Considering the fact that fresh clean water is on the minds of every human worldwide these days , what if all the remaining forest land in the Miramichi watershed was back to the way it was in 1800. Of course leaving in place all the present day communities and services etc.etc. How many years would it take to do this , 25, 50 or maybe 100 years ? On a physical basis this could be achieved , politically it might be another story. As we all know there has been millions of dollars spent to buy out commercial fishermen in Miramichi Bay , NFLD and even as far away as Greenland so that we can have just a few more wild salmon here. There are commercial fishermen being paid not to kill Atlantic Salmon anymore . There are millions of dollars being put into growing trees faster and faster just to have them all cut down again and build more and more roads , all at the expense of the general health of the environment . So, considering the fact that the lumber industry appears to be in the ditch these days , it is conceivable to think that we could shut the forest industry completely down over the entire Miramichi watershed , all 820 km’s of river , north, south , east & west , as long as there was a generous compensation system in place for some and an alternative industry for others . Reallocate the millions of dollars that go into the forest industry here locally into a new and very bold adventure . If you were to ask any logging processor operator today that if he had a choice to work as a guide , field biologist or the like compared to what he is doing 60-70 hours a week now cramped up in the cab of a machine , to me the choice is obvious . Let the forest grow and die at it’s own pace without human interference. Only residential firewood cutting be allowed and under strict guidelines . Private woodlot owners are not making money anyway these days so maybe there is a better use of their land too .As for lumber to build our homes , no problem, bring it in from somewhere else , oh I forgot that is where most of it comes from now . Of all the miles of forest roads we will only maintain the major arterial routes and established access roads and trails to pools and camps , which would employ dozens . Plant the remaining thousands of acres of woods roads with nutritional wildlife feed and of course with ongoing maintenance . Block most of these areas off from all vehicle traffic allowing access to only people on foot or horseback for hunting or other recreation. The Miramichi forest industry could be replaced with a thriving and healthy national park type refuge/ camp grounds/ outfitters / biologists / organic farming ,even snowmobiling & ATV trail systems and numerous service business’s . We all still live here but with a different mind set .This would employ hundreds of science types alone to study the natural forest and waterways reclamation process . This type of industry would employ hundreds of local residents and attract thousands of wildlife enthusiast’s from around the world, not just a few fishermen . As for our fishing waters ,place every single fishing pool into a ZEC type access system . We would still maintain our present ownership for clubs, outfitters and private use but everyone , NB residents first of course , would have a reasonable chance to access every pool in the system whether it be Wilson’s Home pool or Rocky Brook or Black Brook . It would be great if on “New Brunswick Day” each year every square inch of the Miramichi was free to NB residents for that one special day .There are enough pools in this vast system to satisfy clubs, corporations , outfitters , guides and NB residents . There would have to be very strict development regulations in place to protect our world renowned Miramichi River National Park , the largest and most unique found anywhere . It would be kind of weird for a few years but can you imagine what the place would be like 50 years from now , one thing for sure is that we would have a cleaner healthier river with more fresh cold water for humans and animals to drink and more fish and wildlife for all to enjoy . If the Irving family and the provincial government were to buy in to this idea they would be viewed around the world as heroes. I would love to see someone with intelligence put this idea to pen and paper and crunch the numbers , you never know it may be more conceivable than most of you first think . Sincerely , Keith Wilson , Outfitter. blog at www.wilsonscamps.nb.ca

Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions for the Miramichi River at McNamee for July 30th . The water is down to a normal late July height , still very good conditions in all pools and we are running the big freighter canoes to all sections , so the water height is ideal . Temps got up yesterday to around 72F which is borderline for having “good fishing” , but there still seems to be fresh fish moving in the mornings . If you get a rise you best hope he takes it because he will not likely be back , most fish are still moving through . This morning the air was 44F so water should be cooled down again .

Bob says:
July 30, 2010 at 3:03 pm (Edit)
this has nothing to do with the counts really but my question is in regards to the closure of the cold water pools. I’m completely in agreement that during times of low water and high temperatures, there should be some relief for the fish at the expense of the angler. But why 2 weeks late? now that the conditions are once again ideal the pools should be open again. Especially for those of us who can’t afford 500 dollars a day.
I also noticed that the largest of all these cold water pools , Big Hole Brook , was not closed. I find this particularly disturbing because of the political implications. Will those who govern the watershed not protect its most viable resource because the wealthy enjoy fishing
I have no personal feelings against the family at all I just find it hard to believe that in a sanctuary that large the decision was to remain open.
Please enlighten me Kieth. You always seem to give a logical explanation

Reply
Keith says:
July 31, 2010 at 6:48 am (Edit)
Hi Bob-
I am not certain as to the reason why Big Hole Brook remained open compared to Black Brook but I know there are certain physical characteristics that make the two pools different . At Big Hole Brook the river leading into the pool has a much steeper grade and rougher water which generates more oxygen .They also have Betts Mill Brook not very far upstream that generates cold water and plenty of oxygen , as well as all the Amos Islands with the many channels and cold water seeps , compared to Black Brook area that is much more shallow to begin with , the brook is smaller and from what I hear is warmer than Big Hole Brook . So I am guessing that there could be less oxygen being generated upstream of Black Brook Pool . The Miramichi leading to the Black Brook area is generally much slower and flatter so maybe that hampers the oxygen content . I am not a fisheries biologist and of course have no science to back my opinion so that is all it is , just my guess .

If you go to the DFO link on the right side of the main page you can access the DFO web site showing salmon and grilse counts up till July 15th . It also shows you a comparison dating back to 1997 . The main SW branch that we are on is counted at the Millerton trapnet. As you will see the counts are way above the previous ten year average for both large ( MSW ) salmon and grilse . This is great news for both the atlantic salmon as a species and for anglers who enjoy the sport so much . So the next time you hear someone complain about releasing a salmon remind them that this is one of the main reasons we have salmon here today . Now if we could get the entire Miramichi watershed ( rivers, brooks, lakes , swamps and springs ) buffer zone extended back ten to fifteen miles , instead of thirty metres like it is now , we could get a real start on returning our river quality and salmon numbers to the way it was in the 1800′s.

Atlantic salmon fly fishing conditions for the Miramichi River near McNamee for July 28th . The water is holding very well , actually some pools are still too high but we are taking advantage of others that fish only in this height . Air temperatures are still cool at night keeping the the water cool too . Air temps are supposed to warm up today but cooling right down again for the next ten days . We are picking up some nice fresh run grilse and the occasional salmon . Mostly on black stuff and of course the old faithful green machine .

Finally , back to normal and fresh fish on the move . The water is dropping slowly , still app. 10 inches above normal , and the temperature is down in the low to mid sixties in the am and 71F tonight . We hooked fourteen fish today and landed eight , two of which were bright . We have a great raise of water , full moon this weekend and the high tide , along with cool temperatures for the next ten days , plus a bonus rain coming tonight and Sunday . This combination will set us up perfectly for next week . And for all of you that say each year ” call me if it is really good , I will make a reservation ” there is no excuse now , except of course for the usual … my aunt is visiting , grandkids birthday , car needs an oil change , the dog needs it’s toenails clipped or my poor old great great grandmother has a knot in her bowel, well too bad for you the fishing is fantastic right now .

It is important to note that the McNamee area of the Miramichi is unique in that we have many islands and channels that have small , medium and large pools throughout . This big raise of water is ideal for our five miles/ 16 private pools . Many pools fish best in this water height . We produce fish in just about every water condition .

Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions for the Miramichi River at McNamee for July 23rd. The water is up 10-12″ yet again this morning after another inch of rain . Air temps this morning are at 51F and water is 61F . This will surely move salmon from the cold water areas and should finally get the “July Run” on it’s way . For anyone that has been putting it off, now is the time . I am pleased to report that we still have a few openings for next week and the price is right . Call toll free 1-877-365-7962
PS> It is important to note that the McNamee area of the Miramichi is unique in that we have many islands and channels that have small , medium and large pools throughout . This big raise of water is ideal for our five miles/ 16 private pools . Many pools fish best in this water height . We produce fish in just about every water condition .

We went to bed Monday night in hopes of a big rain but it only showered at best a couple of times in the night . But we heard that Cleawater Brook area got dumped on , officialy they received over 30mm of rain and to our surprise by sunset last night the river came up here in McNamee eight inches . The temperature dropped another degree to 67 F by this morning . We hooked fish last night in the upper part of Dudley , which confirms the fish are beginning to move out of the cold water a bit . With rain and cool temps forecast for the next several days we should see more action for sure .

Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions for the Miramichi River near McNamee for July 20th . As you can see from this picture the river is now at a normal mid summer level . The height is still okay for fish to move on and most importantly the temperature is down in to 68 F. this morning . Daytime air temperatures are to be around 80 F today and Wed , which is not bad , and cooling down even more to low to mid 70′s for Thursday through Sunday . Rain is forecast for Saturday and Sunday . If you look at the weather network on my web site you can see the 14 day trend forecast , it is calling for below average temps all next week . A nice salmon hooked yesterday on a tiny #10 black bear .

Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions for the Miramichi River near McNamee for July 19th . The water level is holding near perfect and the cool nights are keeping the pools fishable . There are still a few fish moving during the night so we are fishing the early morning and late evening hours and resting both anglers and salmon during the mid day . There has been no fish mortalities reported since last week when the temps soared to record heights . The weather forecast is good for the rest of the week with rain coming today and tomorrow and much cooler daytime temps . There is a good rain forecast for the weekend too .

Nathan says:
July 18, 2010 at 10:33 pm
I just wanted to put it out there that there is research being done on these cold water refuges like springs and tributaries. The fish may only need the cold water a few days each summer but in a few days of 30oC water temperature the salmon population can go from good to real bad. Roads, forestry, but also other forms of development are being looked into as to their effect on cold water sources. By understanding where they are and how they work, everyone can start doing their part to protect them. I think the dead salmon people are seeing floating downriver is all the evidence we need to realize how important cold water is. And I agree with Keith that there should be more of these sources throughout the system rather than only in a few spots like Big Hole and Black Brook. It should also be said that Irving is following this research pretty closely to see how they can reduce the impacts of roads, etc., and figure out how to manage around the sources of cold water.

The problem of warm water has been recognized by many conservation groups and research groups and things are being done to figure out some solutions. Hopefully they’ll work!

Reply
Keith says:
July 19, 2010 at 6:24 am
Hi Nathan-
I agree , of all the Canadian forestry companies , New Brunswick is lucky to have Irving . This company does more to protect than most any other in Canada . I think it is the basic philosophy in this province that forestry is more important than our environment . I think there could be much more done on private woodland operations too, i.e., better road building , and mandatory tree planting &
sivilculture .

Reply

Well , since I am already ticked off I might as well spill my guts . On July 16th we done a tour on the upper Cains River taking temperatures of various brooks and the main river adjacent . Acadia Bridge Pool was 77.9 F , Wathan Brook was 58.o F , O’Donnells was 78.5 F , Beer Brook was 57.2 F , and Wildcat Pool was 78.0 F and the brook was 70.0 F.
I wonder why Wildcat Brook was so warm , could it have anything to do with the fact that the licensee just last winter cut the last remaining deer yard ( app. 30 acres )at the head of Wildcat Brook ? I spoke with the contractor there one day and he was complaining that it was not worth the effort to even be in there , the “wood chance ” was very poor and wading the mud was hard on the equipment on those cold January nights . I noticed that deep ruts were running full of mud straight towards the little buffer along the brook . It does not seem like it would be worth it compared to the damage that was done to the Wildcat Brook watershed .
I remember hunting that area since I was a kid and it was always so wet and swampy in there that you had to wear rubber boots . It makes you wonder what the mandate of DNR and the licenees really is . One thing for sure is that they have no compassion for the few remaining white tailed deer along Wildcat and they don’t seem to give a damn about the big sea-run brook trout that normally seek refuge this time of year at the mouth of the brook . Instead of watershed enhancement it is watershed destruction .

Mike Mckay says:
July 16, 2010 at 11:53 am (Edit)
Hey Keith,

I know this is how you make your money….but shouldn’t you keeps the rods off the river during this hot strech? Any big salmon hooked will certainly die in this hot water. Just my 2 cents no hard feelings!

Mike

Reply
Keith says:
July 18, 2010 at 8:24 am (Edit)
Hi Mike- thanks for reading our river report .
It is a tough situation for sure with so many people ( guides , cooks , kitchen staff , yard workers and managers ) up and down the river depending on such a short season to try to make a living , while at the same time trying our best to protect the health of the salmon . It is not about making money , which is impossible to do in this industry these days , it’s about putting food on the table , clothes on your kids back and hoping they can get a decent education . We make changes to our routine all the time to take pressure off the fish when stressed , for example we even sometimes cut the entire bend off the hook so that if a fish does feel like rising to the fly it will not be hooked , but the guest still has a thrill of the rise and take . We have seen only three dead salmon here in McNamee in two weeks , but then again we do not have the mass concentration of fish pooled up here like there might be at Big Hole Brook or Black Brook . I think it would be much safer for the fish and better for the river in general if there was more enhancement on the small pockets of cold water around rather than having huge numbers in just a few big pools . The regulations are such now that only the rich and powerful can afford to do work on their pools these days . And a lot of people are of the mind that the “Big Boys” are only doing these big projects in order to get “The Green Stamp” of approval for their companies while at the same time they are a slaughtering thousands or acres of forest land in our watershed .Have you ever added up the total acreage of land that is wiped out by road building alone , have you watched the process , how they grub it off and dig a huge ditch down one side that will drain hundreds of acres of swamp land and intercept thousands of valuable feeder springs . Maybe it is time we took a closer look at why our rivers appear to be warmer than usual . So I agree with you Mike , in principal , that the health of a living creature is more important than people making money , especially the millions of dollars that some companies have made off our forests , and in my opinion it is at the expense of the Miramichi River and the beloved Atlantic salmon .

Regards, Keith

Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions for the Miramichi River near McNamee for July 15th . Just when you think it is no use even trying that is when you are reminded that you can’t catch a salmon if your fly is not in the water . Thurman G. landed one grilse and bumped two more this morning , and to Joe’s surprise the landed fish was bright and shiny with sea-lice on it , so one never knows eh! McNamee is reporting about the same as all camps up and down the river , slow fishing due to warm mid day temperatures . This morning it was 70F. The water height is ideal , actually came up again last night an inch or so . If the nights stay cool and daytime temps are not too severe anglers can still expect a fair chance .