September 15th, 2024
This past week on the SW Miramichi River the water was still dropping after last weekend’s rain but with cool nights upon us now, the water is maintaining a perfect temperature for this time of year. A few fish are making their way into the system and this makes for some right place, right time fishing and there were a few fresh fish caught this past week with sea lice on them. However, there hasn’t been a solid fall run yet and it is beginning to feel a lot like the Covid 2020 year when the majority of the salmon came in during the final month of the season which resulted in some of the best fall fishing in the lower section of the SW Miramichi system in recent history. This is a memory which everyone is hoping to repeat again this season and it would make for a lot of happy guests and guides alike!
The recent trend of warm summers and angling restrictions on pools have hampered our season although with decent numbers of spring salmon it’s clear salmon do come in later in the season lately. As such it would be nice to see a extended season in the lower section of river just to see how many fish arrive later in October. Many of us now believe that it is more then ever before and having an extended season would certainly be great for anglers as well as Outfitters who generate tourism and employment opportunities for New Brunswick.
The anglers that did find themselves in the right place at the right time this week found takers on all different size flies and patterns ranging from a #4 Blue Charm down to a #12 Bonnie Bell and in between the regular go tos … #6 & #8 Green Machines and Undertakers. Fall patterns such as the Ally Shrimp also seem to be picking up some momentum and certainly will be fished more in the coming weeks.
With only 4 weeks remaining to the 2024 Miramichi salmon season there is loads of time to wet a line and hook one of these majestic fish during arguably one of the most beautiful seasons in New Brunswick. Even without perfect conditions or huge fall runs just yet, the only way you can be successful is keeping your fly in the water so get out and enjoy these final weeks with friends and family chasing the mighty Miramichi Atlantic salmon!
