Gorgeous Atlantic salmon are showing up this past two weeks. Julia Carpenter releases a bright salmon on the Bonaventure River, 24 June. Nathan Wilbur/ASF
Quebec
Grand Cascapedia on 27 June, 2019 with heavy flow. A magical river in any weather conditions. Nathan Wilbur/ASF
Charles Cusson, ASF Director of Programs for Quebec says:
Note: All data presented in this report is sourced from individual river web sites, social media accounts and are regulated by the Quebec wild Atlantic salmon management plan.
We have an opportunity at this point to assess the salmon returns and angling for each month.
At June 30, 2019, rivers in the lower St-Lawrence and Gaspé areas are dealing with low levels and flow again. Almost a carbon copy of 2018 in most places, despite decent water in much of June.
Angling results are encouraging, but even with the slow and late start most rivers had to deal with.
Reminder to anglers fishing Quebec Rivers, take the time to report your releases to have the most accurate angling statistics and for the river managers to accurately calculate angling success. Tight Lines!
Note: All data presented in this report is sourced from individual river web sites, social media accounts and are regulated by the Quebec wild Atlantic salmon management plan.
We have an opportunity at this point to assess the salmon returns and angling for each month.
At June 30, 2019, rivers in the lower St-Lawrence and Gaspé areas are dealing with low levels and flow again. Almost a carbon copy of 2018 in most places, despite decent water in much of June.
Angling results are encouraging, but even with the slow and late start most rivers had to deal with.
Reminder to anglers fishing Quebec Rivers, take the time to report your releases to have the most accurate angling statistics and for the river managers to accurately calculate angling success. Tight Lines!
On 25 June 2019, ASF U.S. Director Tracey Clarke fishes the tail end of pool on the Bonaventure River in Gaspé. Nathan Wilbur/ASF
Bonaventure – Season opened June 1 -
As of June 30, for the 2019 season to date, 183 fish have been landed which includes 161salmon released and 22 grilse harvested.
Compared to:
June 30, 2018 – 185 fish landed (148 salmon released and 37 grilse killed)
June 30, 2017 – 168 fish landed (149 released and 18 grilse killed)
June 30, 2016 – 138 salmon landed and released
June 30, 2015 – 328 salmon landed and released
As of June 30, for the 2019 season to date, 183 fish have been landed which includes 161salmon released and 22 grilse harvested.
Compared to:
June 30, 2018 – 185 fish landed (148 salmon released and 37 grilse killed)
June 30, 2017 – 168 fish landed (149 released and 18 grilse killed)
June 30, 2016 – 138 salmon landed and released
June 30, 2015 – 328 salmon landed and released
June 28, 2019 was a beautiful "misty mountain morning" on the Bonaventure. Nathan Wilbur/ASF
Matane River
Season opened on June 15As of July 2, 2019, for the season to date, 236 fish have been counted (225 salmon and 11 grilse), 37 fish have been reported landed which includes 36 salmon released and 1 grilse killed.
Compared to:
July 2, 2018 - 318 fish were counted (278 salmon and 38 grilse), 45 fish landed (39 salmon released, 3 grilse released, and 3 grilse killed.
June 30, 2017 – 356 fish were counted (324 salmon and 27 grilse), 24 salmon released, and 3 grilse killed.
June 30, 2016 – 131 fish were counted (122 salmon and 9 grilse), 11 salmon released, and 1 grilse killed.
June 30, 2015 – 202 fish were counted (188 salmon and 14 grilse), 36 salmon released, and 5 grilse killed.The Matane fishway is a wonderful place to watch wild Atlantic salmon ascending in migration. See video below.
Season opened on June 15As of July 2, 2019, for the season to date, 236 fish have been counted (225 salmon and 11 grilse), 37 fish have been reported landed which includes 36 salmon released and 1 grilse killed.
Compared to:
July 2, 2018 - 318 fish were counted (278 salmon and 38 grilse), 45 fish landed (39 salmon released, 3 grilse released, and 3 grilse killed.
June 30, 2017 – 356 fish were counted (324 salmon and 27 grilse), 24 salmon released, and 3 grilse killed.
June 30, 2016 – 131 fish were counted (122 salmon and 9 grilse), 11 salmon released, and 1 grilse killed.
June 30, 2015 – 202 fish were counted (188 salmon and 14 grilse), 36 salmon released, and 5 grilse killed.The Matane fishway is a wonderful place to watch wild Atlantic salmon ascending in migration. See video below.
Cascapedia River – June 2019
Darlene Sexton commented on the first 30 days of the season by stating “We started off with very high water on the Cascapedia for about the first 14 days of June. I believe that was the first time that so many of us saw such a long stretch where everyone was not able to fish because of the high water and the safety of all involved. There were quite a few salmon over 30 pounds caught and at least five 40 pounds plus salmon released by anglers on the Cascapedia. From what I have heard from the guides, they think it will be another great season. Right now, the water is at a good level, but we will always take a day of rain whenever we can.” Catch statistics for the month of June should be available for river notes next week.
Darlene Sexton commented on the first 30 days of the season by stating “We started off with very high water on the Cascapedia for about the first 14 days of June. I believe that was the first time that so many of us saw such a long stretch where everyone was not able to fish because of the high water and the safety of all involved. There were quite a few salmon over 30 pounds caught and at least five 40 pounds plus salmon released by anglers on the Cascapedia. From what I have heard from the guides, they think it will be another great season. Right now, the water is at a good level, but we will always take a day of rain whenever we can.” Catch statistics for the month of June should be available for river notes next week.
Petite Cascapedia River on 26 June 2019. While storm clouds loomed, the river level was dropping. Nathan Wilbur/ASF
York River – Season opened on May 25
The York River is one of the rivers exempted from the management plan rules as of July 1. If an assessment reveals that at least 600 salmon are present in the river, a large salmon harvest is allowed. For now, the managers are allowing the harvest from July 1st and will complete a count by July 10th. The York, like the two other rivers of Gaspé need rain.
As of July 3, 2019, the water flow recording station located 1.4 km downstream from Dinner Island Creek indicates a flow of 10 cubic meters per second.
2019 Available capture data is to June 27, 2019 - 148 salmon released.
Compared to:
June 24, 2018 – 57 fish landed 56 salmon released 1 grilse killed
June 30,2017 – 89 fish landed 87 salmon released 2 grilse killed
June 30, 2016 – 143 fish landed 142 salmon released 1 grilse killed
Dartmouth River – Season opened on May 25
Capture data to June 26, 2019 – 76 salmon released, and 8 grilse killed.
Compared to:
June 24, 2018 – 38 fish landed 35 salmon released 3 grilse killed
June 30, 2017 – 75 fish landed 72 salmon released 3 grilse killed
June 30, 2016 – 93 fish landed 89 salmon released 4 grilse killed
The York River is one of the rivers exempted from the management plan rules as of July 1. If an assessment reveals that at least 600 salmon are present in the river, a large salmon harvest is allowed. For now, the managers are allowing the harvest from July 1st and will complete a count by July 10th. The York, like the two other rivers of Gaspé need rain.
As of July 3, 2019, the water flow recording station located 1.4 km downstream from Dinner Island Creek indicates a flow of 10 cubic meters per second.
2019 Available capture data is to June 27, 2019 - 148 salmon released.
Compared to:
June 24, 2018 – 57 fish landed 56 salmon released 1 grilse killed
June 30,2017 – 89 fish landed 87 salmon released 2 grilse killed
June 30, 2016 – 143 fish landed 142 salmon released 1 grilse killed
Dartmouth River – Season opened on May 25
Capture data to June 26, 2019 – 76 salmon released, and 8 grilse killed.
Compared to:
June 24, 2018 – 38 fish landed 35 salmon released 3 grilse killed
June 30, 2017 – 75 fish landed 72 salmon released 3 grilse killed
June 30, 2016 – 93 fish landed 89 salmon released 4 grilse killed
Perfectly sheltered Ste-Anne River nestled amongst the old growth forest in the Chic Choc Mountains on 27 June 2019. Nathan Wilbur/ASF
Saint-Jean River (Gaspé) Season opened on May 25
Capture data to June 26, 2019 – 30 salmon released
Compared to:
June 24, 2018 – 14 fish landed 12 salmon released 2 grilse killed
June 30, 2017 – 12 fish landed 12 salmon released
June 30, 2016 – 48 fish landed 147 salmon released 1 grilse killed
Causapscal River – Season opened on May 15
As of June 30th, 2019, for the 2019 season to date, 140 fish have been reported landed. Of which, 64 salmon have been reported released and 76 killed.
Compared to:
June 30, 2018 – 135 fish landed 61 salmon released 74 salmon killed
June 30, 2017 – 122 fish landed 15 salmon released 107 salmon killed
June 30, 2016 – 94 fish landed 8 salmon released 86 salmon killed
June 30, 2015 – 123 fish landed 4 released 119 salmon killed
Capture data to June 26, 2019 – 30 salmon released
Compared to:
June 24, 2018 – 14 fish landed 12 salmon released 2 grilse killed
June 30, 2017 – 12 fish landed 12 salmon released
June 30, 2016 – 48 fish landed 147 salmon released 1 grilse killed
Causapscal River – Season opened on May 15
As of June 30th, 2019, for the 2019 season to date, 140 fish have been reported landed. Of which, 64 salmon have been reported released and 76 killed.
Compared to:
June 30, 2018 – 135 fish landed 61 salmon released 74 salmon killed
June 30, 2017 – 122 fish landed 15 salmon released 107 salmon killed
June 30, 2016 – 94 fish landed 8 salmon released 86 salmon killed
June 30, 2015 – 123 fish landed 4 released 119 salmon killed
Jupiter River – Anticosti Island – Season opened on June 15
ASF member Charles “Chip” Brennan reports very good angling. He and his party were the 3rd group of the year from June 25 to 29.
To that date, a total of 34 salmon were landed by his group (plus at least 15 long distance releases).
In 2018, during the same dates, 53 salmon and 11 grilse had been landed and released. For the same week in 2017, 26 salmon and 4 grilse had been landed and released.
ASF member Charles “Chip” Brennan reports very good angling. He and his party were the 3rd group of the year from June 25 to 29.
To that date, a total of 34 salmon were landed by his group (plus at least 15 long distance releases).
In 2018, during the same dates, 53 salmon and 11 grilse had been landed and released. For the same week in 2017, 26 salmon and 4 grilse had been landed and released.
Chip Brennan with "salmon on", Jupiter River. Photo Erik Lekberg
York River – Season opened on May 25
The York River is one of the rivers exempted from the management plan rules as of July 1. If an assessment reveals that at least 600 salmon are present in the river, a large salmon harvest is allowed. For now, the managers are allowing the harvest from July 1st and will complete a count by July 10th. The York, like the two other rivers of Gaspé need rain.
As of July 3, 2019, the water flow recording station located 1.4 km downstream from Dinner Island Creek indicates a flow of 10 cubic meters per second.
2019 Available capture data is to June 27, 2019 - 148 salmon released.
Compared to:
June 24, 2018 – 57 fish landed 56 salmon released 1 grilse killed
June 30,2017 – 89 fish landed 87 salmon released 2 grilse killed
June 30, 2016 – 143 fish landed 142 salmon released 1 grilse killed
The York River is one of the rivers exempted from the management plan rules as of July 1. If an assessment reveals that at least 600 salmon are present in the river, a large salmon harvest is allowed. For now, the managers are allowing the harvest from July 1st and will complete a count by July 10th. The York, like the two other rivers of Gaspé need rain.
As of July 3, 2019, the water flow recording station located 1.4 km downstream from Dinner Island Creek indicates a flow of 10 cubic meters per second.
2019 Available capture data is to June 27, 2019 - 148 salmon released.
Compared to:
June 24, 2018 – 57 fish landed 56 salmon released 1 grilse killed
June 30,2017 – 89 fish landed 87 salmon released 2 grilse killed
June 30, 2016 – 143 fish landed 142 salmon released 1 grilse killed
On June 27, 2019 David Currie and grandson Curtis Payant released this salmon on the York River. Photo Quebec Sporting
Dartmouth River – Season opened on May 25
Capture data to June 26, 2019 – 76 salmon released, and 8 grilse killed.
Compared to:
June 24, 2018 – 38 fish landed 35 salmon released 3 grilse killed
June 30, 2017 – 75 fish landed 72 salmon released 3 grilse killed
June 30, 2016 – 93 fish landed 89 salmon released 4 grilse killed
Matapedia River – Season opened on May 25th in 2019, prior years June 1.
As of June 30th, 2019, for the 2019 season to date, 143 fish have been landed which included 138 salmon released and 5 grilse harvested.
Compared to:
June 30, 2018 – 120 fish landed 110 released 10 grilse killed
June 30, 2017 – 116 fish landed 110 released 4 grilse killed
June 30, 2016 – 128 fish landed 124 released 4 grilse killed
June 30, 2015 – 185 fish landed 7 released 178 fish killed
June 30, 2014 – 211 fish landed 38 released 173 fish killed
Rimouski River – Season opened June 15
For the 2019 season to June 30, 9 salmon have been counted in the fishway and 27 salmon have been released and 2 grilse killed below the fishway.
Compared to:
June 30, 2018 – 22 salmon counted, 28 salmon released, and 4 grilse killed.
June 30, 2017 – 35 salmon and 1 grilse counted; 14 salmon released.
June 30, 2016 - 16 salmon and 1 grilse counted, 58 salmon released, and 3 grilse killed.
June 30, 2015 – 10 salmon counted, 20 salmon released, and 6 grilse killed.
Capture data to June 26, 2019 – 76 salmon released, and 8 grilse killed.
Compared to:
June 24, 2018 – 38 fish landed 35 salmon released 3 grilse killed
June 30, 2017 – 75 fish landed 72 salmon released 3 grilse killed
June 30, 2016 – 93 fish landed 89 salmon released 4 grilse killed
Matapedia River – Season opened on May 25th in 2019, prior years June 1.
As of June 30th, 2019, for the 2019 season to date, 143 fish have been landed which included 138 salmon released and 5 grilse harvested.
Compared to:
June 30, 2018 – 120 fish landed 110 released 10 grilse killed
June 30, 2017 – 116 fish landed 110 released 4 grilse killed
June 30, 2016 – 128 fish landed 124 released 4 grilse killed
June 30, 2015 – 185 fish landed 7 released 178 fish killed
June 30, 2014 – 211 fish landed 38 released 173 fish killed
Rimouski River – Season opened June 15
For the 2019 season to June 30, 9 salmon have been counted in the fishway and 27 salmon have been released and 2 grilse killed below the fishway.
Compared to:
June 30, 2018 – 22 salmon counted, 28 salmon released, and 4 grilse killed.
June 30, 2017 – 35 salmon and 1 grilse counted; 14 salmon released.
June 30, 2016 - 16 salmon and 1 grilse counted, 58 salmon released, and 3 grilse killed.
June 30, 2015 – 10 salmon counted, 20 salmon released, and 6 grilse killed.
Donna St. Onge releasing salmon on the Petite Cascapedia at Home Pool. Photo Lynn Sexton
Moisie River – ZEC and Winthrop Campbell sectors – Season opened on May 25
As of June 30, 2019, for the season, 71 fish have been landed, which includes 21salmon reported released, 44 salmon killed and 6 kelts.
Compared to:
June 30, 2018 – 63 fish landed, 37 released and 26 killed.
June 30, 2017 – 158 fish landed, 27 released and 131 killed.
June 30, 2016 – 158 fish landed, 31 released and 127 killed.
June 30, 2015 – 103 fish landed, 27 released and 76 killed.
As of June 30, 2019, for the season, 71 fish have been landed, which includes 21salmon reported released, 44 salmon killed and 6 kelts.
Compared to:
June 30, 2018 – 63 fish landed, 37 released and 26 killed.
June 30, 2017 – 158 fish landed, 27 released and 131 killed.
June 30, 2016 – 158 fish landed, 31 released and 127 killed.
June 30, 2015 – 103 fish landed, 27 released and 76 killed.
Joé Champagne releases a fresh Atlantic salmon on the Trinité. Photo Nicolas Boucher
De la Trinité River – Season opened on June 1
The Trinité is a small stream of about 75kms in length with 67 identified pools. It is also an index Atlantic salmon river along with the Saint-Jean in Gaspé.
To June 30, 2019, 34 fish have migrated through the fishway (19 salmon and 15 grilse. Anglers to date have released 9 salmon and harvested 1 grilse.
Compared to:
To July 3, 2018 – 31 through fish way (24 salmon and 7 grilse). 9 salmon released and 2 grilse killed.
To June 30, 2017 – 81 through fishway (61 salmon and 20 grilse). 23 salmon released and 9 grilse killed.
To June 26, 2016 - 36 through fishway (28 salmon and 8 grilse). 13 salmon released.
To June 26, 2015 – 100 through fishway (57 salmon and 43 grilse) 10 salmon released and 7 grilse killed.
Nathan Wilbur, ASF Director of NB Programs, has been on some Gaspé rivers recently, and adds the following note:
Bonaventure – As of late last week, the Bonaventure was fishing very well in the lower reaches as the salmon make their way in and move upriver. Fish aren’t in the upper reaches in numbers yet, but there are certainly fish there, mostly large salmon and as bright as they come. There have been some reports of grilse being caught in the lower river so it appears the grilse run is on now.
Nouvelle – I stopped into the ZEC office on Saturday to see how anglers were making out and they were beginning to pick up salmon, and certainly some sea-run brook trout.
The Trinité is a small stream of about 75kms in length with 67 identified pools. It is also an index Atlantic salmon river along with the Saint-Jean in Gaspé.
To June 30, 2019, 34 fish have migrated through the fishway (19 salmon and 15 grilse. Anglers to date have released 9 salmon and harvested 1 grilse.
Compared to:
To July 3, 2018 – 31 through fish way (24 salmon and 7 grilse). 9 salmon released and 2 grilse killed.
To June 30, 2017 – 81 through fishway (61 salmon and 20 grilse). 23 salmon released and 9 grilse killed.
To June 26, 2016 - 36 through fishway (28 salmon and 8 grilse). 13 salmon released.
To June 26, 2015 – 100 through fishway (57 salmon and 43 grilse) 10 salmon released and 7 grilse killed.
Nathan Wilbur, ASF Director of NB Programs, has been on some Gaspé rivers recently, and adds the following note:
Bonaventure – As of late last week, the Bonaventure was fishing very well in the lower reaches as the salmon make their way in and move upriver. Fish aren’t in the upper reaches in numbers yet, but there are certainly fish there, mostly large salmon and as bright as they come. There have been some reports of grilse being caught in the lower river so it appears the grilse run is on now.
Nouvelle – I stopped into the ZEC office on Saturday to see how anglers were making out and they were beginning to pick up salmon, and certainly some sea-run brook trout.
New Brunswick
A quiet day and great water on the North Branch Sevogle River in Ne Brunswick. Nathan Wilbur/ASF
Miramichi
Nathan Wilbur, ASF Director of NB Programs notes:
Angler reports from both the Northwest and Southwest Miramichi rivers are quite encouraging.
People are seeing fish on the move and if you are fortunate enough to be where they decide to have a rest, fishing has been quite good.
Crown reserve parties have been doing well on the Northwest Miramichi and Sevogle; something great to hear. There have been particularly good reports of grilse numbers, hopefully indicating that sea survival in the North Atlantic was better than the past few seasons.
It’s still too early to tell how the season will go, but we will hope the fish keep on coming in with the great water conditions. A heat wave is on its way for the next few days, but looks like reasonable temperatures next week (low 20s).
Nathan Wilbur, ASF Director of NB Programs notes:
Angler reports from both the Northwest and Southwest Miramichi rivers are quite encouraging.
People are seeing fish on the move and if you are fortunate enough to be where they decide to have a rest, fishing has been quite good.
Crown reserve parties have been doing well on the Northwest Miramichi and Sevogle; something great to hear. There have been particularly good reports of grilse numbers, hopefully indicating that sea survival in the North Atlantic was better than the past few seasons.
It’s still too early to tell how the season will go, but we will hope the fish keep on coming in with the great water conditions. A heat wave is on its way for the next few days, but looks like reasonable temperatures next week (low 20s).
Water conditions were nearly ideal on the Dungarvon River on July 1. What a great way to enjoy Canada Day with a celebration of rivers and Atlantic salmon. Nathan Wilbur/ASF
Brock Curtis of Blackville notes:
We had great fishing until Wednesday of last week then it seemed to slow down on Thursday, picking up again over the weekend.
Our river levels, air temperatures, water temperatures, all remain favourable for the angler.
As some comment "this is salmon angling weather".
The cloud cover and rain couldn't be better.
We are hearing from some anglers who are enjoying connecting with more than a few salmon. One instance of three anglers here at one lodge commented on landing 21 salmon in three days. Some of our seasoned local salmon anglers are going out in the evenings and hooking into salmon. They are commenting that they haven't seen salmon in these numbers in quite a few years.
Keep in mind I am referring to the lower section of the river here in the Blackville area. But, these salmon are heading upriver and anglers are also picking salmon up on the Renous and Dungarvon.
We are really seeing quite a switch in our customers at the tackle shop. Not a lot of anglers looking for bass , trout, or shad now. The main focus is salmon and this will continue to the end of season. There seems to optimism on the river. While not all pools are having the same success there are a lot of happy anglers.
We had great fishing until Wednesday of last week then it seemed to slow down on Thursday, picking up again over the weekend.
Our river levels, air temperatures, water temperatures, all remain favourable for the angler.
As some comment "this is salmon angling weather".
The cloud cover and rain couldn't be better.
We are hearing from some anglers who are enjoying connecting with more than a few salmon. One instance of three anglers here at one lodge commented on landing 21 salmon in three days. Some of our seasoned local salmon anglers are going out in the evenings and hooking into salmon. They are commenting that they haven't seen salmon in these numbers in quite a few years.
Keep in mind I am referring to the lower section of the river here in the Blackville area. But, these salmon are heading upriver and anglers are also picking salmon up on the Renous and Dungarvon.
We are really seeing quite a switch in our customers at the tackle shop. Not a lot of anglers looking for bass , trout, or shad now. The main focus is salmon and this will continue to the end of season. There seems to optimism on the river. While not all pools are having the same success there are a lot of happy anglers.
The Little Southwest Miramichi before the last rain, on July 1. Photo Paul Elson
Paul Elson has this report:
Continues to be slow….hooking one or two fish a day at the most.
I’ve been seeing fish at every pool I go to, but not in great numbers. We had a big rain Tuesday night in the headwaters of the Little Southwest Miramichi and North Renous – around 25mm of rain. The water has been rising all day and still has not peaked as of 9:30pm Wed, July 3. When it peaks the water level should be very good.
The Northwest Miramichi only received around 10mm and has only come up an inch or two. The water is still at a good level but could use another good soaking. Hooked a nice size grilse about 30km up the LSW that was loaded with sea lice, the fish are on the move!
Mini-heatwave coming Thursday, so I’ll be off the water until the temperatures get back to normal.
Continues to be slow….hooking one or two fish a day at the most.
I’ve been seeing fish at every pool I go to, but not in great numbers. We had a big rain Tuesday night in the headwaters of the Little Southwest Miramichi and North Renous – around 25mm of rain. The water has been rising all day and still has not peaked as of 9:30pm Wed, July 3. When it peaks the water level should be very good.
The Northwest Miramichi only received around 10mm and has only come up an inch or two. The water is still at a good level but could use another good soaking. Hooked a nice size grilse about 30km up the LSW that was loaded with sea lice, the fish are on the move!
Mini-heatwave coming Thursday, so I’ll be off the water until the temperatures get back to normal.
A different view of the Little Southwest Miramichi, on July 1, just before the latest rain. Photo Paul Elson
Restigouche
Danny Bird of Kedgwick Lodge noted that near the beginning of the week, guests at Kedgwick Lodge released 14 large fish, with several over 30 lbs.
Check out the nice release video below: a 37 lb. Atlantic salmon released by a Kegwick Lodge guest, with video taken by guide Ronnie Martin.
Danny Bird of Kedgwick Lodge noted that near the beginning of the week, guests at Kedgwick Lodge released 14 large fish, with several over 30 lbs.
Check out the nice release video below: a 37 lb. Atlantic salmon released by a Kegwick Lodge guest, with video taken by guide Ronnie Martin.
NB Power has announced it plans to decommission the Milltown Power Generating Station on the St. Croix River, the boundary between New Brunswick and Maine, and to remove the dam. Tom Moffatt/ASF
St. Croix River
The river that separates Maine and New Brunswick has often been seen as an orphan, where the administrations on either side shy away from encouraging Atlantic salmon restoration. But a few years ago barriers were removed, allowing anadromous alewives to freely move upstream, and in 2019 this population has reached nearly a half million.
But Atlantic salmon have not fared as well, and one of several reasons has been a difficult fishway at the Milltown Dam.
Now NB Power has announced the removal of this lowermost mainstem dam from the river, which would benefit its restoration, including perhaps an Atlantic salmon run that was at one time very large.
The process of environmental assessment and permitting to allow the project is still partly uncertain, as it is an international river.
At one time, in the early 1800s, there were as many as 16,000 Atlantic salmon fished here, at what was then known as Salmon Falls.
The river that separates Maine and New Brunswick has often been seen as an orphan, where the administrations on either side shy away from encouraging Atlantic salmon restoration. But a few years ago barriers were removed, allowing anadromous alewives to freely move upstream, and in 2019 this population has reached nearly a half million.
But Atlantic salmon have not fared as well, and one of several reasons has been a difficult fishway at the Milltown Dam.
Now NB Power has announced the removal of this lowermost mainstem dam from the river, which would benefit its restoration, including perhaps an Atlantic salmon run that was at one time very large.
The process of environmental assessment and permitting to allow the project is still partly uncertain, as it is an international river.
At one time, in the early 1800s, there were as many as 16,000 Atlantic salmon fished here, at what was then known as Salmon Falls.
Maine
Penobscot
This is a year to be optimistic.
Jason Valliere, DMR Scientist notes:
Salmon numbers are still climbing! We have officially surpassed End of Year Total Trap Counts for all years since 2011 at the old Veazie fishway!
End of Year Trap Count Estimates
Year Penobscot Trap Counts
2010 1,315
2011 3,125
2012 624
2013 381
2014 261
2015 731
2016 507
2017 849
2018 772
2019 890***
Based on Milford’s trap count history we should be at about 80% of the run. With 855 fish trapped at Milford and an additional 35 trapped on the Stillwater Branch at the Orono facility for a season total of returns to trapping facilities on the Penobscot of 890 fish, we should see somewhere between 1000 and 1100 fish by year end!
This is a year to be optimistic.
Jason Valliere, DMR Scientist notes:
Salmon numbers are still climbing! We have officially surpassed End of Year Total Trap Counts for all years since 2011 at the old Veazie fishway!
End of Year Trap Count Estimates
Year Penobscot Trap Counts
2010 1,315
2011 3,125
2012 624
2013 381
2014 261
2015 731
2016 507
2017 849
2018 772
2019 890***
Based on Milford’s trap count history we should be at about 80% of the run. With 855 fish trapped at Milford and an additional 35 trapped on the Stillwater Branch at the Orono facility for a season total of returns to trapping facilities on the Penobscot of 890 fish, we should see somewhere between 1000 and 1100 fish by year end!
Kennebec
July 1 brought a small but important ceremony on the Kennebec River at Augusta. It was exactly 20 years since the Edwards Dam had been breached. With that breaching came a new mind set that dams, when not essential, could be removed. It was a new and creative thinking that gave the health of U.S. rivers a voice.
July 1 brought a small but important ceremony on the Kennebec River at Augusta. It was exactly 20 years since the Edwards Dam had been breached. With that breaching came a new mind set that dams, when not essential, could be removed. It was a new and creative thinking that gave the health of U.S. rivers a voice.
The removal of the Edwards Dam celebrated on July 1, 2019
The Kennebec has now had 40 large salmon and one grilse return so far this year. The count is at the Lockwood Dam, now the lowermost barrier on the river.
Nova Scotia
Margaree
Greg Lovely wrote on July 2, 2019:
When the deluge from 7 days ago settled and the Margaree river cleared, the fishing was good. Salmon were caught all the way up to the Cemetery Pool, the last holding pool before the sanctuary area of the river.
The water is still at good levels and fish are being hooked daily. I was talking to a few of the guides, and they tell me their clients are catching salmon in
many different pools up and down the river.
Greg Lovely wrote on July 2, 2019:
When the deluge from 7 days ago settled and the Margaree river cleared, the fishing was good. Salmon were caught all the way up to the Cemetery Pool, the last holding pool before the sanctuary area of the river.
The water is still at good levels and fish are being hooked daily. I was talking to a few of the guides, and they tell me their clients are catching salmon in
many different pools up and down the river.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Reports are slow this week, but a few comments here and there.
On Thurs, July 4, Sean Vardy, up the Northern Peninsula, said all the rivers were high in the region.
For anyone near the top of the Northern Peninsula, Kirby Reardon has an interesting item on Thursday:
Just want to let salmon fisherman know that the road going down to Second Southwest (tip of the GNP)is blocked by my truck and you cant get around it. I had a ball joint shear off this morning. Hoping to have it moved as soon as possible, but no parts in town and cannot be towed as it is now. Sorry for any inconvenience this is going to cause.Truck is approx. 150 m from Joe Farrells
It seems that if it isn't a problem fishing, it is a problem getting to the place to go fishing...
Reports indicate the Exploits is slow at this time.
Humber
Ralph Hiscock notes:
Despite high water super fishing with 300 plus hooked the past five days at Big Falls. Lots of live release fishing. Saw one dead large salmon about 10 pounds on the river. Needs lower water for pools to form.
On Thurs, July 4, Sean Vardy, up the Northern Peninsula, said all the rivers were high in the region.
For anyone near the top of the Northern Peninsula, Kirby Reardon has an interesting item on Thursday:
Just want to let salmon fisherman know that the road going down to Second Southwest (tip of the GNP)is blocked by my truck and you cant get around it. I had a ball joint shear off this morning. Hoping to have it moved as soon as possible, but no parts in town and cannot be towed as it is now. Sorry for any inconvenience this is going to cause.Truck is approx. 150 m from Joe Farrells
It seems that if it isn't a problem fishing, it is a problem getting to the place to go fishing...
Reports indicate the Exploits is slow at this time.
Humber
Ralph Hiscock notes:
Despite high water super fishing with 300 plus hooked the past five days at Big Falls. Lots of live release fishing. Saw one dead large salmon about 10 pounds on the river. Needs lower water for pools to form.
At Big Falls on the Humber River the fishing has vastly improved, although water levels still on the high side. Photo taken 29 June, 2019. Ralph G. Hiscock.
Eagle River
Dwight Lethbridge of Pratts Falls Lodge has much to write about, on his river report:
The fishing has been tough with very high water and absolutely horrendous weather, but that hasn't stopped most of our guests from getting into large salmon, several with multiple hook ups, and yesterday evening some grilse showed up!
Despite the wet weather, Eagle continues to fall and is now down to 3.75M. It still has a way to go to be ideal but every day is a little better. We are hoping the weather opens up to clear skies to help it fall a little faster. One thing for sure – there are a ton of fish coming up the river right now. We are seeing them jumping, rolling and porpoising all over the river.
So, the conditions are tough, the fish are here.
Hawke River
Mike Crosby has this to say:
I can report that water is high and that we have had a very good start to the season. Best in a number of years.
Mike Crosby notes that on the Flowers River his first guests at Flowers River Lodge arrive July 15.
Dwight Lethbridge of Pratts Falls Lodge has much to write about, on his river report:
The fishing has been tough with very high water and absolutely horrendous weather, but that hasn't stopped most of our guests from getting into large salmon, several with multiple hook ups, and yesterday evening some grilse showed up!
Despite the wet weather, Eagle continues to fall and is now down to 3.75M. It still has a way to go to be ideal but every day is a little better. We are hoping the weather opens up to clear skies to help it fall a little faster. One thing for sure – there are a ton of fish coming up the river right now. We are seeing them jumping, rolling and porpoising all over the river.
So, the conditions are tough, the fish are here.
Hawke River
Mike Crosby has this to say:
I can report that water is high and that we have had a very good start to the season. Best in a number of years.
Mike Crosby notes that on the Flowers River his first guests at Flowers River Lodge arrive July 15.
The Final Point
What we remember. Danny Bird sent along this photo of an Atlantic salmon jumping at Jimmie's Pool, Kedgwick Lodge. Photo Ronald Martin
Beautiful bright salmon being released back into the Hawke River in high water situation. Photo from Mike Crosby
With a swish of a tail, an Atlantic salmon powerfully returns to the waters of the Hawke River. Photo from Mike Crosby
