[troutpunk]

Thinking about the miramichi this summer/fall and was wondering what people considered to be "prime time". From what I have read, it appears that some prefer june/july while others like the last couple weeks of the season. I have a decent bit of flexibility so wondering what week you would pick if you had your choice. Obviously, lodge/guide availability may be an issue prime weeks but lets assume there is availability.

Thanks.

 

[gregor 42]

Miramichi

Summer run fish........... the last week of June and first two weeks of July.

Fall run fish ................Last week of September and first two weeks of October.

You have to check regulations as to which sections close earlier in the fall.

 

[SalmonCane]

I've never had a great deal of luck in the early season. Fall at the Miramichi is absolutely beautiful, and my choice for a time to go.

 

[gt05254]

I always fish the second week of July and the third week of September and the first week of October (among other times more sporadically) and only one week in 20 years did I not hook a fish during those periods. There are sure no guarantees in salmon fishing.
Gary

 

[pork]

I've been thinking about this question all day, even before I read this. Don't ask me why...maybe winter is starting to get to me. I can't decide. I enjoy catching the summer fish more than the fall fish (though I'm happy with any fish). I like the nice long days in the summer, especially when fishing with friends or a guide who don't feel the need to only stay out for 8 hours total. The fall colors can't be beat. It's usually cooler and I don't come home looking like Jeff Goldblum from all the insect bites. It's a toss up...either way, I'm just happy to be there.

 

[Back Eddy]

One word response

Anytime..........................

 

[troutpunk]

Thanks for the feedback guys. If anyone else has thoughts, I would love to hear them.

Next question, would you recommend going the lodge route or going "DIY" with just hiring local guides and finding food/lodging on your own? A good experience is the number one concern, but if I can have an equally good experience while saving a few bucks, then that would be the way I would go. I like to camp and generally don't find lodge food to be anything great anyways.

 

[gt05254]

PM sent to you about lodge recommendation.
Gary

 

[TheWhiteman]

Just read this the other day, could be some changes to the river this year http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-b...-new-rules-after-low-salmon-returns-1.2917460

 

[gregor 42]

If you can handle it, I would suggest going with an lodge/outfitter. The problem with a local guide is that they normally do not have private water to take you to so you're going to be fishing public pools which are generally pretty crowded. You have to hire a guide in any event being out of province so you won't be saving any dollars in that area.

I think I can safely say that Gary's recommendations in his pm to you would be the same one I would endorse. It's a very easy place to fish and a nice place to stay with reasonable rates.

As Whiteman says there well may be some changes to the regulations for 2015

 

[troutpunk]

Thanks guys to all who provided feedback. Good stuff!

 

[Gerald55]

Like troutpunk, I want to visit this destination in mid of March with my few fellows. After reading this thread's posts I get a lot of new ideas and things about miramichi. I heard a lot of interesting things about this region but going there first time in my life. Now, I can plan my trip without any worry.

 

[gt05254]

Gerald55, if you go in March, this is very likely what the river will look like:

Gary

 

[gregor 42]

Gerald55, if you go in March, this is very likely what the river will look like:

Gary

Maybe even in April this year, Gary.

 

[gt05254]

I'll be up for the May 2nd MSA IceBreaker....here's hoping the picture changes, Richard!
Gary

 

[scruffy_fish]

I used to fish the river in the 80's, I'm sure things have changed some, but here is my take.

The early run, at the end of May brings in the biggest fish, but are few and far between. The black flies will eat you alive in early June. The July run of bright fish are the most active when hooked. The fall is the best chance of hooking up because there more fish in the river. It is also the most beautiful time on the water.

About camps; They can get expensive, but you can also meet like mined anglers and fish private camp waters. The guides have good knowledge of the pools as they work for the camp. Usually it's an 8 hour day of fishing also.

DYI; I used to stay in boarding houses or B&B's. Some even have guides they recommend. Best chance to learn the river and move around.

Guides; They are good and bad guides, I've had my share of both. I've learned the first thing I ask is "are you a salmon fisherman?" If they say no, I look for another guide. I'm also up front about what I expect from them as far as time on the water. It doesn't hurt to say there will be a bonus for late hours. A good guide will also have access to some private water, when camps are in between sports.

Good luck, it's a nice river.

 

[grinr]

If I had to choose only one week/year on the 'chi,it would without question be the 1st week of July.Good numbers of fresh bright fish,and good odds for favourable water conditions before the heat and dog days of summer take grip.
You could have good fishing anytime from early June thru to season's end Oct.15,but June has fewer fish and mid-July thru Sept you'll run a higher risk of low and warm water conditions with stale fish unless a good bump brings up some fresh runs etc.