A major decline in Atlantic salmon populations returning to Maine’s salmon rivers over the last decade has led to a moratorium on sport fishing for this exciting game fish. Speculation has been high that this high leaping, hard-fighting quarry sought out for centuries by avid fly casters might even be an endangered species in Maine.
Russia, Scotland and many Canadian provinces suffer no such problem, but the average fisherman would have to put a second mortgage on the house to fish for three days. Cost for a guide, boat, accommodations, meals and the right to cast for bright, fresh run Atlantic salmon on private pools runs from 500 to 1,000 dollars a day.
Northern Maine salmon enthusiasts have a far less expensive option known as black salmon fishing. Black salmon are Atlantic salmon that moved from the ocean into their home river to spawn during late summer and fall, and spent the winter in that river or its feeder lake. As soon as the river frees of ice, these fish begin returning to salt water, and the fly fishing is fabulous for a month or so. During the winter the salmon have lost up to a third of their weight and they are ravenous, so they’ll take flies readily during April and May.
It’s possible to catch half a dozen salmon a day, and totals of 20 fish a day aren’t unknown.
Despite black salmon being thinner, contrary to popular belief, they will jump, they will take flies near the surface and high, fast river levels give the fish extra leverage during the tug of war that follows a strike. Some black salmon run 36-48 inches and exceed 20 pounds, which translates to a lot of action at the end of a fly rod. The most dependable black salmon rivers are the Miramichi and its tributaries in New Brunswick,and the Restigouche and Matapedia in Quebec. A two and a half hour drive will have any Aroostook angler at any camp on these waterways, and prices per day run 150-250 dollars for all amenities. With the current exchange rate on Canadian money, it’s almost more expensive to stay home!
A nine foot, 9 or 10 weight rod, and a reel that will hold 200 yards of backing and has a sturdy drag system are a must. A full sinking line or a sinking tip line with a lead core weighted tip and 20 pound test leader will get the fly down deep in fast, tea-colored water.
Colorful flies and smelt patterns with lots of silver and some crystal flash, on huge size 2/0 to 5/0 hooks are perfect for enticing, hooking and holding spring salmon.
Precision casting and long, delicate casts aren’t necessary to fish black salmon. The fish aren’t spooky or line shy, but for best results the fly needs to swing near the fish since they won’t travel far to strike in the dingy, cold water. There is no private water on these famous salmon rivers during spring fishing, and the guides will know the pools well and anchor the boat to allow moderate casts and the best line swing in the current. Even novice salmon anglers will generally experience good fishing, which often isn’t the case on bright fish.
Interested anglers who have never enjoyed black salmon fishing won’t have a problem getting advice and information in our region since many regional fly casters visit Canadian salmon rivers once or twice each spring. Just ask around at the local sporting goods store or fly shop. The camps and guides on the rivers I’ve mentioned are too numerous to list, but Pete Dube at the Restigouche Motel in Matapedia (418-865-2155) and Jerry Doak of Doak’s Fly Shop in Doaktown (506-365-7822) along the Miramichi can offer advice on camps, guides and conditions.
Atlantic salmon are King of the fresh water game fish and any devout fly fisherman who hasn’t spent time in a cedar canoe floating a tree-lined valley waterway casting for salmon has a hole in their angling resume. Under current circumstances, black salmon fishing may have to fit the bill, but be assured that you won’t be disappointed.
The rivers are fairly close, the price is certainly fair and the fish are biting now, so make some plans. It may be your first black salmon trip, but it won’t be your last.
