OC Online - Hot Spots 2006

text by Tom Adamchick, Mark Anderson, Ken Bailey
Patrick Campeau, Brad Fenson, George Gruenefeld
Jake MacDonald, Paul Marriner, Jim McLennan
Wayne Phillips, Gord Pyzer

Simply the Best
(Atlantic Salmon)

ATLANTIC SALMON
Rivière Bonaventure, Quebec From a canoe, sight-fish with Bombers (dry) or Spey (wet) flies for salmon holding in known lies. The peak fishing is from mid-June until the end of July. More info: Zec de la Rivière Bonaventure, 1-888-979-1818. –P.M.

Rivière Matapédia, Quebec Dead-drift big orange Bombers in the slow-flowing water of Mann’s Pool, or quarter Green Machines downstream in the heavy current of Three Island Pool. July is best, though fishing remains steady through September. More info: John Huff Fly Fishing Adventures, 1-866-298-2677. –M.A.

Atlantic salmon hot spot: Rivière Bonaventure, Quebec (Peter Leverman).

Miramichi River, New Brunswick For the earliest run of bright salmon in mid-May, look for rocks where gravel bars narrow the flow. Choose bright patterns in hook sizes two and four. More info: Miramichi Outdoor Vacations, 1-877-359-4665. –P.M.

Restigouche River, New Brunswick During the May, post-spawn (kelt) fishery, cast large streamer patterns with sink-tip or sinking lines from canoes to cover slow-water holding areas. More info: Craswell Guide Service, (506) 759-9890. –P.M.

Margaree River, Nova Scotia The largest Margaree salmon are often hooked in October, after water levels rise. Large, bright, mobile patterns, such as the Canary, are favoured in the Margaree Forks area. More info: Strathdee’s Fly Shop, (902) 248-2076. –P.M.

Great Rattling Brook, Newfoundland In August, swing a riffle-hitched Silver Tip or Blue Charm through the tails of pools. Concentrate on areas with subsurface rocks. More info: Central Newfoundland Outfitters, (709) 258-6206. –P.M.

Harry’s River, Newfoundland Cover as many pools as possible during July, particularly those demanding some effort to reach. Mix wet and dry fly presentations. More info: George Pike, (709) 646-5177. –P.M.

Humber River, Newfoundland Early October is prime time in the Pasadena area for some of the largest salmon Newfoundland has to offer. Wading fly fishers have a chance, but those in boats do best. More info: Rob Solo, (709) 634-8206. –P.M.

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