Atlantic Salmon Fishing Miramichi - Wilsons Camps » fly fishing lodge

Wilson’s Veteran Guide Staff Are The Best Of The Best

Keith — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:31:30 +0000

:: Click image to enlarge – fit your screen ::
:: Look for buttons bottom of pop-up window to enlarge full size ::
The boys took a moment for a quick photo shoot before heading out this morning . The water is extremely high but with experienced guides like these guys on duty Wilson’s guests can rest assured that if there is a chance at all at getting into a salmon then these boys can get the job done for you . These guys are the real pros, they know their stuff and most importantly they know how to teach to do it right regardless of water conditions . Remember , a good guide can make or break your trip . Left to right front, Joe Stewart , Ernest Long , Karl Wilson II ( fifth generation ) , back row Danny Villeneuve & Kevin Jordan .
Hunting conditions are nearing prime and with the next ten days forecast of sunny rain free days , we expect good fishing and hunting for all .

Big Salmon starting to take too !

Keith — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:12:43 +0000

:: Click image to enlarge – fit your screen ::
:: Look for buttons bottom of pop-up window to enlarge full size ::
Steve W. with the PWC group hooked into this monster on his first ever salmon fishing trip to the Miramichi River . He eventually lost the big salar but needless to say was more than thrilled with his trip . The boys had good fishing , mostly on one of Marcus’s creations , but standard fly patterns are doing the job too . The water is low but the fish are moving , so with the coming rain on the weekend we hope to get just enough water to bump it up a few inches , we don’t need a big raise at this stage in the game . All eyes are on the Cains to see what happens after the rain , based on reports from the lower Cains I think we may be in for some great action in there as well . PS: Expert guide Joe Stewart not only puts his man onto fish , he can also handle a camera . Correction: Steve did in fact land the big fish , and as quoted by Joe , “he done it like a pro “

Thanks to Wilson staff for a great trip

Keith — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:42:47 +0000

:: Click image to enlarge – fit your screen ::
:: Look for buttons bottom of pop-up window to enlarge full size ::
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

Wilson’s Miramichi River Report Sept 17th

Keith — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:30:25 +0000

:: Click image to enlarge – fit your screen ::
:: Look for buttons bottom of pop-up window to enlarge full size ::
Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions on the Miramichi River at McNamee as of Sept 17th . The Ruckno gang pictured here fished up until Sept 14th with mixed results but again a very successful trip according to party chief, “The Rev.” . The water has dropped off a little more since the 14th and the fish are still in the jumping mode . We have tried every fly in the book but it is still slow going and will probably remain so until these “fall fish” decide to turn on , which they always do. There are a few fresh fish but obviously the big fall push is not on yet . Small flys with long leaders is a suggestion and of course a good bomber presentation will work too. As for the weather , it is absolutely beautiful being on the water , it is sunny and only +15C. with very little wind and the fall colors are beginning to show . Fish on the line or not it is still the best time of the year to be on the river .

Wilson’s Miramichi River Report September 8th

Keith — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:21:42 +0000

:: Click image to enlarge – fit your screen ::
:: Look for buttons bottom of pop-up window to enlarge full size ::
Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions for the Miramichi River at McNamee as of September 8th . Tropical storm Hanna treated us just perfect here in McNamee . The water is up this morning app. 10 inches and not at all dirty . For the last week we had tons of fish everywhere but the water was very clear . Even with that we had good fishing but now with this raise we expect new fish to come in and see more of the summer-run begin to move . Last night as the water began to raise the fish moved up tight to the bars and began jumping above the pools as they moved out . Just what the doctor ordered , a perfect raise of water heading into the middle of September is almost too good to be true . We shall see , remember we are still dealing with wild fish who make up their own mind as to when to take or not . Yesterday we were using small black flys in the 10′s and 8′s but today it looks like we are back to 4′s and 6′s , and of course the best fly on the river , green machine with white calf tail .

Good News from ASF

Keith — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:42:55 +0000

News
Atlantic Salmon Rebound

August 18th, 2008

After years of decline, wild Atlantic salmon rebound in eastern North America
CANADIAN PRESS

FREDERICTON â€” After years of decline, it looks like wild Atlantic salmon are making a comeback in the rivers of eastern North America.

While scientists and anglers are tempering their enthusiasm until a clear trend is established, there’s no question this is a record summer for young salmon called grilse returning to home rivers after one year at sea.

“People are talking about runs they haven’t seen for a decade or more,” says Gerald Chaput, a biologist with the federal Fisheries Department.

On the storied salmon rivers of New Brunswick, heavy rains and high waters are providing perfect conditions for salmon.

“People are seeing fish and they’re catching fish,” says Mark Hambrook, president of the salmon association on New Brunswick’s Miramichi River, which produces more than 20 per cent of North America’s Atlantic salmon.

“What we’re seeing this year is an increase in marine survival. We don’t know why. There’s a whole new international research program gearing up to try and find answers about what’s happening to the fish in the ocean. But whatever has changed, the grilse are back this year, the numbers of salmon are consistent with other years and what we should see is a big increase in large salmon next year.”

The Atlantic Salmon Federation, a non-profit conservation and management group, recently released figures showing that salmon numbers are way up this season, from Newfoundland and Labrador to New England.

Roughly 70 monitoring sites across the region have reported some of the best returns in years, although the improved numbers apply only to grilse, not to adult salmon.

But Chaput says the high number of grilse bodes well for runs of adult salmon in coming years.

“There’s usually a good relationship between grilse returns one year and salmon returns the following year,” he says.

“This year salmon runs are average but if grilse have good survival, we hope that salmon will also have good survival and we’d see more of those next year.”

Although anglers and conservationists are rejoicing at the numbers this year, no one knows for sure why Atlantic salmon are suddenly on the rebound.

Sue Scott with the salmon federation in St. Andrew’s, N.B., says warmer ocean temperatures, successful hook-and-release programs and the easing of fishing pressure all could be factors affecting returns.

As well, restoration programs on some rivers could be clearing the way for salmon.

“It’s hard to pinpoint a single factor,” says Chaput, adding the answer to survivability lies in the ocean.

“Where the freshwater habitat is good and where the stocks have been holding their own, they seem to be able to rebound when conditions are good. But there are still some pretty desperate situations in the southern areas of distribution.”

The worst areas are the 32 inner Bay of Fundy rivers in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, where salmon numbers dropped from 40,000 to 200 in two decades.

In some rivers, salmon numbers plummeted to single digits.

Chaput says the outlook for those areas remains grim.

The salmon season stretches from early summer to the fall.

If you have any comments on Atlantic salmon issues and coverage, or would like further information, contact:

Sue Scott, V.P. Communications

Wilson’s Miramichi River Report July 23rd.

Keith — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:17:50 +0000

:: Click image to enlarge – fit your screen ::
:: Look for buttons bottom of pop-up window to enlarge full size ::
Atlantic Salmon Fly fishing conditions on the Miramcihi River at Wilson’s for July 23rd . I know some of you are going to think I am full of crap but I am pleased to report another perfect little raise of water . As of tonight the river is up app. 5 inches here in McNamee and under cloudy skies the temps are near perfect . We are having excellent fishing on some days with fresh fish moving through and other days it is about normal for late July fishing and when we get a really hot sunny day , which can be expected this time of year then the salmon retreat to the deep holding water and sulk . We have yet to get into the typical warm water period where bombers work best , when this does come around most of the guides think we are in for some fantastic dry fly fishing .

Wilson’s Miramichi River Report July 10th

Keith — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:41:30 +0000

:: Click image to enlarge – fit your screen ::
:: Look for buttons bottom of pop-up window to enlarge full size ::
Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions at Wilson’s on the Miramichi River as of July 10th . Surprise surprise , yet another beautiful 6 inch raise in water as of 5 pm today . Maybe it is true , this could be ” one of those years ” that anglers wait for . The last three days has been very hot and the river warmed up but with the more than perfect water height we are still seeing fish moving . The air temps are forecast to cool right down overnight and into Sunday so with this raise we should be in for more good fishing . Reports from up and down the river and most rivers across eastern Canada are all the same , the best fishing in years . A 52 inch hen salmon has been recorded at the Juniper barrier pool app 10 days ago , to think that she swam right by my front door and I had a chance to hook into this monster is enough to keep any angler awake at night .
Now is the time folks and we have several spots available over the next two weeks . Give us a call for some great discounts , toll free 1-877-365-7962.

Wilson’s Miramichi River Report July 5Th

Keith — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:03:32 +0000

:: Click image to enlarge – fit your screen ::
:: Look for buttons bottom of pop-up window to enlarge full size ::
Atlantic Salmon fly-fishing conditions at Wilson’s on the Miramich River July 5th . The water is still high and dropping slowly . The aquefer ( underground river ) that stretches far out under the islands allong the river as well as the inland swamps and brooks are fully soaked with water now, which will help keep the river up over the coming summer months . According to world renowned hydrologists Robert Newbury ,who conducted university studies here a few years ago on the river , says that there is almost as much water under these islands during normal summer height as what there is in the river , this is crucial in maintaining a healthy watershed . This is why it is so important not to strip these islands of the precious top soil that protects the aquefer from evaporation . It took thousands of years for the top soil to build up and it takes only a few hours with a tractor and loader to destroy . Luckily for the Miramichi , and other NB rivers land owners are regulated by very strict laws that protect this riparian area from destruction . Air temps at 6:30 Am are around 10c. so water temps are ideal . During the afternoon this last couple days air temps warmed up but with the above average height and cool nights the water is good . We started seeing a lot of fish again yesterday , most of which are grilse so this is obviously the July run on its way in . With the high water we are still fishing only a few pools but these pools fish best in high water anyway .

Wilson’s Miramichi River Report June 30

Keith — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:06:58 +0000

:: Click image to enlarge – fit your screen ::
:: Look for buttons bottom of pop-up window to enlarge full size ::
Sometimes big water requires big equipment in order to operate efficiently. We are fortunate to have two of these beautiful cedar strip canoes for getting around in all river conditions . These vessels are designed and engineered to work perfectly on this area of the Miramichi . They are unique by the fact that they are 28 feet long with a square stern and pushed by a 25 hp jet outboard , they will skim over just 8 inches of water with two anglers and guide aboard so we can navigate the river all season . The bottom of the boat is finished with a kevlar mat and heavy hardwood keel , inside is smooth clear epoxy over 1 inch wide cedar strips . Each boat is also set up with electric start on remote controls and a stick steering system that places the guide app 8 feet from the stern , this puts all the weight in the middle of the boat . Having these boats on site provide anglers much more convenient access to our five miles of river therefore increasing your chances of hooking the big one .