Miramichi River

The Miramichi drains a large part of central New Brunswick and has been among the most productive Atlantic salmon rivers in North America, drawing anglers since the nineteenth century; lodges on its pools have hosted a long list of visitors including several American presidents. Fishing is fly only for salmon, and non-residents are required to use a licensed guide, traditionally poling a wooden Sharpe canoe. Runs have declined sharply along with Atlantic salmon populations generally, and catch-and-release rules have tightened repeatedly. The river is also known for the Miramichi Folk Song Festival, running since 1958.

What you actually see

• The salmon pools - named holding water fished for generations.
• The Sharpe canoes - wooden guide canoes poled on the river.
• The lodges - fishing camps along the river with long visitor histories.
• The folk festival - a song festival running since 1958.

When to go

June to October for the runs, with timing varying by year; regulations change season to season as stocks are assessed. The folk festival is in August.

Honest expectations

Salmon runs have declined substantially and regulations are restrictive, with mandatory release in most cases. Non-residents must hire a guide by law. Good pools are leased and access is not open.

Nearby

Kouchibouguac lies southeast; Mount Carleton is west.