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Rivers change quickly. What started out as a cold and rainy spring everywhere, has turned into a mixed bag. A couple of weeks of dry, warm weather in some areas have left some rivers lower than normal, while others are still higher and colder than the average.
But we are seeing salmon everywhere! Whether through the fishways in Maine, or being caught by anglers in Quebec, we are getting reports of salmon throughout the region.
It’s still early in the season, so it’s a good time to highlight some best practices when it comes to hooking, handling, and releasing fish when you get out on the water.
Two weeks ago, we started with the importance of keeping fish in the water, especially when taking photos. It’s ideal to keep them horizontal, with their head and gills submerged, and their nose pointing into the current. This will allow them to breathe and recover, before swimming off.
Then last week, we touched on the importance of handling fish with bare wet hands, to help retain the protective mucous layer, which is essential in fighting off pathogens in the water.
This week, single barbless hooks are in our sights.
Charles Cusson, ASF’s Program Director for Quebec, switched to barbless hooks over ten years ago, before it was mandatory anywhere. He did it mostly out of consideration for salmon, but also because it is a bit more of a challenge.
“Using barbless hooks is what’s best for the fish,” he said. “You end up losing fish when you have a barbed hook on anyway, and in some cases, depending on how good the fishing is, it’ll just keep you fishing longer that day.”
A lost fish, released at a distance, doesn’t count towards your daily quota for catch-and-release on many rivers.
“So your day continues, and you got a little bit of action in the meantime,” Charles said.
Barbless hooks also help reduce the handling of the fish. They often pop out on their own once the salmon is netted, and tension is taken off the line.
Regulations vary throughout our regions. For example, a single barbless hook must be used on all scheduled salmon rivers in Newfoundland and Labrador. And in Nova Scotia, barbless hooks are required in any Atlantic salmon, catch-and-release, or special management waters.
In New Brunswick, barbless hooks are mandatory in any fly-fishing-only waters. And there are special regulations in other specific sections as well. In some cases, even tidal areas are restricted to barbless hooks.
“There are too many exceptions to list them.” said David Roth, ASF’s Program Director for New Brunswick. “That is why people should always check the regulations when fishing in new waters.”
Be sure to check the handbooks or guides from your area. We have compiled them below:
Prince Edward Island | Newfoundland and Labrador | New Brunswick | Nova Scotia | Quebec | Maine
In this week’s edition of Rivernotes, we have some submitted photos of landed salmon, info on the upcoming opening of some fisheries, final reports on smolt tagging projects, the start of new and exciting projects, and some updated data on returning salmon in some rivers.
Rivernotes is now going out weekly for the summer. So please be sure to send along any photos or stories! We love hearing about your time out on the water.
We start this week with an update from further across the Atlantic Ocean than usual. ASF’s Vice President of Regional Programs, Nathan Wilbur, is with ASF’s acting President, Robert Otto, in Greenland. Nathan writes:
“Robert Otto and I are in Greenland this week to foster existing relationships and build new ones. After a stopover early in the week in Iceland to meet with our close partners, the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF), we headed on to the land of the midnight sun. Our visit to Greenland continues ASF and NASF’s effort in recent years to have an increased presence and to build long-lasting and productive relationships around science programs, education, fisheries, and conservation. With Atlantic salmon from thousands of North American and European rivers migrating to the rich feeding waters off Greenland each year, it is a natural focal area for us to better understand the species, their environment, and the people who are connected to them.”
In Nova Scotia, it is turning out to be a dry spring, with less than typical water levels on some rivers. Deirdre Green, ASF’s Director of Nova Scotia Programs, shares some data along with a report from the removal of our smolt wheel on the Chéticamp River. The Antigonish Rivers Association also contributes some details on the annual Family Fishing Day in Antigonish that was put on with the help of several wonderful businesses, organizations, and volunteers.
Deirdre writes:
” Over the past week, water levels across Nova Scotia rivers have remained notably low. At the Northeast Margaree monitoring site near Margaree Valley, the current level stands at approximately 30.5 cm with a discharge of just 6.4 m³/s, which is well below typical early-June flows. Weekend showers and lingering rainfall on Monday delivered little uplift—much of the precipitation likely replenished dry soils and surrounding wetlands rather than contributing to streamflow. This situation mirrors conditions elsewhere in the province, where a dry spring has kept most rivers stranded at low stage.
Last Friday, Jordan Condon and I were proud to join Wild Salmon Watershed partner, the Chéticamp River Salmon Association (CRSA) along with volunteers from Parks Canada, the Nova Scotia Salmon Association, and local angling community in the successful removal of our smolt wheel on the Chéticamp River. Collaboration like this is key to advancing science and stewardship in our watersheds—thank you to all who made the trip and helped with the heavy lifting.”
Over the weekend, The Antigonish Rivers Association held their annual Family Fishing Day, which hopes to spark a love of sportfishing and the conservation of our local watersheds.
“Rain or Shine: ARA’s Family Fishing Day Brings Out the Community
On Saturday, June 7, the Antigonish Rivers Association (ARA) hosted our annual Family Fishing Day at the Cameron Lake Barrier-Free Recreation Area in Pinevale, Antigonish County. We were thrilled to welcome approximately 87 participants—a significant increase from last year’s event, which marked our return after the COVID-related hiatus.
Despite weather forecasts promising clearer skies, the rain settled in for the day, including some intense downpours. But the damp conditions didn’t dampen spirits. Families came prepared, and many children tried fishing for the very first time. The laughter, learning, and excitement around the lake proved that a little rain couldn’t wash away the fun.
Events like these are only possible thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers and generous sponsors. A heartfelt thank you goes out to ARA volunteers Tim Handforth (President), Dave MacNeil, Leo Callahan, Sandy Horne, Darryl Murrant, and Allison White for their work setting up, taking down, and making sure everything was packed away for next year.
We’re also grateful to the Fraser’s Mills Fish Hatchery for stocking the lake and lending their brand-new BBQ—complete with delivery and pickup. Special thanks to BL Environmental for providing an accessible portable toilet at a discounted rate for the entire weekend, Sobeys and Superstore Antigonish for food donations, and the Water Villa for providing bottled water. Raffle prizes were generously donated by Leaves and Limbs, Canadian Tire, the Co-op Country Store, V & A Bass Fishing Gear, Kent, and Rent-All.
Thanks to this incredible community support, both the BBQ and raffle tickets were completely free for all attendees.
ARA hosts Family Fishing Day to introduce young people to the joy of sportfishing and to foster a lasting appreciation for local watersheds and the importance of conservation. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event—rain or shine!”
This week, we are highlighting the Greater Kouchibouguac Watershed Association (GKWA). This organization is one of two groups in New Brunswick that has received funding through ASF’s headwaters program this year. The program aims to provide partners with financial support, technical expertise, and on-the-ground assistance to remove barriers to fish passage, enhance cold-water refugia, and restore habitats.
The GKWA will use the funding to improve fish passage in the Kouchibouguac and Kouchibouguacis Rivers. Although in-stream restoration efforts will begin later this year, GKWA’s Executive Director, Mike Rushton, provided an update on their early-season work completed last week:
“GKWA has completed the installation of counting fences on the Kouchibouguac and Kouchibouguacis Rivers. These fences will provide vital data that will enable GKWA and relevant partners and agencies to thoroughly assess the state of fish stocks – particularly Atlantic salmon – allowing for targeted and informed conservation measures. Unlike the protective barrier fences operated in other parts of the province, which hold fish until fall to safeguard them against poaching before spawning season, the setup is solely designed for population assessment purposes. The fish are released every day to continue their migration further upriver. The fences are constructed from durable aluminum and feature wider-than-usual gaps (2 inches) between fence panel piping to ensure the passage of smaller fish during the operational season. The traps are hexagonal, allowing fish to swim in circles and relieve stress, and they are equipped with foam-covered pipes to minimize the risk of fish injury.
GKWA collaborates with many partners on this project, including the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Kopit Lodge of Elsipogtog First Nation, Gespe’gewa’gi Institute of Natural Understanding (GINU), Kouchibouguac National Park, Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon (FCAS), and more!”
With some of the last fisheries set to open in Newfoundland and Labrador, Kim Thompson, ASF’s Regional Director for Newfoundland and Labrador, has some info on which waters will be open:
“We are days away from the Labrador recreational angling season opening, with optimal cold waters awaiting the return of Atlantic salmon. June 15th is also the opening date for Atlantic salmon angling in Gros Morne National Park which is only permitted on the following waters: Lomond River from the park boundary to high tide marks at Bonne Bay, East Branch Lomond River, and Deer Arm Brook (Eastern Arm Brook) from Deer Arm Pond to the high tide marks at Bonne Bay. Trout River, Trout River Pond, and its tributaries are closed to fishing to protect salmon and trout populations that are at critically low levels. For more information on fishing regulations in Gros Morne National Park, visit Fishing in Gros Morne – Gros Morne National Park.
Kim continues:
“Western NL celebrated Oceans Day on June 5th thanks to the organizing efforts of ACAP Humber in bringing together 18 different organizations that hosted information booths and interactive displays on a hot sunny day on the Majestic Lawn in Corner Brook.”
We’re getting close to peak conditions on many Quebec rivers. Charles Cusson, ASF’s Program Director for Quebec provided updates from the rivers, a small story and photo from a frequent contributor, and signed bridge fishing agreement between Gesgapegiag First Nation and the Quebec government:
“En se rappelant que la saison n’en est qu’à ses débuts, les niveaux d’eau en Gaspésie, du Bas-Saint-Laurent et de la Côte-Nord sont maintenant à des débits presque parfaits, les rivières Moisie et Natashquan coulent avec des débits plus sécuritaires et pêchables.
À ce jour, les bilans des rivières comme la Matapédia, la Causapscal, la Cascapédia et la Grande-Rivière sont positifs. Contributrice de longue date, Nicole Boutin a déclaré : « La première sortie de chaque année est spéciale, il y avait beaucoup de pression dans l’air et la rivière était parfaite ». Les saumons ont coopéré avec Nicole ; elle a gracié deux beaux saumons lundi matin. La pleine lune a eu lieu le 11 juin et les marées hautes associées avant et après, nous devrions observer une hausse de la migration des saumons dans leurs rivières natale.
Note informative : Le 9 juin 2024, la Première Nation de Gesgapegiag a signé une entente avec le gouvernement du Québec. L’accord, renouvelé pour 2025, comprend des journées culturelles de pêche les 18, 19 et 20 juin prochains afin de permettre le partage des savoirs et pratiques traditionnelles aux générations futures. Les négociations pour conclure un accord à long terme se poursuivent.
Au plaisir de se voir le long d’une rivière cet été et n’hésiter pas de partager vos expériences de pêches et vos photos pendant la saison 2025.”
Charles provided his report in English as well:
“Keeping in mind that the season is still in its initial stages, most of the Gaspésie, Lower Saint Lawrence and North Shore River levels are now at and/or near perfect levels, the Moisie and Natashquan are approaching safer and fishable flow rates.
To date, reports from rivers such as the Matapedia, Causapscal, Cascapedia and Grande-Rivière are positive. Frequent contributor Nicole Boutin stated, “the first time out each year is special, a lot of self-imposed pressure was in the air and the river was perfect.” The salmon gods smiled on Nicole; she landed two beautiful salmon on Monday morning. Keeping in mind the full moon was on June 11th and associated high tides before and after, we should be observing some new fish entering their home waters.
Informational note: On June 9, 2024, the Gesgapegiag First Nation signed a bridge fishing agreement with the Quebec government. The agreement, which has been renewed for 2025, will offer Cultural Fishing Days on June 18, 19, and 20th to enable the passing on of traditional knowledge and practices to next generations. Negotiations to conclude a long-term agreement continue.
I wish you Tight Lines and memorable experiences with salmon this summer. Until then, I hope to meet you along a river this summer and please don’t hesitate to send me details of your fishing experiences and photos during the 2025 season.
Tight lines!”
With smolt tagging coming to an end for this year, the ASF Research team has been busy with other projects, like examining the movement of radio-tagged parr, installing temperature loggers, and educating students.
Ellen Mansfield, ASF’s Office Manager, Research & Environment writes:
“Our field season for smolt tagging has come to an end in the Miramichi and Cascapedia regions. The teams have returned home to begin the transition to other projects.
Jon Carr returned from the Terra Nova River in Newfoundland and Labrador on May 26 and went straight to the Cascapédia River in Quebec. ASF (Jon, Charles Cusson, Kyle Condon, Kyle Denny) and partners ( DFO, Cascapédia Museum, Lorne Cottage River Guides) deployed the smolt wheel on May 27. We acoustic tagged 60 smolts on May 28 and hosted the Wejgwapniag School group on the riverbank for a stream-side workshop. The students learned about fish capture and tag techniques, the lifecycle of salmon, and the fate of their ‘named’ acoustic tagged smolts from last year. On May 28 the wheel was removed and Jon headed back to Chamcook for some well-deserved rest.
We would like to thank all groups involved in this work!”
Graham Chafe, ASF’s Senior Biologist, was busy on the Pocologan River:
“Last week I was installing a new temperature logger on the Pocologan River in Southwest New Brunswick. This beautiful river has long been home to a small population of Atlantic Salmon, brook trout and other smaller species. We haven’t seen any in our juvenile surveys over the past several years, however that is only one site on the river. Initial eDNA evidence was inconclusive so further investigation will happen later this summer.”
Heather Perry, an ASF Biologist / Research Scientist,
“We (myself, 3 students from dal and UNB- Siobhan Hourihan, Alex Haynes-Macdonald, Drew Saxon and Mario Theriault, a senior technician with CRI) have started the second year of a two-year study on the Little Southwest Miramichi examining the movements of radio-tagged Atlantic salmon parr in response to temperature change. Radio antennas are now all set up and we are starting e-fishing today to collect 50x 2yr old parr. We hope to evaluate their capacity to find and access known cold water refuges when the river reaches inhospitable temperatures in the summer.”
In Maine, it’s been a cold and rainy spring, but a lot of fishways are counting returning salmon, including the first of the season on the Narraguagus River.
On the Penobscot River, Catherine Morse, an ASF Project Manager, was out in the field last week stocking salmon fry, doing some river restoration work, and attending a fly fishing festival. She writes:
“On June 4th, Val Ouellet and I helped the Maine Department of Marine Resources and U.S. Fish & Wildlife stock Atlantic salmon fry into the West Branch of the Pleasant River, off the Katahdin Iron Work Road. Fry are typically stocked earlier in the spring; however, there were a few late spawners at the hatchery this year. These fish will help support populations in the Penobscot River Watershed.
Additionally, ASF is replacing two stream crossings this summer — Sucker Brook and Bog Brook, both cold headwater streams that flow into the West Branch. Together, these projects will open about 7.5 miles of upstream habitat and allow for higher capacity water flows under the road.
This past weekend was the White Nose Pete Fly Fishing Festival in Rangeley, Maine. ASF was a sponsor and tabled at the event. We had a great time chatting with attendees, including current members of ASF!”
Jennifer Noll, a Marine Resrouce Scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, has data from the fishways in Maine. While there were no new salmon captured at the Brunswick fishway in Brunswick, ME, on the mainstem Androscoggin River, or at the Sebasticook River, a tributary to the Kennebec River, there were 12 new salmon through the Lockwood Fishlift on the Kennebec River! Jennifer writes:
“Over the last week, weather conditions have continued to be unseasonably cool and rainy. Flow conditions in the lower Kennebec River reached a low river discharge of 8,440 cfs on June 5th and peaked at 16,000 cfs on June 3rd. Currently the river flow is at 11,500 cfs, which falls between the 75% percentile discharge level (9,430 cfs) and the high of 41,800 cfs (https://waterdata.usgs.gov, based on 39 years of data).
The Lockwood fish lift, located in Waterville, ME at the first dam on the mainstem Kennebec River, opened on May 1st for the 2025 season. The trap has been operational the entire week. Twelve new Atlantic salmon have been captured to date; the first two arrived on 5/30. The water temperature remains cool at 16°C.”
On the Penobscot River, Jason Valliere, a Marine Scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, has some encouraging numbers to report:
“The river herring run is winding down on the Penobscot… another record year! Shad numbers have picked up considerably… 600+ days over the weekend! It’s time to get out and catch some!
Salmon numbers have also taken a jump since the last report. We are still a bit behind recent years, but so has been our weather… It’s been a cold, wet spring! Looking back to 2014, when Milford was built, we’re still doing better than most years. We have had over 100 fish in the past 3 days come through the fishway… if fish keep rolling in, we’ll be in good shape.
In addition to these numbers Andrew Goode, ASF’s Vice President of U.S Development, said that we can add 750,000 to 1 million river herring to this number. He said:
“ASF did 3 fish passage projects in Blackman Stream and 3 in the Souadabscook Stream below Milford. We know counters at Blackman have recorded 500K-1M fish. Souadabscook has two ponds that also produce fish.”
John Burrows, ASF’s Vice President of US Operations, added:
“I think we can safely say the full run of river herring to the Penobscot watershed is now over 7 million.
Given the high, cold water this spring, I also suspect a large number of fish sat below Milford and never passed.”
And finally Colby Bruchs, a Fisheries Scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources contributed a photo of the first salmon in the fishway trap on the Narraguagus River. He also wrote of the conditions on that river:
“Our first return of the 2025 season! Discharge dropped below 400 CFS and the river temperature climbed to around 20oC; excellent salmon trapping conditions! We also captured 77 new American Shad. Fingers crossed for more sun and more salmon in the coming week!”
