Kype – the bone needles forming the structure of the kype and bulbous nose of the males is made from calcium reabsorbed from the scales by the Atlantic salmon – photo Tom Montgomery

In the Miramichi the Atlantic salmon have begun spawning, making this a great time to look back on the runs of 2011 and to celebrate the many rivers that have done remarkably well, especially with the all-important large salmon.

Have we turned a corner with this year’s high returns in so many rivers? Or will we be faced with yet other hurdles to achieving the  higher Atlantic salmon numbers that we all strive for.

What was different this year? In the rivers, somewhat higher water levels overall, and periods when water levels were high enough to discourage angling could make a positive difference in Atlantic salmon spawning numbers. The cooler river temperatures were also a major factor.

The combination of the Greenland Conservation Agreement, suspending Greenland’s commercial salmon fishery, combined  with increased survival at sea and, possibly, other factors has undoubtedly insured that there are more Atlantic salmon spawning this year.

A point about the video: As many viewers will know, precocious male parr that have never gone to sea actually fertilize many of the eggs laid by female salmon.  They  zip in to fertilize those females when the large adults aren’t looking. If you look closely at Manu Esteve’s video above, you can spot a few parr darting around the redd.

While the angling season is over in most areas, there are a few notes.  The first are about the rivers in Nova Scotia where angling is still in progress.

Nova Scotia

Margaree River, October – photo Gordon McGee

Margaree – Lewis Hinks, ASF’s Director of Nova Scotia Programs, was on the Margaree this past weekend. He reports the river was dropping to a nice level for fishing – and the angling was fantastic. He notes one party that had thirteen salmon on line in one morning.

As to the situation in the river overall, this will need to wait for the results of the various surveys that are conducted, but from anecdotal information it appears to be a good year.

Lewis Hinks also notes that great fishing has been reported in all these rivers, including River Philip. Last week the water was rising with the rain, and some bright fish were on line.  With the water now falling, it should make for excellent conditions.

Elsewhere in Nova Scotia the numbers remain relatively disappointing.

Sackville – The Sackville River Counting Fence had 10 large salmon and 38 grilse,  compared to 24 large salmon and 50 grilse in 2010.

LaHave – The LaHave had a more promising 74 large salmon this year compared to 52 last year, and 281 grilse, exactly the same number as last year.

New Brunswick

Northern New Brunswick Rivers – With the Upsalquitch at 649 large salmon this year compared to 410 last year, and against a five-year average from 2003 to 2007 of 311, there is good hope for the future. The Jacquet River’s 231 large salmon was somewhat lower than last year’s 293, but certainly bears up well when compared with the five-year average of 93.

For grilse, the 646 this year in the Upsalquitch may not have beat the 638 last year, but is definitely  higher than the 2003 to 2007 average of 487. Meanwhile the Jacquet River’s 348 compares favourably both with the 2010 number of 194 and the 137 for the five-year average.

Miramichi – The final week of the angling season was noteworthy for having a large number of fish, but most were not interested in taking flies. Water levels rose again, which was certainly to the salmon’s liking.

How to assess the overall season? That is not exactly clear. Returns of large salmon were generally in line with 2010′s numbers, but, on the other hand, as has been noted,, water conditions and the health of the Atlantic salmon certainly favoured the fish this year, leading to an expectation that it could be a year of high spawning success. Keep fingers crossed.

Saint John – The number of large salmon returning to the Saint John certainly was a highlight, with 624 at Mactaquac and 230 at the Nashwaak Counting Fence, compared to 362 and 126 respectively.

The point here is that the Saint John does have a future. It has major issues with dams and the problems affecting both upstream and downstream passage need to be addressed – no small matter. Continued improvement in survival at sea and a continuance of the Greenland Agreement would certainly be an important basis for restoring the river’s health.

Maine

Penobscot – The statistics page has been taken down by the Maine Government, but as of Oct. 12,  3120 Atlantic salmon had returned through Veazie. Certainly this is a remarkable return for recent years, making it the highest return since 1986. With Great Works Dam slated for decommissioning in 2012, we can see this is a return the Penobscot can build on.

Veazie – Penobscot Salmon – Oct. 7

Downeast Rivers – Returns, while low, still show promise. The Narraguagus had the best returns since the late 1980s, for example. Unfortunately more aquaculture escapees were entering the Dennys in October from some unreported escape.

New Hampshire

Merrimack – This great river has had a remarkable return of more than 400 Atlantic salmon this year, the highest number since the 1980s.

Quebec

Overall, good river conditions and angling results throughout the season are pointing to a healthy increase in runs across Quebec that surpasses the last five year average.  We anxiously await the publication of final run numbers in late December.

Matapedia

Matapedia River, October – photo Charles Cusson

To September 30, for the season, a total of 2,089 fish were reported landed, including 326 releases.  River conditions were very good during the last week of September, but the high water, resulting from storms earlier in the month, scattered the fish and made angling challenging.  Angling results continue to outpace last season, 623 more fish were landed compared to the same date in 2010.

Matane

The Matane witnessed its best run since 1988.  3,155 fish had migrated (1,409 salmon and 1,746 grilse) through the fish ladder for the season ending September 30th. This represents an increase of 1,006 fish (77 salmon and 929 grilse) compared to all of last season.  1,117 salmon and 715 grilse were reported landed.  The cumulative number of releases was not available at the time this report was prepared.

Bonaventure

Numbers should have been higher, but Mother Nature is the great equalizer.  In total for the season, to September 30, 1,184 salmon were landed and released, compared to 1,119 in 2010. Grilse captures are also higher, up from 433 in 2010 to 698 in 2011.  The Bonaventure was hit with “Moisie” like bumps in water such as the peak flow of 470 cubic meters/second during the second week of September.  This combined with river levels that receded at a slow pace impacted angling until the end.  Overall, an excellent year for the Bonaventure.

Sainte-Anne

For the season at September 30, 436 salmon were reported released compared to 360 in 2010.  The number of grilse landed increased to 222 from 166 in 2010.  The Sainte-Anne was not spared from the torrents of water that fell on the Gaspé.  It is evident that the high waters during the month curtailed angling success, but just think of the higher number of fish in the river to spawn over the next weeks.

Dartmouth, St-Jean and York Rivers

Gros Saumon Pool, York River – photo Charles Cusson

Anglers were treated to June like levels of water on the jewels of the Gaspé during the last two weeks of  September.  Angling was challenging due to holding fences being washed away on all three rivers during the high water events early in the month.

This also made conditions for a final in-river count impossible.  Based on the number of fish landed, there are healthy increases on the York and Dartmouth and the  St-Jean is within the last five year average.  Overall it was a great season for everyone, more salmon in the rivers translated into more rod days being sold, more money for the local economy, increased 2012 business for local outfitters, more fish being released, happy anglers and hopes that this could be a sign of healthier runs of wild Atlantic salmon.

Sainte-Marguerite

For the season, as of September 15, 257 fish (192 salmon released & 65 grilse retained) were reported landed.   These numbers reflect a healthy increase of released salmon (124 more than 2010) and a slightly higher number of grilse.  Great water levels overall during the season gave hope to the many volunteers who are working tirelessly to bring this river back to its former glory.

Godbout

Godbout River – photo Charles Cusson

To September 15th, 413 fish were reported landed (183 salmon 54 grilse released) and 176 grilse were harvested.  This past season’s numbers reflect the type of increases reported across Quebec.  In 2010 a total of 172 were landed.  Migrating fish have increased also with 1,173 fish (694 salmon and 479 grilse) at the counting facility.  At the same time last year, 857 fish (550 salmon and 307 grilse) had gone though the counting facility.  2011 will most likely be remembered as a vintage production year in 4 to 5 years from now.

Escoumins

This small North Shore river also had a healthy increase in the number of fish migrating through.  At September 16, 376 fish (256 salmon and 120 grilse) were counted in contrast to 2010’s  228 fish (98 salmon and 130 grilse).  By mid-September, 110 fish (79 salmon & 2 grilse released, 29 grilse retained) had been reported landed.  In 2010, only 47 fish were landed which included 21 salmon & 7 grilse released and 19 grilse harvested.  This season’s good levels , compared to the drought conditions of the last few years greatly improved angling success.

Trinité

This biological index river reported very good numbers this season, 1,180 fish (305 salmon and 875 grilse) migrated though the counting facility.  282 fish (64 salmon & 15 grilse released and 203 retained) were reported landed.
In 2010, a total of 803 fish were counted (255 salmon and 548 grilse) migrating through.  The number of fish landed was reported to total 122 (15 salmon released & 2 grilse released and 105 grilse retained).

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland could be divided into three districts in 2011.

Everywhere but the South Coast and parts of the West Coast: Most of Newfoundland had a good year – almost as good as the banner 2010 year. The Exploits River was typical, with more than 41,000 salmon returning – only 10% below the incredible 45,000 of 2010. Many other rivers better the numbers for 2010. With two good years in a row, it bodes well for an overall uptick in the numbers.

West Coast – Rivers like the Torrent and Western Arm Brook experienced a decline of 20% or more for unknown reasons.

South Coast – The comparative lack of rebound in numbers on Newfoundland’s south coast is alarming. This same region is home to the province’s salmon aquaculture industry and whether or not there is connection, something is definitely wrong with the populations in rivers such as the Conne. This year 1,189 were counted; in 201p there were 1,747 and the five-year average between 2006 and 2010 was 2,084.

Labrador

In Labrador there is a sense of relief – that river numbers have come up in an area that was declining recently. We can only hope those numbers continue to improve.

The Sand Hill River needs to be singled out for special mention. It went from 1,975 salmon in 2010 to 9,535 in 2011. There is no explanation for the massive increase, but at this time all indications are that the data is correct. This is

Gathering the Facts

From June to October we have seen a great number of rivers experience high returns of large salmon – those salmon that go to far ocean feeding grounds. Grilse numbers have generally not seen the same improvement. The scientific evidence points towards improved survival in Greenland waters, and improved ocean productivity.

2011 – A “Year of the Atlantic salmon”

Gaspé – Late Sept. 2011 – After a day on the river, a computer by the fireplace – by Charles Cusson

After consistent water in most areas throughout the summer, complete with a tropical storm, the last half of September has seen water levels dropping in many wild Atlantic salmon rivers.

Talking with individuals from Cape Breton to Gaspé, the wish for more water is now being heard and, according to Environment Canada, we are to expect a drier than normal October as well.  In the Miramichi, however, water levels are perfect – and so is the weather.

All this being said, reports are generally of good fishing for serious salmon anglers, who know where to be and at what times of the day.

Runs and Accounts from the Rivers

Newfoundland

Northern Peninsula Leaper – photo Tom Moffatt

Humber – While many rivers have had low water In Newfounfland ?  (Above you said consistent) , the Humber has not been one of them. According to ASF’s regional director and others, water levels have been high, and there are still some exceptional Atlantic salmon in the lower river. In the past week, at least one 25 lb fish was landed and released, along  with many more smaller ones.

Exploits – Fred Parsons noted yesterday that although the fishways are closed, there are still Atlantic salmon moving around in the lower river, making their way into streams below the lowest fish barrier. He is very optimistic that this year’s run on the river (41,000+) means that last year’s incredible return of 45,000+ Atlantic salmon was not a singular event. He points out how far this river has improved  from having an average return in the 1980s of around 10,000 fish.

Nova Scotia

A general comment being made is that this year has provided some of the best angling since the mid-1980s and there is still October to look forward to, as well!

Margaree – Lewis Hinks, ASF’s Regional Director of Nova Scotia programs, is in Cape Breton for meetings this week, and reports that everyone would like more water. One angler who has been fishing every morning is reporting large numbers, in the hundreds, in all the lower pools and many of them are large salmon.

Cheticamp – Some Atlantic salmon in the lower river. One angler reports connecting with four at Terre Rouge last week, plus several taken at the Fence Pool. More fish are expected, but as with the Margaree, more rain is needed.

Quebec

Charles Cusson, ASF’s Director for Quebec Programs, notes that, while water levels are dropping, there should be good levels in most rivers all the way through spawning season.

Matapedia

Heppel Bridge, Matapedia River – photo Charles Cusson

To September 23, for the season, a total of 2,076 fish were reported landed, of which 317 were released. River conditions have varied greatly during the month due to storms such as Irene.  On September 7th, the flow spiked to 210 cubic meters/second, up from the 70 cubic meters/second that it had been  48 hours earlier and maintained.  During the last two weeks, flows have decreased very slowly which has provided June levels and water temperatures.  Angling results continue to outpace last season, with 623 more fish landed than to the same date in 2010.

Matane

As of September 24, 3,150 fish, 1,406 salmon and 1,744 grilse, had migrated through the fish ladder. This represents an increase of 930 fish compared to all of last season.  As of the Sept 24,  400 large salmon and 712 grilse were reported as landed.   However, only a few releases have been reported to date, but an accurate number on releases is available only at season’s end.  While water levels spiked with the tropical storm on September 6, the gradual decline in flow since has provided excellent water levels throughout the month. To date, the migration numbers are the best since 1987 when 3,707 fish were counted.  This also represents an impressive increase when compared with the last five-year average of 2,556 fish.

Bonaventure

To September 24,  1,163 large salmon had been landed and released for the season.  This is still ahead of last year. Grilse captures are also higher, up from 432 in 2010 to 695 in 2011.  The Bonaventure was hardest hit by high water earlier in the month, with extreme water conditions that peaked at 480 cubic meters/second and slowly dropped. The river was not fishable for almost seven days which affected the total numbers brought in to date.

Cascapedia

Alders Island Pool – by Gilbert van Ryckevorsel

For the month of September, to September 23, the Cascapedia Society is reporting 214 fish landed, 204 salmon released and 10 grilse killed.  In total for the 2011 season, 2,679 fish have been landed and 88% were released. This has been an excellent season on the Grande and this is about to turn into a great spawning season. If conditions permit during the week to 10 days, an attempt will be made to do the in-river count.

Sainte-Anne

For the season, as of September 24 there were 428 large salmon reported released, compared to 349 for the comparable date in 2010.  The number of grilse landed has increased to 221 this year from 162 in 2010.  The Sainte-Anne has not been spared the high flows of early September.  The gap between current numbers and 2010 has narrowed due to these high water levels and the river being closed for a time. But the Atlantic salmon are there.

Dartmouth, St-Jean and York Rivers

York River – September 2011 – by Charles Cusson

As of September 24, these rivers had received more than their share of rain for the month – especially in that first week.  Once the waters slowed down, anglers enjoyed June levels and water temperatures.  This translated into very good angling conditions that should remain steady until season end at September 30th.  Bright fish are still entering the rivers and being landed at this time.

Sainte-Marguerite

The season ended on Sept. 15, and by that time 256 fish had been landed. The very extreme water conditions put a big damper on angling which translated into fewer fish being landed than in 2010. In-river counts reflect a different situation, with many more Atlantic salmon in the river to spawn and continue the life cycle of our most coveted sport fish.

New Brunswick

Miramichi – Conditions are ideal, with good river height and  perfect temperatures – cool but not really cold. All reports are talking about many fish in the pools. There are quite a number of reports of fish 20 lb. and up. Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Adventures notes there is certainly a higher proportion of large salmon this fall than in previous years – and conditions are ideal on all area rivers – NW Miramichi, Little Southwest and Main Southwest Miramichi.

Maine

Veazie Fish Counting Trap – photo Tom Moffatt

Penobscot – What a year for this great river, with 3,107 had returned at the Veazie Trap by Sept. 27. As a reminder, this is the best return of salmon since 1986 and one of the best returns in the past 40 years.

Good Water, Wonderful Atlantic Salmon

We are now seeing stories on the great runs of 2011, and speculation on the reasons for them. Is it a combination of improved ecosystems and food at sea, the Greenland Agreement brokered by ASF and its partners, anglers practicing live release and/or a cool, very wet summer? Those are among the reasons suggested.

Check out a recent article describing the runs in New Brunswick and enquiring on reasons. Click here

Returns and Runs

Maine

Penobscot – The run continues to surprise, with more Atlantic salmon returning through the Veazie counting trap. As of Sept. 19, the total had reached 3,090.  It  certainly looks like we are headed for more than 3,100 soon.

New Brunswick

Upsalquitch – With 627 large salmon returned by Sep. 15, vs 274 in 2010 and a five year (2003 to 2007) average of 295, this has certainly been an amazing year on the river.  Depending on whether the run continues or not, it will either be the highest or second highest return since before 1996. Even grilse runs have seen positive growth this year, with 633 to Sep. 15, ahead of both last year’s 567, and the 2003 to 2007 average of 460.

Large Salmon Returns on the Upsalquitch – to Sep. 15

Nepisiquit – With 617 large salmon counted by Sep. 15, this is another record year, nearly double the 379 of 2010 and more than six times the 2003 to 2007 average of 90.

Like the Upsalquitch, the Nepisiquit has seen good grilse returns, with 515 counted to Sep. 15, vs. 491 last year and a mere 94 as the 2003 to 2007 average.

Saint John – There is new hope with this great river, with 612 large salmon returned by Sep 15.  This  compares very favourably with 313 returns last year and 437 for the five-year average to 2007. Grilse returns continued to lag in a major way, with 922 to Sep. 15, far below last year’s great run of 2,226 but roughly on par with the 2003 to 2007 average of 1091.

Large Salmon Returns to Mactaquac on the Saint John River

Nashwaak – With 227 large salmon by Sep. 15 this is more than double the 91 returns of  last year and three times the five-year average (2003 to 2007). The grilse return of 396 to Sep. 15 echoes the proportional drop on the Saint John when compared to the 735 in 2010, but still compares favourably with the 2003 to 2007 average of 256.

Magaguadavic – As of Sep. 19,  10 large salmon, 8 grilse, and, unfortunately, 13 escapee farmed salmon were monitored at the counting facility. Note there was a rainbow trout attempting to enter the river as well – an alien species of concern.

Nova Scotia

LaHave – With 72 large salmon returned by Sep. 15 compared with 47 last year, and 278 grilse compared with 256 last year, the numbers have moved in a positive direction, but are still below the 2003 to 2007 average of 107 and 278 respectively – and far below numbers seen a few decades ago.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The counting facilities have shut down, with the last numbers posted early in September, and according to most sources the vast majority of salmon in the rivers by that time.

Time of Autumn Reflection

A Fin Swirls – photo Charles Cusson

This week water is as big a story as the Atlantic salmon. It should set things up nicely for September upstream migration of the fish, and encourage successful spawning of more Atlantic salmon later in the autumn. According to Environment Canada’s seasonal forecast, we should have a drier autumn than average. For those interested in the lives of Atlantic salmon, the conversation is so often whether there is too much or too little water.

USFWS Worker With a Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon – USFWS Northeast Region photo

In western New England, the Connecticut River has taken a major hit with Hurricane Irene, and the Salmon Restoration Program is just in the first stages of putting things right. Ken Sprankle, Executive Director of the Salmon Restoration Program, says they have lost about 50% of their broodstock. Staff at facilities like the White River Federal Hatchery are working to reduce the impacts of siltation in the water and presence of pathogens that could impact the remaining fish. He notes the staff are doing everything possible to reduce the stress levels of the Atlantic salmon.

In the streams, he notes that parr surveys of index sites had already started, and teams will be revisiting those locations to resample and assess how it will affect the parr densities in the streams. He remains optimistic on this. “I have seen major flooding in the past where you would wonder how the fish could survive, but they do,” says Sprankle.

Atlantic Salmon Runs and River Reports

New Brunswick

Miramichi – The lower stretch of the the Little Southwest Miramichi is too high to fish at the moment, as more rain came down in the past few days. But the Northwest Miramichi is fishing and parts of the Sevogle are good. Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbox Adventures notes the salmon they are seeing are generally extremely healthy and have been well fed at sea, a general characteristic of the fish this year.

Barrier numbers are in for Aug. 31., and the numbers could be higher. On the Northwest Miramichi there was a return of 209 large salmon, vs. 253 in 2010, although the numbers certainly hold up against the five year average (2003-2007) of 151. For grilse, there were 633 vs 647 last year, but better than the five year average of 151.

Hartland Pool, Saint John River – 1950s

Saint John – The large salmon numbers are truly encouraging this year, with 593 counted at Mactaquac as of Aug. 31, vs. 313 in 2010 and the five year average (2003-2007) of 430. However grilse numbers have taken a significant tumble from 2010, with 909 this year vs. 2224 in 2010. Still, it is reasonably close to the five year average of 1080.

Nashwaak – These numbers for Atlantic salmon are encouraging – 226 in 2011 to Aug. 31 against 313 last year and 53 for the five year average. For grilse, the same trend of a decline from last year – 391 in 2011 vs. 731 in 2010, but still above the five year average of 229.

Magaguadavic – The count is 9 large salmon so far, which is heartening, considering that none came back last year, and only a single large salmon in 2009. The grilse return was 8 to Aug. 31 vs 11 last year, but with this river having so few returning salmon, each one counts.

Maine

Narraguagus near "the Airline" – Salmon go far above this – photo Tom Moffatt

Penobscot – As of Sept. 5 there were 3,049 Atlantic salmon pass through the Veazie Trap, 20 more than the week before. Keep them coming!

Narraguagus – This downeast river has now reached 184, and while this is a small fraction of its historic runs, it is a satisfying increase, making it the best return in 20 years.

Other Maine Rivers – The Saco has 94, the Androscoggin 45, Kennebec 62, all as of Sept. 5th.

Nova Scotia

Margaree – by Gord Magee

Unlike most other areas, Nova Scotia is looking for more rain. The fish passage at Morgan Falls on the LaHave remains closed. According to staff, the water has come up a bit on the northern branch, but still things are too warm and low flow to do anything.

Québec

Matapedia

Matapedia Looking Downstream – photo ASF Research

To September 5th for the season, a total of 2,021 Atlantic salmon had been landed, of which 281 were released.  River conditions have changed dramatically, with vastly increased flows, following Hurricane Irene. As of September 7th, the flow had increased to 2103 cubic meters/second from 703 cubic meters/second just 48 hours previously.  Obviously, angling will slow down during the next week until levels drop. Overall, angling results continue to outpace last season, with 762 more salmon landed  compared to the same date in 2010.

Matane

As of September 4th, 3,082 fish had migrated (1,385 salmon and 1,697 grilse) through the fish ladder. This represents an increase of 862 fish compared with all last season.  As of Sept. 4th, 379 salmon and 672 grilse were landed by official tallies.   Only a few releases have been reported to date, and an accurate number for releases will need to wait for season’s end.  Water levels spiked considerably on September 6th.  Over a period of only 18 hours, the flows skyrocketed from 603 cubic meters/second to 2003 cubic meters/second.  It is to be expected that angling success will slow considerably for the next week.

Bonaventure

In total for the season, to September 4th, 1,078 salmon had been landed and released, somewhat ahead of last year. Grilse captures are also higher – up from 403 in 2010 to 678 in 2011. As of September 7th, angling conditions are rated as hazardous and will not improve much until flows diminish.  As of September 6th at midnight, the Bonaventure was flowing at 803 cubic meters/second and one day later at 4703 cubic meters/second – nearly a 6-fold increase.

Cascapedia

From beginning to end of August, the Cascapedia Society is reporting 465 fish landed, 408 confirmed releases (88%) and a mix of 57 salmon and grilse killed during the month.  In total for the 2011 season, 2,460 fish have been landed (1,240 more landed compared to 2010) with 2,376 released, giving a 96.5% release rate.  As of September 6th, the Cascapedia was in the midst of the second extreme water flow increase in 10 days.  The flow ballooned from 503 cubic meters/second to 2703 cubic meters/second within 24 hours.  Mandatory live release of all salmon resumed on September 1st.

Sainte-Anne

For the season to September 4th, 393 salmon had been reported released compared to 304 at the comparable date in 2010.  The number of grilse landed increased to 201 from 113 in 2010.  The Sainte-Anne has not been spared the recent torrents of water that has fallen on the Gaspé.  On September 6th, within 12 hours, the flow increased from 303 meters/second to 1203 meters/second.  Needless to say this will curtail angling for a number of days.

Dartmouth, St-Jean and York Rivers

York River, Above Oppie – photo Charles Cusson

Extreme increases in flows were recorded recently.  For the Dartmouth, in less than 12 hours the flow increased from 253 cubic meters/second to 1603 cubic meters/second.  Within the same time frame, the York went from 253 cubic meters/second to 1153 cubic meters/second.  Angling has slowed, to say the least.  Ann Smith of Quebec Sporting stated that anglers were fishing in “June conditions” just before the heavy downpour.  Conditions most likely will remain that way until season’s end on September 30th.

Sainte-Marguerite

For the season to September 2nd, 246 fish had been landed, with 183 salmon released and 63 grilse retained. Continuing the trend for the 2011 season, these numbers represent 126 more fish landed than during the entire 2010 season.

Unfortunately, it is time to put the fly rod down for a while.  On September 5th, the river was flowing at 503 cubic meters/second and as of September 6th was at 1203 cubic meters/second.  This is the second extreme flow increase in the last 10 days.

Newfoundland

Water levels have improved somewhat in central Newfoundland. No new fishway reports.

The Tales of September

Bonaventure salmon – 2011 edition – photo Kelsey Taylor

Hurricane Irene caused  water levels across most of the  Atlantic salmon range in North America to increase and in some cases significantly.

The only areas not impacted were in the east including central and eastern Newfoundland, Cape Breton and some other parts of Nova Scotia.

The last week in August is always a time to pause, and to prepare for the coming autumn. It would appear that the water levels should be good for salmon migration upstream, at least in September.

Atlantic Salmon Run Numbers that we have.

Nova Scotia

LaHave – The Morgan Falls Fishway is presently shut down as water temperatures had been creeping up, and this area  didn’t get major rain with the hurricane. The last Atlantic salmon went through 10 days ago. The fishway is expected to re-open at the beginning of next week.

Margaree and Cheticamp – Despite low water, anglers are catching salmon. On the Cheticamp,  anglers are mostly on the lower section of the river. A contact on the Margaree noted the river rose more with a rainstorm last week than it did when hurricane Irene.

Newfoundland

Exploits – The run has slowed to a trickle, with only 102 new Atlantic salmon counted in the past week, bringing the total to 41,415. Still, this compares favourably with 2010′s record breaking run of 45,627.

Terra Nova River – Another 83 salmon arrived  in the past week, giving a total of 5,145 compared to 4,533 for 2010, and far better than the 3,146 of the five-year average.

Torrent River – The count is still lagging with 3,787 to date, compared with 5,529 last year, and below the five-year average of 4,597.

Labrador

Sand Hill – The numbers continue to rise, with 8,565 grilse and 970 large salmon, totalling 9,535 – compared to a total of 1,974 (1,798 grilse and 176 large salmon) in 2010. Everyone is watching this one to see if  it will break 10,000

Paradise – Interestingly, this river is also doing much better than last year, with 375 grilse and 33 large salmon, compared with 170 grilse and 17 large in 2010 – but this puts it on a par with the five-year average.

New Brunswick

Salmon on the Restigouche

Restigouche – Water levels are up but Atlantic salmon are still showing an interest in flies presented to them. Tom Callaghan of Ristigouche Salmon Club noted that a salmon was caught on August 29.

On the upper river, Danny Bird at Kedgwick Lodge said early in the week:

“Water is in the bushes!  Raised from 1.2m to 1.8m overnight but holding at the present level. The water is very chocolate-coloured, perhaps from sediment run-off coming from the agricultural sector as well as the forestry industry. There appears to be a good run of fresh fish in the upper system, weighing in the range of 12 to14 lbs. No hurricane up here just a good rainfall and some moderate wind.”

Another angler report from last week’s action on the Restigouche:

“Good number of fish in the river. Fishing for three days, party of four brought to the shore 20 salmon, the largest 24 lb. despite a significant water rise. According to the guides there have been very good water conditions all through August until Irene. Most of the fish were extremely healthy looking.”

Kedgwick – Don Sullivan at Kedgwick Salmon Club reported this morning there had been 719 Atlantic salmon brought to shore. This is an all time record. The Club closes down for the season this week on a high note.

Miramichi – Water is high and silty,, but slowly clearing. Keith Wilson says “This week is a bust.”. Check out the water levels at Blackville in the graph below:

Southwest Miramichi at Blackville – Water Levels

Maine

Penobscot – Only seven new fish to report in the past week, bringing the total to 3,029 so far. There is a good possibility of more in September given the high flows and low water temperatures. Hurricane Irene dropped a major amount of water on this basin. Check out the Mattawamkeag water level, now three metres above its level on Sunday.

Mattawamkeag – a major tributary of the Penobscot River

Québec

Matapedia

Causapscal River – Falls Pool – photo Charles Cusson

To August 28th, a total of 1,975 fish had  landed which includes 279 releases.  As of noon on August 29, the flow was 843 cubic meters/second, up from 543 cubic meters/second 12 hours earlier.  This translates into a 10” rise in the river level.  Angling results continue to outpace last season, 745 more fish have been landed (includes an increase of 125 additional releases) compared to the same date in 2010.

On July 20 a salmon was landed in Adams Pool with a numbered tag attached to its dorsal fin. Scale samples were sent to Jonathan Carr at our research department for analysis.  It turns out our traveler, originally tagged on May 28, 2008 in the lower stretches of the Restigouche, was two years old at the time he went out to sea for the first time and returned to his natal river in 2011 as a three sea winter fish estimated at 22lbs.  What tales he could tell…..Unfortunately, scales did not have the clarity needed to tell the fresh water story.

Cascapedia

For the month to August 25th, the Cascapedia Society is reporting 386 fish landed, 339 confirmed releases and a mix of 47 salmon and grilse have been killed.  A retention fishery with a quota of 100 mature salmon is in effect for the month of August.  The river needed water but the answer has been overwhelming, changing from 25 cubic meters/second to just under 100 cubic meters/second in 24 hours. Once the waters calm down, the angling will be interesting well into September.  The society is urging anglers to keep only cock fish in the 15 lb range and to release any hen fish.  Mandatory live release of all salmon will resume once the quota is reached or on September 1st.

Matane

As of August 27th, 3,022 fish had migrated (1,364 salmon and 1,658 grilse) through the fish ladder. This represents an increase of 1,107 fish compared to all of last season.  As of the 27th, 361 salmon and 625 grilse were reported landed.   Only a few releases have been reported to date, an accurate number in regards to releases is available at season end.  Water levels spiked considerably on the 29th, to 723 cubic meters/second at noon, up from 123 cubic meters/second 18 hours earlier.  This bodes well for anyone lucky enough to fish here in September.

Bonaventure

In total for the season, to August 29th, 1,059 salmon have been landed and released, 100 more than same date in 2010.  Grilse captures are up from 385 in 2010 to 670 in 2011.  Angling conditions will not be that great for next week due to  flows increasing from 603 cubic meters/second to 1403  in fewer than 12 hours.

Sainte-Anne

Ninety days into the season at August 29th, 365 salmon have been reported released compared to 301 at the comparable date in 2010.  The number of grilse landed has increased to 176 from 102 in 2010.  Irene’s visit to the area caused water flows to jump from 103 cubic meters/second at midnight on the 29th to 603 cubic meters/second 12 hours later.

Dartmouth, St-Jean and York Rivers

Charlie Pool, St-Jean (Gaspé) – photo Charles Cusson

On August 29th, major increases in flows were recorded.  For the Dartmouth, in fewer than 12 hours the flow increased from 103 cubic meters/second to 903 cubic meters/second.  The York went from 163 cubic meters/second   to 563 cubic meters/second.   This bodes well for angling for the month of September.

Sainte-Marguerite

At August 29th it is time to put the fly rod down for a few days.  The river flow increased from 403 cubic meters/second at midnight to 2403 cubic meters/second 12 hours later.  There are reports of road wash outs and extreme conditions in the Saguenay.  This is an extreme water event; let’s hope the damage is kept to a minimum.

Wild Atlantic salmon and the Storm

If there has been a theme in river conditions this year, it is the lack of long dry, hot periods of drought. The rain comes, and in a few days there is more rain. It keeps temperatures cool, and flows sufficient. For the Atlantic salmon that appear to have survived in greater numbers in the ocean, it is a freeway towards the spawning areas in headwater streams.

Hurricane Irene – Adding More Flow to Salmon Rivers

High water is not easy on the angler, but it helps the Atlantic salmon, so perhaps it is a good idea to be philosophical about it, on occasion. It may be especially so this weekend, on into Monday, as Hurricane Irene may have an impact. Take that philosophical outlook and think what this can do for angling in September. There won’t be a dry river in all Maine, Atlantic Canada or eastern Québec in the month ahead.

Looking at the levels at Blackville on the SW Miramichi today illustrate the rule of 2010. Just when the water drops, it goes up again.

SW Miramichi at Blackville – up goes the flow…

The latest Salmon Returns and Reports from the Rivers

Newfoundland

DFO deserves praise for keeping up its weekly counts of Atlantic salmon, although it would be nicer if it broke the site numbers into large salmon and grilse, just for those with a strong interest in it.

Exploits River – With 41,000 Atlantic salmon Returning – credit ERMA

Exploits – Another 500 Atlantic salmon came in this week, giving us a total of 41,312 as of Monday, as opposed to 45,145 in last year’s “run for the record”, and well above that five year average of 33,558.

In addition, the Salmonid Interpretation Centre on the Exploits River is a “must-see” place for both residents and visitors to Newfoundland.

Terra Nova – This is another river doing quite well, with 5,062 salmon as of Monday, above last year’s run of 4,519.  The talk regarding a comparative improvement in the health of the environment off Newfoundland really has some truth to it.

Conne – The concern is whether the low numbers returning, 1,189 to Monday, is typical of all the other salmon runs on the south coast of Newfoundland. It is a sobering number when the five year average is a little over 2,000, and last year’s runs were low as well, at 1747. A generation ago runs above 6,000 were normal.

Northern Peninsula Rivers – The Torrent is still low, at 3,749 and only about 170 salmon have come through the fishway in the past week. Last year the run was 5,500 to date.

Labrador

Sand Hill – This impressive river has now seen 8,502 grilse and 967 large salmon come back, so far ahead of the 2010 numbers of 1,787 grilse and 175 large salmon that one is left speechless. This has to be considered one of the greatest success stories for the year, for whatever reason.

Other rivers in Labrador are holding their own, and the situation may be good in the month ahead if Hurricane Irene follows its present path, taking it inland over Labrador.

Nova Scotia

Margaree – The river had a bump of rain on Tuesday, but as everyone knows, the NE Margaree drops fairly quickly, so levels are good at the moment for angling.

New Brunswick

Nepisiquit – The numbers are in, and worth waiting for. By mid-Aug there were 429 large salmon back to this river, a wonderful increase over last year’s 129 and 2009′s total of 14! The same could be said for grilse in this river, with 414 this year against 252 last year and the meager 29 of 2009.

Upsalquitch – The 579 grilse returned by mid-Aug. is about the same as last year. But the large salmon return makes up for everything, with 547, making it the best year in a very long time. The cool nights and consistent water, and potential for much more rain with the hurricane should make conditions good into September.

Jacquet River – With 162 large salmon back by mid-August, it is doing well compared with 59 last year and 51 the year before. In addition, there have been 322 grilse returned, which is more than a good comparison with 48 last year and 33 in 2009. The fact we are seeing consistently high returns among many rivers is a very positive sign.

Québec

Malbaie River (Charlevoix region)

One hour from Québec City, this breathtakingly beautiful river is living a renaissance.  Renowned for its stunning panoramic views, La Malbaie River was rediscovered as a salmon angling river in the 1990s. Today, 20 salmon pools have been identified between Clermont and La Malbaie.

As most salmon regions of Quebec, the Malbaie is also being blessed with much higher than average runs this season.  As of August 22nd, a total of 142 salmon were released and 124 grilse retained.  The season starts on June 15.  To date, 694 fish (250 salmon and 444 grilse have migrated through the fish way.

In comparison, at August 22nd 2010, 528 fish had moved through (209 salmon and 321 grilse).

Matapedia

1,894 fish were reported landed, including 268 releases.  River conditions continue to be excellent due to consistent amounts of rain and moderate temperatures.  720 more fish have been landed compared to the same date in 2010.

Matane

2,960 fish have migrated (1,343 salmon and 1,617 grilse) through the fish ladder. This represents an increase of 740 fish compared to all of last season.  328 salmon and 553 grilse were reported landed, with only a few releases reported.  An accurate release number will be available at season end.  Water levels have become very low and rain is needed.  The number of fish going though has dropped off considerably, but, on the bright side, the river received 39 mm of rain today and the fish in the estuary have been spending time at the buffet.  Beware of late season Matane grilse.

Bonaventure

1,006 salmon have been landed and released (102 more than same date in 2010).  Grilse captures are up from 378 in 2010 to 646.  Angling conditions are improving with the flow dropping from 443  meters/second to 343   meters over the last six days.

Cascapedia

To August 18th, the Cascapedia Society reported 310 fish landed, 238 confirmed releases, and a mix of 72 salmon and grilse killed.  A retention fishery with a quota of 100 mature salmon is in effect for the month of August.  The society is urging anglers to keep only cock fish in the 15 lb range and to release any hen fish.  Mandatory live release of all salmon will resume once the quota is reached or on September 1st.

Sainte-Anne

355 salmon have been reported released compared to 289 to the same date in 2010.  Grilse landed increased to 158 from 97 in 2010.  Angling conditions on the Sainte-Anne will improve due to recent rains that improved water flow.

Mitis

1,244 fish (468 salmon and 776 grilse) have migrated from their feeding grounds off the coast of Greenland (454 more than all of last season).  Again, we are witnessing a great increase in the number of grilse compared to last year.  To date, 123 salmon have been landed which includes 40 released.  281 grilse have been retained.

Pabos North – photo Charles Cusson

Pabos

Manager of the Three Pabos rivers, René Giroux, is reporting a record year on all levels: record number of fish in the rivers, landed, released; record amount of rain; record number of times the barrier fences have been washed away.  With all that, 360 fish have been landed (228 salmon released and 132 grilse retained).  When he in-river counts were done recently, the Pabos West tally was 700 fish, the Petit Pabos 550, and the Pabos North close to 600.  With a large portion of these fish being salmon, these rivers are well on their way to reporting record spawning this fall.

Grande Rivière

Grande-Rivière – Gin Clear, and What a Sight! – photo Charles Cusson

This gin clean stream, in proximity to the town of Gaspé, is having a great season.  Manager of Grey Ghost Destinations, Don Bourgouin reported that the recent count totalled over 500 fish and fish landings and releases are much higher than last year.  Bourgouin also noted that 30lb salmon are being hooked and released this season.

St-Jean (Saguenay)

St-Jean (Saguenay) – by Martin Arcand

Zec Manager Michel Desjardins reports steady angling conditions and a vast improvement in the number of fish migrating to this small and intimate river.  To date, 111 salmon have been released and 61 grilse retained.  These numbers are off the chart.  During the entire 2010 season, 18 salmon were released and 35 grilse retained.  Area stakeholders are cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the season that ends on September 30th.

Rain, Rain, Glorious Rain

Releasing a Salmon this Month on Bonaventure – photo Kelsey Taylor

The returns of Atlantic salmon this year have brought responses ranging from cautious optimism to ecstatic excitement. Naturally the reaction depends on which river, and also on how long one’s memory extends into the past. Those who remember runs from decades ago realize that the numbers of wild Atlantic salmon we consider excellent in 2011 are just a fraction of what the healthy runs used to be. There is a long way to go, but something good is certainly happening at the moment.

Iceberg Map for Aug. 17

In the field, ASF Research continues to be active in retrieving the data from the sonic tracking program. This week receivers at the Strait of Belle Isle are being retrieved and data transferred to computers. This retrieval is being carried out during a time when icebergs are thick due to small pieces breaking from the massive ice island that drifted past the northern edge of the strait a month ago.

Atlantic salmon returns and river reports

Maine

Penobscot – Last Thursday saw the Veazie Trap pass the 3,000 Atlantic salmon milestone, and by Monday 3,013 had returned, making this now the best year since 1986. This is something to build on, as the estimated benefit of completing the Penobscot Project of removing Great Works and Veazie Dam should see a spawning capacity increase of 10,000 or more. With returns in some years now at 3,000, the possibility of reaching a goal of annual runs topping 10,000 is certainly possible. That is, if ocean conditions continue to improve, allowing greater survival of Atlantic salmon at sea.

Veazie Returns since 1978 – all numbers prior to 2011 are for end of season.

Downeast Rivers – The Narraguagus now has 173 returned, as of Monday. Meanwhile, if anyone is in the Downeast area on Friday, the East Machias Aquatic Research Center is having an Open House from 2 – 5. The Centre has reached a major milestone of renovations, and they want to show off the facility designed to improve the prospects for Downeast Atlantic salmon and their rivers.

New Brunswick

Restigouche River – photo ASF Research Staff

Restigouche – On the upper river, Larry’s Gulch was reporting that cool night time temperatures, in the mid-50s and low-60s Fahrenheit along with a considerable water rise on Friday replenished the river. While fishing was relatively poor on the weekend, Monday saw 11 Atlantic salmon landed, three of them more than 25lbs, one at 32lbs.

This season, 14% of the salmon landed have been 25 lbs. or more, with the largest being 47 lbs. As of Monday, 712 Atlantic salmon had been landed for the year, with more than 450 of them large salmon, and the balance grilse. Larry’s Gulch is entirely live release, of course.

At Kedgwick Lodge reports are similar – cool night temperatures, lots of water, and once the initial water increase subsided, good fishing.

Northwest Miramichi – The Cassilis Trapnet is running at about the same numbers of large salmon as in 2010, but with a major drop in grilse, with 373 large salmon and 1050 grilse to Sunday, while in 2010 it was 384 salmon and 1998 grilse.

Little Southwest Miramichi – Debbie Norton reports there have been more torrential rains, raising the river level, and cooling the water, making angling a challenge – but the levels not nearly as high as they were a week ago.

Main Southwest Miramichi – The Millerton Trapnet is reporting 581 large salmon this year compared with 630 last year, and 1,734 grilse as of Sunday, vs 2,207 last year. Still, decent returns for recent years.

Saint John River – The grilse count is much lower this year, with 908 as of Sunday vs. 2,223 a year ago. However, the large salmon return has been 593 as of Sunday vs. 313 last year, and above the 2003-2007 average of 421. Still, far below the 1993-1997 average of 1,869 large salmon.

Nashwaak – 211 large salmon had returned to the counting fence as of Sunday, more than double last year’s 88. However the grilse numbers are reversed, with 382 returned by Sunday, vs. 729 in 2010.

Magaguadavic Fish Ladder in Summer – photo Tom Moffatt

Magaguadavic – This outer Bay of Fundy river, monitored by ASF is still critically low, but had 8 grilse and 9 large salmon return as of Sunday. While the grilse are down from last year, this is first time in recent years large Atlantic salmon have returned to this river, an encouraging sign. At 17, this is the largest return since 2006, and beyond that one would need to go back to 1999 to find a higher number, 24. Still these are numbers that remain critically low.

Nova Scotia

LaHave – Morgan Falls reports 72 large salmon and 274 grilse, so fish are continuing to trickle back to the river.

Sackville River – Salmon continue to trickle in here too, with the total now 47.

Margaree – Storms just passed across the Margaree late Tuesday, giving a modest bump in the water levels, and cooling things nicely. Fishing reports will be added as available.

Québec

Matapedia

Matapedia – photo by Charles Cusson

A personal report:

“Fished the Matapedia River last week – 9 mile section of Cold Spring Camp which is just down river from Glen Emma water.  Water temp was consistent to previous years but heavy rain all week brought high water and more difficult fishing.   Highlight was first ever salmon landed by a friend (after 5 years of trying !!); a 14 pounder that fought for 25 minutes before being landed and released under the watchful eye of the guide from Cold Spring Camp.  The group in camp also had several other large salmon, although none that large, and several grilse.  Salmon were rising to my fly at nauseum, giving me hope hope hope hope but sadly – I was not successful in hooking and releasing anything over the three day period.
Rain was continuing as we left on Friday.”

Matane

The great numbers of fish returning to this famous river continue at a steady pace.  To August 12th, 2,823 fish had migrated (603 more than all of 2010) through the fish ladder.  To August 11th, reported captures were 298 salmon and 468 grilse.   Only a few releases have been reported.  Water flow continues to be consistent which the major factor is in the angling success.

Bonaventure

To August 14th, 964 salmon had been landed and released (111 more than same date in 2010).  Captures are up from 356 in 2010 to 610 in 2011.  The healthy runs of grilse are usually a good omen for Two Sea Winter salmon the next year.

Cascapedia

The Cascapedia Society reported over 200 fish being landed to August 11th, 175 released and 25 salmon and grilse killed.  A retention fishery with a quota of 100 mature salmon is in effect for the month of August.  The society is urging anglers to keep only cock fish in the 15 lb range and to release any hen fish.  Mandatory live release of all salmon will resume once the quota is reached or on September 1st.
Sainte-Anne

To August 14th, 343 salmon had been released compared to 274 at the comparable date in 2010.  The number of grilse landed increased to 146 from 83 in 2010.  The Sainte-Anne has benefited from consistent water flows since the beginning of the season.

Mitis

As of August 15th, 1,227 fish, 466 salmon and 761 grilse have migrated from their feeding grounds off the coast of Greenland.  768 fish had come through the counting facility by August 15th 2010 (444 salmon and 324 grilse).  Again, we are witnessing a great increase in the number of grilse compared to last year.  To date, 83 salmon and 281 grilse have been landed.  In addition to these numbers, 38 releases have been reported.

The migration to date surpasses last year’s entire run by 422 fish.

Godbout

To August 7th, 384 fish had been landed and released (187 salmon and 47 grilse) and 160 grilse retained.  To date, 567 salmon and 204 grilse have gone through the counting facility.  This is up from 448 at the comparable date in 2010 and surpasses the 533 total for the total 2010 run.  Again, as on most rivers, the contributing factor to angling success has been consistent water flow.

Escoumins

Escoumins River, Québec – photo Charles Cusson

As of August 7th, 321 fish had made their way through the fish way (217 salmon and 104 grilse), 90 fish have been reported landed consisting of 65 salmon and 1 grilse released and 24 retained.  To the comparable date in 2010, 189 salmon and grilse had been counted.  For all of last season at September 30th, 96 salmon and 134 grilse was the total run.  To date, this represents an increase of 113 fish.

Trinité

This index river for the North Shore of Quebec reports 232 salmon and 745 grilse had travelled through the fish way as of August 7th.  Of which, 221 fish have been landed consisting of 49 salmon, 8 grilse released and 164 grilse retained.  At September 30th 2010, the total run was 260 salmon and 450 grilse.

Newfoundland

Exploits – Atlantic salmon continue to return in decent numbers, with 40,834 by Sunday, compared with the 44,102 in 2010 and the the 2006-2010 five-year-average of 32,728. The Exploits continues to outdo itself.

Campbellton – 5,433 returned as of Sunday, above last year’s 4,274.

Terra Nova – Another river with returns similar to last year, with 4,844 to Sunday, compared with 4,473 in 2010.

Harry’s River – The electronic counting facility was to be taken out around this time, but a few more Atlantic salmon are reported as of Sunday – 4,024.

Torrent – With 3,578 Atlantic salmon returned as of Sunday, the river still lags the return of 5,409 in 2010. Nevertheless it is encouraging that the salmon are still coming in, with 474 salmon counted in the past week.

Labrador

Sand Hill – This river appears to have had a bonanza this year, with 8,391 grilse and 954 large salmon salmon to date, far above 2010′s 1,756 and 167 respectively. This is also about double the recent five year average of 3,634 grilse and 593 large salmon.

Dark Tickle Trapnet – ASF and the Labrador Metis Community are working together on a trapnet project that will allow large Atlantic salmon to be released unharmed to continue to their spawning areas. It is located near Dark Tickle in coastal waters. An interesting interview with Chris Montague in both English and the local lanaguage is available through this .mp3 podcast.

Atlantic Salmon Runs – the Mid-August Report

Each Atlantic salmon population is unique. Each river’s salmon have made adjustments to the river, to the ocean migration route followed, to ratios of grilse, large salmon and even precocious parr, and perhaps have picked up some extra characteristics particularly their own.

Serpentine River, New Brunswick – photo Conservation Council of New Brunswick

The Serpentine River, part of the Tobique system that flows into New Brunswick’s Saint John River, is a case in point. Before the dams on the river were built, salmon returned to their spawning areas in December, but didn’t spawn until the following autumn. Now they are trucked there, and ASF Research and partners have this summer used radio tracking and other technology to better understand the secrets of this population.

You can read more in the Serpentine project page in ASF’s Research section of the main website.

River Returns of Atlantic salmon

Maine – another milestone for the Penobscot

Penobscot – An exciting moment on Aug. 7, as 2,976 Atlantic salmon had passed through the Veazie Dam this year. That pushes past the 1990 milestone of 2,955, and means this year is the best since 1986 when a huge run of 4,137 salmon went through. If one takes an average between 1978 and 2011, the result would be 1,768, and 2011 is almost 1,200 ahead of that. The modest drop in water temperatures has helped conditions for salmon movement upstream.

Veazie Graph of Atlantic Salmon Returns

Narraguagus – Elsewhere in Maine the runs seem to have slowed. An extra five salmon came into the trap on the Downeast River Narraguagus this week, to total 168 so far in the year. This also is the best year since late in the 1980s.

Nova Scotia

Seal Pool in Autumn, Margaree River – photo Barry Gibson

Margaree & Cheticamp – From René Aucoin, the lower section of the Cheticamp is still fishing well. On the Margaree, the water levels came way up with all the rain (see the graph), and this past week one angler hooked six salmon at Seal Pool. There is much talk about the good fishing in the bottom half of the NE Margaree, with the higher water, but in the upper reaches of the river there was not nearly the bump in levels from the storms, and the angling has been less successful.

NE Margaree River Levels UP – WAY UP!

LaHave – Salmon are still trickling in through the Morgan Falls Fishway. As of Aug. 9 there were 71 large salmon and 271 grilse. The large salmon numbers compare favourably with the 50 returned in 2010.

Labrador

Eagle River – Fishing is excellent – some of the best runs in years, with many large healthy fish. However river levels are low with less rain than elsewhere in Atlantic Canada and the water temperatures are still decidedly cool since the air temp is in the teens and cooler at night.

Angling success is phenomenal, according to Gudrid Hutchings at Rifflin Hitch Lodge on the Eagle River.

Sand Hill – This river continues to impress, with 8,301 grilse and 942 large salmon to date, far, far above the 1,676 grilse and 138 large salmon that returned by this date in 2010. This river has been bringing comments from everywhere, as people wonder what has happened to the population there.

The other rivers in Labrador continue to see excellent returns, but the water levels in general are below those found further south in Atlantic Canada.

Newfoundland

Exploits – As of Aug. 7, 39,878 salmon had returned, compared with 42,811 in 2010. This year’s run is less than 7% off last year’s record return, so it is definitely another great year. The 2006-2010 average is only 31,531, so something is going right there.

Campbellton – As with some other rivers, the 5,398 coming in this year is well above last year’ 4,223, and far above the 2006-2010 average of 3,631.

Conne – This river continues to be of concern, with only 1,189 reported so far, against 1,747 last year and a 2006-2010 average of 2,084, almost double this year’s run.

Harry’s River – The run has finally passed by the 4,000 milestone with 4,015 returned by Aug. 7.

Great Northern Peninsula rivers – For whatever reason, the Torrent River return still lags, at 3,104 this year, against 5,107 last year. And Western Arm Brook has seen only 1,378 by Aug. 7, against 1,810 last year.

New Brunswick

Restigouche – On the lower river, Tom Callaghan at the Ristigouche Salmon Club notes the water level has come up a foot or more in the past few days, slowing down the fishing in what has been an exceptional year. While the future is never predictable when it comes to salmon, there are many saying the salmon run may increase in another week or so, following the full moon on Aug. 13.

Miramichi – The story in the past two days has been rising water levels and cool nights to keep the water temperatures within bounds. Note the graph for the Little Southwest measuring location at Lyttleton.

Little Southwest Miramichi – Water Up Aug. 9

Québec

Matapedia

To August 8th, for the season to date, a total of 1,722 fish are reported landed which includes 237 releases.  River conditions will continue to be excellent, the flow increased to 66 cubic m/s from 33 overnight.  This represents 632 more fish landed and released compared to the same date in 2010.

Update on the tagged fish reported on last week.  The fish was tagged as a smolt on May 25th 2008 in the lower stretches of the Restigouche.  Samples about this traveler have been sent to ASF research.  More detailed information should be available soon.  Stay tuned.

Matapedia River, Gaspé – photo Charles Cusson

Matane

The Matane has gone into overdrive with the thick of the traditional run happening as you read this report.  To August 8th, 2,610 fish have made it through the fish ladder.  There are 390 more fish in the river than all of last season.  To August 4th, reported captures are 254 salmon and 325 grilse.   Only a few releases have been reported.  A large part of the increase is being produced by the excellent number of grilse migrating to the river.  The salmon to grilse ratio is hovering around 1 to 1.

Bonaventure

To August 8th, 895 salmon have been landed and released (99 more than same date in 2010).  The number of captures is up from 340 in 2010 to 594 in 2011.  Since all salmon have to be released in the Bonaventure, the increase numbers of captures continues to be due to a very good grilse run.  A recent increase in the water flow will ensure that angling will continue be good through August.

York, Dartmouth, St-Jean

The in-river counts have been concluded on the York and the St-Jean.  For the York, 1,300 fish were counted (1,071 salmon and 229 grilse), on the St-Jean 847 fish were counted (696 salmon and 151 grilse).  It is important to note that the St-Jean count is lower than expected due to the barrier fence at Big Indian pool was down for a few days due to high water.  To August 8th, all rivers are reporting excellent waters flows and levels with very clear visibility.  Precipitation continues to fall in these watersheds and will ensure good angling for August.  Results of the Dartmouth count were not available at the time of this report.

Ann Smith of Quebec Sporting is reporting good numbers of fresh fish in the lower stretches of the St-Jean.

Gros Mecatina – Lower North Shore

Mécatina River – photo Charles Cusson

Better late than never.  Although the 2011 run was late arriving, Keith Bobbitt of the Pourvoirie Mécatina is reporting much larger numbers of fish migrating to this remote part of the salmon world as traditionally witnessed.  Angling has been excellent, with guests sometimes reaching their limit of released fish before lunch.  The Pourvoirie Mécatina is a recent addition to ASF’s live release outfitter group.

Unique Rivers, and the Matane Goes into Overdrive

Photographing leaping salmon

Big Falls – Humber Leaper – not every leaper is a perfect, graceful image

Sometime, some reader may have the opportunity to try photographing a leaping salmon. Probably the best easily accessible places in North America are Causapscal Falls, in June, at the base of the Gaspé peninsula, and Big Falls on the Humber River in Newfoundland from late June onwards, but there are other locations here and there, wherever wild Atlantic salmon live.

If you have a really modern digital SLR camera you may have an autofocus fast enough. Otherwise, pre-focus on the place you thin, the salmon will leap. Put the ISO at 400, and try to achieve a shutter speed of 1/800th sec. Then hold the camera with the shutter button half depressed. Wait, and probably wait some more. You will need your fastest reflexes when the salmon leaps to push down the button FAST. If you have a fast multi-exposure, try for three.

This is actually tough to do, very wearing, and most shots won’t work. But some will. Would be happy to see what results you get.

For salmon photos, it is actually easier if you fish and have an underwater “point-and-shoot” camera to get a great shot as your friend releases the salmon. But that is another skill.

What’s coming up on the rivers

Labrador

Sand Hill – What is going on with this river? So far this year there have been 7,099 small salmon and 795 large salmon as of July 24. That is compared to 2010 numbers of 1,173 and 99. This year’s return is way above the 2005-2010 average of 2,718 small and 502 large.

Paradise – The trap has 196 grilse and 15 large salmon

Newfoundland

The numbers are in for July 24, and they are exciting.

Exploits – We are now at 35,496 which is less than 8 per cent below 2010′s banner year that had 38,640 by this point.

Campbellton River – 5,125 by July 24, against 3,846 last year.

Great Northern Peninsula – For whatever reason the Torrent numbers continue to lag, at 1569 this year, little more than half the 3,080 for last year. There is some concern here, wondering whether the reason could be mortality issues at sea, whether it does relate to issues associated with the fishway design. Meanwhile, on Western Arm Brook the return has been 1,228, down from 1,722 last year.

Big East River, Hawke's Bay, NL – a great place to watch wild salmon leap

Conne – The south coast Conne River continues to be of concern, with only 1,188 returns

Harry’s River – So far 3,938 salmon have been counted with the DIDSON unit near Stephenville Crossing.

New Brunswick

Restigouche & Upsalquitch – It was late going up on DFO’s website, but the Upsalquitch barrier has good news. By July 15 there were 359 large salmon as opposed to 192 in 2010 and also when compared with the 2003 to 2007 average of 212. This confirms the incredible numbers angled and released this year.

What this official number does not mention is that many are not just large but VERY large, obviously more than 2-seawinter Atlantic salmon. This is what we all want to see, and can only hope it is a harbinger of things to come in the years ahead.

Jacquet River  - Another river with much larger returns, with 111 back by July 15 this year, and only 30 in 2010 and 22 in 2009.

Miramichi – A series of thunderstorms raised levels, but levels have been coming down, and lower temperatures this week should improve on the temperatures of last week.

Blackville Water Levels – Main Southwest Miramichi

Lyttleton – Little Southwest Miramichi

Maine

Penobscot – The higher temperatures have brought salmon migration to a virtual stop, with only three salmon found at Veazie this past week. As of July 25 there has been a return of 2,916 – the best numbers since about 1990.

Narraguagus – With 162 returns, this is also been a great year to date, the best since the late 1990s.

Feeling the Heat – Except in Newfoundland

It will be interesting to see what the scientific evidence will indicate as the reasons for the excellent large salmon runs this year. Are they due to the health of the food web off Newfoundland, Labrador and Greenland? Or do they owe their strength to a benefit derived from the Greenland Agreement between ASF,  its partners and the Greenland fishermen bringing a moratorium on the commercial fishery there? Perhaps there has been less predation on migrating salmon. Whatever the combination of reasons, this year’s runs are  a very positive base for building back our wild Atlantic salmon runs.

As to the continued upstream movement of the salmon, the abundant rainfall is playing a part. Across the Atlantic salmon range in North America, numerous thunderstorms have been adding water – cooling water – to many rivers, maintaining good conditions. It all bodes well for August returns.

Numbers Returning to the Rivers

Newfoundland

Exploits – Amazingly, as of July 31, the Exploits had reached a return of 38,331, only 7% off from the record of 41,229 that returned by the same date last year, and far above the 2006 – 2010 average of 30,054

Terra Nova – Maybe this river is typical of many on the island this year. There were 4,174, only 1 per cent off the 2010′s 4,218 and way above the five year average of 2,577.  There are so many others in a similar situation. Lots of cool water and the runs are near or at last year’s superb returns.

Conne River – This south coast river, located near the heart of Newfoundland’s aquaculture industry, needs to be watched carefully. Numbers are lower here – 1,189 to July 31, compared to 1,747 last year, and a 2,082 average for 2006 -2010.

Harry’s River – This west coast Newfoundland river, now being measured by electronic sonar near Stephenville Crossing, has had 3,978 returns this year.

Torrent River – This Northern Peninsula river has been doing poorly , for whatever reasons. There have been 2,585 returns this year, as opposed to 4,258 in 2010 and a five-year average of 3,828.

Rest of Northern Peninsula – From Barb Genge at Tuckamore Lodge – Atlantic salmon returns in most of the rivers are on par with last year’s great runs, but there have been times when water levels in some of the pools have made them too deep to fish. Days have generally been warm and sunny in the past week, but cold at night, helping to keep water temperatures cool.

Very large icebergs along the coast, with the huge ice island only about 15 mi/25km off St. Anthony’s.

Underground Salmon Pool, near Roddickton- Along Beaver Creek, flowing up

Underground Salmon Pool – Upper Entrance – photo Tom Moffatt

through caves that make up the Underground Salmon Pool, it has been much easier in the last week to see the salmon swimming up into the caves on their way to spawning beds further upstream. If this place existed in Ireland instead of Newfoundland, it would probably be part of the Celtic legend of the Salmon and the hazelnuts of wisdom.

Labrador

Sand Hill – This must be one of the more extraordinary stories of 2011. There have been 7,952 grilse and 892 large Atlantic salmon so far this year – compared to 1,494 grilse and 120 large in 2010, and certainly more than double to total of 3,846 for the 2005-2010 average.

Water levels have been high on Labrador rivers, but are dropping, as you can see from the profile of the Eagle River below.

Eagle River Water Levels

Québec

Matapedia

Matapedia River, Gaspé – photo Charles Cusson

To July 31, a total of 1,570 fish were reported landed (1,202 in July alone).  To July 31, 155 releases had been reported to the CGRMP.  River conditions continue to be excellent, consistent amounts of rain and reasonable air temperatures have contributed to the exceptional angling success.  This bodes well for August.  On July 20, a salmon was landed in the lower Adams pool with a numbered tag attached to its dorsal. Information about this Atlantic traveler will be available in the upcoming Fall Issue of the Atlantic Salmon Journal.

Matane

The Matane continues to produce great numbers.  To July 30, 1,913 fish had made it through the fishway (1,073 salmon and 840 grilse).  In total, this is 551 more than at the comparable date in 2010.   The season to date reported captures are 227 salmon and 241 grilse.   Only a few releases have been reported.  The river conditions are maintaining themselves which are contributing to the quality angling.

Mitis

To August 1, this small stream situated up river from the Matapedia which flows into the St-Lawrence is reporting a total run of 1,099 fish (439 salmon and 660 grilse) compared to 735 to date in 2010.  To date, like most rivers in Quebec, the angling conditions have been very good and have resulted in 83 salmon and 198 grilse reported landed.  18 releases to date have been reported.   The increase in the overall run is due to the high numbers of grilse, the salmon numbers are almost identical.

Bonaventure

To July 31st, 819 salmon had been landed and released (99 more than same date in 2010).  The number of captures is up from 278 in 2010 to 501 in 2011.  Since all salmon have to be released in the Bonaventure, the increase numbers of captures is due to a very good grilse run.  This could be a sign of good 2 sea winter salmon numbers for next season.  Since the in-river count will not be possible before August 9th, mandatory live release of all mature salmon will continue to be in effect until September 30.

Cascapedia

Reports from anglers for the better part of the season to date are pretty straight forward, “The river is perfect”.   For July, to the 28th, 905 had been landed.  883 salmon were released and 22 grilse retained. Water levels have dropped recently, but conditions for angling continue to hold.  Rain up river will be needed to maintain success in August.

Rimouski

This small river which greets good sized salmon each year is also seeing record numbers.  To August 1st, 342 fish had migrated through the fishway (187 salmon and 155 grilse).  To date, 40 salmon have been released and 43 grilse harvested.  These numbers reflect an increase of 85 salmon returning and virtually the same number of grilse.

Moisie and Nipissis Rivers

Moisie River at Sunset – by Charles Cusson

With operations now finished for 2011 at the Moisie Nipissis Camp, Charles Langlois (ASF Canada board member) reported that angling was superior to 2010.  Water levels which were very consistent until late July contributed greatly. More fish were observed on the Nipissis during the season and were holding in many different pools.  The perennial favourite 13 mile pool did not produce as well due to high water.   During the two month season, more than of 200 salmon were released.  All customers left very happy wanting to reserve for 2012.

At the Moisie Salmon Club, more than 200 fish were registered released in June and many more “Long Distance Releases” were recorded.  Again, water levels greatly contributed to the quality angling.

York, Dartmouth, St-Jean

To August 1st, all rivers were reporting excellent waters flows and levels with very clear visibility.  Consistent precipitation has been the key factor in regard to the angling success this season.

Ann Smith of Quebec Sporting is reporting good numbers of 20lb + fish being observed, hooked and released in the lower sectors.  Total fish landings and releases are higher than last season.  The full moon on August 13th should help more fish to migrate through.

The counts have been done on all rivers but the results are not yet available.

Godbout River

Godbout River – Deeply Embedded – photo Charles Cusson

On the Godbout River, more fish have been landed and released already than for all of last season.  This bodes well for the local stakeholder association that has just signed a new agreement with the provincial government to manage the river.  Water levels have also benefited from recent rain.

Escoumins, Laval and Trinité

The Escoumins, Laval and Trinité rivers are also producing numbers that surpass all of last season respectively.

Saguenay Region

To July 25, the Sainte-Marguerite River continued to have very good water conditions; 170 fish had been landed, including 136 releases.  Last season is a mere shadow to this year’s dream world.

To July 25, the Saint-Jean reported out of this world angling compared to prior years.  131 fish had been landed with 87 reported releases; compared to 53 fish landed with 18 reported releases for all of last season.

New Brunswick

Salmon Counting Sites of DFO – NB & NS

Saint John River – Compared to any year in the past decade, the return of large salmon is encouraging.  By July 31, 588 had been counted at Mactaquac, compared to 311 in 2010 and a 2003-2007 average of 403. Definitely good news.  On the Nashwaak the numbers were even more encouraging – 183 this year, against 78 last year and the 2003-2007 average of a mere 45 large salmon.

While the large salmon numbers on the Saint John are great, the grilse numbers have dropped significantly, with 903 at Mactaquac by July 31, vs. 2,196 last year.  On the Nashwaak, there have been 355 to date, against 691 in 2010.

Miramichi – July 31 numbers have been posted for the river. Large salmon appear to be lagging behind 2010 at present at the Northwest’s Barrier Fence, with 189 vs. 245 last year.  At Millerton on the Southwest, there were 470 large salmon vs. 551 last year.

Grilse numbers at Millerton are down significantly, with 1,479 to July 31, vs. 1,966 in 2010. Meanwhile on the Northwest, numbers are slightly lower than 2010, with 529 vs. 553 last year.

At the Sutter Salmon Club near Doaktown, news on Aug. 1 was that Atlantic salmon were being caught every day, but not in the numbers they were in early July.

Restigouche – According to Tom Callaghan at the Ristigouche Salmon Club numbers are still ahead of last year. Water levels have been a little high, but dropping nicely. This area didn’t get the rain from the thunderstorms passing overhead. Deering Irvine at Restigouche River Lodge noted water temperatures were about 69 or 70 F, but steady. A few salmon are moving but quite a number are laying in the deep holes at the moment. Still, the number of salmon and angling success has been far above last year’s to date, he notes. Meanwhile, at Larry’s Gulch the water temperatures continue to be low, water levels good, and many large Atlantic salmon are moving. Mark Ramsay notes the combination has made the angling far ahead of last year, and it is continuing to be.

Kedgwick – This river is a world all to itself and, in this case, it is one area that presently has low water. According to Don Sullivan at the Kedgwick Salmon Club, the water temperature is about 56 F. The salmon, some very large, continue to show their presence, and the angling – and salmon numbers to date – are still far above last year. Around 550 have been brought in, and released, so far this year, compared to around 330 last year.

Nepisiguit – Good run of fish is now moving up the river.

Maine

Penobscot – With the heat in the middle of July, the upward migration through Veazie had dropped off, but with the cooler temperatures and rain of the past week there have been several fish a day – bringing the total by August 1 to 2,951, ahead of every year since 1990. And the full year return for 1990 was only 2955. The next biggest year was 1986, with 4,137 at Veazie.

Narraguagus – The return of 163 by Aug. 1 is also good, but only a single fish ahead of last week’s count (see last week’s post in River Notes).

Footnotes

Thunderstorms Above, Salmon Below

It will be interesting to see what the scientific evidence will indicate as the reasons for the excellent large salmon runs this year. Are they due to the health of the food web off Newfoundland, Labrador and Greenland? Or do they owe their strength to a benefit derived from the Greenland Agreement between ASF,  its partners and the Greenland fishermen bringing a moratorium on the commercial fishery there? Perhaps there has been less predation on migrating salmon. Whatever the combination of reasons, this year’s numbers are  a very positive base for building back our wild Atlantic salmon runs.

As to the continued upstream movement of the salmon, the abundant rainfall is playing a part. Across the Atlantic salmon range in North America, numerous thunderstorms have been adding water – cooling water – to many rivers, maintaining good conditions. It all bodes well for August returns.

Wild Atlantic Salmon Numbers Returning to the Rivers

Newfoundland

Exploits – Amazingly, as of July 31, the Exploits had reached a return of 38,331, only 7% off from the record of 41,229 that returned by the same date last year, and far above the 2006 – 2010 average of 30,054

Terra Nova – Maybe this river is typical of many on the island this year. There were 4,174, only 1 per cent off the 2010′s 4,218 and way above the five year average of 2,577.  There are so many others in a similar situation. Lots of cool water and the runs are near or at last year’s superb returns.

Conne River – This south coast river, located near the heart of Newfoundland’s aquaculture industry, needs to be watched carefully. Numbers are lower here – 1,189 to July 31, compared to 1,747 last year, and a 2,082 average for 2006 -2010.

Harry’s River – This west coast Newfoundland river, now being measured by electronic sonar near Stephenville Crossing, has had 3,978 returns this year.

Torrent River – This Northern Peninsula river has been doing poorly , for whatever reasons. There have been 2,585 returns this year, as opposed to 4,258 in 2010 and a five-year average of 3,828.

Rest of Northern Peninsula – From Barb Genge at Tuckamore Lodge – Atlantic salmon returns in most of the rivers are on par with last year’s great runs, but there have been times when water levels in some of the pools have made them too deep to fish. Days have generally been warm and sunny in the past week, but cold at night, helping to keep water temperatures cool.

Very large icebergs along the coast, with the huge ice island only about 15 mi/25km off St. Anthony’s.

Underground Salmon Pool, near Roddickton- Along Beaver Creek, flowing up

Underground Salmon Pool – Upper Entrance – photo Tom Moffatt

through caves that make up the Underground Salmon Pool, it has been much easier in the last week to see the salmon swimming up into the caves on their way to spawning beds further upstream. If this place existed in Ireland instead of Newfoundland, it would probably be part of the Celtic legend of the Salmon and the hazelnuts of wisdom.

Labrador

Sand Hill – This must be one of the more extraordinary stories of 2011. There have been 7,952 grilse and 892 large Atlantic salmon so far this year – compared to 1,494 grilse and 120 large in 2010, and certainly more than double to total of 3,846 for the 2005-2010 average.

Water levels have been high on Labrador rivers, but are dropping, as you can see from the profile of the Eagle River below.

Eagle River Water Levels

Québec

Matapedia

Matapedia River, Gaspé – photo Charles Cusson

To July 31, a total of 1,570 fish were reported landed (1,202 in July alone).  To July 31, 155 releases had been reported to the CGRMP.  River conditions continue to be excellent, consistent amounts of rain and reasonable air temperatures have contributed to the exceptional angling success.  This bodes well for August.  On July 20, a salmon was landed in the lower Adams pool with a numbered tag attached to its dorsal. Information about this Atlantic traveler will be available in the upcoming Fall Issue of the Atlantic Salmon Journal.

Matane

The Matane continues to produce great numbers.  To July 30, 1,913 fish had made it through the fishway (1,073 salmon and 840 grilse).  In total, this is 551 more than at the comparable date in 2010.   The season to date reported captures are 227 salmon and 241 grilse.   Only a few releases have been reported.  The river conditions are maintaining themselves which are contributing to the quality angling.

Mitis

To August 1, this small stream situated up river from the Matapedia which flows into the St-Lawrence is reporting a total run of 1,099 fish (439 salmon and 660 grilse) compared to 735 to date in 2010.  To date, like most rivers in Quebec, the angling conditions have been very good and have resulted in 83 salmon and 198 grilse reported landed.  18 releases to date have been reported.   The increase in the overall run is due to the high numbers of grilse, the salmon numbers are almost identical.

Bonaventure

To July 31st, 819 salmon had been landed and released (99 more than same date in 2010).  The number of captures is up from 278 in 2010 to 501 in 2011.  Since all salmon have to be released in the Bonaventure, the increase numbers of captures is due to a very good grilse run.  This could be a sign of good 2 sea winter salmon numbers for next season.  Since the in-river count will not be possible before August 9th, mandatory live release of all mature salmon will continue to be in effect until September 30.

Cascapedia

Reports from anglers for the better part of the season to date are pretty straight forward, “The river is perfect”.   For July, to the 28th, 905 had been landed.  883 salmon were released and 22 grilse retained. Water levels have dropped recently, but conditions for angling continue to hold.  Rain up river will be needed to maintain success in August.

Rimouski

This small river which greets good sized salmon each year is also seeing record numbers.  To August 1st, 342 fish had migrated through the fishway (187 salmon and 155 grilse).  To date, 40 salmon have been released and 43 grilse harvested.  These numbers reflect an increase of 85 salmon returning and virtually the same number of grilse.

Moisie and Nipissis Rivers

Moisie River at Sunset – by Charles Cusson

With operations now finished for 2011 at the Moisie Nipissis Camp, Charles Langlois (ASF Canada board member) reported that angling was superior to 2010.  Water levels which were very consistent until late July contributed greatly. More fish were observed on the Nipissis during the season and were holding in many different pools.  The perennial favourite 13 mile pool did not produce as well due to high water.   During the two month season, more than of 200 salmon were released.  All customers left very happy wanting to reserve for 2012.

At the Moisie Salmon Club, more than 200 fish were registered released in June and many more “Long Distance Releases” were recorded.  Again, water levels greatly contributed to the quality angling.

York, Dartmouth, St-Jean

To August 1st, all rivers were reporting excellent waters flows and levels with very clear visibility.  Consistent precipitation has been the key factor in regard to the angling success this season.

Ann Smith of Quebec Sporting is reporting good numbers of 20lb + fish being observed, hooked and released in the lower sectors.  Total fish landings and releases are higher than last season.  The full moon on August 13th should help more fish to migrate through.

The counts have been done on all rivers but the results are not yet available.

Godbout River

Godbout River – Deeply Embedded – photo Charles Cusson

On the Godbout River, more fish have been landed and released already than for all of last season.  This bodes well for the local stakeholder association that has just signed a new agreement with the provincial government to manage the river.  Water levels have also benefited from recent rain.

Escoumins, Laval and Trinité

The Escoumins, Laval and Trinité rivers are also producing numbers that surpass all of last season respectively.

Saguenay Region

To July 25, the Sainte-Marguerite River continued to have very good water conditions; 170 fish had been landed, including 136 releases.  Last season is a mere shadow to this year’s dream world.

To July 25, the Saint-Jean reported out of this world angling compared to prior years.  131 fish had been landed with 87 reported releases; compared to 53 fish landed with 18 reported releases for all of last season.

New Brunswick

Salmon Counting Sites of DFO – NB & NS

Saint John River – Compared to any year in the past decade, the return of large salmon is encouraging.  By July 31, 588 had been counted at Mactaquac, compared to 311 in 2010 and a 2003-2007 average of 403. Definitely good news.  On the Nashwaak the numbers were even more encouraging – 183 this year, against 78 last year and the 2003-2007 average of a mere 45 large salmon.

While the large salmon numbers on the Saint John are great, the grilse numbers have dropped significantly, with 903 at Mactaquac by July 31, vs. 2,196 last year.  On the Nashwaak, there have been 355 to date, against 691 in 2010.

Magaguadavic – This outer Bay of Fundy river has had 3 grilse, 6 wild large salmon and one enhancement large salmon return to date. This compares to 8 grilse and no large salmon in 2010. Like other inner and outer Bay of Fundy rivers, these numbers continue to be at critically low levels.

Miramichi – July 31 numbers have been posted for the river. Large salmon appear to be lagging behind 2010 at present at the Northwest’s Barrier Fence, with 189 vs. 245 last year.  At Millerton on the Southwest, there were 470 large salmon vs. 551 last year.

Grilse numbers at Millerton are down significantly, with 1,479 to July 31, vs. 1,966 in 2010. Meanwhile on the Northwest, numbers are slightly lower than 2010, with 529 vs. 553 last year.

At the Sutter Salmon Club near Doaktown, news on Aug. 1 was that Atlantic salmon were being caught every day, but not in the numbers they were in early July.

Restigouche – According to Tom Callaghan at the Ristigouche Salmon Club numbers are still ahead of last year. Water levels have been a little high, but dropping nicely. This area didn’t get the rain from the thunderstorms passing overhead. Deering Irvine at Restigouche River Lodge noted water temperatures were about 69 or 70 F, but steady. A few salmon are moving but quite a number are laying in the deep holes at the moment. Still, the number of salmon and angling success has been far above last year’s to date, he notes. Meanwhile, at Larry’s Gulch the water temperatures continue to be low, water levels good, and many large Atlantic salmon are moving. Mark Ramsay notes the combination has made the angling far ahead of last year, and it is continuing to be.

Kedgwick – This river is a world all to itself and, in this case, it is one area that presently has low water. According to Don Sullivan at the Kedgwick Salmon Club, the water temperature is about 56 F. The salmon, some very large, continue to show their presence, and the angling – and salmon numbers to date – are still far above last year. Around 550 have been brought in, and released, so far this year, compared to around 330 last year.

Nepisiguit – Good run of fish is now moving up the river.

Maine

Penobscot – With the heat in the middle of July, the upward migration through Veazie had dropped off, but with the cooler temperatures and rain of the past week there have been several fish a day – bringing the total by August 1 to 2,951, ahead of every year since 1990. And the full year return for 1990 was only 2955. The next biggest year was 1986, with 4,137 at Veazie.

Penobscot Daily Salmon Count in 2011

Narraguagus – The return of 163 by Aug. 1 is also good, but only a single fish ahead of last week’s count (see last week’s post in River Notes).

Footnotes

Trapnet Initiative – Check out a podcast of a new initiative to increase the return of large Atlantic salmon to spawning beds in Labrador.

———————-

Will these Run Numbers Continue?

Photographing leaping salmon

Big Falls – Humber Leaper – not every leaper is a perfect, graceful image

Sometime, some reader may have the opportunity to try photographing a leaping salmon. Probably the best easily accessible places in North America are Causapscal Falls, in June, at the base of the Gaspé peninsula, and Big Falls on the Humber River in Newfoundland from late June onwards, but there are other locations here and there, wherever wild Atlantic salmon live.

If you have a really modern digital SLR camera you may have an autofocus fast enough. Otherwise, pre-focus on the place you thin, the salmon will leap. Put the ISO at 400, and try to achieve a shutter speed of 1/800th sec. Then hold the camera with the shutter button half depressed. Wait, and probably wait some more. You will need your fastest reflexes when the salmon leaps to push down the button FAST. If you have a fast multi-exposure, try for three.

This is actually tough to do, very wearing, and most shots won’t work. But some will. Would be happy to see what results you get.

For salmon photos, it is actually easier if you fish and have an underwater “point-and-shoot” camera to get a great shot as your friend releases the salmon. But that is another skill.

What’s coming up on the rivers

Labrador

Sand Hill – What is going on with this river? So far this year there have been 7,099 small salmon and 795 large salmon as of July 24. That is compared to 2010 numbers of 1,173 and 99. This year’s return is way above the 2005-2010 average of 2,718 small and 502 large.

Paradise – The trap has 196 grilse and 15 large salmon

Newfoundland

The numbers are in for July 24, and they are exciting.

Exploits – We are now at 35,496 which is less than 8 per cent below 2010′s banner year that had 38,640 by this point.

Campbellton River – 5,125 by July 24, against 3,846 last year.

Great Northern Peninsula – For whatever reason the Torrent numbers continue to lag, at 1569 this year, little more than half the 3,080 for last year. There is some concern here, wondering whether the reason could be mortality issues at sea, whether it does relate to issues associated with the fishway design. Meanwhile, on Western Arm Brook the return has been 1,228, down from 1,722 last year.

Big East River, Hawke's Bay, NL – a great place to watch wild salmon leap

Conne – The south coast Conne River continues to be of concern, with only 1,188 returns

Harry’s River – So far 3,938 salmon have been counted with the DIDSON unit near Stephenville Crossing.

New Brunswick

Restigouche & Upsalquitch – It was late going up on DFO’s website, but the Upsalquitch barrier has good news. By July 15 there were 359 large salmon as opposed to 192 in 2010 and also when compared with the 2003 to 2007 average of 212. This confirms the incredible numbers angled and released this year.

What this official number does not mention is that many are not just large but VERY large, obviously more than 2-seawinter Atlantic salmon. This is what we all want to see, and can only hope it is a harbinger of things to come in the years ahead.

Jacquet River  - Another river with much larger returns, with 111 back by July 15 this year, and only 30 in 2010 and 22 in 2009.

Miramichi – A series of thunderstorms raised levels, but levels have been coming down, and lower temperatures this week should improve on the temperatures of last week.

Blackville Water Levels – Main Southwest Miramichi

Lyttleton – Little Southwest Miramichi

Maine

Penobscot – The higher temperatures have brought salmon migration to a virtual stop, with only three salmon found at Veazie this past week. As of July 25 there has been a return of 2,916 – the best numbers since about 1990.

Narraguagus – With 162 returns, this is also been a great year to date, the best since the late 1990s.

Feeling the Heat – Except in Newfoundland

One salmon, two salmon, large salmon, grilse. Counting Atlantic salmon is at the core of understanding how many are coming back this year, and every year. However, pitfalls abound, since no two rivers are alike, and no way of counting is perfect. Some examples:

Angler returns from fishing can be useful – but are skewed by whatever the water level and temperature conditions are.

Counting fences are costly to operate, and when flood waters come down, may be carried downstream or to oblivion by debris. They do allow scale samples, but can have accidents, such as occurred a number of years ago at Veazie on the Penobscot, that can cause the deaths of salmon. But if water levels are high, in some cases salmon may swim around, especially early in the season.

DIDSON Monitors in Trailer, near Harry's River, in western Newfoundland

DIDSON side-reading sonar devices offer lower monitoring costsless likelihood of equipment being swept away, AND reduce the chance of hurting those valuable returning Atlantic salmon. But there is no scale sample, and the beams are only good to about 30 metres, and units need to be carefully positioned to cover both bottom and upper water areas. Nevertheless, there is great potential here.

Snorkel surveys, bankside tallies and the like are less precise since they count only a fraction of the returning fish. But they are valuable.

We all need to care about these counts. It isn’t enough to rely on anecdotal accounts from anglers that there are “lots of fish”, which could instead mean that the water levels and temperatures were perfect. Or that the runs were earlier or later. That angler information is valuable, but we need scientific counts, and we need to keep pressure on government to make them, and in areas like Labrador, where they are few, we need to consistently call for more counting facilities.

Some ASF Research and Centre Updates

ASF Research is gathering in the acoustic receivers deployed to track Atlantic salmon at sea. Earlier this week units in the lines crossing the Baie des Chaleurs were brought up, and as in past years a few were missing. Whether this is due to ship traffic or some form of fishing activity is not clear. Nevertheless the remainder will provide invaluable data on what is happening at sea.

Comedian Ron James with ASF's Bill Taylor

At the Atlantic Salmon Interpretive Centre in St. Andrews the Canadian comedian RON JAMES was visiting, shooting a segment for one of his upcoming shows that will appear on CBC TV.

Atlantic salmon returns on the rivers

Québec

Indications of early runs of numerous salmon and grilse.

Lower St-Lawrence:  

Causapscal – Denise-and-Bateau Pool

To date, the Matapedia, Causapscal, Patapedia Rivers are continuing their phenomenal success, 1,493 fish landed including 205 salmon released compared to same date in 2010 where 669 fish were landed which included 112 salmon released.  Both the Causapscal (season ended July 15th) and the Matapedia have seen the greatest increases in traditional lesser productive sectors.

Rain will be necessary as levels have dropped steadily for the last week.

Matane River:

Since the season start, 711 salmon and 231 grilse have made their trek through the fish ladder.  251 fish have been landed, only a few releases reported.  These numbers bode well for the remainder of the season due to the fact that Matane runs historically don’t really get going until late July. Rain is becoming a necessity since water flows have dropped by half in the last week.

Bonaventure:

Water levels have dropped during the last seven days which has been reflected in the angling success, releases are slightly higher than last year at 587 but the number of retained grilse has increased considerably over last year.  The number of rod days is almost at par with last season to date.

Cascapedia:

Following a great month of June, angling success is holding.  To July 14th, 420 fish were landed (a trend to match June) keeping in mind that angling was suspended for a few days because of very high water.  This brings the total since June 1st to 1,418 salmon released and 11 grilse retained.  Rain has just made conditions better.  Water levels are a concern, having dropped to 35 cubic meters/second from 70 a week ago.

Gaspé:

The York, Dartmouth and St-Jean continue to report excellent angling results, releases continue higher than last year with many unreported; overall fish landings continue to go well.  A new injection of water is needed at this point.  The in-river count is scheduled for late July.

Cap-Chat River:

Cap Chat River – Coté Pool

The overall phenomenon is reflected in this small river also, there are fish in all the pools.  During the 1st week of July, water levels were perfect reports Quebec Director Charles Cusson and the success rate reflected this.

North Shore:

Moisie water conditions are ideal at the present time with a flow of 550 cubic meters/second.  Many more reported releases, up from last year, number of fish landed also.

Godbout River:

To July 10th, 171 salmon and grilse had been landed, including 112 fish released.  This surpassed by far numbers at the same date in 2010.  The Escoumins, Laval and Trinité Rivers are also witnessing the same kind of increases.

Saguenay Region:

The Sainte-Marguerite River, very good water conditions continue, 147 salmon and grilse have been landed including 122 releases.  Last season is a mere shadow to this year’s dream world.

To July 18, the Saint-Jean is reporting out of this world angling when compared to prior years.  114 fish have been landed with 84 reported releases…Compared to 29 fish landed with 9 reported releases.

Maine

Penobscot – As of July 18,  2,913 Atlantic salmon that had reached the trap at Veazie. But the warmer water has brought the salmon movement almost to a standstill.

Narraguagus – The fence at Cherryfield had counted 153 fish as of July 18, by far the best return of the past generation. Elsewhere in the Downeast rivers, the Dennys has seven – not many, but better than in any recent year.

 Nova Scotia

Sackville River – Water temperatures are now high, but by July 15 a total of 41 Atlantic salmon, 9 multi-seawinter and 32 grilse, had made it up the Sackville River. For the past two weeks most have been grilse.

New Brunswick

Be aware that if you check the NB and NS counts from DFO, the way their website works, some of the numbers may be from two weeks earlier, and there is no warning of which numbers are not current. The only way to tell is by actually comparing them date to date.

While DFO has not updated all the “trap” info, but there are some positive signs for large salmon returns as of July 15.

Miramichi – At the Northwest Cassilis Barrier there were 270 large salmon, as opposed to 171 last year and 83 in 2009. And at Millerton on the Main SW, there have been 395 large salmon this year, almost the same as the 393 last year but way ahead of the 272 in 2009 and 113 in 2008. Grilse numbers have also been doing fine, especially when compared to the very good 2010 runs. At Millerton there had been 1256 returns by July 15 vs. 1222 in 2010. At the NW Cassilis net, numbers are down slightly – 950 in 2011 vs 1001 in 2010.

Saint John and Nashwaak – At Mactaquac numbers are definitely positive with 379 large salmon as of July 15 vs. 296 in 2010, and on the Nashwaak a very nice 143 large salmon compared to a mere 72 in 2010 and 105 in 2009. Grilse numbers have dropped very significantly, however. This year only 688 grilse have made it to Mactaquac vs 1957 in 2010. That is about a third of last year’s run, alas. That grilse ratio isn’t far off the returns on the Nashwaak – 291 to July 15 vs 618 in 2010.

Restigouche and Upsalquitch – Counts are not in yet, but at Larry’s Gulch, this year there was a record set, when one angler caught and carefully released four fish totalling 121 pounds. There really do seem to be more multi-seawinter Atlantic salmon returning.

Footnotes:

DIDSON on Harry's River, NL

At left is a wide-angle photo of the DIDSON installation on Harry’s River in western Newfoundland, photographed in late June, 2011.

The sonar unit reads the entire distance across to the short length of fence on the far shore.

Mixed Reports on the Rivers?

There has been such excitement on the rivers this year, it bubbles over into the online world, and in the smiles on the faces of everyone from anglers to DFO enforcement officers on the rivers. In the saltwater Restigouche people on the shore are coming out to watch the salmon jumping as they move upstream. On the Miramichi, a pedestrian bridge below Wilson’s Camp has become a vantage point for local residents to peer into the water and watch the large salmon moving upstream. There hasn’t been a year like this one in close to a generation.

Before getting to the river reports, some updates on ASF Research Field activities.

ASF Field Research

Acoustic Receiver, Restigouche River

This week staff are waiting for the thunderstorms to pass before pulling up the sonic telemetry receivers to pull in data about smolt movements down rivers and out to sea. There are lines of receivers in the Miramichi, on the Restigouche and out across the Baie des Chaleurs to tend.

Jonathan Carr is assisting DFO with Serpentine River salmon – on questions related to that run.

Meanwhile, if smolt and kelt movements across the Gulf of St. Lawrence are following the same pattern as in the previous half dozen years, they will be passing through the Strait of Belle Isle, between northernmost Newfoundland and Labrador, this week, or possibly early next week.

At the Magaguadavic fishway in St. George, alewives have been working their way up.

Some River Reports

Note: if you are interested in river level data, check out this website, that includes rivers from coast to coast in Canada. Some examples are used in this post:
http://www.wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/index_e.html

New Brunswick

Main Southwest Miramichi on a Summer Morning

Miramichi- This is turning into an incredible year on the Miramichi. Reports this morning from ASF’s Regional Director Geoff Giffin, say that the somewhat rising temperatures and slightly dropping water levels have slowed the fishing a bit in the past

day or so. But some parties on Crown Reserves, including Charlie’s Rock, Palisades, etc., have been hooking and releasing both grilse and salmon by the 10s most days. One party of four tangled with36 salmon in a 48-hour interval on one Crown Reserve stretch.

MSA Classic is underway, and with rain in last day, it has helped keep temperatures down. With live release now mandated for many stretches of river (see last post), there is concern by some salmon folks that too much pressure will be put on areas allowing retention.

NW Miramichi Barrier – Actual counts are down somewhat from last year, with 343 grilse in 2011, vs. 429 in 2010. But large salmon are up significantly, with 100 as of July 10, vs. 62 last year. Water temperature was 16 C.

Dungarvon – At the Frying Pan Pool Fence, there have been 112 large salmon to July 10, vs. 74 last year. Grilse are running about the same as last year – 309 vs. 314, and small salmon 43 vs. 47. Water temperatures inched up to 19 C. on Sunday.

Restigouche – There are lots of big fish showing up. At Larry’s Gulch one angler landed and released a 51-inch male at Cheyne Pool on Monday. An estimated weight was 42 pounds. Even better, the fish are showing up bright, and very healthy looking this year. A film crew on the Restigouche River has been having great angling – released 13 fish on Mon. July 11, and each day for past three days at least one salmon weighing above 20 pounds. They do wonder if the Greenland Agreement is having.

Restigouche River Below Kedgwick

Nova Scotia

Falling water levels have reduced the runs in most Nova Scotia Rivers

Cheticamp – June brought the best run of large salmon in many years, 12 to 14 lb., but without much rain in the past 18 days, that run has dropped, but there are a fair number of salmon in the large upper pools. With the rain in the past few days, hopefully new fish will be moving upstream.

Margaree – Some rain in the last day or so. Salmon have been congregating in the lower pools.

Margaree Water Levels

LaHave – The Morgan Falls fishway is closed due to low water. Last count was 68 salmon and 256 grilse as of July 8.

Newfoundland

Exploits – The Exploits, perhaps the second most productive salmon river in Canada, after the Miramichi, has seen an explosive movement in the past week. As of July 10 20,538 have been counted at Bishops Falls. Not as good as last year’s 26,527 to this point, but still good.

Exploits River at Charlies Edwards Point

Terra Nova River – 1,461 to date, which compares reasonably to last year’s spectacular NL runs which included 1,651 for this river.

Conne – The south coast rivers remain of special concern. The Conne had 1,180 as of July 10, against 1,676 past year and a 2006-2010 average of 1,963.

Harry’s River – The new counting facility near Stephenville, and run with side-scan sonar (DIDSON), has counted 2,761 as of Sun., July 10.

Torrent River – Finally the salmon are coming in after a delay of about three weeks from previous years, but numbers to date are disappointing. As of July 10 there have been only 61 pass through the fishway and past the Interpretive Centre’s Viewing Room, compared with 1,526 last year and recent averages of 868 per year.

Labrador

There are some indications, and perhaps a sense of relief, that returns in Labrador appear to be improving from those in recent years.

Sand Hill – An amazing 2,343 grilse and 415 large salmon to date, which is far above the averages from 2005-2010, which were 1,223 grilse and 333 large.

Eagle River – Anglers are finding the water levels have been high, but now dropping somewhat. Some have been seeing the largest “big fish” in the past generation, they say. Pratt Falls Lodge had three 20+ pounders hooked in the past few days, and a large number in the 12 to 18 pound range.

Québec

The excitement on the Gaspé rivers continues, particularly since there are some real giants returning. Camp Brulé notes many fish above 20 pounds, with one 35 pounder. They note that Atlantic salmon are stopping at many pools that haven’t have fish for the past six years.

Maine

Penobscot – The salmon are still coming in, but at a much slower rate. There were 2,910 as of July 11, so it will be touch and go whether the returns reach 3,000 this year. Whether or not, this is like a promise of what the Penobscot River is capable of being once the lower dams are removed.

Narraguagus – This river has now reached 145 as of July 11, perhaps the best run since the late 1980s.

Other rivers – The Androscoggin is at 44, the Kennebec at 60 as of July 11, but on the following morning the week’s numbers have not been posted for some of the other rivers.

Take a breath – and hope the runs keep coming

Here and there the weather is finally turning warm – and almost hot, which some would say is about time, it now being July. The downside is the dropping river levels and rising water temperatures.

Video: In New Brunswick, we all hope the Petitcodiac and the Pollett Rivers will  begin their recovery this year. There were good early signs. In the early 1950s, Dr. Paul Elson did remarkable research – the first studies of the Atlantic salmon productivity of a river, and it was completed on the Pollett. This included the number of eggs laid, fry numbers, parr densities, smolt runs, etc. His work is still the basis of productivity estimates for salmon rivers in North America. He took home movies of his work – and below is a 5-minute excerpt. It shows what the Pollett River is potentially capable of becoming again in future.

Some updates of rivers and returns:

New Brunswick:

Restigouche River

Restigouche – There are considerable numbers of large salmon moving up. At Three Sisters Pool Crown Reserve, one group brought in (and released) 10 large salmon and 1 grilse, but also hooked 10 to 15 large salmon that were not landed – all the above in the first few days of early July.

Just before, at the end of June, another group on the same pool had 30 large salmon on line, and 5 grilse.

Upsalquitch -  Excellent fishing for both large salmon and grilse this past week.

NW Miramichi, Sevogle & SW Miramichi – Sections of these rivers are now live release only, as of July 6. Read more at: http://asf.ca/news.php?id=708

Maine:

Penobscot: The returns of salmon at the Veazie Dam trap have now reached 2,874 as of July 5. This is fine news indeed. But temperatures are rising. Meanwhile the Saco has seen 82 come back.

Narraguagus – 106 returning Atlantic salmon have been recorded on the Narraguagus as of July 5. More than 70% are large salmon – and the total return to date is greater than any return since the late 1980s.

Newfoundland:

Water levels are dropping, and Atlantic salmon runs are now increasing

Torrent River Fishway 2011

Torrent River – Late July 5 three salmon finally showed up in the Torrent River Fishway, almost two weeks after the run usually starts. Then on the morning of July 6 more than 30 were passing upstream, so the run is definitely underway.

Exploits River – run to July 3 was 6,333, continuing far below the record of 16,637 set last year to this date.

Conne River - 1,056 to July 3, well below the 1,454 of 2010, and average of 1,697 for the 2006-2010 period. Reminder that COSEWIC has designated the south coast rivers as THREATENED, and the Conne River returns tend in that direction.

Harry’s River – the 1,835 seen to July 3 is not comparable to other years, since the counting facility is near tidewater. An electronic DIDSON unit is being used for the first time on the river.

Nova Scotia

LaHave – 64 salmon and 249 grilse have gone through the Morgan Falls Fishway. However, water levels are rapidly dropping, and water temperatures rising past 23 C.

St. Marys River – no reports on the salmon coming in, but river levels are dropping rapidly now.

St. Mary's River – Rapids

Reading the Patterns of Salmon Returns