Your monthly resource for MSA conservation updates, Miramichi watershed information, upcoming MSA events, and much more.

Since 1953, the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) has worked toward the preservation and enhancement of Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi River. With strength in numbers, the MSA continues to build its membership to support our conservation efforts. We encourage you, if not already a member, to please join us.

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Vol. 75 October 2024

President's Update

By Butch Dalton

Dear Members and Supporters,

As we move into fall, we have an exciting lineup of events and initiatives that reflect the continued momentum in our mission to conserve the Atlantic salmon.

First, our Fredericton Fundraising Dinner is just around the corner on October 3rd. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to come together with fellow supporters to raise vital funds for our conservation efforts. Shortly after, we will gather once again for the Saint John Dinner on October 23rd. Both dinners are critical to our annual fundraising success, and I encourage everyone to attend.

On the virtual front, don’t forget about our Carleton County Christmas Online Auction launching at the end of November. This online auction is a great opportunity to bid on fantastic items while contributing to our conservation work. Every bid goes a long way toward conserving and protecting salmon populations on the Miramichi.

MSA is also pleased to share the latest Miramichi River Stories video, which features Brad Burns. Brad’s dedication to the Atlantic salmon and our shared cause shines through in this insightful video, and I encourage everyone to give it a watch. Brad is also the 2024 honouree at this year's Saint John Dinner.

We are thrilled to announce that Fredericton has officially proclaimed October 3rd as Atlantic Salmon Conservation Day, thanks to Her Worship Mayor Kate Rogers. This acknowledgment is a testament to the importance of our mission and the growing recognition of the need to protect and revitalize Atlantic salmon and their habitat. We are deeply grateful for the support from the city of Fredericton.

Additionally, we are eagerly looking forward to the Bud Bird Award in Salmon Conservation ceremony, which will take place at the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre on October 3rd. This prestigious award is our way of recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to salmon conservation, and it will be a wonderful occasion.

As part of our ongoing fry stocking program, we are set to begin collecting broodstock in early-October. This process is crucial for ensuring a healthy supply of salmon fry for our river ecosystems. Spawning broodstock is a labour-intensive endeavor that requires careful attention and dedication.

We invite volunteers to join us during this important period. Your support is invaluable, and participating in this process offers a unique opportunity to learn more about salmon conservation and the vital role of the hatchery.

Volunteering during broodstock collection and spawning not only helps us achieve our goals but also fosters a sense of community around the shared mission of preserving Atlantic salmon populations. Whether you have prior experience or are new to this work, we welcome anyone passionate about making a difference. Together, we can contribute to the health of the Miramichi River and ensure the future of its salmon population. Join us in this rewarding effort! See below for a link to volunteer.

For those participating in our photo contest, a reminder that submissions will close on October 15th. We’ve seen some fantastic entries so far and can’t wait to see what more comes in before the deadline!

At the heart of all these efforts is our shared goal to conserve and protect the Atlantic salmon of the Miramichi. As always, we rely on the continued support of our community to make this happen. Whether through attending our events, participating in auctions, or spreading the word, your contributions make all the difference.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to preserving this iconic species and its habitat.

William (Butch) Dalton

MSA President

MSA Autumn Dinner & Auction

in Saint John, NB

Purchase your tickets today!

Join us for the MSA Autumn Dinner & Auction on Wednesday, October 23rd, at the Delta Brunswick Square in historic Saint John, NB. The evening will kick off with a reception and silent auction at 5:30 PM followed by dinner at 7:00 PM.

We are delighted to honour Brad Burns, a dedicated MSA Director and current President of MSA US, for his outstanding contributions to the Miramichi Atlantic salmon community.

With over 50 years of passion for Atlantic salmon, striped bass, brook trout, and other game fish, Brad has been an unwavering advocate for fishery conservation. His extensive expertise has greatly benefited organizations such as the Coastal Conservation Association, the Miramichi Salmon Association, and the Atlantic Salmon Federation. Brad’s dedication has earned him recognition from esteemed organizations, including The Federation of Fly Fishers, the Fisherman’s Conservation Association of New York, and Sage Fly Rods, among others. He is also the author of several well-regarded fishing books, including two focused on Miramichi salmon fishing: On the Cains and Closing the Season.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Brad’s exceptional work in conservation and his steadfast commitment to preserving Atlantic salmon and the Miramichi watershed. It promises to be an evening of celebration, connection, and shared dedication to our cause. We hope to see you there!

Saint John Dinner Tickets

Saint John Dinner Auction Preview

Miramichi River Stories

Episode 20 - Brad Burns

Storyteller Brad Burns shares the tale of his past and the origins of his journey and passion for fly fishing.

His transition from angling to writing, his dedication to conservation, and the shared enthusiasm for the sport are all part of his captivating narrative.

Last Call for Fredericton Dinner Tickets!!

Don't miss out! The MSA Fredericton Dinner & Auction is just around the corner, and this is your last chance to secure tickets. Join us for an unforgettable evening of camaraderie and conservation in support of Atlantic salmon.

We have an exciting auction lineup this year, including exclusive trips to Rocky Brook Camp and Millbrook Lodge, along with a host of other incredible items that are sure to catch your eye.

Seats are limited, so act fast! Be part of an event that makes a real difference in our river’s future.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Last Call for Tickets

Fredericton Dinner Auction Preview

"Atlantic Salmon Conservation Day"

in Fredericton

October 3rd, 2024

The Miramichi Salmon Association, in collaboration with the University of New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Salmon Council, is thrilled to announce the celebration of "Atlantic Salmon Conservation Day" in Fredericton on October 3rd. This special occasion was established by a proclamation from Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers and is dedicated to promoting and advancing the conservation of Atlantic salmon.

The day will commence with the presentation of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation, bestowed by the NB Salmon Council to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation of this iconic species. In the afternoon, we will proudly introduce the inaugural Bud Bird Award in Salmon Conservation, recognizing outstanding efforts by individuals or organizations dedicated to salmon conservation. Additionally, we will announce the recipient of the Bud and Peggy Bird Scholarship, which supports the next generation of conservationists. The day will culminate with the MSA Fredericton Dinner & Auction, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and further support our collective mission.

As we navigate increasingly challenging circumstances for Atlantic salmon, the need for conservation efforts has never been more urgent. This day will not only celebrate our achievements but also serve as a call to action, encouraging us all to strengthen our commitment to protecting and preserving the Atlantic salmon and its habitat.

Women’s Fly Fishing Retreat Participants visit the MSCC

A wonderful group of ladies from the 2nd Annual Women’s Fly Fishing Retreat, hosted by Country Haven Miramichi, recently had the opportunity to tour the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre. Led by our Hatchery Manager, Holly Labadie, the group gained an in-depth understanding of the critical work we do in raising and releasing juvenile salmon, and how our efforts contribute to the long-term conservation of Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi River.

It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved, as the participants not only deepened their knowledge of salmon conservation but also saw firsthand how our hatchery plays a pivotal role in replenishing salmon stocks. We want to extend special thanks to Ian Cavanagh and Tyler Coughlan for joining the tour and sharing their insights into the importance of sustainable practices in our watershed.

These types of educational tours are crucial for spreading awareness about the ongoing challenges facing the Atlantic salmon and how community support is essential to the success of our conservation programs. We are grateful to everyone who participated and look forward to future opportunities to engage with such passionate individuals.

Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest

October 15th - Final Day to Submit Photos

Have you captured stunning photos this summer while exploring the Miramichi River and its beautiful surroundings? If so, why not showcase your talent by entering the Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest? Organized by the Miramichi Salmon Association, this annual contest is open to photographers of all skill levels and runs until October 15th.

Whether you're an amateur or a seasoned photographer, we encourage you to participate! The contest features several exciting categories, including Miramichi People, Angling, Miramichi Scenes, and Kids, giving everyone a chance to share their unique perspective of the Miramichi region.

This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the beauty of the river and its communities while contributing to the shared story of our cherished environment. Remember, the deadline for submissions is October 15th—so don’t wait, submit your photos today! We can't wait to see the incredible images you’ve captured!

Our 2024 Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest prize package is sponsored by:

Bates Custom Laminating and Framing

1st Place - $250

2nd Place - $150

3rd Place - $75

4th Place - $25

Submit Your Photos

Last Miramichi Salmon of the Season

Submitted by Brad Burns, MSA US President

There’s a unique charm to both the first salmon caught in spring and the last ones hooked in autumn as the fishing season comes to a close. The Miramichi Salmon Association aims to honour those anglers each year who demonstrate the initiative and perseverance to make the most of these “shoulders of the season” fishing times with a special certificate.

Long-time MSA supporter, artist Luther Hall from Mystic, CT, has generously donated an original painting of a chrome-bright Atlantic salmon for the First Bright Salmon of the Season award. In 2024, this award was won by Dr. Jake Swan, who was fishing from his camp in Blissfield.

Additionally, talented NY artist John Rice has contributed an original painting of a fall-colored cock salmon specifically for the Last Salmon of the Season award. A copy of the blank fall certificate is attached, ready to be filled out with your name!

The rules for participation are simple: just email a digital photo of your catch to admin@miramichisalmon.ca. We’ll extract the time and date from the photo’s properties to determine the winner. While we expect a good number of fish to be caught on October 15, 2024, we encourage anglers to start sending in their photos a few days in advance. We will also accept photos for a couple of days after the season closes, as the date will be verified by the camera’s timestamp. There’s no entry fee, and any size adult salmon is eligible to win.

We hope this initiative encourages everyone to keep fishing, even into the twilight of that last, moody October 15th evening!

Call for Volunteers

Spawning Season

As part of the Miramichi Salmon Association's ongoing fry stocking program, we are preparing to head to the river to collect broodstock for our traditional fry stocking efforts. This crucial step ensures we have healthy, robust salmon to contribute to our local populations.

In addition to this, we will also be engaging in our novel fry stocking program, where we will be spawning adult salmon that we have successfully raised at the hatchery from smolts.

The MSA hatchery has a proud history of producing fry for stocking in the Miramichi for over 150 years. This remarkable legacy underscores our commitment to conservation and the importance of sustainable practices in preserving this iconic species. We recognize that healthy salmon populations are integral to the ecological balance of our rivers and the broader environment.

Our fry stocking initiatives are not just about numbers; they represent our dedication to maintaining vibrant and resilient Atlantic salmon populations. We are proud of our significant history and the role we play in ensuring the health of our rivers, and we invite the community to join us in this important work. Together, we can help secure a bright future for Atlantic salmon and their habitats. If you are interested in volunteering during spawning season, please click the link below to send an email with the dates you are available to volunteer.

Volunteer Today

Foundation for the Conservation

of Atlantic Salmon

Inter-Provincial Atlantic Salmon Partnership Symposium

Learn More

Board of Directors Meeting

MSA Directors are are reminded of the upcoming Miramichi Salmon Association Board of Directors Meeting on November 16th, 2024. The meeting will take place at the Freeport Hilton Garden Inn, located in Freeport, Maine.

This is an important opportunity for us to discuss ongoing initiatives, review our progress, and plan for the future of our organization. Your insights and contributions are invaluable to our mission.

Details of the Meeting: