Rivernotes, Uncategorized
Rivernotes July 30, 2026
Phil Monahan
July 30, 2026
Editor's Note
by Phil Monahan, ASF Managing Editor
Welcome to Rivernotes, our weekly roundup of Atlantic salmon news and information from Québec, Atlantic Canada, Maine, and more.
Reminder: The row of buttons you see above will help you find exactly what you're looking for. Simply click a button and be whisked directly to the section you want to read first.
This week, we have some great river reports, photos of beautiful salmon and more, and lots of conservation-project and events updates.
Identifying Cool Spots
I traveled to Cape Breton this weekend to check out an ongoing project using a drone and in-stream thermal loggers to map priority salmon habitat and identify cold-water refuges in the Margaree River system. ASF's Environmental Geographer, Aaron Clausen, ran the drone along with ASF Research and Wild Salmon Watersheds Technician Kate Gingles. The grueling work of placing the thermal loggers in each stretch of the river—and then retrieving them—was performed by Nova Scotia Program Director Matt Russell, Wild Salmon Watersheds Science Coordinator Jordan Condon, Wild Salmon Watersheds Regional Director Kris Hunter, Senior Biologist Graham Chafe, Aaron Clausen, and his partner, Sarah (a volunteer). Support was provided by the Margaree Salmon Association.
Even though the river was quite low, there were reports of quite a few salmon being hooked, although not many landed. That said, last Friday, one local guide brought three (3!) fish to hand in a single day in the lower river. Continued cool nights kept water temperatures low, even when daytime air temperatures approached 25°C (77°F).
Remarkable Photo Essay
Earlier this month, data scientist Karl Phillips and biologist Heather Perry—both of ASF's Research & Environment team—traveled to the Strait of Belle Isle as part of a research expedition trying to capture migrating salmon smolts. While they didn't have much luck, they learned a lot that will help with future attempts. (See Rivernotes July 16, 2026.) While on the expedition, Karl took some wonderful photos that capture the local landscape, history, culture, and fauna.
He has published 15 of these images, with descriptive and informative captions, offering a wonderful peek into a part of Atlantic Canada many of us may never have a chance to see.
Angling Reports
ASF member Jake Wheeler of East Burke, Vermont, sent in a great report from a trip to the St. Paul’s Salmon Fishing Club on the St. Paul River on the Lower North Shore of Quebec:
Just returned Sunday after a wonderful week on the St. Paul River. When we arrived in camp, the river level was perfect, and the water temperature was in the high 50s (~14C). Andy Dumaine arrived in camp shortly after we did, and we rigged up and fished the afternoon in pools right in front of the camp. All four of us limited out. Andy caught his three in about an hour or so. Most were very fresh and feisty grilse between 4 and 6.5 pounds, some with sea lice. We also lost a few fish that afternoon, including a salmon estimated between 10 and 12 pounds that I hooked and lost when it spit the hook during a cartwheeling jump after a long run in heavy water.
The action continued throughout the week, with fresh fish arriving daily even though the river rose almost three feet after two big rainstorms. Due to the high water, we fished fewer pools than usual. As is often the case on the St. Paul, we had some windy days, with shifting directions and some heavy gusts. For the week, we landed almost 80 fish, at least five of which were Multi Sea-Winter (MSW) fish ranging from 10 to 15 pounds. We also landed some “jacks” in the 7-pound range. I estimate we lost another 30 to 40 fish, including between 10 and 12 MSW fish.
All in all, it was a great week of fishing with good company on a very special, remote Quebec river.
Mixed Margaree
Alan Caolo—ASF member and author of books about saltwater fly fishing—sent in this report from Cape Breton:
Just back from Nova Scotia, I encountered plenty of fish within the still-cool waters of the Lower and North East Margaree. With just four days to fish, I focused on six pools and fished hard, 12-hour days. Despite raising 10 fish, this knuckle-draggin’ visitor from the salt hooked-up briefly with just one salmon and brought nothing to net. It was a different story for the home team, however. On the morning of July 22nd, Scott Coldwell and Alan Poole—both locals—showed me how it’s done with this bright Margaree hen brought to hand at Forks Pool.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Program Director David Roth shares an update on late-July conditions, as well as a story of a pair of anglers who struck silver by being persistent.
A Good Year So Far
As we move into the warmest part of the summer, it's fair to say that the 2026 season has so far provided a welcome reprieve for Atlantic salmon. Following last year's prolonged heat and low-water conditions—which resulted in a record number of Warm Water Protocol closures, challenging spawning conditions for adults, and significant thermal stress on juvenile and adult salmon—this season's overall cooler temperatures and more favourable river flows have been a welcome change for fish and anglers alike.
At the time of writing, the Nepisiguit River is the only system currently under Warm Water Protocol restrictions, with angling limited to the morning hours. The Miramichi Warm Water Protocol Committee has decided not to reactivate restrictions for the time being. Their decision is based not only on current river conditions but on various other factors as well, and the presence of anglers on the water is seen as a crucial component in preventing and reporting ongoing illegal activities occurring on the river.
Even when rivers remain open this time of year, we encourage all anglers to exercise extra care when landing and releasing salmon. It’s essential to minimize handling time and ensure fish are released quickly and gently.
Double Success
The encouraging river conditions continue to be reflected in angling reports from across New Brunswick. Successful catches are being reported on many rivers, with most anglers having made the seasonal switch to traditional summer patterns. Dry flies, along with size 8 or smaller wet flies, have been producing fish under the current conditions.
One memorable report came from Seamus Smith, who shared the story of his girlfriend, Elle Culberson, landing her very first large Atlantic salmon during a Crown Reserve trip with friends. Elle rolled the fish on her first pass through the pool, so Seamus suggested she return to the top and work the run again. The strategy paid off. As she reached the same spot, a large boil appeared behind her fly, the line came tight, and the rest is now a memory she'll never forget. Congratulations to Elle on her first large Atlantic salmon!
But the action wasn't over. A short time later, Seamus connected with another salmon in the very same pool, proving that patience—and confidence in a productive run—is ofte rewarded.
Upstream Interlopers
Lower water levels have also produced some interesting observations beyond salmon. Several anglers fishing Crown Reserve stretches on the Upsalquitch River reported catching striped bass well upstream of where they are normally encountered. During higher flows, natural barriers generally limit how far striped bass can move into the system, but the current conditions appear to have allowed some fish to reach sections of the river where they are very rarely observed.
Maine
Jason Valliere, a marine scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, sent in the recent numbers from the Penobscot.
We had a little push of salmon during the spell of cool weather we had last week. River temperature dropped down to 22C, and fish took advantage. We added almost 100 salmon since the last report. Penobscot estimate is now at 1,341!
Marine Resource Scientist Jennifer Noll shared recent developments from the Kennebec:
Lockwood fish lift—located in Waterville, Maine, at the first dam on the mainstem Kennebec River—opened on May 1st for the 2026 season. Ninety-two new Atlantic salmon have been captured to date. One recapture grilse was also captured. The water temperature has exceeded the threshold for discontinuing lifts for Atlantic salmon (24.5℃) during most days this week.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Program Director Matt Russell highlights an important program that aims to protect 20% of Nova Scotia's lands and waters.
Protected Areas Update
Tuesday, July 28, marked the end of the Nova Scotia government's public consultation on the latest proposed expansion of the province's protected areas network. The proposals include 13 new and expanded protected areas encompassing nearly 1,950 hectares (4,818 acres) of forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and barrens.
We at ASF are happy to see these proposed additions and appreciate the province’s continued efforts to expand Nova Scotia's protected-areas network. Conserving healthy, connected landscapes is one of the most effective ways to safeguard biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and protect watersheds. This is especially true in the context of Atlantic salmon, as they are an indicator species and are very sensitive to habitat degradation.
At the same time, I am disappointed to see that none of the proposed new protected areas are located along Nova Scotia's Gulf Coast, home to the majority of the province's remaining wild Atlantic salmon populations. These watersheds represent some of the most ecologically significant landscapes in Nova Scotia and should be considered a priority as future protected areas are identified.
As discussions around conservation continue, ASF will remain a strong advocate for achieving the province’s commitment to protecting 20% of Nova Scotia's lands and waters by 2030. Reaching that target will require not only increasing the amount of protected land, but also ensuring protection is directed toward areas that deliver the greatest ecological value, maintain landscape connectivity, and safeguard the rivers and watersheds that sustain Atlantic salmon.
Although consultation on these 13 proposed areas has now concluded, this is only one step toward achieving Nova Scotia's 2030 conservation goals. With just over three years remaining, there is still significant work ahead. As this process continues to develop and more sites are evaluated for protections, it’s always important to stay up to date and make your voices heard to conserve our remaining healthy ecosystems.
I would also like to take the time to congratulate our provincial affiliate, the Nova Scotia Salmon Association, and their Watershed Recovery Planning Scientist Hugo Medeiros on publishing their first peer-reviewed research paper. The paper, Land cover and natural riverscape heterogeneity shape in-stream thermal regimes: Implications for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) conservation, examines the factors influencing riverine thermal regimes in the LaHave River and the St. Mary’s River.
Québec
La directrice des programmes du Québec, Caroline Côté, présente un important partenariat sur la rivière York et explique comment de nombreuses rivières ont connu une forte remontée des montaisons au cours du dernier mois.
De la connaissance à l'action sur la rivière York
En 2026, le programme Wild Salmon Watersheds de l'Atlantic Salmon Federation a retenu la Fondation pour le saumon du Grand Gaspé et la Société de gestion des rivières de Gaspé (SGRG) afin d'accélérer la conservation et la restauration du bassin versant de la rivière York.
Fort de plus de dix ans de suivis scientifiques et de caractérisation du bassin versant, le milieu est maintenant prêt à passer à l'action. Les partenaires concentrent leurs efforts sur l'identification d'obstacles à la libre circulation des poissons, la caractérisation des principaux refuges thermiques, des inventaires d'habitats en plongée ainsi que le suivi des conditions environnementales liées à l'héritage des anciennes activités minières de Murdochville.
L'Atlantic Salmon Federation est fière d'appuyer cette mobilisation. En s'appuyant sur des années de connaissances et de solides partenariats, la rivière York devient un modèle québécois de conservation et de restauration à l'échelle d'un bassin versant.
Un mois de juillet qui rattrape le retard
Au début de juillet, la saison du saumon semblait accuser un retard important au Québec. Quatre semaines plus tard, le portrait est beaucoup plus encourageant.
Plusieurs rivières se rapprochent maintenant de leurs moyennes récentes, alors que les montaisons se poursuivent. Sur la rivière Mitis, 735 saumons ont déjà franchi la passe migratoire, soit environ 66 % de la moyenne des cinq dernières années. La rivière à Mars atteint déjà 94 % de sa moyenne récente avec 183 saumons, répartis presque également entre grands saumons (91) et madeleineaux (92).
La Jacques-Cartier signe l'une des plus belles progressions de la saison. Au 27 juillet, 286 saumons avaient été dénombrés, dont 181 madeleineaux. Le 21 juillet, l'équipe de la passe migratoire soulignait avoir franchi le cap des 200 saumons, un seuil qui n'avait pas été atteint au cours des deux dernières saisons.
Le revirement le plus spectaculaire revient toutefois à la rivière Madeleine. Après seulement 18 saumons recensés au 1er juillet, les montaisons atteignaient 216 poissons le 27 juillet, laissant croire que les hauts débits printaniers ont retardé — sans la compromettre — la migration. Sur la Matane, 818 saumons ont également été dénombrés, confirmant que la montaison est bien amorcée.
Ces données représentent un portrait de mi-saison. Chaque rivière possède son propre rythme et les comparaisons avec les moyennes historiques doivent être interprétées avec prudence. Une tendance se dessine néanmoins : l'été frais et pluvieux offre des conditions favorables, et les saumons continuent d'arriver sur plusieurs rivières du Québec.
Québec (English)
Québec Program Director Caroline Côté describes an important partnership on the York River and reports on the ways that many rivers have come on strong this month.
From Knowledge to Action on the York River
In 2026, the Atlantic Salmon Federation's Wild Salmon Watersheds program selected the Greater Gaspé Salmon Foundation and the Société de gestion des rivières de Gaspé (SGRG) to help accelerate conservation and restoration efforts across the York River watershed.
Building on more than a decade of scientific monitoring and watershed characterization, partners are now ready to move from knowledge to action. Current priorities include identifying barriers to fish passage, mapping key thermal refuges, conducting underwater habitat surveys, and monitoring environmental conditions associated with the legacy of historic mining near Murdochville.
The Atlantic Salmon Federation is proud to support this collaborative effort. By building on years of local knowledge and strong partnerships, the York River is becoming a model for watershed-scale conservation and restoration in Québec.
July Is Catching Up
At the beginning of July, Québec's salmon season appeared to be running well behind schedule. Four weeks later, the picture is much more encouraging. Several rivers are now approaching their recent averages, as fresh fish continue to arrive. On the Mitis River, 735 salmon have passed the counting fence—about 66% of the five-year average—with numbers climbing steadily. The Rivière à Mars has already reached 94% of its recent average, with an almost perfect balance of large salmon (91) and grilse (92).
One of the season's biggest success stories comes from the Jacques-Cartier River, where 286 salmon have now been counted, including an impressive run of 181 grilse. On July 21, staff at the counting fence celebrated surpassing 200 salmon—a milestone that wasn't reached during either of the previous two seasons.
Perhaps the most dramatic turnaround belongs to the Madeleine River in Gaspésie. After only 18 salmon had been counted on July 1, returns climbed to 216 by July 27, suggesting that high spring flows delayed—but did not prevent—the run. On the Matane River, 818 salmon have now been counted, confirming that the run is also well underway.
These numbers remain only a mid-season snapshot. Every river has its own rhythm, and comparisons with historical averages should be made cautiously. Still, one trend is becoming clear: the cool, wet summer has provided favourable river conditions, and salmon continue to arrive across much of Québec.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Program Director Kim Thompson shares fishing conditions and counts from across the province, describes a great fly-tying event, and reports on a recent poaching bust.
A Shared Commitment to Salmon Conservation
No matter which river or watershed I visit across this province, I am continually inspired by the people whose passion and dedication help protect Atlantic salmon. Whether they are volunteers, anglers, Indigenous partners, community leaders, researchers, or conservation professionals, they share a common goal: ensuring a healthy future for salmon and the watersheds that sustain them. Thank you for all that you do for salmon conservation.
Grilse Galore
By all accounts, the Northern Peninsula rivers have been enjoying an excellent angling season so far this year. As one local angler happily told me riverside on the Torrent, “My luv, the pools are right full of grilse!” That enthusiasm is certainly reflected in the numbers, with staff at the Torrent River Salmon Interpretation Centre reporting more than 3,000 returning salmon as of July 29.
With such excitement surrounding salmon in the region, I was delighted to take part in a well-attended and highly successful fly-tying event hosted by the Torrent River Salmon Interpretation Centre. The event welcomed more than 40 participants of all ages and was led by Paul White, with support from local fly tyer Andrew Sinnicks, the business community, and a local outfitting company. The strong turnout highlighted both the community’s passion for salmon conservation and the enduring popularity of angling.
Avalon Stewards
Rivers on the Avalon Peninsula are often overlooked by anglers who are drawn to the larger watersheds of central and western Newfoundland, as well as Labrador. However, the work of the newly established Watershed Stewardship Association (WSA) of the Rocky, Colinet, and North Harbour Rivers demonstrates that these watersheds have much more to offer than many realize.
Gerard Hearn, who has worked at the Rocky River fishway for 13 years, reports encouraging salmon returns this season. DFO Atlantic Salmon Fence and Fishway Counts show that returns are already ahead of last year's numbers. Gerard was also pleased to report the return of several large salmon, including one measuring more than 70 centimetres.
Poachers Pay the Price
Recent investigations by the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Land's Resource Enforcement Division resulted in charges against three individuals for attempting to illegally net Atlantic salmon. During a surveillance operation near Westport, officers observed a gill net believed to be targeting salmon and subsequently arrested two individuals on June 14 for alleged violations of the Fisheries Act.
The public is encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing activity, as information provided by the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations being carried out by resource enforcement officers. The public can report suspicious activity anonymously at any time by calling 1-877-820-0999 or by visiting stoppoaching.ca.
