We have finally received enough rain to bring the river up app 6 inches . The weather is moderate , not too warm not too cold so with this raise we should be seeing fresh-run fall salmon soon . Despite the low water we still hooked fish every day this past week and a few big fish too . Tom Y. hooked a salmon yesterday on a bomber but most fish this week were taken on traditional fall patterns like the Ally’s Shrimp .

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Hello Keith,
First, Kerry and I want to thank you, Bonnie, Stacey, Ernie, Danny and staff for a first-rate salmon trip…….
Thanks to Danny’s instruction and teaching Kerry was able to handle a hookup and play and release a 12 pound salmon by herself………Danny was about 30 yards away with me when this occurred. During a period when the fish had “lockjaw” I think this was just awesome.
Second, I have been fortunate enough to fish at Iceland, Quebec, Labrador, etc for salmon and have never experienced a more welcoming and hospitable fishing lodge.
Finally, in regards to 2009 what availability do you have in late June and around the 2nd week of September?

Thanks again, Keith.
Sincerely,
Hugh

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Good news folks, it appears that the big fall run salmon are on their way . The river is in superb condition with more light rain coming today ,which is ideal for moving fish in . Last night I received word from a warden down river that the fresh fish were on their way and this was confirmed when one of our a guests landed our first two really bright and silver grilse in over two weeks . So, with the hundreds of older fish that we see jumping in all pools , that will also begin taking better , combined with these fresh-run fish we can promise some great angling heading into the final five weeks of the 2008 season . Our biggest salmon to date was app. 22 pound but we are seeing many fish in the 30 pound range that will soon be turning on as well .

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Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions for the Miramichi River at McNamee as of September 12th . The water is holding perfect and there are fish in every holding pool . We are starting to see more big fish in the 20 – 30 pound range but unfortunately they are taking slow . The fish are in the jumping mode , which is not unusual for early September but will soon switch to the taking mode as they begin the fall move in preperation to spawning time ( late October ) . All fish taken this week were on everyones favorite fly , the green machine with white calf tail . If the water stays normal height and clears up a little more we will start using more small black flys again . The long range weather forecast is calling for a little rain and moderate temps so hopefully the river will not get too cold before the big fall fish turn on . Anglers , keep the faith , we always have this little slow period with fish jumping eveywhere but taking slow , then it suddenly turns on .

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Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions on the Miramichi River at McNamee as of September 3rd . As you can see by camparison to July photos , the river is finally down to normal height . It is a rainy , dreary , cool morning with no wind and plenty of fish in the pools , what better conditions to ask for . A little raise of water would be good anytime now and by the looks of the storms in the forecast we will likely get some water soon . Anglers are still picking up a few fresh fish but most are older summer-run , and there are some monster size salmon begining to show up too . Small black flys on long leaders are working the best , and of course tiny green machines .

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Keith, we made is safely back to Digby this afternoon. Thanks for the great trip. We had a great time and will recommend you to everyone we know. You have a beautiful place there on the river and your staff was very helpful.

We had a great time with EJ. We know we were very lucky to have him. We also know how lucky we were to have so much action for this time of year.

Here is a picture of the biggest fish. It was a 16.5 pound hen taken in the Coldwater Pool by Charlie. The next biggest was a 14 pound hen that I caught in the same pool. A grand total 20 fish hooked .
Regards, Mike P.