Fantasy" or "The Atlantic Salmon and The Fly Fisherman", and Timothy Frew's "Salmon: The Angler's Guide"($30-$40).

There are "The St. Mary’s and Other Waters" by Charles Widgery ($13.95), "Recollections" by Clayton Stanley Stewart, "Stillwater Fly Fishing" as well as several others by Paul C. Marriner, "A Little Thing I Tied Myself" by Don MacLean ($19.95) and "Rivers of Yesterday" by Mike Parker.

I must add that I have a book titled "Miramichi Fishing Stories: All True of Course!" which sells for $8.95.

There are also angling videos ($20-$40), fly patches to hold flies ($4), and line cleaners ($3-5). Don’t forget a measuring tape.

For the builder and tyer there are the rod building kits ($100-$150), salmon fly tying kit ($100-150), scissors, ($12-$30), bobbins (steel $6-$10, ceramic $15-$20), vices ($15-$200), and any number of fly tying materials from feathers, hackle, deer hair, capes, threads, yarns, head cement in a variety of colours, flash, from $2 to whatever, and boxes of 100 hooks ($6- $10, and doubles a bit more).

For the trout fishermen there are the lures ($2-$5), spinners ($1-$2), reels ($15-$20) and rods ($40-$100) and maybe a new creel ($10-$20).

Magazines: A subscription to "Eastern Woods and Waters", FlyFusion (based in Clagary) ($24.95 or "The Canadian Fly Fisher" ($18) (613) 966-8017 are also excellent choices.

Now for the angler who has everything, try a salmon fly broach pin with a classic pattern. These are good for hats, vests, or Jacket/shirt for both the male and female angler.

There are memberships in the Atlantic Salmon Federation which gives several glossy coloured magazines a year with excellent stories, not to mention that you are helping salmon conservation, memberships in one of the local salmon associations such as The Northumberland Salmon Protection Association, the Miramichi Salmon Association, The NB Guides Association, the Bartibogue River Fish and Game, the N.B. Wildlife Federation which has been in existence since 1924, the Moncton Fish & Game Club, the Dieppe Fly-Tyers or other clubs in your area.

The Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown has memberships ($25 or cheaper if one belongs to a local association) which includes visiting rights to the museum and its Hall of Fame as well as eight newsletters throughout the year which give the news and counts from the rivers. (See their adopt a parr program)

You might consider pampering yourself and your wife by booking a vacation on the river at a salmon club or lodge such as Ledges Inn (Doaktown), Black Rapids Lodge, Wilson's Fishing Camps, Colfords Atlantic Salmon Fishing Ltd., Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures, Red Rock Lodge, Metepenagiag Lodge, Country Haven Lodge, and any numbers of others. A day to a week might be out of this world in your own back yard. We book elsewhere, so why not at home!

Some of the fly tyers such as Dewey Gillespie, Jack Kitchen, Father Lynch, Jacques Heroux or Marc Madore will make up beautifully framed and mounted classic salmon flies, which are very classy in any room or office. As well, many of the angling shops mentioned above will put together Christmas Fly packages for you. They make a nice gift.

For the person who has everything, Mark Hambrook of the MSA suggests sponsoring a transmitter for a kelt heading out to sea for $500. The person to whom it is registered get updates about the fish every time it passes a code reader. It would be nice to track your own fish. (506-633-1781)

I hope this makes your Christmas shopping a little easier. I would like to thank all you have helped make this column the fun it has been. Until next season, plan to be "on the water", and don’t forget to attend the annual 2010 Dieppe Fly Fishing Forum at the NBCC in Dieppe (usually a Saturday and Sunday at the very end of March and start of April) 2010. Check out the program at www.flyfishingforum.ca (and then click on either the English or French “Welcome/Bienvenue) It is a great way to get into the mood for getting back “on the water.”

This was our first year "on-line" and a big THANK YOU to Terry Matchett of mightymiramichi.com and his staff particularly Stacy Underhill and Les McLaughlin who made it possible. For our first time, we had a very successful season with numbers of subscribers approaching 800. The report on my website www.dougunderhill.com received 21, 500 unique visits and had 423,000 hits. This is not counting those who do not have a computer and had arrangements for a friend or relative to print off the report each week for them. WE had subscribers from NB, NS, PEI, Quebec, Ontario and even some American angling friends. Thanks to all of you. Tell your friends for next season.

Thought for the Winter:

"If you can keep your hands in your pockets and make a convincing talk about the fish that got away, you can be a successful salesman". Anonymous

Opening Day is only 168 days away. Start the count-down!

Merry Christmas & Tight Lines Always

Doug

With only the Bartibog and Tabusintac Rivers open, there has not been a lot of angling activity, especially with the cold and wet weather lately. Hopefully, there will be a few nice and warmer days before October 29.

The Miramichi Salmon Association which operates the hatchery, is one of the sponsors of this column, and has the unique notoriety of being the longest continuously operating fish hatchery in North America.

Hatchery manager Mark Hambrook emphasized that the role of the hatchery is "simply to help preserve and conserve the salmon stocks. We push for the conservation of Atlantic Salmon, and yet we also want anglers to be able to enjoy the sport of angling and so we strongly urge every angler to carefully return all salmon back to the river so they can spawn," said Hambrook. He has often referred to the work of the hatchery as "An insurance policy for the salmon stocks in the Miramichi."

To this end, Hambrook said they are finished collecting brood stock, the stocking program is completed, and the hatchery spawning is about 75% done for salmon and 25% for trout.

Hambrook noted that he had one particularly large male salmon that weighed 39 ½ pounds. "The females can weigh a lot more, but you don't see too many large males like this every day", said Hambrook. The male measured 43.7 inches in length.

The MSA and ASF will combine for a fund-raising dinner to be held at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal in Saint John on November 4. Please contact ASF (506) 529-1382 or MSA at (506) 622-1781 for more information and ticket reservations.

The MSA with the Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown released the salmon parr on Wednesday October 14. These were parr that were adopted at the museum at $15 each. The program will run again next season so put it on your list of things to support this coming season.

An early Christmas shopping suggestion for the angler who has everything: Purchase a transmitter for a kelt (Spring salmon heading out to sea) at $500 each. The sponsor will receive all information about the kelt as well as being forwarded all updates about the fish as its signal is picked up as it goes to sea. For other suggestions go the MSA website at www.miramichisalmon.ca.

With angling over for another year, most anglers simply chuck their equipment out in the garage or in the basement where it remains until next season. Wise anglers will take a few minutes to examine their equipment and properly prepare it for winter storage. This ensures a better start next year because the gear will be in top shape for another season.

First look at your waders unless you still plan to use them for some duck hunting. When you have finished with them, they should be thoroughly dried and stored in a cool dry place. Avoid the furnace room as high heat may cause cracks, producing an unpleasant surprise next spring. George Routledge of George's Fly Shop in Renous suggests hanging them up side down, or if they are hung by the braces, that they barely touch the floor with no wrinkles in them. Putting some newspaper in the boot part will prevent moisture and mould from setting in. If the waders are the type without a boot, make sure they're rolled rather than folded as creases will crack.

Next, the rod definitely should be taken apart if still together, or it may never come apart. Dry and wipe it down, removing dirt and dampness. Make sure the cork is dry, and then store it in a place with moderate temperature, and out of the way until spring. This ensures it doesn't get other stuff piled on it resulting in breakeage. A bit of parawax on the male end will make it fit better next year. This is a good practice several times throughout the season even. Check guides to see if they need repair or that there is no fraying of the binding. If a touch up is needed, now is the time to get it done to be ready for opening day.

The line and backing should be reeled off, stretched, cleaned and dried. Then it can be coiled loosely and stored for next season.

To clean, use plain water or silicone to grease-clean it. Cortland puts out small pads which sell for about a dollar or two. These can do several lines. This helps against cracking. If the backing is over three years old, replace it. This might save losing a nice bright grilse or salmon (not to mention the line itself) next season.

Routledge suggested taking the reel completely apart, letting it dry and cleaning all dirt from it. Then it should be given a covering of light oil that is heat resistant. He suggested three choices: 2 in 1, Singer sewing machine oil or a light gun oil. He cautioned against using WD-40 as it is a penetrating substance.

Next, empty the fly-boxes so flies and boxes can dry thoroughly. This will stop rusting and ruining the hooks as well as the metal boxes. Make sure the box is clean. Then organize the flies as you put them back with the spring streamers in one area or box, the larger flies for June and early July in another, the summer flies and smaller hooks for late July and August together and then the fall patterns. One might even put the open box in a Tupperware container with a couple of moth balls to make sure nothing eats the hair and feathers. Make sure everything is completely dry before sealing. Don't forget the flies still on the vest or hat, or where ever you keep them while on the river.

The vest should also be dry, pockets emptied of debris and minuscule lunches, bottle tops, old fly dope containers and any other garbage. It may even be washed or dry-cleaned. Then replace all equipment making sure covers are tight on such bottles as gink or xink, dry fly sprays, fly dope, or scent etc. These can destroy a perfectly good vest. Don't forget to put the polarized sun glasses and glasses-holders back in the vest so you have them next season.

Routledge suggested throwing away any leader that is no. 6 or 8 as it may rot. Losing a bright grilse next June is not worth the cost of a new roll. He said no. 10 and up, could be kept providing it is not too old.

Even the landing net should be dry and stored. If all of these simple things are done, it will put you in fine shape when the fever hits again next spring.

While out, take a trip to the upper stretches of your favourite stream. You might be lucky enough to see the salmon actually spawning.

Watch as the hen salmon uses her tail to dig her redd (a small bed in the gravel where she will deposit her eggs). Then watch as she hovers over it, dropping eggs. You will probably see another dorsal fin zoom in next to her, as the male fertilizes the eggs by releasing his milt. It is nature's miracle, and the future of the sport we love. And it is a great excuse to get even another trip "on the water".

Now that angling is actually over, join a salmon conservation such as the MSA, or fly-tyers group in your area, and get involved over the winter. When you hit the water next spring, you'll feel more a part of the whole process, and it's a good way to further interest in the sport we love.

The Atlantic Salmon Federation located in St. Andrews, NB., have four good salmon journals a year which is good reading during the winter months. Check your local organization first as there may be a cut rate to join the ASF.

Be sure to drop into Eskape Anglers in Riverview for all of your fishing needs. Pick up a few early spring streamers and a few good stories from Bryant Freeman (506-386-6269).

Another sponsor this week is Fredericton Outfitters & Anglers, operated by Chris Munn. He is the "authorized Dealer" for ORVIS fishing gear. It is also a good time to stock up on favourite flies for next season as well. We encourage anglers from that area, and those passing through, to drop into the shop located on 285 Canada Street. Call (506)-450-4044 or contact chrismunn@frederictonoutfitters.com.

All of these businesses and organizations support us, so let's support them.

Thought for the Week: "They say a little laughter is good for the soul and it's true. At least while the fisherman is laughing, he can't be lying." From the Introduction to The World's Best Fishing Jokes Jokes

Next week: The angler's clip and paste Christmas shopping list.

Doug

Generally, the high water, strong winds and cold temperature won the day the final week of the season as few anglers were able to hit the water. In short, the fish won, using the water to get to spawning grounds and up into the brooks and tributaries to spawn, and that is a big positive.

Today is, as Leonard Cohen might sing, "Closing Time". This is the last day.

The only exceptions of which I am aware are the Bartibog and Tabusintac rivers which are open until October 29th. The Nepisiguit River is open from the Grand Falls Dam to the mouth an extra week for hook & release only, closing October 22.

The Miramichi Salmon Association which operates the hatchery, is one of the sponsors of this column, and has the unique notoriety of being the longest continuously operating fish hatchery in North America.

Hatchery manager Mark Hambrook emphasized that the role of the hatchery is "simply to help preserve and conserve the salmon stocks. We push for the conservation of Atlantic Salmon, and yet we also want anglers to be able to enjoy the sport of angling and so we strongly urge every angler to carefully return all salmon back to the river so they can spawn," said Hambrook. He has often referred to the work of the hatchery as "An insurance policy for the salmon stocks in the Miramichi."

To this end, Hambrook said they are basically finished collecting brood stock. The low water made it a lot easier to net the pools. He has noted a lot of big salmon and lots of two-sea-winter salmon (8-12) pounds. These are those that go to sea as smolt and return the second year. The first year returnees are grilse. The two-sea-winter salmon are the virgin salmon returning for their first spawn.

In the past, the egg count for conservation purposes had been primarily these first spawning year fish, but now about 50% of the eggs are from the larger salmon that have returned several times. Hambrook noted that by reading the scales taken from salmon and viewed under a microscope, the age of the fish can be determined. It is much like the rings of a tree. Now they are seeing a lot of three-to-four year spawners, some five or six times, and even the odd one that has spawned seven times! If a salmon makes it back the first time, odds are high it will return. Most of the casualties have been in the first return spawners.

One major pool that they checked in the Doaktown area had 591 salmon and 75 grilse, which begs the question, "where are the grilse?" Even the fall run fish are high in salmon counts. In the past week, the fall runs have started in most rivers. So far the numbers have been moderate, but they are a big improvement over recent weeks. Hambrook said that spawning usually begins about mid October.

The MSA and ASF will combine for a fund-raising dinner to be held at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal in Saint John on November 4. Please contact ASF (506) 529-1382 or MSA at (506) 622-1781 for more information and ticket reservations.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said they had 7 ^1/2 inches of rain which kept the river very high. There was only the odd fish being hooked on the Cains. Most of the Main Southwest fish had gone up into the brooks and small tributaries.

Flies of choice were large Streamers and fall patterns such as Chief Needabahs, GP's, and Ally's Shrimps.

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said despite the high water, they were catching a few each day, with the Cains River producing slightly better than the main SW. On Wednesday they hooked three salmon, two in the 20 pound range, between two anglers.

Flies of choice were traditional fall patterns.

Herb Barry Sr. of Herb's Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said the water was so cold, all you had to do was wait until the fish froze and then pick it up. Seriously, he did add that they were catching the odd fish, but no amount of them. Anglers were seeing fish, even if they were not taking.

Flies of choice were GPs, and Streamers such as the Black Ghost.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said the water was very high and angling was very quiet. Only the odd fish was being hooked, and there were not a lot of anglers out.

Flies of choice were Ally's Shrimps and GPs and L.T. Specials.

George Routledge of George's Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville said there were no anglers out as the water was too high. The only place he knew of that had any number of anglers was on the Cains.

Flies of choice were Ally's Shrimps, Cascade Shrimp, General Practitioners, L.T. Specials, Chief Needabahs and Mickey Finns.

Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported very few anglers out due to the high water and cold conditions. Not too many fish were reported being caught.

Flies of choice were a variety of traditional fall patterns.

Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said angling had been fairly good early in the week. Neil Thibodeau hooked a salmon Monday, and there were both grilse and salmon reported, although most were salmon. Syd said that the ground was covered with snow on the weekend at North Little River Lake.

Flies of choice were Ally's Shrimps, L.T. Specials, Shady Ladies and the good old White-tailed Green Machine.

Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said angling was slow with the high water, but her anglers did catch some fish. Rina Chase had three grilse and a 25-pound salmon, and lost another salmon. Ken Dugas landed a 20-pound salmon, and Paul Jr. & Sr. Elson of Saint John each had caught fish.

Flies of choice were Maribou patterns.

So take advantage of today if you can, or try the above mentioned open rivers for some "Blast & Cast" as another season of "on the water" draws to a close.

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. Pick up a few early spring streamers and a few good stories from Bryant Freeman.

Another sponsor this week is Fredericton Outfitters & Anglers, operated by Chris Munn. He is the "authorized Dealer" for ORVIS fishing gear. It is also a good time to stock up on favourite flies for next season as well. We encourage anglers from that area, and those passing through, to drop into the shop located on 285 Canada St. Call (506)-450-4044 or contact chrismunn@frederictonoutfitters.com.

All of these businesses and organizations support us, so let's support them.

We also would like to thank a SECOND donor who made a contribution to keeping the column going. On behalf of me, Terry Matchett who does technical and business end of the column, and all who enjoy the column, we give a hearty THANK YOU for the support!

Thought for the Week: "Anglers are people who get up at 5 a.m. on their days off and spend thousands of dollars on rods, reels, tackle, flies, and lures. They can even blow tens of thousands of dollars on boats, and charters to exotic locales, all in an effort to outsmart fish. Even then, they don't always manage it."
from the Introduction to The World?s Best Fishing Jokes

It is NOT too Late to make yourself heard on possible changes to the Crown Reserve waters:

(In case you missed it last week) Concern over proposed changes to Crown Reserve: Don’t let up. Slack lines will loose fish!

This past week I have received several e-mails and a lot of street feed-back about the government's plan of not managing the Crown Reserve camps and stretches. The crown reserve draw puts everyone on an equal playing field, and that opportunity must not be taken away.

WE are the ones who elect politicians "to serve OUR wishes". But so often once the election passes, "the elected" seem to forget who their real bosses are: The People. New Brunswick is not owned by politicians. It is owned by the people who live here, pay taxes here and who choose those who are supposed to listen to them. And it is WE who should determine how our resources are managed.

Government is always talking about creating jobs, but they continue to cut back on jobs related to the angling and hunting areas. We need more wardens, improved accommodations and road work to the sights done. Consider the money brought into the province via hunting and angling, and yet the number of wardens to over see it all is ridiculously low.

Governments are so quick to bring in foreign business ventures and finance them to create jobs. So often this money is mis-used and the province is left to pay the bills and forgetting the loans. Hiring 50 to 100 wardens across the province would cost much less than some of the projects which are supported. Even with seasonal work, these people would be putting the money back into the economy of NB and probably be bringing in some "UI" or EI as it is known today from federal coffers as well.

Creating work for 50 to 100 people usually is a great photo-op for government officials, so why not do it this way? This would be putting people to work and would be protecting our resources as well.

Look at what has been done to camp owners across the province by not listening.

The message is loud and clear: WE WANT IT KEPT AS IS, with some improvements to boot. Or come election time, we may have to use "The BOOT". Contact your local MLAs and make your wishes known. Talk to them at EVERY OPPORTUNITY, e-mail them, write them and call their offices. Wear them down, or throw them out! If enough do this, maybe, just maybe the message will be heard.

NOTE: Check out the upcoming edition of ASF's Atlantic Salmon Journal. Author Wayne Curtis has another great story in it titled "Autumn River".

Don't forget to plan for the annual Dieppe Fly Fishing Forum to be held end of March/early April of 2010.

There will be two more columns to complete this season. Until next week.

TIGHT LINES...
Doug

Well, we certainly have enough water to get us through the season and to get the fish to spawning grounds. But perhaps Mother Nature could take a line from 18th century poet Alexander Pope who said "Avoid Extremes." It has been feast or famine with weather this season. Hopefully the rain will let up for a few days so we can enjoy the last few days of the regular season.

The Miramichi Salmon Association which operates the hatchery, is one of the sponsors of this column, and has the unique notoriety of being the longest continuously operating fish hatchery in North America.

Hatchery manager Mark Hambrook emphasized that the role of the hatchery is "simply to help preserve and conserve the salmon stocks. We push for the conservation of Atlantic Salmon, and yet we also want anglers to be able to enjoy the sport of angling and so we strongly urge every angler to carefully return all salmon back to the river so they can spawn," said Hambrook. He has often referred to the work of the hatchery as "An insurance policy for the salmon stocks in the Miramichi."

To this end, Hambrook said they are basically finished collecting brood stock. The low water made it a lot easier to net the pools. He has noted a lot of big salmon and lots of two-sea-winter salmon (8-12) pounds. These are those that go to sea as smolt and return the second year. The first year returnees are grilse. The two-sea-winter salmon are the virgin salmon returning for their first spawn.

In the past, the egg count for conservation purposes had been primarily these first spawning year fish, but now about 50% of the eggs are from the larger salmon that have returned several times. Hambrook noted that by reading the scales taken from salmon and viewed under a microscope, the age of the fish can be determined. It is much like the rings of a tree. Now they are seeing a lot of three-to-four year spawners, some five or six times, and even the odd one that has spawned seven times! If a salmon makes it back the first time, odds are high it will return. Most of the casualties have been in the first return spawners.

One major pool that they checked in the Doaktown area had 591 salmon and 75 grilse, which begs the question, "where are the grilse?" Even the fall run fish are high in salmon counts. In the past week, the fall runs have started in most rivers. So far the numbers have been moderate, but they are a big improvement over recent weeks. Hambrook said that spawning usually begins about mid October.

The MSA and ASF will combine for a fund-raising dinner to be held at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal in Saint John on November 4. Please contact ASF (506)529-1382) or MSA at (506)622-1781) for more information and ticket reservations.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said angling had been good until last Sunday when the heavy rains came. Monday was unfishable, and they had no reports from Tuesday or Wednesday. The water had dropped prior to rain Wednesday, but the positive was that the headwaters of the Main Southwest did not get as much rain as the rest of the system. Hopefully, a few dry days will get anglers back on the river for the final few days.

Flies of choice were big and bright such as Ally’s Shrimps, GP’s, Chiefs, Mickey Finns and a few Slimes.

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said they were picking up a few fish, but no great amounts. They had caught a salmon and a grilse Tuesday, and two salmon Wednesday.

Flies of choice were Green Slimes, Same Thing Murrays and Shrimps.

Herb Barry Sr. of Herb's Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said the water was especially high and dirty, with a lot of floating debris. The only way to catch fish was to grab them if they got stuck going through the alders. You’d need a life-jacket and something to hold on to. Maybe fishing from a boat would be the answer.

Flies of choice were Ally’s Shrimps, GP’s, and L.T. Specials.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said angling had been good prior to the weekend rain, but even considering this, the water had dropped some prior to Wednesday’s rain which put it back up to a very high level again. They reported a 52-inch salmon in the Howards area on Sunday. They also reported a 15-pound salmon on Wednesday morning.

Flies of choice were the Shrimp series such as Sugarman’s, Tippet and Ally’s Shrimps, along with LT Specials and General Practitioners.

George Routledge of George's Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville said the big question was "Where was one able to fish?" "You can’t get near the river," said George. The river was just starting to drop Wednesday when more rain came.

Flies of choice were big and bright such as Ally’s Shrimps, Cascade Shrimps, Mickey Finns and some flies with white-tails on nos. 2 & 4 hooks.

Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported very high water and only the odd fish being reported. He had heard of a couple of grilse being caught.

Flies of choice were fall patterns such as Ally’s Shrimps, LT Specials, GP’s, Chiefs and some White-tailed Green Machines.

Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said angling had been good before the weekend rains and Monday the river was not fishable, but a few got out Tuesday. With more rain Wednesday, Syd felt it should be good by the weekend to get out for some "Blast & Cast". Most of the recent fish being caught were grilse, and some with sea-lice.

Flies of choice were Shady Ladies, Undertakers, Ally’s Shrimps, LT Specials, and White-tailed Green Machines.

Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said angling had been good until the rain came, but there was not much to speak of since. They did get a salmon on Monday, and oddly enough, there were a fairly high number of trout being hooked and released. One salmon angler felt that the fish thought he was a trout fisherman as he had caught at least a half-dozen good-sized ones. Debbie felt, if nothing else, the high water was good for the fish as they were getting ready to spawn.

Flies of choice were Chiefs, and anything big and bright.

So as we head into the final weekend of the season for most rivers, hope for the water to drop off quickly and get out a some "Blast & Cast".

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.

So get out for some "Blast & Cast" and enjoy the fall colours during the final weeks of the season "on the water".

Be sure to drop into Eskape Anglers in Riverview for all of your fishing needs, and pick up a few Carter’s Bugs (this is the time for them), get some fall patterns such as Ally’s Shrimps and General Practitioners, and a few good stories from Bryant Freeman.

Another sponsor this week is Fredericton Outfitters & Anglers, operated by Chris Munn. He is the "authorized Dealer" for ORVIS fishing gear. It is also a good time to stock up on fall patterns here as well. We encourage anglers from that area, and those passing through, to drop into the shop located on 285 Canada St. Call (506)-450-4044 or contact chrismunn@frederictonoutfitters.com.

All of these businesses and organizations support us, so let's support them.

We also would like to thank a SECOND donor who made a contribution to keeping the column going. On behalf of me, Terry Matchett who does technical and business end of the column, and all who enjoy the column, we give a hearty THANK YOU for the support!

Thought for the Week: "So many fish, so little time."
Fishing Proverb

(In case you missed it last week) Concern over proposed changes to Crown Reserve: Don’t let up. Slack lines will loose fish!

This past week I have received several e-mails and a lot of street feed-back about the government's plan of not managing the Crown Reserve camps and stretches. The crown

reserve draw puts everyone on an equal playing field, and that opportunity must not be taken away. WE are the ones who elect politicians "to serve OUR wishes". But so often once the election passes, "the elected" seem to forget who their real bosses are: The People. New Brunswick is not owned by politicians. It is owned by the people who live here, pay taxes here and who choose those who are supposed to listen to them. And it is WE who should determine how our resources are managed.

Government is always talking about creating jobs, but they continue to cut back on jobs related to the angling and hunting areas. We need more wardens, improved accommodations and road work to the sights done. Consider the money brought into the province via hunting and angling, and yet the number of wardens to over see it all is ridiculously low.

Governments are so quick to bring in foreign business ventures and finance them to create jobs. So often this money is mis-used and the province is left to pay the bills and forgetting the loans. Hiring 50 to 100 wardens across the province would cost much less than some of the projects which are supported. Even with seasonal work, these people would be putting the money back into the economy of NB and probably be bringing in some "UI" or EI as it is known today from federal coffers as well.

Creating work for 50 to 100 people usually is a great photo-op for government officials, so why not do it this way? This would be putting people to work and would be protecting our resources as well.

Look at what has been done to camp owners across the province by not listening.

The message is loud and clear: WE WANT IT KEPT AS IS, with some improvements to boot. Or come election time, we may have to use "The BOOT". Contact your local MLAs and make your wishes known. Talk to them at EVERY OPPORTUNITY, e-mail them, write them and call their offices. Wear them down, or throw them out! If enough do this, maybe, just maybe the message will be heard.

I received a good number of calls and e-mails in support of keeping the Crown Reserve Waters under provincial jurisdiction.

With permission from Bill Sweezey: His letter & response regarding the above.

Editor, "Fredericton Daily Gleaner"

Dear Sir/Madam:

Recently I enjoyed a fishing trip to the Crown Reserve Waters (Elbow Stretch) on the North –West Miramichi. Our party stayed in the "old" camp, since the adjacent "new" camp sat unfinished from the previous year. While there, we were advised by the DNR personnel that our Provincial Government has plans to abandon its continued management and maintenance of the Crown Reserve stretches along the river.

Needless to say, this information shocked and concerned us. I presume most other N.B. fishermen will share our concerns, and will express their opposition to such a move. It is unbelievable that our Government would even consider handing over this responsibility to another agency, since the Crown Reserve Waters offer ordinary citizens a chance in a lifetime to fish these coveted pristine areas. Everyone who is familiar with the great Miramichi River knows that the general public has less and less access to the fishing grounds. On the main South-West, from Blackville to Rocky Brook and beyond, one is hard pressed to find accessible public waters. These waters have been pretty well gobbled up by private fishing consortiums or rich and influential New Brunswickers.

With the prospect of the Provincial Government surrendering its responsibility, there is a distinct possibility that fees will escalate dramatically, so that ordinary citizens will no longer be able to participate. Or, worse still, would be the prospect of select groups taking over control of these stretches.

With the current Provincial fees to fish Crown Reserve waters, it is difficult to understand why this is not a profitable venture for Government.. Even if is has to be subsidized, it would be a good PR investment and could provide worthwhile summer employment to boot. We have witnessed the gutting of high school vocational education, the abandonment of local boards to administer our schools and hospitals, the attempt to remove ferry services, and the spending of millions of dollars to prop up failing business ventures. We simply cannot allow Government to retreat from its responsibility to maintain the current management of the Crown Reserve Waters!!

It is time for all New Brunswick fishermen to protest this move and to contact their Premier and local politicians. If we fail to act now, then our only alternative may be to submit our names for a chance to tie on salmon flies for the politicians and selected guests at Larry’s Gulch.

Respectfully submitted,
Bill Sweezey, Miramichi

Response

Dear Mr. Sweezey:

Thank you for your letter of September 22, 2009 regarding the province’s Crown Reserve system. I appreciate the opportunity to clear up any misconceptions that may exist.

As is the case with most other government departments and in most other jurisdictions, the Department of Natural Resources has to make tough but responsible decisions in how public monies are spent. One of those choices involved the Crown Reserve program.

The Department is presently looking at options for the ongoing maintenance of trails, signage and camps. DNR officials are seeking input from stakeholder groups in regards to this infrastructure. They met with salmon organizations from the Miramichi and Restigouche areas, as well as several provincial groups, on Sept. 1 to provide them with an overview of how the Crown Reserve system is managed, and to ask them to submit options for moving forward.

However, there is absolutely NO intention to change access by anglers to the Crown Reserve waters. The Department intends to continue to offer a high-quality, low-cost angling opportunity to New Brunswickers, and it will continue to administer the draw for angling licenses.

I hope this information clears up any confusion surrounding the issue.

Yours very truly,
Bill Fraser

From last week: I did receive at least one response, so keep thinking….

Something to chew on for a while:
Why is it we have a spring run in late May, a summer run and a fall run? Why don’t they all come in at the same time? Is it related to the distance they travel? Or the time it takes to acclimate to fresh water? Is it the distance up river they have to travel to spawn? Many anglers would be interested in any feed-back.

TIGHT LINES...
Doug

Finally, we’ve received some much-needed rain. The rivers are up and the rain has put oxygen back into the system. The fall run has started with more fresh fish entering the system daily. The rain has also perked up some of the old fish in the system as well. This begins the few weeks where anglers can "Blast & Cast" with the bird season upon us. This plus the changing fall colours makes it a pleasure to be out.

The Miramichi Salmon Association which operates the hatchery, is one of the sponsors of this column, and has the unique notoriety of being the longest continuously operating fish hatchery in North America.

Hatchery manager Mark Hambrook emphasized that the role of the hatchery is "simply to help preserve and conserve the salmon stocks. We push for the conservation of Atlantic Salmon, and yet we also want anglers to be able to enjoy the sport of angling and so we strongly urge every angler to carefully return all salmon back to the river so they can spawn," said Hambrook. He has often referred to the work of the hatchery as "An insurance policy for the salmon stocks in the Miramichi."

To this end, Hambrook said they are basically finished collecting brood stock. The low water made it a lot easier to net the pools. He has noted a lot of big salmon and lots of two-sea-winter salmon (8-12) pounds. These are those that go to sea as smolt and return the second year. The first year returnees are grilse. The two-sea-winter salmon are the virgin salmon returning for their first spawn.

In the past, the egg count for conservation purposes had been primarily these first spawning year fish, but now about 50% of the eggs are from the larger salmon that have returned several times. Hambrook noted that by reading the scales taken from salmon and viewed under a microscope, the age of the fish can be determined. It is much like the rings of a tree. Now they are seeing a lot of three-to-four year spawners, some five or six times, and even the odd one that has spawned seven times! If a salmon makes it back the first time, odds are high it will return. Most of the casualties have been in the first return spawners.

One major pool that they checked in the Doaktown area had 591 salmon and 75 grilse, which begs the question, "where are the grilse?" Even the fall run fish are high in salmon counts. In the past week, the fall runs have started in most rivers. So far the numbers have been moderate, but they are a big improvement over recent weeks. Hambrook said that spawning usually begins about mid October.

The MSA and ASF will combine for a fund-raising dinner to be held at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal in Saint John on November 4. Please contact ASF (506) 529-1382 or MSA at (506) 622-1781 for more information and ticket reservations.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said angling has picked up after the rain which was welcomed and needed. Monday saw good results, but rising waters cut-back the effect for a day or so, but once it settles it will be on the positive side again. The rain has brought some fresh fish, and has made the older ones much more active.

Flies of choice were mostly the fall patterns such as Ally’s Shrimps, General Practitioners, Chiefs, and some bugs such as Green Machines and Black Bugs.

Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said the water had come up and they had very good fishing until Wednesday. One angler was in camp for four days and caught his limit each day. He landed 14 salmon and two grilse, and lost several more. Another angler landed two grilse and two salmon. On Monday there were 12 fish hooked at Mountain Channel. Tuesday they saw a lot moving through. Those caught had sea lice. One angler hooked five on a Green Slime.

Flies of choice were double no. 8 Undertakers before the rain, and no. 4 Undertakers after, along with the Green Slime.

Herb Barry Sr. of Herb's Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said there had been some catching earlier in the week, but they were old fish and all salmon, and some quite large. The water was too high and dirty on Wednesday, but he felt once it settled down angling should improve.

Flies of choice were mostly fall patterns such as Ally’s Shrimps, General Practitioners, Tippet Shrimps, Sugarman’s Shrimps and Red-butt Bear Hairs.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said the water was high and dirty, but catching has improved before it after the rain, and should keep up after the waters settle a bit. There were fresh fish being caught.

Flies of choice were Undertakers, Almost Always, Wouf Woufs, GPs Ally’s Shrimps and L.T. Specials.

George Routledge of George's Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville said there were a lot of fish moving and jumping, but not taking. The water had come up on the Main Southwest at least 18 inches. He felt it should start to drop over-night Wednesday. He said the Renous was very slow as well.

Flies of choice were Ally’s Shrimps, General Practitioners, L.T. Specials, Chiefs, and some White-tailed Green Machines and White-tailed Shady Ladies.

Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported angling as "slim pickings", but the water was up and angling should improve. There were some being caught, but they were mostly salmon.

Flies of choice were Ally’s Shrimps, General Practitioners, a few Dry Flies, and White-tailed Green Machines.

Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said angling was quiet with only a couple of pools producing some before the rain. The river is up and he felt there would be a positive change as the season winds down. Denis Girouard landed a nice 15-pound salmon last Sunday.

Flies of choice were Shady Ladies, Undertakers and a few Will Taylor Specials.

Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said last week the fish were everywhere and taking nothing. But on Friday they started catching. Dave Trobridge of Florida got three grilse and lost a couple more, while Sandy Mazerall of Fredericton landed five salmon. "The rain was just what the doctor ordered," said Norton. "With the amount of water we have now, it will be good until the end of the season".

Flies of choice were Ally’s Shrimps.

So get out for some "Blast & Cast" and enjoy the fall colours during the final weeks of the season "on the water".

Be sure to drop into Eskape Anglers in Riverview for all of your fishing needs, and pick up a few Carter’s Bugs (this is the time for them), get some fall patterns such as Ally’s Shrimps and General Practitioners, and a few good stories from Bryant Freeman.

Another sponsor this week is Fredericton Outfitters & Anglers, operated by Chris Munn. He is the "authorized Dealer" for ORVIS fishing gear. It is also a good time to stock up on fall patterns here as well. We encourage anglers from that area, and those passing through, to drop into the shop located on 285 Canada St. Call (506)-450-4044 or contact chrismunn@frederictonoutfitters.com.

All of these businesses and organizations support us, so let's support them.

We also would like to thank a SECOND donor who made a contribution to keeping the column going. On behalf of me, Terry Matchett who does technical and business end of the column, and all who enjoy the column, we give a hearty THANK YOU for the support!

Thought for the Week: "A river is like a book: some parts of it are dull and some lively"
H. G. Tapply

(In case you missed it last week) Concern over proposed changes to Crown Reserve

This past week I have received several e-mails and a lot of street feed-back about the government's plan of not managing the Crown Reserve camps and stretches. The crown

reserve draw puts everyone on an equal playing field, and that opportunity must not be taken away. WE are the ones who elect politicians "to serve OUR wishes". But so often once the election passes, "the elected" seem to forget who their real bosses are: The People. New Brunswick is not owned by politicians. It is owned by the people who live here, pay taxes here and who choose those who are supposed to listen to them. And it is WE who should determine how our resources are managed.

Government is always talking about creating jobs, but they continue to cut back on jobs related to the angling and hunting areas. We need more wardens, improved accommodations and road work to the sights done. Consider the money brought into the province via hunting and angling, and yet the number of wardens to over see it all is ridiculously low.

Governments are so quick to bring in foreign business ventures and finance them to create jobs. So often this money is mis-used and the province is left to pay the bills and forgetting the loans. Hiring 50 to 100 wardens across the province would cost much less than some of the projects which are supported. Even with seasonal work, these people would be putting the money back into the economy of NB and probably be bringing in some "UI" or EI as it is known today from federal coffers as well.

Creating work for 50 to 100 people usually is a great photo-op for government officials, so why not do it this way? This would be putting people to work and would be protecting our resources as well.

Look at what has been done to camp owners across the province by not listening.

The message is loud and clear: WE WANT IT KEPT AS IS, with some improvements to boot. Or come election time, we may have to use "The BOOT". Contact your local MLAs and make your wishes known. Talk to them at EVERY OPPORTUNITY, e-mail them, write them and call their offices. Wear them down, or throw them out! If enough do this, maybe, just maybe the message will be heard.

I received a good number of calls and e-mails in support of keeping the Crown Reserve Waters under provincial jurisdiction.

Something to chew on for a while:
Why is it we have a spring run in late May, a summer run and a fall run? Why don’t they all come in at the same time? Is it related to the distance they travel? Or the time it takes to acclimate to fresh water? Is it the distance up river they have to travel to spawn? Many anglers would be interested in any feed-back.

TIGHT LINES...
Doug