Wilson’s Miramichi River fly-fishing report as of May 11th . We had another heavy rain late last week which brought the river up again. We had good fishing for both salmon and local trout on Friday then the high water hit .The high water is great for the soon to arrive “Rocky Brook Salmon” and word is that there are Sea-run brook trout in the lower system now . Some people will be tempted to fish for the trout with a 5 wt., but be aware you don’t want to hook a rocky brook salmon with a trout rod . Even the big sea-run trout can be a challenge on light gear , so stick to a 7 or 8 wt. for the next few weeks . We are still seeing a fair number of spring salmon but tactics will change almost on a daily basis now .

Wilson’s on the Miramichi River is so impressed with the new Orvis Helios rods that we are teaming up with the Orvis company to bring you what we firmly believe to be the “best damn rod on the market today” ( Karl Wilson – fifth generation Miramichi River guide ). Wilson’s guides are the real pros and after putting numerous Helios rods through the paces fly-fishing for Atlantic Salmon on the Miramichi River in 2008 , they are convinced that every angler should have one of these fantastic rods in their kit . Check out the Orvis link for details on how you can own one of these beauties FOR FREE.

Please consider the following facts :

* Wilson’s on the Miramichi River is one of the most economically priced Salmon fishing lodges in the world

* compare our rates to fishing in Russia , Norway , Iceland and even Quebec .

* The US > CDN exchange rate is app. 25% in your favor today . We quote in CDN funds .

* Wilson’s is just a days drive by car from New York and Boston

* 2008 was the best season since the mid 1980′s and it promises to be as good or better for MSW salmon in 2009

* Wilson’s own’s some of the finest private salmon fishing pools on the river ( 5 miles – 16 pools) and we fish small groups resulting in no crowds and no line ups .

* Wilson’s has been in business since 1855, we know a thing or two about catching Atlantic Salmon .

* Wilson’s guides can make you a better angler .

………..I invite you to fish Wilson’s in 2009, it is going to be great fishing and more affordable than most other Salmon fishing destinations .

Sincerely yours, Keith Wilson

News
Atlantic Salmon Rebound

August 18th, 2008

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

FREDERICTON — 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

July 5th

June 30th