We brought his excellent operation on board in 2008, and they have proven every year since then to be very successful – and they also are fun people to work with. They have quite a variety, ranging from excellent black bear hunting in spring and fall, to Atlantic salmon fishing spring through fall, to superb striped bass fishing, to good bird hunting too!
Their striped bass fishing is WORLD CLASS! Very new- very untapped! Days of 50 to 100 fish are not unheard of! Spin fish, troll, and we suspect even fly fishing may prove GREAT fun. Stripers run 5 to 40 pounds, with most in the 8 to 20 pound class! This is the only breeding area for stripers in that province, so about 300,000 of them flock here in LATE MAY AND JUNE.
Atlantic salmon fishing (flies only, catch and release) can be excellent, or not, but that is the nature of Atlantics! Sea-run trout are also a possibility and can reach 10 pounds.
The main lodge was built in 2000, of peeled cedar logs, with a gorgeous stone fireplace, 7 bedrooms, two bathrooms and a view of the River. The Miramichi River is right in front of the lodge, so a hot shower, and then sitting on the porch with a cold beer, is a fine relaxing time.
Their second Lodge was built in 2005 and has 5 bedrooms, two baths and an open veranda to sit outside on. Clean and well kept!
STRIPED BASS FISHING
You can catch striped bass fish from April 15 to October 31. But prime time is the spawning run that starts in mid- May through June in general. At that time of year it is estimated that 300,000 striped bass invade the tidal waters of the Miramichi River, a major spawning area for stripers. Catches of 50 to 100 fish in a day are not unusual, but let’s be conservative and call it 20 or more. Daily limit is three stripers, which can be a lot of poundage of some delicious fish! There is a slot limit and that can change so check it! No treble hooks and no hooks with barbs either – pinch or file them off. There are so many stripers that they are almost a nuisance, devouring everything in their path, including salmon smolt. WE WOULD LOVE SOME ADVENTUROUS CLIENTS TO EXPLORE THIS FISHERY AND TRY FLY RODDING AS WELL AS USING CONVENTIONAL TACKLE!
If fishing tidal waters for stripers, no fishing license is needed. Common sizes for these stripers are from 8 to 20 pounds, but many larger fish are also caught- reaching up to 40 pounds! The outfitter has aluminum skiffs with 25 horsepower motors and you will troll and cast for the fish. Currently most of the fishing is done by trolling or casting – that tends to produce the 30 plus pound fish. Many years ago, Hunt Nation founder Butch Manasse recalls trolling the Hudson River Spring spawning runs of stripers, using deep diving stick baits and just hammering big stripers. Gotta wonder what this area would produce?! And you can do this fishing trip, complete with boats, motors guide and lodging, for only a bit over $2,000 per man! Awesome.
SALMON FISHING
This is a real Miramichi River salmon fishing camp. Currently, almost one-third of all two-winter Atlantic salmon (meaning 2 years in salt water) that are migrating to North American rivers were spawned in the Miramichi River system. Truly, this river is a world treasure, but it gives up its salmon reluctantly. SPRING AND FALL FISHING FOR SALMON IS BASICALLY FLY FISHING ONLY – although there is some trout fishing you can do with barbless lures; and there is some early spring fly trolling that anyone to do, and some good striped bass fishing as well. Stripers are caught by trolling, and 20 to 40 fish a day is very possible, in the 5- to 30-pound range (you may keep 3). But if you tag your bear early (good chance), the fishing will keep you busy! (BUTCH NOTE: Low water in recent years has meant that the salmon fishing has been very slow, but that’s Atlantic salmon fishing! But the striper fishing is world class!!!!!
New Brunswick’s famed Miramichi River needs no introduction to most fishermen. The river has a generally good run; but it can vary widely. Fishing is good most of the year, with kelts or “black salmon” being caught in April and May (fish that spawned in fall, wintered over, and are feeding heavily as they drift back to saltwater). The early spring salmon fishery (before bear season) is more in the nature of a boat fishery (trolling flies), so even a non-fly fisherman should be comfortable hauling flies behind the boat. Dates of the run back downstream for Atlantics (fish that have spawned and are returning) vary widely from year to year, but figure early to mid-April to early May. Mature adult Atlantic salmon spawn in the fall and over-winter in the river. In spring, after the ice melts, the kelts feed heavily on smelt and migrate out of the river between ice out and the end of May. After that begins the regular runs, and what follows is a general guide. A ½ day salmon license is approx. $150.
Around late May and early June, fresh silvery Atlantics start returning. At that time you will catch both mature Atlantics and also the smaller immature grilse. THIS TIME OF YEAR MEANS FLY FISHING ONLY FOR SALMON. However, stripers have no such restriction! From April 15 to June 1, the salmon guide ratio is 1:1. Five to 10 salmon days are not unusual. And it is also excellent bear hunting at the same time. If you are not a fly fisherman, they will take you downstream for spin fishing for striped bass. You can spin fish for the striped bass and sea run trout using barbless hooks. THREE STRIPERs IS THE LIMIT. Striper fishing is usually very good to superb, and fish can exceed 30 pounds.
Summer and fall salmon fishing starts to get good around the last week of June and lasts through the summer. This lodge is located on the Main Southwest Miramichi River and sits literally on the famous Quarryville Pool. The high fish catch numbers for this Miramichi salmon pool can be backed up by the province’s salmon counts, which can be found online. Data from the Southwest Millerton trap net is indicative of what goes to your doorstep (Quarryville Pool). Notice that it consistently has one of the highest (if not the highest) salmon counts in New Brunswick. From June 2 on, the guide ratio is 3:1, and you will be fly casting. Salmon fishing rivers utilized by the lodge include the Main Southwest Miramichi River, the Renous River and the Bartholomew River.
LODGING: There are two main accommodations. The Main Lodge (aka “the big camp)”, overlooks the Main Southwest Miramichi River with a large veranda to relax on. It was built in 2000, has 7 bedrooms sleeping 14, a large open plan living and dining room with 14’ stone fireplace, two bathrooms, and full kitchen. The walls are adorned with trophy bucks, moose, bear hides, and more – there is no mistaking that you are staying at an outfitters lodge. It’s a great talk-piece.
“The New Camp” was built in 2005 and has 5 bedrooms sleeping 12, full kitchen, combined living and dining room and two bathrooms. Located a bit further back from the river, it’s not river view, but has lots of space and a veranda. The river is still handy (a stone’s throw away) and accessible.
When staying with them your towels, face clothes, linen, dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and barbeque with propane are provided.
GETTING THERE
This trip is drivable for many folks in the eastern US. Heck of a deal, too when you realize that many guys spend $4,000 and more to fly fish for Atlantic salmon! Also good striped bass fishing with spin gear. Fish in the mornings, bears in afternoons!
TRAVEL:Fly to either Fredericton or Moncton, NB. Airport pickup and return is $150 per person. Or drive. Remember, you must work with us to get your Canadian gun permit – a very simple procedure; we have done it many times! Cost is $25 last time we looked. You will also need to register and obtain an Outdoors Card.
License costs (approx.):Salmon fishing license: 3 day $61 plus tax; 7 day $115 plus tax. The outfitter will need a copy of your driver’s licenses, and a New Brunswick Outdoors Card.
SALMON SEASONS (approx.) Spring salmon – Mid-April to early June (guide ratio then is 1×1; flies only)
Summer-run – early June to mid-October (guide ratio 3×1; FLY FISHING ONLY)
2023 PRICES (subject to change without notice until deposit received; all prices in USD)
STRIPED BASS OR SALMON FISHING
- 5 days/6 nights with guiding, meals and lodging – $2,500 per person (April 15-June 21; September 9-October 15)
- Lodging only (no meals) with guide w/boat and motor – $350/day per person
- DIY with lodging only (no meals or guide/boat) – $75 day/ per person
TAX OF 15% WILL BE ADDED TO ALL HUNTING AND FISHING RATES AND LICENSES/TAGS.
EQUIPMENT FOR FLY FISHING: Gear to bring for a spring Miramichi salmon fishing trip: an 8 ½’ to 10’ fly rod; sinking fly line or sinking tip line (number to suit your rod); a floating line; tapered leaders 8’ to 10’ long which should be at least 8-12 lb test; at least a hundred yards of backing; salmon flies; rain gear; sunglasses; a personal flotation device; and a mix of warm and light clothing that you can layer. We strongly urge the use of Thermacell mosquito repellant devices. Insect repellent too, but be aware some can ruin your fly line finish.
