Fishing closed on sections of Miramichi, Restigouche and Nepisiguit river programs
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) introduced the closure of fishing on many of the Miramichi, Restigouche and Nepisiguit river programs due to current scorching climate.
29 salmon swimming pools on the Miramichi river system will probably be closed to leisure anglers till additional discover.
The Nepisiguit River from the Freeway 11 Bridge at Bathurst upstream to Nepisiguit Falls dam will solely be open for 5 hours within the morning, from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. day by day.
The Restigouche river system at Morrissey Rock upstream to the junction with Kedgwick River can have the identical 5 hour restrict day by day, closing at 11 a.m.
Water temperatures had been greater than 20 C for greater than two consecutive nights this week, which pressured a brief ban on fishing within the swimming pools, stated Robyn McCallum, president of the Miramichi Salmon Affiliation.
Salmon thrive in cool temperatures, she stated, so they may collect in smaller pockets of chilly water in scorching climate, the place they’re notably susceptible to fishing actions.
“It’s because when salmon face actually excessive water temperatures, they turn out to be stressed and so we wish to shield chilly water areas or refuge.”
Whereas closures and re-openings are frequent in the summertime months, McCallum stated 2022 has been a greater yr.
“Final summer season, there have been many extra closures than we’re experiencing this yr. We have been fairly lucky with cooler temperatures and excessive water quantity that these closures have been a lot much less frequent.”
Alex Swartman, a leisure angler and YouTuber, typically goes to the Miramichi River to fish and movie movies for his channel.
“I can not do the factor that I really like probably the most, which is fly fish for Atlantic salmon, however I wish to see as a lot safety for the fish as doable.”
Though he will not be capable to fish, he nonetheless goes to the river for mountaineering and tenting throughout closures.
“The DFO solely has so many conservation officers so that they want the general public and the leisure fishermen to assist out as nicely to keep watch over the river.”
McCallum stated rain within the forecast may convey water temperatures down.
“So there’s potential for chilly water swimming pools to reopen once more later this week. However we’ll have to attend till we see these temperatures and comply with protocol,” stated McCallum.
Restrictions will stay in place till circumstances enhance, in accordance with the discover from DFO.
