This summer, I am thinking about taking a trip to fish one the many salmon rivers in Atlantic Canada. However, I have only fished salmon on my local rivers on Cape Breton Island. To all of the maritimers and Atlantic Canadians, are there any suggestions on which river to choose for a first “real salmon fishing trip”. I know this is a general question but any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Logan
You know, that’s funny I was just thinking today about posting a similar thread. I’ll be watching with interest.
As a general question, is it true that Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are no-go zones for non-residents unless they have a guide and/or stay at an authorized lodge?
Grouse
The Margaree river is a heritage river so non-residents have the same privelages as residents, and i’m not aware of any private water on its surrounding rivers . However, I don’t have too much knowledge on the rivers of mainland Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, as I fish mostly in Cape Breton. I definitely wouldn’t call these two provinces “no-go’s” though. There are many rivers that are very easily accessable to non-residents.
Hi logan1193,
I would suggest trying the St. Mary’s river for mainland Nova Scotia. It’s near Sherbrooke. And the Miramichi in New Brunswick, which is a world famous Atlantic fishery. I think the later will require a guide though.
I read an article in a magazine this march. I beleive it was flyfisherman. It was about this very subject and gave a briefing of 15 or so rivers in Canada (requirments to fish and aprox cost and size and amount of fish in the runs, chances and so on). Very good place to start. Check out the website and search for back articles. I just looked for my hardcopy but can’t seem to find it at the moment.
logan1193 …
I was up for the opener. Should have waited another week. The salmon were only in the lower pools.
See: [b]http://www.quebecsporting.com/[/b]
This is a great outfit to deal with.
Our guide Dave Adams did everything he could to put us on fish.
Hope this helps,
DickM.
The Cains river in NB, is a great river and not all private, ask nice at the local fly shop and get a NB fishing map and you should be good to go.
thanks for the advice. the Saint Marys river sounds interesting.
Mirimachi NB, or Humber NL. Or even check out Labrador 
Phil
Ann Smith and http://www.quebecsporting.com/ are former Sponsors here, and first class all the way. Highly recommended.
LadyFisher …
You are spot on about Ann Smith. What a classy lady. She arraigned everything from permits on the different beats to motel rooms, guides, breakfast and lunch boxes. Great to deal with.
DickM.
Dick, a couple of questions if you don’t mind.
When did you go and which river(s) did you fish?
What were the tactics used, i.e. the flies and the method fished?
Single or double handed rods, or some of both?
Looks like a very interesting place.
Grouse
Grouse …
We were there from June 1st to June 3rd and fished the York, Dartmouth and St Jean rivers.
I used a Sage Xi2, 990-4 with a Loop reel and RIO Versitip WF-9 line and 250 yards of 40 pound PowerPro backing…
My partner Cyril used a 15 foot Sage two handed rod.
You can see a couple of pictures of us at: [u]http://www.quebecsporting.com/stjean.htm[/u]
Under the heading of June 3rd.
That?s me, the fat one on the left.
We tried all manner of flies including tubes.
That time of the year it is all wet fly fishing. Across and downstream. Covering ALL of the water with different length casts.
The only fish on took a modern salmon fly.
Unfortunately, I lost him when the hook pulled. Although the guide said I had done nothing wrong.
We plan on giving it a go next year.
DickM.