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The days are heating up quickly, and a little bit of rain is making all the difference. In some places in Atlantic Canada and Maine, rain is raising rivers by nearly 4 ft, and the lack of rain is closing others.
As we move into the heart of summer, we have to keep our eyes on warm weather closures and other restrictions on our rivers. In New Brunswick, 31 pools have been closed on the Miramichi, and the Nepisiguit River has moved to morning-only angling.
“Unfortunately, now in the Miramichi and the Nepisiguit, it’s very normal,” said David Roth, ASF’s Program Director for New Brunswick. “Every year it gets implemented several times throughout the season.”
The closures are a means to protect against accidental mortality from catch-and-release angling. Increased temperatures bring increased stress to the fish.
The decision to close pools and implement restrictions is set by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, in consultation with local First Nations and NGOs like ASF. For example, when temperatures don’t drop below 20°C for two consecutive days, the 29 pools on the Miramichi are typically closed to angling. But common sense does play a role. If rain and cold weather are forecasted for that night, DFO may refrain from closing or limiting angling at that time.
“They are listening,” David said.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, this is not an extraordinary event. Closures began on the Miramichi around this time last year as well. But they open and close as the season progresses. So the only way to know the current regulations is to check the DFO website before getting on the water:
DFO Gulf Region Recreations Fishery Advisories
One other concern with warm weather closures, is it creates ideal conditions for poachers. Some people may try to take advantage of there being less eyes on the water. We encourage everyone to be on the lookout, when they can. Contact NB Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) if you see anything, or contact your local DFO or DNR office.
In this week’s edition of Rivernotes, we have more details on warm weather closures in NB, lots of river conditions reports from across the region, some submitted photos (including some great first-time catches), interesting catch-and-release initiatives, event reports, and a great first-hand story about the importance of headwater habitats.
In Nova Scotia, we have a submission from the Margaree Salmon Museum. ASF’s Nova Scotia Program Director, Deirdre Green, was busy in Cape Breton attending events, like the Danny J. Paul Memorial Salmon Ceremony on the Margaree, as well as traveling to Cape Clear, which overlooks the Margaree headwaters. But first she checked in with a salmon guide on the Margaree River. She writes:
“Margaree River Update: Early Summer Signals
I caught up with Robert Chiasson, longtime salmon guide on the Margaree River, for a quick phone call this week. When I reached him, he was sitting on the bench at ‘Swimming Hole.’ Robert described the river as being in the classic early summer window — a few fish showing, a few more around, but water temperatures are creeping up, and levels are low.
The river had seen a decent rain two nights earlier, giving flows a small bump and helping move some fish through the system. Robert said he knew of a few salmon hooked – both on dry and wet flies. It’s always a welcome sign when summer patterns are beginning to take hold.
I spent several days in Cape Breton last week, attending a mix of ASF field visits, partner events, and of course, taking every chance to stop by the river where ongoing conservation continues.
The Margaree is buzzing with activity right now. Academic researchers are being seen throughout the system. They’re trying to connect with juvenile and adult salmon.
Despite rain being needed, the river feels alive with both anglers and anticipation.”
Deirdre also attended Danny J. Paul Memorial Salmon Ceremony.
“A Day of Ceremony and Reflection
One of the highlights of the week was attending the Danny J. Paul Memorial Salmon Ceremony on the Margaree, organized by UINR (Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources) and community partners. Under bright skies, as stories of Danny and his teachings were shared, an eagle soared overhead, and a sun halo appeared – moments that deepened our collective connection to the river and the salmon.
I was grateful to bring my son Lachlan again—he was smudged by Danny when he was younger, and this time he also took part in the tobacco offering as we honored the salmon’s return.
Wela’lioq to UINR for welcoming us all to such a meaningful day, to the Margaree Fish Hatchery for hosting, and to everyone in attendance who made the event so special.”
And finally, Deirdre has a first-hand story about her adventure to Cape Clear, and a reminder of just how important these areas are.
“Cape Clear: Overlooking the Margaree Headwaters
Last Tuesday, I had the unique privilege of visiting Cape Clear—a place I’ve long wanted to see. Perched at the western edge of the Cape Breton Highlands Plateau, Cape Clear offers a truly iconic view over the Northwest Margaree River valley, overlooking the headwaters where the river’s journey begins.
The journey to get there was an adventure in itself. Access to Cape Clear isn’t straightforward – you can approach from the Hunters Mountain side, climbing via a network of gravel forestry roads and logging trails. We followed a dirt road off Fielding Road (Route 808), winding our way past the legendary Pig and Whistle – a longtime rest stop favored by snowmobilers and backcountry travelers.
The area is deeply connected to Cape Breton’s backcountry recreation culture but also stands as a marker of just how remote and special this landscape remains.
As we climbed, we couldn’t help but notice the clear-cut — a reminder of why protecting headwaters and maintaining healthy watersheds is so important.
When we reached the weathered granite outcrop at Cape Clear around 7:30 pm, the scene was unforgettable – standing atop ancient Appalachian bedrock, looking out over the Northwest Margaree River valley below. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with a few wispy clouds. Below us, the Northwest Margaree River meandered through valleys framed by craggy cliffs, dense hardwood slopes, and forested ridges.
Cape Clear truly overlooks the headwaters region of the Northwest Margaree River. The surrounding spruce and hardwood plateau feeds dozens of small tributaries, delivering cold, clean, oxygen-rich water that sustains the river downstream.
Headwaters like these regulate streamflow, filter sediments, stabilize temperatures, and provide essential habitat for juvenile salmon and countless other aquatic species.
As we made our way back down the trail, the evening light sharpened, we were gifted one last wonder—a moose. It was a perfect end to a day that reminded me how rare sights—whether a sweeping view, or a glimpse of wildlife—are nature’s way of urging us to pay attention, to act, and to safeguard what remains wild and irreplaceable.
Healthy rivers—and the salmon that depend on them—begin here. Headwaters lay the foundation for the whole system. Through ASF’s Wild Salmon Watersheds program and with dedicated local partners like the Margaree Salmon Association, we’re working to ensure these vital upstream areas remain protected, cherished, and resilient for generations to come.”
We also have a submission from Iris Ciecko, an ASF member, angler, and photographer. She spends over two months a year fishing on the Margaree River, and other Canadian salmon rivers.
“On Sunday June 29 the Margaree Salmon Museum celebrated its 60th year. There were three outdoor sign boards unveiled in the new garden and there are new picnic tables for visitors to enjoy. There was a reception and some delicious traditional Cape Breton treats were served, as well as fiddle music by a local artist, Chrissy Crowley & her band member on the keyboard. The museum is full of history and exhibits that define Atlantic salmon fishing in Nova Scotia. When coming to the Margaree, Middle, Baddeck, or any surrounding rivers to fish , it is truly a gem nestled in the Margaree Valley. Stop in and take advantage of it, you won’t be sorry. The new curator Ava Timmins will be looking forward to seeing you.”
In Quebec, rain is making all the difference. Charles Cusson, ASF’s Quebec Program Director, has reports on the condition of Quebec rivers, and the notable changes wet weather brings. Charles writes:
“Les conditions des rivières continuent d’être variées, sur la Côte-Nord, des pluies abondantes ont fait monter certaines rivières telle la Saint-Jean de près de 4 pieds et se sont stabilisées après quelques jours résultant d’une meilleure qualité de pêche. La Godbout a également bénéficié des précipitations qui ont amélioré les résultats de la pêche sportive. Sur les rivières comme la Matapédia, le niveau d’eau demeure stable, ce qui a pour effet de rendre le secteur Glen Emma très productif, tout comme l’an dernier au cours de la même période.
Les rapports de la rivière Saint-Paul sur la Basse-Côte-Nord sont encourageants, basés sur de très bons niveaux d’eau et températures ainsi que de nombreuses observations de saumons et de madeleineaux.
En anticipation de la prochaine pleine lune du 10 juillet, des madeleineaux sont signalés dans la plupart des rivières de la Gaspésie et du Bas-Saint-Laurent en nombre pour le moment encourageant.
À ce jour, les résultats des rivières comme la Matapédia, la Causapscal, la Grande Rivière continuent d’être bons. Les rivières Cascapédia, Madeleine, York, Dartmouth et St-Jean ont ralenti dû au manque d’eau.
Au plaisir de se voir le long d’une rivière cet été et n’hésiter pas de partager vos expériences de pêches, vos observations et vos photos pendant la saison 2025.”
We also have Charles’ report in English:
“River conditions continue to be a mixed bag. On the north shore, substantial rain raised some rivers, like the Saint-Jean, close to 4 feet. It settled down after a few days to display some new fish arriving in the watershed. The Godbout has also benefited from rain and produced decent angling. On rivers such as the Matapedia, water levels continue to be steady, which had the effect of the Glen Emma sector becoming very productive, just as it did last year during the same week.
Reports from St-Paul’s River on the lower north shore are encouraging based on particularly good water levels and temperatures along with many sightings of salmon and grilse.
In anticipation of the next full moon on July 10th, grilse are being reported in most of the rivers of the Gaspé and Lower St-Lawrence in encouraging numbers for the time being.
To date, the results of rivers such as the Matapedia, Causapscal, Grande Rivière continue to be good. The Cascapedia, Madeleine, York, Dartmouth, and St-Jean need water.
I wish you Tight Lines and memorable experiences with Salmo 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.”
This week we also received some other wonderful photos by Dan Champagne, a guide and photographer. Topher Browne submitted them and wrote:
In Maine, salmon continue to be counted, and water levels and temperatures vary.
On the Penobscot, Jason Valliere, a Marine Scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, reports:
“Looks like the river herring and sea lamprey runs are over. We are still seeing a few American shad, and we have added about 300 since last week to our count.
Salmon are trickling in. We have added 48 to the count in the past week. Considering the heat wave and the likely behavior of salmon finding and holding on cool water for those days, maybe not so bad… Hopefully, we will see those numbers pick up a bit in the next week…
River temps got as high as 25.2C (77.3F), morning temp with temperatures reaching near 80F in the evening! Luckily, we got back down to 20C (68F), a much more salmon-friendly temperature!”
For the Kennebec River, Jennifer Noll, a Marine Resource Scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, reports on the conditions:
“Air temperatures have continued to be variable in south/central Maine over the last week – the highs ranging from the low 60’s to the high 90’s (°F) and lows ranging from the low 50’s to almost 70 (°F). Flow conditions in the lower Kennebec River were steadily declining for the first half of the week, from approximately 8,000 cfs down to 3,300 cfs. A big peak in river discharge occurred on 6/29, reaching 12,800 cfs. Flows have been steady since the end of June 29th. The low discharge for the week dipped to 3,290 cfs and the high peaked at 12,800 cfs. Currently the river flow is at 7,150 cfs, which falls between the median discharge level (5,880 cfs) and the mean discharge level (8,510 cfs) (https://waterdata.usgs.gov, based on 39 years of data). 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. Forty-four new Atlantic salmon have been captured to date; the first two arrived on 5/30. We’ve had a few special appearances so far this year – one wild female 3 sea-winter (89cm) on 6/8 and one wild female long absence repeat spawner (84.5cm) on 6/11. The water temperature remains cool for this time of year at 20°C; despite some days of warm weather.
Jennifer also provided a report for the Androscoggin Rivers:
“Brunswick fishway, located in Brunswick, ME on the mainstem Androscoggin River, was opened May 1st this year. Flow conditions have been variable this past week in the lower Androscoggin River, reaching a low of 2,620 cfs and a high of 6,090 cfs. Currently, the river flow is at 4,840 cfs, which falls between the median discharge level (3,810 cfs) and the mean discharge of 5,210 cfs (https://waterdata.usgs.gov, based on 96 years of data). The temperature currently ranges between 21.2°C and 24.8°C. The first Atlantic salmon at Brunswick in 2025 showed up on 6/13.”
Kimberley Thompson, ASF’s Program Director for Newfoundland and Labrador, writes about the recently released salmon fishway counts, updates to fire bans in the province, a great catch-and-release initiative taking place, and a serendipitous encounter. She writes:
“The Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) NL Atlantic salmon preliminary fence and fishway counts to June 22, 2025 are now available. This table has counts organized by river, and includes comparable data from other time periods.
With no counts yet reported for the rivers in Labrador. Returns in comparison to last year at this time are slow. However, it is still early, and the important consideration comes at the end of the season, with the previous generation (5 yrs) average total comparison.
Hopefully there will be more rain forecasted in July for central Newfoundland as it is needed. As of June 25th, the province-wide outdoor fire-ban that prohibited the setting of fires on forest land, or within 300 metres of forest land, is now lifted. However, there are still some areas of NL that are rated “moderate to high fire hazard risk.” The provincial fire hazard index maps are updated daily and can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website, along with information about campfires. To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).
As part of the ASF Wild Salmon Watershed program and being good salmon stewards in promoting appropriate catch-and-release techniques, Freshwater – Alexander Bays Ecosystem Corporation (FABEC) are placing nets for angles to use on the Terra Nova River at the following locations: Springpool, Starlight, Pennys Pool, The Trench and Drs Rock. FABEC invites anglers to use the nets, treat the nets with respect, and when not in use, please leave them at the location so other anglers can avail of them.”
Kim continued:
“I live by the notion that life is an adventure and that people come into your life for a reason. Such was the case last year, when I had the good fortune to be in the Labradors Straits area with colleagues and crossed paths with Amanda Pike. She was camping and salmon fishing on the Pinware River.
Jump ahead to spring 2025, with the launch of the Hooke and ASF Scale of Change film at Banished Brewing in Paradise. There, amongst the audience, was Amanda’s smiling face. Amanda decided to take a new direction in life that most would be too scared to do — she packed up her belongings and relocated to southern Labrador to become a salmon fishing guide for Big Land Fishing Lodge.
Amanda recently said to me, “my time at the lodge so far has been absolutely incredible!! I’ve never been happier doing something that is titled as a ‘job.’ But it doesn’t feel like work. It’s so rewarding. Each and every day is different”.
Congratulations Amanda on your new adventure! I look forward to our paths crossing again, hopefully on a river in the Straits area.”
We also received some photo submissions from ASF U.S. Director, Alex Taylor, while fishing with his kids in Labrador. His daughter Morgan opened the season on the St. Lewis River with her very first salmon, caught on a dead drift brown bomber. Her brother Winston wasn’t far behind, also landing his first wild salmon. Alex had some great action too, with this spectacular 93cm dime bright salmon on the Alexis River.
In New Brunswick we have our first warm water protocol notice in effect. 31 pools have been temporarily closed. The notice can be found on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Website. There is further information available, including maps and coordinates for the specific pools that have been closed. You can find it here.
Also in New Brunswick, our Program Director for New Brunswick, David Roth, joined the Nashwaak Watershed Association (NWAI) for a brief field visit to provide input on potential future restoration sites related to fish habitat last week. He writes:
“The NWAI has been asked to implement bioengineered alternatives to the previous artificial structures that were intended to prevent erosion. The goal izs to once again have a natural riverbank, while limiting further erosion.”
David continues:
“Related to the Nashwaak River we also want to highlight an exhibition currently on display at the Charlotte Streets Art Center in Fredericton- Local artist Terry Price’s work, titled “The River’s Story: Reflections of Life Along the Nashwaak River,” can be seen until July 21st.”
Later in the week, David met with Ethan Augustin and Katie Patles from Anqotum Research Management to scout the lower sections of the Northwest Miramichi for upcoming PIT telemetry work aimed at detecting adult Atlantic salmon. David wrote:
“This season, our goal is to become familiar with the specific challenges of operating the systems before the anticipated return of marked fish in 2026.”
David concludes with a few reminders for anglers for the summer:
“We would like to remind all anglers that as we enter the warmer months, water temperatures will rise. It is essential to ensure proper fish handling to minimize stress on the fish. (https://www.keepfishwet.org/).
Warmer temperatures may also trigger warm water protocols at certain times, so anglers should check for any potential closures before their trips. Currently, three pools are closed for the remainder of the season.
For more background information on the protocol, please visit https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/346488.pdf.
To stay updated on future closures, visit the DFO website.”
For ASF’s research team, there is a (very) slight lull. Valérie Ouellet, ASF’s Vice President of Research and Environment writes:
“On the research side, things are a bit quieter. Some team members are taking a much-deserved break or preparing for it. Others are crunching data and writing papers, while we are all planning the next field activities for July and August. June has gone by quickly! Over the next few weeks, we will continue to test our low-cost water quality station, conduct habitat assessments using eDNA, work on our fundraising campaign for monitoring rivers and salmon populations, and prepare workshops to learn more about thermal imagery and fish telemetry. “