Angling by Stephen Pond S pring fishing for Atlantic salmon, in the past, has been one of the most under-rated fisheries in eastern Canada. With the many scientific studies that have been done to determine effects of hook and release on this fish with local names such as black salmon, slink and kelt, it is now known that there is a very low mortality rate and the health and well being of the salmon is not compromised in the least. Fishing for spring salmon has to be one of my favourite times of year to be on the water. After a long winter looking at a frozen river it is exciting to be on the water in search of my favourite game fish.
Spring salmon are fish that have wintered under the ice after spawning the previous fall.
Here on the Miramichi system we are unique in that we are the only place in the world that fish for the spring salmon. No one will argue that they have lost about one third of their body weight, but given their due, a salmon that is developing a voracious appetite and growing new scales can turn a veteran summer salmon fisherman into a believer of spring fishing. What a great time for those that have never tried salmon fishing to give it a whirl. Although you can fish from shore, a motorboat is the method of choice. To first timers I highly recommend a local guide, they are the ones that know the hotspots along with the navigational obstacles the river may present.