Gradually, water levels are getting to fishable levels and anglers are starting to hook a few fish, but in no great numbers. The Fall foliage is beginning to hit full stride and with bird season now open, it is time for a little “Blast ‘n Cast”.
W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said water conditions were good a good level and good temperature. Angling had picked up a little this week. There was a report of a 40 to 41 inch salmon caught in the Boiestown area and an 18-pounder in Doaktown.
Flies of choice were Ally’s Shrimps, Same-Thing-Murrays, Marabous, Chorus Girls, Glitter Bears and White-tailed Green Machines.
Derek Munn of Ledges Inn in Doaktown and Mountain Channel in the Rapids area said they were seeing some fish on the Main Southwest and the Cains, and catching a few, but not many. These were mostly salmon. Mountain Channel did catch two on Tuesday evening and one Wednesday morning. The last did have sea lice. Water conditions were a good level and good temperatures. Besides the “Cast ‘n Blast” head guide Derek Munn said they are taking hunting reservations for their Pheasant Preserve. Anyone interested in a different hunting experience should contact him at Ledges Inn (506-365-1820)
Flies of choice were small White-tailed Green Machines (no. 10s), Same-Thing-Murrays, Undertakers and Marabous.
Herb Barry Sr. of Herb’s Fly Shop on the Station Road in Blackville said angling was very poor with only the odd fish being caught on the Cains, and those were salmon. They were not even seeing any to speak of. The water was still fishably high and cold.
Flies of choice were Mickey Finns, Renous Specials and anything orange.
Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting in Blackville said anglers were catching some on thee Main Southwest, and a few on the Cains and Renous, but not in any great numbers. The water was still high, but fishable. There was a report of a 35-pound salmon. Canoeing conditions were very good.
Flies of choice were Cascades, L.T. Specials, Ally’s Shrimps, Green Highlanders and Steeves Specials.
George Routledge of George’s Fly Shop at the Mouth of Renous in Quarryville Said angling there was slow. There were very few anglers out, and those that were, were not seeing or catching any fish.
Flies of choice were Ally’s Shrimps, General Practitioners, and Chief Needabahs.
Jim Laws of Miramichi Hunting and Fishing in Newcastle, Miramichi reported slow angling with the water still a tad high. Not many were being caught, and those that were being hooked were mostly salmon. Striped Bass numbers were getting up around Miramichi, although not many were seen at Strawberry Marsh yet.
Flies of choice were Shady Ladies, Ally’s Shrimps and L.T. Specials.
Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop on the Northwest Miramichi said angling there was pretty decent this past week. One group hooked three nice salmon, while another angler hooked a salmon and a grilse. He had also heard of a salmon and a grilse on the Little Southwest. Water conditions were decent and cold.
Flies of choice were Ally’s Shrimps, L.T. Specials, Shady Ladies and Undertakers.
Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said her guides were reporting seeing some fish and catching a few. Guide David Flanagan hooked two salmon and a grilse on the Northwest last weekend one guest angler caught a grilse Tuesday on the Little Southwest.
Flies of choice were Red and Orange Marabous and Same-Thing-Murrays.
So with decent weather and water levels, great Fall colours and a few fish around, it is time to get out and “on the water”.
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Visit Deals 4 U in Miramichi for your grocery needs, and good Cuban cigars to celebrate getting back to the rivers.
Providing quality gear for the outdoor enthusiast all year round, Pronature in Miramichi has you covered. Stop in to check out their rods, reels, tackle and gear.
Fishing Packages are available at the newly renovated Days Inn in Miramichi, located in the heart of downtown Miramichi, just steps from the mighty Miramichi River.
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Thought for the Week: “Most anglers, especially tyros, false cast too often. Three false casts should be sufficient for any throw and two is better. One is perfect.” Joe Brooks
Email:
Hi Doug,
My co workers, friends and i, read your report every week and enjoy it very much.
My co worker, Greg MacDonald caught this nice salmon on the little southwest this past weekend. Hoping for great numbers for the last few weeks we have left.
Hope you have a great week, keep up the good work with the report and good fishing.
Regards,
Marc Thebeau, Moncton NB
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Photo from Ken McCracken, of a “very large salmon caught near Boiestown”. The fish was caught on a #6 Blue Smurf and 6lbs test leader. Ken says, “I have been fishing over 50 years and this is one of the largest I have seen”
Until next week
TIGHT LINES
DOUG