“The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it.” Anonymous

MIRAMICHI- Opening Day is virtually upon us and the desire to get back on the river is running high. However, Sunday’s opening could present a few problems. It is no secret that the ice has long gone from the rivers, but the shores are another thing. In fact, getting to the water could be a problem for both shore anglers and those who plan on fishing from a boat.

Combined with this is the low water for the time of year which can also making boating a hit or miss situation, maybe even literally.

Taking a look at Quarryville on the Main Southwest Miramichi, anglers will have a problem getting their boats to water. Shore anglers may also have a problem as the ice-run several weeks ago has left a sheer cliff of ice along both banks above and below the bridge. George Routledge said there were “piles of ice on both sides six to 10 feet in height. Anglers will have to clear a spot to get their boats through, so they may need an axes and shovels”. One possible spot is below the bridge where the ice took out three hydro poles. To repair them, the hydro had to clear a path almost to the river. George said that a good number of camps in the area suffered damage.

The shore anglers will also find it is no easy task getting to the river. There is ample space between the ice and the water for angling, but just getting there may be a bit challenging.

George also noted that the water level is summer low with the island out. He stressed, not June low, but even later. To put a boat into the Renous one would have to wade with it to the middle and float in down as there would probably not be enough water to run it.

He said the presence of salmon could be a question as “we don’t know if they have gone out or not, but the smelts are not in yet.”

Flies of choice would include Black Ghosts, Blue Smelt, Golden Eagle, Renous Special and “Maybe even a Black Ghost or Green Machines on a no. 2 hook” said George.

Further up river the Main Southwest in Blackville, Herb Barry Sr. of Herb’s Fly Shop on the Station Road said the water there had been low. A few who had boats out last week before the storm were having trouble with some of the river bars. The water had come up some, but was still very low for the time of year. If it gets any lower, running a boat could be a real challenge. He noted that in terms of shore ice, some places were clogged while others were wide open. He said there seemed to be fish around.

Flies of choice were Herb’s Silver Smelt, Herb’s Gold Smelt as well as the Christmas Tree and Renous Special.

Moving to the Doaktown area, Derek Munn of Ledges Inn said the water was a very low for the time of year, and running a boat could be tricky. He planned to take his sports out in 26-foot canoes. The shores were a mixed blessing with some having eight feet of ice, while others were clear.

Flies of Choice were Maribous, Christmas Trees, Renous Specials, Black Ghosts, Golden Eagles and Mickey Finns.

Moving to the Northwest Miramichi, Syd Matchett of Trout Brook Fly Shop said the water in the river was very low “and even the brooks are low”. “It is going to be difficult to run a boat other tan in the tide-water”, said Syd. He said that around Wayerton area, shore anglers should have little problem getting to the river, but the lower parts of the river have more shore ice.

Flies of Choice are Golden Eagles, Black Ghosts, Mickey Finns and Renous Specials.

Brett Silliker of Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures on the Little Southwest Miramichi said that getting a boat down to the Northwest could be tricky, and even with high tide, coming back would be a real challenge. So, he was advising caution.

Flies of Choice were Renous Specials, Black Ghosts, Golden Eagles and Smelt patterns.

Congratulations are in order for John Hawkes and Betty Ward and their volunteers for taking a great first step in organizing the first fly-fishing forum in Eel Ground a week or two ago. It was nice to see the older tyers instructing the up and coming tyers!

Click here for more photos!

So be careful and enjoy Opening Day as you get out and “on the water“.

REPORT from Information Meeting in Newcastle, Miramichi Tuesday, April 10:
Close to 100 people attended an information meeting at the Beaverbrook Kin Center in Newcastle Tuesday evening. MSA’s Biologist Jenny Reid, with help from Hatchery Manager Mark Hambrook, gave an update on salmon projects and statistics for the past several years.

DFO then informed the group that the rules & regulations imposed last year will continue this season in terms of salmon with a large portion of the Northwest Miramichi closed to retention above Wayerton Bridge and on the Sevogle starting June 1, 2012.

As well, there is no change in the bass situation. As it stands, there is no angling season for Striped Bass on the Miramichi. Many present expressed their frustration at the large numbers of bass in the system, and wanted an angling season.

E-MAIL:
Good Afternoon Doug
I wanted to send you a couple of pics, and share a story from this past weekend.

We have a piece of property just up from the Quarryville pool on the Main Southwest. As you know the warm weather several weeks ago sped the ice out, and left an unbelievable amount of ice down river. Our property was no exception, and the massive chunks of ice flowed over the berm into the woods…it was quite an event when discovered by my brother in law, Mark English.

We spent the day over Easter exploring the ice, and unbelievably, my 7 year old son Daniel spotted a grilse, trapped in a pool (or rather a large puddle), a good 50 meters from the river. He must have come in when the water rose, and the ice trapped him as the river receded.

To make a long story short, my good buddy Nathan Jones was able to tail him, and we transported him back to the river in a large bucket. We successfully released him back into the river. For a fish that was landlocked in a puddle for likely three weeks, he swam away with more energy than we hoped. It was certainly a memorable catch and release story for everyone, especially my son Daniel, who loves to fish.

Present: Daniel Jackman (7), Max Jackman (6), Margaret Jackman, Mark English, Nathan Jones, Ryan Jackman and Morgan the dog!

All the best as the 2012 season begins,
Ryan Jackman

__________________________________

ASF’s Annual Toronto Dinner is right around the corner and we are excited that our guest speaker will be Deirdre Brennan, Producer of “Atlantic Salmon -Lost at Sea” . Deirdre will share stories about the people she has met through her filming – people who are passionate about protecting our planet.

This year’s live auction will once again be quite a show with the energetic style of auctioneer Rock Fournier. The auction catalogue is now available on the ASF Special Events Page and the line up includes some pretty special items including; A trip to Fork’s Camp on the Moisie and to the Nicholas Dean Lodge as well as original art, other hard to come by fishing trips and some really unique non fishing items. Have a Look!

If you have any questions, would like additional information or to offer an absentee bid, please contact Kirsten at 506-529-1037/ krouse@asf.ca
Yours in Conservation,
The Atlantic Salmon Federation

__________________________________

Until Next Week
TIGHT LINES
Doug

Welcome to another season of angling! Although a tad early for actually getting “on the water”, it nevertheless is time to get into the mood. There is no better way to do this than by attending the Annual Fly-Fishing Show.

However, this year there is a change in format for the better. This year everything is bigger and better with a large increase in the number of exhibitors. The Dieppe Fly-Fishing Forum, usually held at the Dieppe Community College, is moving to the Moncton Coliseum, and is combined with the annual boat show and outdoor sportsman show. So anglers will get “three for the price of one”.

And it’s not just for the men. More and more ladies are sharing the angling experience. As a matter of fact, one of the key-note speakers is Kathryn Maroun. She is originally from the Halifax area and currently has her own TV Fishing Show. She will be sharing many of her experiences and expertise during her presentations.

The event is a week earlier than usual, thus the earlier beginning of this column. Everything starts this Friday, March 23 at noon at the Moncton Coliseum/Arena complex and runs through Sunday. Daily times are Friday: noon until 9 p.m., Saturday: 10 am until 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 am Sunday to 5 p.m. Daily entrance fee is $8.00 Adult, Senior/students: $7.00, with Youth under 10 free. A Weekend pass is $ 15.00

Don’t forget the ASF and New Brunswick Salmon Council Moncton Annual Dinner & Auction at the Crystal Palace Convention Centre on Saturday March 24th. For more information, contact Geoff Giffin at ggiffin@asf.ca

Below is a list of presentations, exhibitors and authors.

Friday March 23rd, 2012

• 2 – 5 PM Fly Casting Certification program (FFF)- Dennis Grant (Meeting room at the Coliseum)
• 6 PM Picking a Winner – Paul Marriner
• 7 PM Fishing trips of a lifetime- Kathryn Maroun

Saturday March 24th, 2012

• 11 AM Substitute Feathers and Hackle- Bryant Freeman
• 1 PM What I caught- Kathryn Maroun
• 2 PM Fishing the Mackenzie River – Paul Ostiguy
• 4 PM Fishing the Restigouche River Lodge – Bill Harnett

Sunday March 25th, 2012

• 11 AM Quebec North Shore Rivers are more accessible than we think – Jocelin LeBlanc
• 1 PM Tying a Spey Fly – Bob MacDonald
• 3 PM Crown Reserve Angling Opportunities In The Miramichi Watershed- Debbie Norton

Fly Casting Aisle

Friday March 23rd, 2012

• 5:30 PM Casting for Beginners- Steve Smith (Casting Instructor)
• 6:30 PM Fly casting Faults and Fixes- Steve Smith (Casting Instructor)

Saturday March 24th, 2012

• 11:30 AM The uses of switch rod- Denis Bellichero (Casting Instructor)
• 1:30 PM Learning the Double Haul – Steve Smith (Casting Instructor)
• 3 PM Spey rod fly casting – David Bishop from Hardy & Greys

Sunday March 25th, 2012

• 11:30 AM Teaching Women to Fly Fish- Kathryn Maroun (Casting Instructor)
• 1:30 PM How to improve your single hand casting (distance & accuracy)- Rick Whorwood (Master Casting Instructor)
• 3:00 PM Spey Casting Advanced Techniques- Courtney Ogilvie, BC Professional Guide

Guest Fly Tiers: Bryant Freeman, Rodney Colford, Dwayne Miller, Bob MacDonald, Michel Paquin, Catherine Gagne, Michael McKinnon, Jerry Allain, Nick Clory, Jerome Molloy, Chris Edmund, Arnold Foote

Authors: Doug Underhill, Paul Marriner, Jim Marriner, Damian Lee Welsh

With the “Spring Heat Wave” this week, the ice in many rivers is an endangered species. On Tuesday of this week, Dave Ingersoll took a drive to the Wayerton Bridge area on the Northwest Miramichi and snapped some photos which he shares with us.

Next week, I’ll look at some preparations for the up-coming season and have information on another Fly-Fishing Forum, albeit a bit smaller to say the least, that will be taking place the weekend after the Moncton show. This will be held at Eel Ground.

So whether you are a boater, hunter, angler, and just love the out of doors, the Coliseum is the place to be. Hope to see many of you in Moncton this weekend!

TIGHT LINES
Doug

NOTE: Late Wednesday evening in Halifax at The Atlantic Book Awards, it was announced that Salmon Country: New Brunswick’s Great Angling Rivers has been short-listed for this year’s Best Atlantic Book Award. Salmon Country is the work of Editor Jacques Heroux, photographer, Andre Gallant and author Doug Underhill. It was published by Goose Lane Editions of Fredericton, NB.

Salmon Country is coffee-table in style with a nice combination of photographs, text and fly patterns. It sells for $45.00 and will be available during this weekend’s forum in Moncton.

With the fishing season over and equipment taken care of, I’ll wrap up another season with my annual Christmas shopping suggestions for the angler. I’ve checked with my friends in the tackle shops and have an estimated price range for many items mentioned. This column is the “clip and paste” on the fridge with certain items highlighted, as a sort of a hint.

But first we must extend a BIG THANK YOU to our sponsors, organizations and donors who have support us in keeping this column going this year. These include Deals 4 U, Eskape Anglers, Moncton Fish & Game Association, Fredericton Outfitters, Paul Marriner, Herbert Sheppard, and two anonymous donors.

I must also THANK my weekly contacts who are the real ones who make this report possible, as well as those who have submitted stories, photos and comments via e-mail.

With more and more ladies getting “on the water”, this might help the gentleman angler solve his Christmas shopping as well.

New in the last couple of years is the digital water thermometer. It clips on the vest, looks like a small pen, you point it at the water, click it and have the temperature instantly. A lot easier and quicker than the older models. I believe they run in the $30-$40 range.

For many of the following items, check with W.W. Doak and Sons (365-7828) in the Doaktown area, Curtis Miramichi River Outfitting (843-2481) in Blackville, Herb’s Fly Shop (843-6354) in Blackville, George’s Fly Shop in Renous (622-8226), Miramichi Hunting and Fishing (622-3071) in Miramichi, and Trout Brook Fly Shop (622-0676) on the Northwest for more detailed prices. A visit to Bryant Freeman’s Eskape Anglers (386-6269) on Wentworth Street in Riverview is always fun. Drop into Chris Munn’s Fredericton Outfitters (450-4044) at 285 Canada St. in Fredericton (authorized Orvis dealer).

First the big items. Maybe a new rod may be in order. These could run anywhere from $100 to $1000. I like the Emery Streamside Rods. They offer a very good product at a reasonable price range $125 to $200. Streamside has a four-piece rod with its own case, which is ideal to carry on an ATV, walking a trail to a favourite pool, or packing to travel. They also have a very nice Streamside Elite, my favourite rod, that is a 10-footer, priced under $200, and it throws a very nice line. A nice 9-foot Streamside is the SS909 graphite with a five-year warranty. Eskape Anglers has a nice selection of Reddington Rods, and Fredericton Outfitters can get you the Orvis you want. If you want a rod especially made for you, contact Luc Gagne at his shop (L & G Fly & Rod) in the Edmundston, NB area at 111, Route 161, Clair (Caron-Brook) NB, E7A 1X8 (506)992-3008 or www.lgflyrod.com

Next look at waders (George Routledge has some nice Emery Streamside Compac in hip, chest along with the breathable. There are also the stocking-foot waders with the wading shoe, some with felt and studs, for both men and women, and neoprenes). Syd Matchett carries a line of Snobees which are a good buy as well, and very light.

Then consider reels. (Emery Streamside puts out a nice affordable Classic Cast Deluxe at $50 to $100, along with the LA 3000 Legacy models. I like the large arbor for quick reeling. This series will cost from $250-$300). Orvis also has a great line with a varying price range as does Reddington.

Rain suits: ($100), rain jackets ($35), rod cases where the reel stays attached ($35-60), vests ($30-$100) (Emery has a beautiful new vest with detachable sleeves and more pockets than you can count in its Streamside wear, as well as an adjustable Lady’s vest), landing nets ($20-$50) (Try to get one that will not scratch the eyes of the fish), Bug Jackets ($25-$40), and Inflatable fishing vests with a pull cord to inflate immediately in case the water gets too deep unexpectedly or slips in fast water ($150), and a new fly line.

Now for the “also” category. A new hat ($5-$20), polarized sunglasses ($15 -$25), pliers for removing the hook from the fish quickly and efficiently, not to mention protecting your own hands on from the fall hook bills (($10-$15), a new set of braces for the waders ($15), a good knife ($6-$10), or a really good one $60-70), tape measure preferably attachable to the vest ($5), thermometer and depth gauge (for the lake angler) ($10-$20) Fly boxes (plastic $10, aluminum $15-25), and a box with a dozen flies ($30).

Then there are the stocking stuffers. These include retractable clippers ($5), landing gloves ($8-$10), Gink and Xink for making the flies float or sink ($5), dry fly spray ($5), scents ($ 5-$10), glasses holders ($3), hook sharpeners ($3), leather man micro tools ($30-$75), and new felts for the waders.

For the reader there are angling books such as Wayne Curtis’ “Fly Fishing The Miramichi” or “River Guides of the Miramichi”, David Adams Richards’ “Lines On The Water”, George Frederick Clarke’s “Song of The Reel” and “Six Salmon Rivers and Another”, Lee Wulff’s many books especially on dry fly fishing, Michael Brislain’s “Bugging The Atlantic Salmon”, “The Main Southwest Miramichi River” book of coloured maps marking pools and open water ($25.00) to the coffee table books such as Gary Anderson’s “Atlantic Salmon: Fact and Fantasy” or “The Atlantic Salmon and The Fly Fisherman”, and Timothy Frew’s “Salmon: The Angler’s Guide”($30-$40).

There are “The St. Mary’s and Other Waters” by Charles Widgery ($13.95), “Recollections” by Clayton Stanley Stewart, “Stillwater Fly Fishing” as well as several others by Paul C. Marriner, including his latest (and updated) Modern Atlantic Salmon Flies, “A Little Thing I Tied Myself” by Don MacLean ($19.95), and “Rivers of Yesterday” by Mike Parker.

I must add that I have a book titled SALMON COUNTRY: New Brunswick’s Great Angling Rivers which sells for $45.00

There are also angling videos ($20-$40), fly patches to hold flies ($4), and line cleaners ($3-5). Don’t forget a measuring tape.

For the builder and tyer there are the rod building kits ($100-$150), salmon fly tying kit ($100-150), scissors, ($12-$30), bobbins (steel $6-$10, ceramic $15-$20), vices ($15-$200), and any number of fly tying materials from feathers, hackle, deer hair, capes, threads, yarns, head cement in a variety of colours, flash, from $2 to whatever, and boxes of 100 hooks ($6- $10, and doubles a bit more).

For the trout fishermen there are the lures ($2-$5), spinners ($1-$2), reels ($15-$20) and rods ($40-$100) and maybe a new creel ($10-$20).

Magazines: A subscription to, FlyFusion (based in Clagary) ($24.95 or “The Canadian Fly Fisher” ($18) (613) 966-8017 are also excellent choices.

Now for the angler who has everything, try a salmon fly broach pin with a classic pattern. These are good for hats, vests, or Jacket/shirt for both the male and female angler.

There are memberships in the Atlantic Salmon Federation which gives several glossy coloured magazines a year with excellent stories, not to mention that you are helping salmon conservation, memberships in one of the local salmon associations such as The Northumberland Salmon Protection Association, the Miramichi Salmon Association, The NB Guides Association, the N.B. Wildlife Federation which has been in existence since 1924, the Moncton Fish & Game Club, the Dieppe Fly-Tyers or other clubs in your area.

The Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown has memberships ($25 or cheaper if one belongs to a local association) which includes visiting rights to the museum and its Hall of Fame as well as eight newsletters throughout the year which give the news and counts from the rivers. (See their adopt a parr program)

You might consider pampering yourself and your wife by booking a vacation on the river at a salmon club or lodge such as Ledges Inn (Doaktown), Wilson’s Fishing Camps, Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures, Red Rock Lodge, Metepenagiag Lodge, Country Haven Lodge, and any numbers of others. A day to a week might be out of this world in your own back yard. We book elsewhere, so why not at home!

Some of the fly tyers such as Dewey Gillespie, Jack Kitchen, Father Lynch, Jacques Heroux or Marc Madore will make up beautifully framed and mounted classic salmon flies, which are very classy in any room or office. As well, many of the angling shops mentioned above will put together Christmas Fly packages for you. They make a nice gift.

For the person who has everything, Mark Hambrook of the MSA suggests sponsoring a transmitter for a kelt heading out to sea for $500. The person to whom it is registered get updates about the fish every time it passes a code reader. It would be nice to track your own fish. (506-633-1781)

I hope this makes your Christmas shopping a little easier. I would like to thank all you have helped make this column the fun it has been. Until next season, plan to be “on the water”, and don’t forget to attend the annual 2010 Dieppe Fly Fishing Forum in Moncton (usually a Saturday and Sunday at the very end of March and/or start of April) 2012. This year’s event will be held at the Moncton Coliseum and is combined with the “Boat Show”. Check out the program at www.flyfishingforum.ca (and then click on either the English or French “Welcome/Bienvenue) It is a great way to get into the mood for getting back “on the water.”

AND a big THANK YOU to Terry Matchett of mightymiramichi.com and his staff particularly Stacy Underhill and Les McLaughlin who make this possible. We had a very successful season with numbers of subscribers approaching 1,200. The report on my website www.dougunderhill.com received 21, 500 unique visits and had 423,000 hits. This is not counting those who do not have a computer and had arrangements for a friend or relative to print off the report each week for them. WE have subscribers from across Canada, the US, Europe, South Africa and New Zealand. Thanks to all of you. Tell your friends for next season.

Thought for the Winter: “There will be days when the fishing is better than one’s most optimistic forecast, others when it is far worse. Either is a gain over just staying home.” ~Roderick Haig-Brown, Fisherman’s Spring, 1951

E-MAIL: (More tips on cooking corn)
Thanks once again for the great newsletter. I like the tips on stowing the gear and the great idea about the cooler corn. Let me add one more tip for the corn feast. Use a large jar, as tall at least as a corn cob, and fill it with the boiling water from the cooler or separately heated salted water. Next drop in a big slab of butter and let it melt on the surface of the water. Take out a cob of corn and plunge it into the water and when you remove it a perfectly buttered cob of corn every time. It is the best method for buttering corn I have ever seen. All the best for the winter. Keep those reports coming. I will be going down to the Hammond River to watch the fish spawning.
Andrew Giffin

Dear ASF Member: Looking for a great gift for the fisherman/woman in your family? Check out the Atlantic Salmon Federation’s Anglers Cache. On this page you will find old favourites like our signed and numbered prints as well as new and unique items like the ASF Toque or Hip Flask! Each item you purchase supports the conservation programs of the Atlantic Salmon Federation. Your Friends in Conservation,
The Atlantic Salmon Federation

Opening Day is only 164 days away. Start the count-down!

Merry Christmas &
Tight Lines Always,

DOUG

With only the Bartibog and Tabusintac Rivers open for two more days, there has not been a lot of angling activity.

When angling over for another year, most anglers simply chuck their equipment out in the garage or in the basement where it remains until next season. Wise anglers will take a few minutes to examine their equipment and properly prepare it for winter storage. This ensures a better start next year because the gear will be in top shape for another season.

First look at your waders unless you still plan to use them for some duck hunting. When you have finished with them, they should be thoroughly dried and stored in a cool dry place. Avoid the furnace room as high heat may cause cracks, producing an unpleasant surprise next spring. George Routledge of George’s Fly Shop in Renous suggests hanging them up side down, or if they are hung by the braces, that they barely touch the floor with no wrinkles in them. Putting some newspaper in the boot part will prevent moisture and mould from setting in. If the waders are the type without a boot, make sure they’re rolled rather than folded as creases will crack.

Next, the rod definitely should be taken apart if still together, or it may never come apart. Dry and wipe it down, removing dirt and dampness. Make sure the cork is dry, and then store it in a place with moderate temperature, and out of the way until spring. This ensures it doesn’t get other stuff piled on it resulting in breakage. A bit of parawax on the male end will make it fit better next year. This is a good practice several times throughout the season even.

Check guides to see if they need repair or that there is no fraying of the binding. If a touch up is needed, now is the time to get it done to be ready for opening day.

The line and backing should be reeled off, stretched, cleaned and dried. Then it can be coiled loosely and stored for next season.

To clean, use plain water or silicone to grease-clean it. Cortland puts out small pads which sell for about a dollar or two. These can do several lines. This helps against cracking. If the backing is over three years old, replace it.

This might save losing a nice bright grilse or salmon (not to mention the line itself) next season.

Routledge suggested taking the reel completely apart, letting it dry and cleaning all dirt from it. Then it should be given a covering of light oil that is heat resistant. He suggested, Singer sewing machine oil or a light gun oil. He cautioned against using WD-40 as it is a penetrating substance.

Next, empty the fly-boxes so flies and boxes can dry thoroughly. This will stop rusting and ruining the hooks as well as the metal boxes. Make sure the box is clean. Then organize the flies as you put them back with the spring streamers in one area or box, the larger flies for June and early July in another, the summer flies and smaller hooks for late July and August together and then the fall patterns. One might even put the open box in a Tupperware container with a couple of moth balls to make sure nothing eats the hair and feathers. Make sure everything is completely dry before sealing. Don’t forget the flies still on the vest or hat, or where ever you keep them while on the river.

The vest should also be dry, pockets emptied of debris and minuscule lunches, bottle tops, old fly dope containers and any other garbage. It may even be washed or dry-cleaned. Then replace all equipment making sure covers are tight on such bottles as gink or xink, dry fly sprays, fly dope, or scent etc. These can destroy a perfectly good vest. Don’t forget to put the polarized sun glasses and glasses-holders back in the vest so you have them next season.

Routledge suggested throwing away any leader that is no. 6 or 8 as it may rot. Losing a bright grilse next June is not worth the cost of a new roll. He said no. 10 and up, could be kept providing it is not too old.

Even the landing net should be dry and stored. If all of these simple things are done, it will put you in fine shape when the fever hits again next spring.

While out, take a trip to the upper stretches of your favourite stream. You make be lucky enough to see the salmon actually spawning.

Watch as the hen salmon uses her tail to dig her redd (a small bed in the gravel where she will deposit her eggs).

Then watch as she hovers over it, dropping eggs. You will probably see another dorsal fin zoom in next to her, as the male fertilizes the eggs by releasing his milt. It is nature’s miracle, and the future of the sport we love. And it is a great excuse to get even another trip “on the water.”

Now that angling is actually over, join a salmon conservation such as the MSA, or fly-tyers group in your area, and get involved over the winter. When you hit the water next spring, you’ll feel more a part of the whole process, and it’s a good way to further interest in the sport we love.

The Atlantic Salmon Federation located in St. Andrews, NB., have four good salmon journals a year which is good reading during the winter months. Check your local organization first as there may be a cut rate to join the ASF.

Be sure to drop into Eskape Anglers in Riverview for all of your fishing needs. Pick up a few early spring streamers and a few good stories from Bryant Freeman. (386-6269)

Continue to check out the bargains at Deals 4 U , not only for weekly groceries, but also for special events, especially those planning hunting trips and weekends at the camp. And don’t forget to stock up on their fine Cuban Cigars!

Moncton Fish / Game Annual Sportsman’s Dinner Announcement.
Sat Nov 26th. @ 7:00 p.m:  This is our Annual Fund raising activity, that allows us to continue our support for local youth, and wildlife/fish related activities. Contact Ron Cybulski  at rcyed@aol.com for more info.

All of these businesses and organizations support us, so let’s support them.

NEW IDEA: Just thought I’d include this e-mail I received. Anglers, campers, hunters and those who love corn may find it useful. I haven’t tried it yet, so judge for yourself…. Doug

The Best Way to Cook Corn on the Cob for a Crowd?

It’s Cooler Corn!
Am I the only person who hasn’t heard of “cooler corn”?

As an obsessive food nerd, you’d expect that I would have at least heard of it, but over the weekend I was blind-sided by the simple genius of this method for cooking loads of corn on the cob perfectly.

I was hipped to it while visiting my family in Maine. Short story: We like corn on the cob. And with eight adults at the table, that means a couple of dozen ears. We would have used the lobster pot to cook them all, but the lobster pot was busy steaming lobster.

Then my sister, a capable Maine cook with years of camping experience, says “let’s do cooler corn!” Before I can ask “what the hell is cooler corn?” a Coleman cooler appears from the garage, is wiped clean, then filled with the shucked ears. Next, two kettles-full of boiling water are poured over the corn and the top closed.

Then nothing.

When we sat down to dinner 30 minutes later and opened it, the corn was perfectly cooked. My mind was blown. And I’m told that the corn will remain at the perfect level of doneness for a couple of hours.

Turns out, Cooler Corn is pretty well known among the outdoorsy set, but for those of us who avoid tents as much as possible, it’s perfect for large barbecues and way less of mess than grilling. In fact, I may even buy another cooler just so I’m ready for next summer. Now that I’m in the know.

Thought For The Week: “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” ~ John Buchan

HUMOUR: “If you’ve got short, stubby fingers and wear reading glasses, any relaxation you would normally derive from fly fishing is completely eliminated when you try to tie on a fly.” ~Jack Ohman, Fear of Fly Fishing, 1988

Atlantic Salmon Federation News
Wed, October 26, 2011

Salmon Summit says Atlantic salmon may be moving north
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr. Ken Whalen notes that southern Atlantic salmon on both sides of the Atlantic are in jeopardy, but also that adjustments are being made to climate change.
http://asf.ca/news.php?id=778

ASF’s Jonathan Carr was interviewed on the Salmon Summit, and the video can be watched at:
http://asf.ca/news.php?id=775

Genetically Modified Salmon Much in News Recently
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Genetically Modified Atlantic salmon have been the focus of a series of forums held across Atlantic Canada. While the focus has been on food issues, there are also concerns about the eventual impact on wild salmon populations. For one report:
http://asf.ca/news.php?id=780

The financing of AquaBounty has also come under media scrutiny. The UK’s Guardian has one detailed article on the company hoping to produce the GM Salmon
http://asf.ca/news.php?id=781

Environment Canada internal records also say they are uncertain that they can keep GM salmon from harming wild salmon in the long term.
http://asf.ca/news.php?id=776

ISA Found in BC Salmon say researchers, including UPEI
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The announcement by researchers that they have found ISA in Pacific salmon has been a bombshell, with repercussions spreading in both Canada and the USA. Check out this recent article on it:
http://asf.ca/news.php?id=777

Irish Salmon designated as “Vulnerable”
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For the first time, the committee assessing wild populations in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland has designated Atlantic salmon as Vulnerable.
http://asf.ca/news.php?id=779

The end of Atlantic salmon recreational angling season
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On Oct. 31 the angling season ends on the Northumberland Strait rivers of Nova Scotia. Reports continue to come in that numbers of large Atlantic salmon returning to these rivers has increased this year, as the returns have for so many other rivers.

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To keep track of breaking news on wild Atlantic salmon, use the Atlantic Salmon Federation’s presence on Facebook. Log in, search for Atlantic Salmon Federation, and click “like”.

ASF’s Webworks is an updating service on the world of the wild Atlantic salmon. If you wish to be added or removed from the list, email asfwebworks@asf.ca

Dear Friends,
Our 29th Annual New York Dinner will take place on Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 at THE PLAZA.
This year, we will be honoring C. Austin Buck, Atlantic Salmon Federation Director, friend, angler and conservationist. We are anticipating a full house and a fun night which will include the always entertaining auctioneer Rock Fournier.
The Full Auction Catalog is available now with a selection of auction items that is really special including premium adventures in Mongolia and Labrador. Other lots include original art, state-of-art fishing equipment, exclusive trips for non-anglers, and many other unique items. Please take a few moments and review this spectacular catalogue and share it with friends who may not be able to attend.
We do welcome absentee bids; call us at 1-800-565-5666 or contact Kirsten by email: krouse@asf.ca.
Thank you for your support!
The Atlantic Salmon Federation

Next week I’ll also include the salmon/grilse counts for October 31.

Next week: The angler’s clip and paste Christmas shopping list.

Until Next Week,

DOUG