![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.giverontheriver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/iceblackville.jpg\")
The Northwest Miramichi had open stretches and some jams.\u00a0 The ice was backed up at Wayerton Bridge and jammed at Trout Brook.\u00a0 From there to Big Hole it was open, and piling up in the lower sections such as at Fourman Lodge.<\/p>\n
Syd Matchett said the ice between Miners; Bridge and Wayerton was just sitting, but the water was very high for the time of year.\u00a0 So, perhaps a phone call or e-mail to someone close to the action might be in order before heading out.<\/p>\n
FLIES of Choice:\u00a0 For spring salmon the usual traditional patterns are hard to beat.\u00a0 These include the Renous Special, Smelt, Mickey Finn, Christmas Tree, Golden Eagle and Black Ghost on 2.0 hooks.<\/p>\n
OF INTEREST:\u00a0<\/strong> Striped Bass season also opens on April 15 with retention of ONE and possession limit of ONE (although cold water temperatures may not be conducive to catching.)\u00a0 Retention size is between 50-65 centimeters.\u00a0 For all the hoopla regarding changes to the striped bass season, very little has changed for Miramichiers.\u00a0 There was no increase in daily retention numbers (except when the bass leave the Miramichi system for Chaleur, Gaspe and other parts of the Gulf)\u00a0 There will also be a three-week closure during the spawning period in the spawning area where no angling of any sort will be allowed.\u00a0 The number of days was extended, but chances are that the water temperatures will be too cold to make any difference.\u00a0 With an estimated number of spawners\u00a0 at 318,000, not counting the large numbers of non-spawners, one wonders about smolt survival.<\/p>\n NO formal announcement has yet been made regarding the salmon season.\u00a0 Some who have already bought licences were excited to receive four tags, BUT they are for LAND-LOCKED SALMON ONLY.<\/p>\n SAFETY:<\/strong> First, I\u2019ll address \u201cshore angling.\u201d\u00a0 Although a lot of shore ice has gone, there is still some around.\u00a0 Many times spring ice will completely cover the shore after the river opens making it necessary to crawl over it.\u00a0 This can produce nasty falls.\u00a0 The ice can also be soft and give way causing twisted knees.<\/p>\n If one slips, he may end up in fast current and be gone, especially with heavy clothes on.\u00a0 Most shore anglers never think to wear a life jacket.\u00a0 Even if he manages to grab on to something, equipment may be lost as well.<\/p>\n Even if one does successfully navigate over bank ice, he has to still keep an eye on it.\u00a0 Melting may collapse the ice sending it sliding into the river behind you.\u00a0 If you aren\u2019t careful it can trap you knocking you into the water.<\/p>\n Wading this time of year is very dangerous.\u00a0 Even what was familiar ground becomes strange in spring high current.\u00a0 One step too many can throw an angler off balance in heavy current, and getting over ice usually means there are no bushes handy enough to grab.<\/p>\n Even if the shore is clear and one knows the ground to be level, he still has to be checking up river for ice which may have slipped into the water.<\/p>\n Of course, one should never venture forth alone.\u00a0 If anything happens, you are on your own.<\/p>\n Now for boats.\u00a0 Common sense should prevail.\u00a0 A stupid move could be deadly in spring water.\u00a0 Check to see that the drain plug is IN.<\/p>\n The anchor should always be heavy enough to hold in strong current.\u00a0 A heavy chain link is recommended but attach it by a rope.\u00a0 Most do this, but some may try a cable or chain.\u00a0 If the boat is anchored and up-river ice suddenly comes down, there may be no time to pull anchor.<\/p>\n If ice hits the anchor rope, it will sink the boat and anglers will likely be caught under a floating raft of ice.\u00a0 Using a rope enables one to cut it in an emergency.\u00a0 Therefore, have a sharp knife HANDY.<\/p>\n Some boats use two anchors which most consider dangerous.\u00a0 Make sure the bow is pointing into the current when the anchor(s) is dropped.\u00a0 A side-ways boat is a sure invitation to flip.<\/p>\n Always follow the recommended number for the boat.\u00a0 Don\u2019t cram five into a boat built for three. Be careful of having too much weight at the front of the boat when the anchor is dropped.\u00a0 When it grabs, the front will naturally take a dip.\u00a0 Too much weight in front may mean anglers taking a dip.<\/p>\n A bailing can on board is a smart idea, not only for when a leak occurs, but when heading up river at a pretty good clip, there\u2019s often a lot of spray that accumulates in the boat.\u00a0 This will be enough to wet lunches, ruin cameras or other materials placed on the floor.<\/p>\n Every boat must also have at least an oar or paddle in case the motor quits.\u00a0 A pair of either is even better as one person trying to guide a boat in fast water may lead you in circles.\u00a0 A set pole to push off shore is also a good idea.<\/p>\n When starting the engine, make sure everyone is ready and seated.\u00a0 A sudden start can knock a person off balance.\u00a0 When moving around in the boat, be careful making certain not everyone moves in one direction at the same time. Have life jackets for each person and WEAR THEM.<\/p>\n Even a spare fuel can is not a bad idea.\u00a0 Sometimes travelling up and down the river you may hit heavier water than expected and use more fuel than anticipated.\u00a0 Always check and fill the tank before leaving.\u00a0 It is also wise to have an extra plug and plug wrench along with a few basic tools.<\/p>\n Should the motor fail, a tow rope makes life a lot easier should another angler offer help and to throw to someone overboard.\u00a0 A whistle and water-proof flash light are required items.<\/p>\n When approaching another boat, take a wide berth and slow down so as not to cause a wake which could rock another boat.\u00a0 If someone is anchored, don\u2019t stop too close.\u00a0 When angling for spring salmon, many fishermen let out tremendous amounts of line and then reel in.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want your line in someone else\u2019s territory.<\/p>\n A neat idea for measuring the length of fish is to have a scale marked along the top sides of the boat.\u00a0 This way length can be taken quickly and the fish released, or better still the angler can gauge the length with a quick look with the fish still in the water.\u00a0 Some have a scale marked on the middle seat of the boat where the fish can be laid quickly and released.\u00a0 This saves time and fumbling for a measuring tape and often prevents a good tape from getting wet or bent.<\/p>\n A pocket journal is a good way to record a day\u2019s fishing.\u00a0 It\u2019s always nice to look back and know exactly who caught what.\u00a0 This can settle friendly arguments, should anyone\u2019s imagination go adrift.<\/p>\n Dress warmly in layers and have a rain coat.\u00a0 You can always take it off, but without enough clothes, it can be a miserable day should a cool wind come up.\u00a0 A thermos of coffee or tea can be a welcome treat.<\/p>\n So as the weekend approaches, predictions are for good angling.\u00a0 Common sense and a few preparations can make for an enjoyable day \u201con the water.\u201d<\/p>\n REMINDERS:<\/strong> Get your licence.\u00a0 (Remember it is Easter weekend, so many places will be closed.)<\/p>\n There area lot of deer around the rods this time of year, so take a bit more time and drive a bit slower to make sure you arrive and depart for home safely.<\/p>\n So be careful as you get out and \u201con the water\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to show your support for our sponsors, because without them, this column would not be possible. \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Deals 4 U<\/a><\/p>\n ANY FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD HELPING WITH THIS COLUMN ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED. Click here to donate now<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. Or to donate by mail, send to:<\/p>\n Doug Underhill A SPECIAL THANKS to all who made contributions last season.<\/p>\n
\nWith the excitement of getting back onto the river, we might tend to be over anxious, forgetting the common sense needed for safe angling.\u00a0 One mistake can be too many given conditions and temperatures this time of year.\u00a0 Currents are extremely strong as rivers are flooded with spring run-off and ice, and the water is COLD.\u00a0 A dip means hypothermia in literally minutes.\u00a0 It may be too late for a second chance.<\/p>\n
\nAnglers must use single barbless hooks or ones with the barb pinched back.\u00a0 So check your fly box to make sure all hooks are prepared before you hit the water.\u00a0 Putting on a barbed hook by mistake could be very costly in terms of fines, loss of equipment and angling privileges.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.giverontheriver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/deals4u.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n438 McKinnon Road
\nMiramichi, NB, Canada, E1V 6G2<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.giverontheriver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/emerson.jpg\")
<\/a>CONDOLENCES:<\/strong> Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Emerson Underhill who passed on within the last two weeks.\u00a0 Emerson was a well known fly-tyer and was credited with inventing the deer hair version of The Shady Lady and The Green Machine.\u00a0 He was also inducted into the Atlantic Salmon Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.giverontheriver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/BryantFreemanCover-Jan31.jpg\")
Next week: Information on the Coalition for Better Salmon Management \/ and look for Doug Underhill\u2019s new book, \u201cBryant Freeman: All Things Fishing\u201d.<\/p>\n