Special Note: Doug will be at Chapters Books Store in Fredericton this Saturday, May 12, from noon until 2 p.m. to sign copies of Salmon Country and his other works. Drop by to chat or to get your copy signed.

Miramichi – We are now approaching the “in-between” season as the last of spring salmon is winding down, and the brights haven’t yet arrived. There are some reports of trout, although most say they are black trout. There are hordes of smelt in some areas and lots of bass to contend with.

W. W. Doak and Sons in Doaktown said spring salmon angling was quietly winding down, but there were still salmon and grilse around, with some reported in the Boiestown area last weekend. However, they are tougher to catch. There have been reports of some black trout. Water conditions were good.

Flies of choice were Muddlers, and Mickey Finn and Black Ghost streamer patterns for trout.

MIRAMICHI – We turn the page to another month in our fishing calendar, and with May comes many expectations. There are still decent numbers of spring salmon around, trout season for rivers and streams has opened and lakes will be open May 15. There are fiddleheads to be picked, and the bright salmon should be starting up some rivers by mid to late May. So get your outdoor chores done so you can be ready when the opportunity presents itself.

MIRAMICHI – We turn the page to another month in our fishing calendar, and with May comes many expectations. There are still decent numbers of spring salmon around, trout season for rivers and streams has opened and lakes will be open May 15. There are fiddleheads to be picked, and the bright salmon should be starting up some rivers by mid to late May. So get your outdoor chores done so you can be ready when the opportunity presents itself.

As we head into the second week of the season, there is no shortage of water. Foul weather (or should I say ‘FOWL weather, as most say it’s great weather for ducks when it’s raining) certainly has brought the rivers up and in many cases, even over their banks. But that aside, the rain was needed, not only for the rivers, but for wells and fire-prevention. Bottom line is it certainly gave the rivers a good cleaning as I saw a lot of debris floating by on Wednesday. So generally speaking, today or by the weekend the water should clear and anglers will be back in numbers if we don’t get any more precipitation.

The printed angling regulations are now available, so check where ever you bought your license, or drop into a DNR office.

Trout season for the Miramichi drainage begins on rivers, brooks and streams on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, while lakes do not open until May 15.

As we head into the second week of the season, there is no shortage of water. Foul weather (or should I say ‘FOWL weather, as most say it’s great weather for ducks when it’s raining) certainly has brought the rivers up and in many cases, even over their banks. But that aside, the rain was needed, not only for the rivers, but for wells and fire-prevention. Bottom line is it certainly gave the rivers a good cleaning as I saw a lot of debris floating by on Wednesday. So generally speaking, today or by the weekend the water should clear and anglers will be back in numbers if we don’t get any more precipitation.

The printed angling regulations are now available, so check where ever you bought your license, or drop into a DNR office.

Trout season for the Miramichi drainage begins on rivers, brooks and streams on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, while lakes do not open until May 15.