ASF River Notes

In the Miramichi the Atlantic salmon have begun spawning, making this a great time to look back on the runs of 2011 and to celebrate the many rivers that have done remarkably well, especially with the all-important large salmon.

Have we turned a corner with this year’s high returns in so many rivers? Or will we be faced with yet other hurdles to achieving the  higher Atlantic salmon numbers that we all strive for.

What was different this year? In the rivers, somewhat higher water levels overall, and periods when water levels were high enough to discourage angling could make a positive difference in Atlantic salmon spawning numbers. The cooler river temperatures were also a major factor.

The combination of the Greenland Conservation Agreement, suspending Greenland’s commercial salmon fishery, combined  with increased survival at sea and, possibly, other factors has undoubtedly insured that there are more Atlantic salmon spawning this year.

A point about the video: As many viewers will know, precocious male parr that have never gone to sea actually fertilize many of the eggs laid by female salmon.  They  zip in to fertilize those females when the large adults aren’t looking. If you look closely at Manu Esteve’s video above, you can spot a few parr darting around the redd.

While the angling season is over in most areas, there are a few notes.  The first are about the rivers in Nova Scotia where angling is still in progress.

Nova Scotia

Margaree – Lewis Hinks, ASF’s Director of Nova Scotia Programs, was on the Margaree this past weekend. He reports the river was dropping to a nice level for fishing – and the angling was fantastic. He notes one party that had thirteen salmon on line in one morning.

As to the situation in the river overall, this will need to wait for the results of the various surveys that are conducted, but from anecdotal information it appears to be a good year.

Lewis Hinks also notes that great fishing has been reported in all these rivers, including River Philip. Last week the water was rising with the rain, and some bright fish were on line.  With the water now falling, it should make for excellent conditions.

Elsewhere in Nova Scotia the numbers remain relatively disappointing.

Sackville – The Sackville River Counting Fence had 10 large salmon and 38 grilse,  compared to 24 large salmon and 50 grilse in 2010.

LaHave – The LaHave had a more promising 74 large salmon this year compared to 52 last year, and 281 grilse, exactly the same number as last year.

New Brunswick

Northern New Brunswick Rivers – With the Upsalquitch at 649 large salmon this year compared to 410 last year, and against a five-year average from 2003 to 2007 of 311, there is good hope for the future. The Jacquet River’s 231 large salmon was somewhat lower than last year’s 293, but certainly bears up well when compared with the five-year average of 93.

For grilse, the 646 this year in the Upsalquitch may not have beat the 638 last year, but is definitely  higher than the 2003 to 2007 average of 487. Meanwhile the Jacquet River’s 348 compares favourably both with the 2010 number of 194 and the 137 for the five-year average.

Miramichi – The final week of the angling season was noteworthy for having a large number of fish, but most were not interested in taking flies. Water levels rose again, which was certainly to the salmon’s liking.

How to assess the overall season? That is not exactly clear. Returns of large salmon were generally in line with 2010′s numbers, but, on the other hand, as has been noted,, water conditions and the health of the Atlantic salmon certainly favoured the fish this year, leading to an expectation that it could be a year of high spawning success. Keep fingers crossed.

Saint John – The number of large salmon returning to the Saint John certainly was a highlight, with 624 at Mactaquac and 230 at the Nashwaak Counting Fence, compared to 362 and 126 respectively.

The point here is that the Saint John does have a future. It has major issues with dams and the problems affecting both upstream and downstream passage need to be addressed – no small matter. Continued improvement in survival at sea and a continuance of the Greenland Agreement would certainly be an important basis for restoring the river’s health.

Maine

Penobscot – The statistics page has been taken down by the Maine Government, but as of Oct. 12,  3120 Atlantic salmon had returned through Veazie. Certainly this is a remarkable return for recent years, making it the highest return since 1986. With Great Works Dam slated for decommissioning in 2012, we can see this is a return the Penobscot can build on.

Downeast Rivers – Returns, while low, still show promise. The Narraguagus had the best returns since the late 1980s, for example. Unfortunately more aquaculture escapees were entering the Dennys in October from some unreported escape.

New Hampshire

Merrimack – This great river has had a remarkable return of more than 400 Atlantic salmon this year, the highest number since the 1980s.

Quebec

Overall, good river conditions and angling results throughout the season are pointing to a healthy increase in runs across Quebec that surpasses the last five year average.  We anxiously await the publication of final run numbers in late December.

Matapedia

To September 30, for the season, a total of 2,089 fish were reported landed, including 326 releases.  River conditions were very good during the last week of September, but the high water, resulting from storms earlier in the month, scattered the fish and made angling challenging.  Angling results continue to outpace last season, 623 more fish were landed compared to the same date in 2010.

 

Matane

The Matane witnessed its best run since 1988.  3,155 fish had migrated (1,409 salmon and 1,746 grilse) through the fish ladder for the season ending September 30th. This represents an increase of 1,006 fish (77 salmon and 929 grilse) compared to all of last season.  1,117 salmon and 715 grilse were reported landed.  The cumulative number of releases was not available at the time this report was prepared.

Bonaventure

Numbers should have been higher, but Mother Nature is the great equalizer.  In total for the season, to September 30, 1,184 salmon were landed and released, compared to 1,119 in 2010. Grilse captures are also higher, up from 433 in 2010 to 698 in 2011.  The Bonaventure was hit with “Moisie” like bumps in water such as the peak flow of 470 cubic meters/second during the second week of September.  This combined with river levels that receded at a slow pace impacted angling until the end.  Overall, an excellent year for the Bonaventure.

Sainte-Anne

For the season at September 30, 436 salmon were reported released compared to 360 in 2010.  The number of grilse landed increased to 222 from 166 in 2010.  The Sainte-Anne was not spared from the torrents of water that fell on the Gaspé.  It is evident that the high waters during the month curtailed angling success, but just think of the higher number of fish in the river to spawn over the next weeks.

Dartmouth, St-Jean and York Rivers

Anglers were treated to June like levels of water on the jewels of the Gaspé during the last two weeks of  September.  Angling was challenging due to holding fences being washed away on all three rivers during the high water events early in the month.

This also made conditions for a final in-river count impossible.  Based on the number of fish landed, there are healthy increases on the York and Dartmouth and the  St-Jean is within the last five year average.  Overall it was a great season for everyone, more salmon in the rivers translated into more rod days being sold, more money for the local economy, increased 2012 business for local outfitters, more fish being released, happy anglers and hopes that this could be a sign of healthier runs of wild Atlantic salmon.

Sainte-Marguerite

For the season, as of September 15, 257 fish (192 salmon released & 65 grilse retained) were reported landed.   These numbers reflect a healthy increase of released salmon (124 more than 2010) and a slightly higher number of grilse.  Great water levels overall during the season gave hope to the many volunteers who are working tirelessly to bring this river back to its former glory.

Godbout

To September 15th, 413 fish were reported landed (183 salmon 54 grilse released) and 176 grilse were harvested.  This past season’s numbers reflect the type of increases reported across Quebec.  In 2010 a total of 172 were landed.  Migrating fish have increased also with 1,173 fish (694 salmon and 479 grilse) at the counting facility.  At the same time last year, 857 fish (550 salmon and 307 grilse) had gone though the counting facility.  2011 will most likely be remembered as a vintage production year in 4 to 5 years from now.

Escoumins

This small North Shore river also had a healthy increase in the number of fish migrating through.  At September 16, 376 fish (256 salmon and 120 grilse) were counted in contrast to 2010’s  228 fish (98 salmon and 130 grilse).  By mid-September, 110 fish (79 salmon & 2 grilse released, 29 grilse retained) had been reported landed.  In 2010, only 47 fish were landed which included 21 salmon & 7 grilse released and 19 grilse harvested.  This season’s good levels , compared to the drought conditions of the last few years greatly improved angling success.

Trinité

This biological index river reported very good numbers this season, 1,180 fish (305 salmon and 875 grilse) migrated though the counting facility.  282 fish (64 salmon & 15 grilse released and 203 retained) were reported landed.
In 2010, a total of 803 fish were counted (255 salmon and 548 grilse) migrating through.  The number of fish landed was reported to total 122 (15 salmon released & 2 grilse released and 105 grilse retained).

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland could be divided into three districts in 2011.

Everywhere but the South Coast and parts of the West Coast: Most of Newfoundland had a good year – almost as good as the banner 2010 year. The Exploits River was typical, with more than 41,000 salmon returning – only 10% below the incredible 45,000 of 2010. Many other rivers better the numbers for 2010. With two good years in a row, it bodes well for an overall uptick in the numbers.

West Coast – Rivers like the Torrent and Western Arm Brook experienced a decline of 20% or more for unknown reasons.

South Coast – The comparative lack of rebound in numbers on Newfoundland’s south coast is alarming. This same region is home to the province’s salmon aquaculture industry and whether or not there is connection, something is definitely wrong with the populations in rivers such as the Conne. This year 1,189 were counted; in 201p there were 1,747 and the five-year average between 2006 and 2010 was 2,084.

Labrador

In Labrador there is a sense of relief – that river numbers have come up in an area that was declining recently. We can only hope those numbers continue to improve.

The Sand Hill River needs to be singled out for special mention. It went from 1,975 salmon in 2010 to 9,535 in 2011. There is no explanation for the massive increase, but at this time all indications are that the data is correct. This is

Gathering the Facts

From June to October we have seen a great number of rivers experience high returns of large salmon – those salmon that go to far ocean feeding grounds. Grilse numbers have generally not seen the same improvement. The scientific evidence points towards improved survival in Greenland waters, and improved ocean productivity.

After consistent water in most areas throughout the summer, complete with a tropical storm, the last half of September has seen water levels dropping in many wild Atlantic salmon rivers.

Talking with individuals from Cape Breton to Gaspé, the wish for more water is now being heard and, according to Environment Canada, we are to expect a drier than normal October as well.  In the Miramichi, however, water levels are perfect – and so is the weather.

All this being said, reports are generally of good fishing for serious salmon anglers, who know where to be and at what times of the day.

Runs and Accounts from the Rivers

Newfoundland

Humber – According to ASF’s regional director and others, water levels have been high but are coming down. There remain exceptional Atlantic salmon in the lower river, and in the past week at least one 25 lb fish was landed and released, along  with many more smaller ones.

Exploits – Fred Parsons noted yesterday that although the fishways are closed, there are still Atlantic salmon moving around in the lower river, making their way into streams below the lowest fish barrier. He is very optimistic that this year’s run on the river (41,000+) means that last year’s incredible return of 45,000+ Atlantic salmon was not a singular event. He points out how far this river has improved  from having an average return in the 1980s of around 10,000 fish.

Fall angling has been permitted on the Lower Humber, Gander and Exploits Rivers from Thursday, September 8, and will continue to Friday, October 7.

Nova Scotia

A general comment being made is that this year has provided some of the best angling since the mid-1980s and there is still October to look forward to, as well!

Margaree – Lewis Hinks, ASF’s Regional Director of Nova Scotia programs, is in Cape Breton for meetings this week, and reports that everyone would like more water. One angler who has been fishing every morning is reporting large numbers, in the hundreds, in all the lower pools and many of them are large salmon.

Cheticamp – Some Atlantic salmon in the lower river. One angler reports connecting with four at Terre Rouge last week, plus several taken at the Fence Pool. More fish are expected, but as with the Margaree, more rain is needed.

Quebec

Charles Cusson, ASF’s Director for Quebec Programs, notes that, while water levels are dropping, there should be good levels in most rivers all the way through spawning season.

Matapedia

To September 23, for the season, a total of 2,076 fish were reported landed, of which 317 were released. River conditions have varied greatly during the month due to storms such as Irene.  On September 7th, the flow spiked to 210 cubic meters/second, up from the 70 cubic meters/second that it had been  48 hours earlier and maintained.  During the last two weeks, flows have decreased very slowly which has provided June levels and water temperatures.  Angling results continue to outpace last season, with 623 more fish landed than to the same date in 2010.

Matane

As of September 24, 3,150 fish, 1,406 salmon and 1,744 grilse, had migrated through the fish ladder. This represents an increase of 930 fish compared to all of last season.  As of the Sept 24,  400 large salmon and 712 grilse were reported as landed.   However, only a few releases have been reported to date, but an accurate number on releases is available only at season’s end.  While water levels spiked with the tropical storm on September 6, the gradual decline in flow since has provided excellent water levels throughout the month. To date, the migration numbers are the best since 1987 when 3,707 fish were counted.  This also represents an impressive increase when compared with the last five-year average of 2,556 fish.

Bonaventure

To September 24,  1,163 large salmon had been landed and released for the season.  This is still ahead of last year. Grilse captures are also higher, up from 432 in 2010 to 695 in 2011.  The Bonaventure was hardest hit by high water earlier in the month, with extreme water conditions that peaked at 480 cubic meters/second and slowly dropped. The river was not fishable for almost seven days which affected the total numbers brought in to date.

Cascapedia

For the month of September, to September 23, the Cascapedia Society is reporting 214 fish landed, 204 salmon released and 10 grilse killed.  In total for the 2011 season, 2,679 fish have been landed and 88% were released. This has been an excellent season on the Grande and this is about to turn into a great spawning season. If conditions permit during the week to 10 days, an attempt will be made to do the in-river count.

Sainte-Anne

For the season, as of September 24 there were 428 large salmon reported released, compared to 349 for the comparable date in 2010.  The number of grilse landed has increased to 221 this year from 162 in 2010.  The Sainte-Anne has not been spared the high flows of early September.  The gap between current numbers and 2010 has narrowed due to these high water levels and the river being closed for a time. But the Atlantic salmon are there.

Dartmouth, St-Jean and York Rivers

As of September 24, these rivers had received more than their share of rain for the month – especially in that first week.  Once the waters slowed down, anglers enjoyed June levels and water temperatures.  This translated into very good angling conditions that should remain steady until season end at September 30th.  Bright fish are still entering the rivers and being landed at this time.

Sainte-Marguerite

The season ended on Sept. 15, and by that time 256 fish had been landed. The very extreme water conditions put a big damper on angling which translated into fewer fish being landed than in 2010. In-river counts reflect a different situation, with many more Atlantic salmon in the river to spawn and continue the life cycle of our most coveted sport fish.

New Brunswick

Miramichi – Conditions are ideal, with good river height and  perfect temperatures – cool but not really cold. All reports are talking about many fish in the pools. There are quite a number of reports of fish 20 lb. and up. Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbow Adventures notes there is certainly a higher proportion of large salmon this fall than in previous years – and conditions are ideal on all area rivers – NW Miramichi, Little Southwest and Main Southwest Miramichi. Derek at The Ledges noted that a guest on the evening of Sept. 28 connected with eight salmon in two hours. He also remarked on the higher number of large salmon this year, and the perfect conditions at the moment.

Maine

Penobscot – What a year for this great river, with 3,107 had returned at the Veazie Trap by Sept. 27. As a reminder, this is the best return of salmon since 1986 and one of the best returns in the past 40 years.

We are now seeing stories on the great runs of 2011, and speculation on the reasons for them. The Greenland Agreement brokered by ASF and its partners is having the desired effect on better runs of large salmon. The practice of live release is improving the returns to the spawning beds. In addition there may be other positive things happening in the ocean ecosystem, increasing food supply and improving the survival of Atlantic salmon at sea for this reason as well. In the rivers the cool summer with significant rainfall has kept water levels higher, and the salmon certainly benefit from that.

Overall, the excitement level has been high for anyone involved with Atlantic salmon.

 

 

Returns and Runs

Maine

Penobscot – The run continues to surprise, with more Atlantic salmon returning through the Veazie counting trap. As of Sept. 19, the total had reached 3,090.  It  certainly looks like we are headed for more than 3,100 soon.

New Brunswick

Upsalquitch – With 627 large salmon returned by Sep. 15, vs 274 in 2010 and a five year (2003 to 2007) average of 295, this has certainly been an amazing year on the river.  Depending on whether the run continues or not, it will either be the highest or second highest return since before 1996. Even grilse runs have seen positive growth this year, with 633 to Sep. 15, ahead of both last year’s 567, and the 2003 to 2007 average of 460.

Nepisiquit – With 617 large salmon counted by Sep. 15, this is another record year, nearly double the 379 of 2010 and more than six times the 2003 to 2007 average of 90.

Like the Upsalquitch, the Nepisiquit has seen good grilse returns, with 515 counted to Sep. 15, vs. 491 last year and a mere 94 as the 2003 to 2007 average.

Saint John – There is new hope with this great river, with 612 large salmon returned by Sep 15.  This  compares very favourably with 313 returns last year and 437 for the five-year average to 2007. Grilse returns continued to lag in a major way, with 922 to Sep. 15, far below last year’s great run of 2,226 but roughly on par with the 2003 to 2007 average of 1091.

Nashwaak – With 227 large salmon by Sep. 15 this is more than double the 91 returns of  last year and three times the five-year average (2003 to 2007). The grilse return of 396 to Sep. 15 echoes the proportional drop on the Saint John when compared to the 735 in 2010, but still compares favourably with the 2003 to 2007 average of 256.

Magaguadavic – As of Sep. 19,  10 large salmon, 8 grilse, and, unfortunately, 13 escapee farmed salmon were monitored at the counting facility. Note there was a rainbow trout attempting to enter the river as well – an alien species of concern.

Southwest Miramichi – While many of the rivers in Atlantic Canada and Maine have enjoyed high returns of large salmon, the Miramichi returns are actually lagging behind last year, but for both grilse and large salmon the runs are better than the five year averages. At the Millerton Barrier 627 returned by Sept. 15, slightly ahead of the 2003 to 2007 average of 608. By Sept. 15 there were 1831 grilse back, somewhat behind last year’s 2303, but roughly equal to the 2003 to 2007 average of 1868.

Northwest Miramichi – At the Northwest Protection Barrier there were 228 large salmon back by Sept. 15, ahead of the 157 for the 2003 to 2007 average. Grilse numbers are up – 708 this year compared with 459 for the 2003 to 2007 average.

Nova Scotia

LaHave – With 72 large salmon returned by Sep. 15 compared with 47 last year, and 278 grilse compared with 256 last year, the numbers have moved in a positive direction, but are still below the 2003 to 2007 average of 107 and 278 respectively – and far below numbers seen a few decades ago.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The counting facilities have shut down, with the last numbers posted early in September, and according to most sources the vast majority of salmon in the rivers by that time.

Humber – A local source notes the fishing has been good, with most of it this time of year in the lower Humber (not up at the falls). He mentioned that a friend had recently caught and released a 25 lb. salmon, and he knows of other fish recently in the 20 lb. range.

Water levels rose earlier in the week, but were back down by Friday.

 

Overall it has been another good year in Newfoundland, following 2010′s spectacular returns.

The Exploits, was off that very high return by about 10% at 41,415, and some other rivers like the Campbellton and the Terra Nova were actually above last year’s great returns. But on the south coast the Conne River is of concern, with only 1189, little more than half the 2006 to 2010 average. On the west coast, the Harry’s appeared to have a good run, but it cannot be compared to previous years due to new technology and a very different location. Still, to have 4,024 back is something to build on. Further up the west coast the runs of the Torrent are down by more than 30%, and are down on Western Arm Brook. There remains a concern about damage to Atlantic salmon caused by the fishway design, and this continues to be looked into. Talking to anglers and lodge owners, the runs close to the northern tip were quite robust this year.

In Labrador, the prize for “most improved” needs to go to the Sand Hill River, where the run increased from 1,975 last year to 9,535 this year. This is far above any average shown for past years.

 

This week water is as big a story as the Atlantic salmon. It should set things up nicely for September upstream migration of the fish, and encourage successful spawning of more Atlantic salmon later in the autumn. According to Environment Canada’s seasonal forecast, we should have a drier autumn than average. For those interested in the lives of Atlantic salmon, the conversation is so often whether there is too much or too little water.

In western New England, the Connecticut River has taken a major hit with Hurricane Irene, and the Salmon Restoration Program is just in the first stages of putting things right. Ken Sprankle, Executive Director of the Salmon Restoration Program, says they have lost about 50% of their broodstock. Staff at facilities like the White River Federal Hatchery are working to reduce the impacts of siltation in the water and presence of pathogens that could impact the remaining fish. He notes the staff are doing everything possible to reduce the stress levels of the Atlantic salmon.

In the streams, he notes that parr surveys of index sites had already started, and teams will be revisiting those locations to resample and assess how it will affect the parr densities in the streams. He remains optimistic on this. “I have seen major flooding in the past where you would wonder how the fish could survive, but they do,” says Sprankle.

Atlantic Salmon Runs and River Reports

Maine

Narraguagus – This downeast river has now reached 184, and while this is a small fraction of its historic runs, it is a satisfying increase, making it the best return in 20 years.

Other Maine Rivers – The Saco has 94, the Androscoggin 45, Kennebec 62, all as of Sept. 5th.

The Penobscot River, Veazie Trap count is 3,065 as of today. (Mon. Sept. 12) In the last 10 days we have handled 20 new Atlantic salmon and 11 recaptured salmon (salmon previously counted and released).  We typically see an increase in the numbers of  recaptures we handle at the trap as the season progresses.  Currently, grilse or 1 sea winter returns account for 24% of the run.

- above from Oliver Cox

New Brunswick

Miramichi – The lower stretch of the the Little Southwest Miramichi is too high to fish at the moment, as more rain came down in the past few days. But the Northwest Miramichi is fishing and parts of the Sevogle are good. Debbie Norton of Upper Oxbox Adventures notes the salmon they are seeing are generally extremely healthy and have been well fed at sea, a general characteristic of the fish this year.

Barrier numbers are in for Aug. 31., and the numbers could be higher. On the Northwest Miramichi there was a return of 209 large salmon, vs. 253 in 2010, although the numbers certainly hold up against the five year average (2003-2007) of 151. For grilse, there were 633 vs 647 last year, but better than the five year average of 151.

The Times Transcript newspaper is noting the high water, and rightly warns all anglers to take extra safety precautions in these conditions.

Restigouche – There has been a real increase in large Atlantic salmon returning to these rivers, as noted in the barrier counts. As of Sep. 8 numbers are still not posted for the Aug. 31 update, however. Anecdotal information is certainly exciting. This note from Mark Ramsay of Larry’s Gulch is worth reading – especially since all fish were released:

“The last party in did well, they helped break the 800 number with a total for summer of 801 being landed!  This doesn’t include the lost.  Also as one guest put it on Friday noon when I announced it, “All were released”. What a feat for the Restigouche Watershed!  This is our biggest season going back to 1934 as far as we can tell or verify!”

Saint John – The large salmon numbers are truly encouraging this year, with 593 counted at Mactaquac as of Aug. 31, vs. 313 in 2010 and the five year average (2003-2007) of 430. However grilse numbers have taken a significant tumble from 2010, with 909 this year vs. 2224 in 2010. Still, it is reasonably close to the five year average of 1080.

Nashwaak – These numbers for Atlantic salmon are encouraging – 226 in 2011 to Aug. 31 against 313 last year and 53 for the five year average. For grilse, the same trend of a decline from last year – 391 in 2011 vs. 731 in 2010, but still above the five year average of 229.

Magaguadavic – The count is 9 large salmon so far, which is heartening, considering that none came back last year, and only a single large salmon in 2009. The grilse return was 8 to Aug. 31 vs 11 last year, but with this river having so few returning salmon, each one counts.

Nova Scotia

Unlike most other areas, Nova Scotia is looking for more rain. The fish passage at Morgan Falls on the LaHave remains closed. According to staff, the water has come up a bit on the northern branch, but still things are too warm and low flow to do anything.

 

 

Québec

Matapedia

To September 5th for the season, a total of 2,021 Atlantic salmon had been landed, of which 281 were released.  River conditions have changed dramatically, with vastly increased flows, following Hurricane Irene. As of September 7th, the flow had increased to 2103 cubic meters/second from 703 cubic meters/second just 48 hours previously.  Obviously, angling will slow down during the next week until levels drop. Overall, angling results continue to outpace last season, with 762 more salmon landed  compared to the same date in 2010.

Matane

As of September 4th, 3,082 fish had migrated (1,385 salmon and 1,697 grilse) through the fish ladder. This represents an increase of 862 fish compared with all last season.  As of Sept. 4th, 379 salmon and 672 grilse were landed by official tallies.   Only a few releases have been reported to date, and an accurate number for releases will need to wait for season’s end.  Water levels spiked considerably on September 6th.  Over a period of only 18 hours, the flows skyrocketed from 603 cubic meters/second to 2003 cubic meters/second.  It is to be expected that angling success will slow considerably for the next week.

Bonaventure

In total for the season, to September 4th, 1,078 salmon had been landed and released, somewhat ahead of last year. Grilse captures are also higher – up from 403 in 2010 to 678 in 2011. As of September 7th, angling conditions are rated as hazardous and will not improve much until flows diminish.  As of September 6th at midnight, the Bonaventure was flowing at 803 cubic meters/second and one day later at 4703 cubic meters/second – nearly a 6-fold increase.

Cascapedia

From beginning to end of August, the Cascapedia Society is reporting 465 fish landed, 408 confirmed releases (88%) and a mix of 57 salmon and grilse killed during the month.  In total for the 2011 season, 2,460 fish have been landed (1,240 more landed compared to 2010) with 2,376 released, giving a 96.5% release rate.  As of September 6th, the Cascapedia was in the midst of the second extreme water flow increase in 10 days.  The flow ballooned from 503 cubic meters/second to 2703 cubic meters/second within 24 hours.  Mandatory live release of all salmon resumed on September 1st.

Sainte-Anne

For the season to September 4th, 393 salmon had been reported released compared to 304 at the comparable date in 2010.  The number of grilse landed increased to 201 from 113 in 2010.  The Sainte-Anne has not been spared the recent torrents of water that has fallen on the Gaspé.  On September 6th, within 12 hours, the flow increased from 303 meters/second to 1203 meters/second.  Needless to say this will curtail angling for a number of days.

Dartmouth, St-Jean and York Rivers

Extreme increases in flows were recorded recently.  For the Dartmouth, in less than 12 hours the flow increased from 253 cubic meters/second to 1603 cubic meters/second.  Within the same time frame, the York went from 253 cubic meters/second to 1153 cubic meters/second.  Angling has slowed, to say the least.  Ann Smith of Quebec Sporting stated that anglers were fishing in “June conditions” just before the heavy downpour.  Conditions most likely will remain that way until season’s end on September 30th.

Sainte-Marguerite

For the season to September 2nd, 246 fish had been landed, with 183 salmon released and 63 grilse retained. Continuing the trend for the 2011 season, these numbers represent 126 more fish landed than during the entire 2010 season.

Unfortunately, it is time to put the fly rod down for a while.  On September 5th, the river was flowing at 503 cubic meters/second and as of September 6th was at 1203 cubic meters/second.  This is the second extreme flow increase in the last 10 days.

Newfoundland

Water levels have improved somewhat in central Newfoundland. No new fishway reports.