Notice to Recreational Anglers

Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
Gulf Region

Temporary closure of Salmon pools on the Miramichi River

Moncton, New Brunswick – July 18, 2019 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) wishes to inform the public that 27 salmon fishing pools will be closed to angling for all species of fish, due to high water temperature. This closure will start Friday, July 19, 2019 and will remain in place until conditions improve, as per the warm water protocol in place.

Details on the salmon pools closed to angling in the Miramichi system in times of warm water

Atlantic salmon is a cold water species. During times of warm waters, Atlantic salmon experience temperature-related stress or exhaustion, which can cause death. Research has shown that when the minimum water temperature stays above 20°C, Atlantic salmon struggle to recover from stressful events and can experience elevated rates of mortality. As such, a warm water protocol has been developed by DFO in cooperation with partners, to address the harmful effects of catch and release angling in times of warm waters. The protocol uses established temperature thresholds to guide angling restrictions. When the water temperature in the Southwest Miramichi River reaches established thresholds, a consultation process between DFO and partners is triggered in order to either restrict angling or lift restrictions depending on the case.

Details on the salmon pools closed to angling in the Miramichi system in times of warm water

Please also note that the following salmon pools have been closed since July 1^st, and will remain closed until December 31, 2019:

• Confluence of Sutherland Brook and Northwest Miramichi River, including the waters of Sutherland Brook upstream to the Highway 420;
• Waters of the Southwest Miramichi River in Quarryville, 300 m upstream and 300 m downstream of the Quarryville Bridge, including Indian Town Brook from its confluence with the Southwest Miramichi River, upstream to Highway 108 bridge;
• Confluence of Wilson Brook and Southwest Miramichi River, including the waters of Wilson Brook 100 m upstream of its mouth, an area locally known as the Bear Den;

Please refer to Gulf Variation Order 2019-063 for further details. The Orders Registry is available online at:

Orders Registry - Order summaries for existing fisheries

To report any suspicious fishing activity, please contact the nearest Conservation and Protection detachment in the Gulf Region or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

For more information on this fishery, please contact:

Frédéric Butruille
Regional Senior Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Gulf Region
Moncton, New Brunswick
(506) 851-7358