Miramichi River

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Miramichi, NB, Canada · Fly Fishing · Advanced

North America's most storied Atlantic salmon river. Swing wet flies through classic named pools for bright fish running from the sea, with brook trout filling the quieter stretches.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: land-based

Much of the prime water is allocated through New Brunswick's Crown Reserve system — a limited-entry fishery assigning stretches on a rod-per-day basis by draw, with 20 regular stretches across the Miramichi and Restigouche systems. Miramichi Crown Reserve licences run 48 hours (2pm on day one to 2pm on day three) and do not guarantee exclusive use of the stretch; they are non-refundable. Named Miramichi stretches include Adams Pool, Charlies Rock, Crawford, Depot, Elbow, Groundhog Landing, Narrows, Squirrel Falls, Stoney Brook and Sullivan, each with published directions and pool maps. Regular Crown Reserve runs 10 June to 15 September. Fly fishing only, restricted to a barbless artificial fly; September is live release only for all species. Water outside the Crown Reserve system is a mix of private beats and public stretches — check locally before fishing.

Access information source

Species

  • Atlantic salmon
  • brook trout

Best times to fish

  • Summer run (Jun-Jul)
  • Autumn run (Sep-Oct)
  • After rain lifts the water

Recommended gear

Essential

  • 9-10ft 8-weight fly rod
  • Bombers and classic wet flies
  • Chest waders
  • Insect repellent

Optional

  • Guide or lodge booking
  • Wading staff
  • Spey rod for bigger pools

Regulations and requirements

  • New Brunswick angling licence plus a separate Atlantic salmon licence and tags required
  • Atlantic salmon is largely live release — check current DFO rules
  • Non-residents must fish with a licensed guide on many stretches

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

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