We brought his excellent operation on board in 2008, and they have proven every year since then to be very successful – and they also are fun people to work with. They have quite a variety, ranging from excellent black bear hunting in spring and fall, to Atlantic salmon fishing spring through fall, to superb striped bass fishing, to good bird hunting too! AND THERE IS A TWO BEAR LIMIT!!!!
Their spring bear success is normally about 90% to 100%, and the fall hunts are equally productive, and you may be able to include some grouse hunting and striper fishing.
Their striped bass fishing is WORLD CLASS! Very new- very untapped! Days of 50 to 100 fish are not unheard of! Spin fish, troll, and we suspect even fly fishing may prove fun. Stripers run 5 to 40 pounds, with most in the 8 to 20 pound class! This is the only breeding area for stripers in that province, so about 300,000 of them flock here in LATE MAY AND JUNE.
Atlantic salmon fishing (flies only, catch and release) can be excellent, or not, but that is the nature of Atlantics! Sea-run trout are also a possibility and can reach 10 pounds. BIG NEWS: In 2014 they upped the bear limit to 2 bears! But you must book both bears initially to get the good price and secure tags.
BEAR HUNTING
These folks have been at or close to 100% success on bears for many years. With a two bear limit, you can shoot the first good bear you see and then hold out for a bruiser on the second tag. They maintain many bait stations; far more than needed. The main Lodge was built in 2000, of peeled cedar logs, with a gorgeous stone fireplace, 7 bedrooms, two bathrooms and a view of the River.. The Miramichi River is right in front of the lodge, so a hot shower, and then sitting on the porch with a cold beer, is a fine relaxing time. Their second Lodge was built in 2005 and has 5 bedrooms,two baths and an open veranda to sit outside on. Clean and well kept!
THEY VERY RARELY HAVE ANYONE GO HOME WITHOUT A BEAR! Bears will average between 5 to 6.5 feet, meaning nice mature bears in the 175-250 pound range, and some much larger. We like the surroundings here, the nearby river and forest, the comfort and the food! Friendly folks, nice lodging, good food, fishing out the front door, and plenty of bears, and very close to the eastern seaboard. And all this at an incredibly reasonable price.
They maintain many bait stations, and their methods are time proven and work well. Clients consistently see bears here. And they constantly are on the lookout for hot new bait locations. Stands are usually metal stands or ground blinds. Their guides are top notch as well. On your arrival day you will get a light lunch and of course dinner. Breakfast is from 7 to 8 AM; then you should really try that striper fishing, until the afternoon hunt time. Usually the main meal is mid-day around 2pm, then off to your stand. On return AT NIGHT there will be sandwiches and various snacks. Hunter orange or orange camo must be worn, visible from all sides with a vest and hat.
SEASONS: Peak Spring action is mid May to Mid-June. Actual Spring bear season for gun or bow is Apr 16 to June 30. The Fall season bow only is Sept 25-30; and gun or bow is Sept 1 to Nov 4.
LICENSES: Bear license (one bear per license, max of 2 tags) $184.19 per tag. Kids can hunt at age 16 in the company of an adult. Non-resident hunters may acquire Black Bear Licenses in through a designated, licensed outfitter or guide who has received an allocation of Black Bear Licenses.
Note: YOU MUST ALSO REGISTER FOR A NEW BRUNSWICK OUTDOORS CARD AT: (Click this)
Copy of hunting regulations: (Check PDF)
Spring bear is also prime striped bass fishing time and salmon may be around too! So a cast and blast can be done! Spring bear usually starts mid-April and runs to the end of June. One thing: spring in the North is bug season. This means insect repellent, gloves and face masks, but buy and bring along a ThermaCell as well – they are amazing at keeping you bug free! About $35 last we looked.
Fall bear is normally less buggy, and success is about the same as spring (meaning high), and you have the advantage of adding in a day or two of grouse hunting or fishing. Fall fishing is fly rods only and salmon season is roughly September 1 to October 15; bear season for gun is September 1 through to the beginning of November; fall bow season is the last week of September; bird season (ruffed grouse and woodcock) opens the beginning of October – just walk the roads!
STRIPED BASS FISHING
You can Striped bass fish from April 15 to October 31. But prime time is tee spawning run that starts in mid- May through June in general. At that time of year it is estimated that 300,000 striped bass invade the tidal waters of the Miramichi River, a major spawning area for Stripers. Catches of 50 to 100 fish in a day are not unusual, but let’s be conservative and call it 20 or more. Daily limit is three stripers, which can be a lot of poundage of some delicious fish! There are so many stripers that they are almost a nuisance, devouring everything in their path ,including salmon smolt. WE WOULD LOVE SOME ADVENTUROUS CLIENTS TO EXPLORE THIS FISHERY AND TRY FLY RODDING AS WELL AS USING CONVENTIONAL TACKLE!
If fishing tidal waters, no fishing license is needed. Common sizes for these stripers are from 8 to 20 pounds, but many larger fish are also caught- reaching up to 40 pounds! The outfitter has aluminum skiffs with 25 horsepower motors and you will troll and cast for the fish. Currently most of the fishing is done by trolling or casting- that tends to produce the 30 plus pound fish. Many years ago Butch recalls trolling the Hudson River Spring spawning runs of stripers, using deep diving stick baits and just hammering big stripers. Gotta wonder what this area would produce?!! And you can do this fishing trip, complete with boats, motors guide and lodging- for only a bit over $2,000 per man!! Awesome.
SALMON FISHING
This is a real Miramichi River salmon fishing camp. Currently, almost one-third of all two-winter Atlantic salmon (meaning 2 years in salt water) that are migrating to North American rivers were spawned in the Miramichi River system. Truly, this river is a world treasure, but it gives up its salmon reluctantly. SPRING AND FALL FISHING FOR SALMON IS BASICALLY FLY FISHING ONLY – although there is some trout fishing you can do with barbless lures; and there is some early spring fly trolling that anyone to do, and some good striped bass fishing as well. Stripers are caught by trolling, and 20 to 40 fish a day is very possible, in the 5- to 30-pound range (you may keep 3). But if you tag your bear early (good chance), the fishing will keep you busy! (BUTCH NOTE: Low water in recent years has meant that the salmon fishing has been very slow, but that’s Atlantic salmon fishing! But the striper fishing is world class!!!!!
New Brunswick’s famed Miramichi River needs no introduction to most fishermen. The river hosts generally a very strong run and solid population of Atlantic salmon. Fishing is good most of the year, with kelts or “black salmon” being caught in April and May (fish that spawned in fall, wintered over, and are feeding heavily as they drift back to saltwater).
The early spring Salmon fishery (before bear season) is more in the nature of a boat fishery (trolling flies), so even a non-fly fisherman should be comfortable hauling flies behind the boat. Dates of the run back downstream for Atlantics (fish that have spawned and are returning) vary widely from year to year, but figure early to mid-April to early May. Mature adult Atlantic salmon spawn in the fall and over-winter in the river. In spring, after the ice melts, the kelts feed heavily on smelt and migrate out of the river between ice out and the end of May. After that begins the regular runs, and what follows is a general guide.
Around late May and early June, fresh silvery Atlantics start returning. At that time you will catch both mature Atlantics and also the smaller immature grilse. THIS TIME OF YEAR MEANS FLY FISHING ONLY FOR SALMON . However stripers have no such restriction! From April 15 to June 1, the salmon guide ratio is 1:1. Five to 10 salmon days are not unusual. And it is also excellent bear hunting at the same time. If you are not a fly fisherman, they will take you downstream for spin fishing for striped bass. You can spin fish for the striped bass and sea run trout using barbless hooks. THREE STRIPERS IS THE LIMIT. Striper fishing is usually very good to superb, and fish can exceed 30 pounds.
Summer and fall salmon fishing starts to get good around the last week of June and lasts through the summer. This lodge is located on the Main Southwest Miramichi River and sits literally on the famous Quarryville Pool. The high fish catch numbers for this Miramichi salmon pool can be backed up by the province’s salmon counts, which can be found online. Data from the Southwest Millerton trap net is indicative of what goes to your doorstep (Quarryville Pool). Notice that it consistently has one of the highest (if not the highest) salmon counts in New Brunswick. From June 2 on, the guide ratio is 3:1, and you will be fly casting. Salmon fishing rivers utilized by the lodge include the Main Southwest Miramichi River, the Renous River and the Bartholomew River.
LODGING: There are two main accommodations. The Main Lodge (aka “the big camp)”, overlooks the Main Southwest Miramichi River with a large veranda to relax on. It was built in 2000, has 7 bedrooms sleeping 14, a large open plan living and dining room with 14’ stone fireplace, two bathrooms, and full kitchen. The walls are adorned with trophy bucks, moose, bear hides, and more – there is no mistaking that you are staying at an outfitters lodge. It’s a great talk-piece.
“The New Camp” was built in 2005 and has 5 bedrooms sleeping 12, full kitchen, combined living and dining room and two bathrooms. Located a bit further back from the river, it’s not river view, but has lots of space and a veranda. The river is still handy (a stone’s throw away) and accessible.
When staying with them your towels, face clothes, linen, dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and barbeque with propane are provided.
GETTING THERE
This trip is an easy drive for many folks in the eastern US. Heck of a deal too! Realize that many guys spend $4000 and more to fly fish for Atlantic Salmon! Also good striped bass fishing with spin gear. And with great high success bear hunting also available, you have all your needs in one place!
TRAVEL:
Fly to either Fredericton or Moncton, NB. Airport pickup and return is $150 per person. Or drive. Remember, you must work with us to get your Canadian gun permit – a very simple procedure; we have done it many times! Cost is $25 last time we looked. You will also need to register and obtain an Outdoors Card.
GUN IMPORT PERMIT : YOU MUST SECURE A GUN IMPORT PERMIT TO BRING IN YOUR FIREARMS. IT IS EASY AND SIMPLE AND COSTS ONLY $25. GO TO THIS LINK IN ADVANCE TO GET IT: (Click this)DO NOT SIGN THE FORM UNTIL IN FRONT OF THEM!
OUTDOORS CARD: The process is relatively easy –BUT YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE OF YOUR TRIP! New Brunswick now has a new requirement similar to those in many US States- you MUST register and show proof of firearms safety.
GO TO THIS LINK: (Click this) . This is called your Outdoors Card. Do this as soon as you book your hunt, as it may take a few weeks to arrive through the mail. Also take along some sort of hunting licenses from your home or jurisdiction with name and address on it. Look at Proof of Hunter Education (see below)
License costs (approx.): Bear: $163 plus tax. Outfitter will assist; you supply the info for licenses. Salmon fishing license: 3 day $61 plus tax; 7 day $115 plus tax. The outfitter will need a copy of your driver’s licenses, and a New Brunswick Outdoors Card.
Hunter Education
• All gun hunters born on or after January 1, 1981, and all first-time gun hunters must complete a Firearm Safety/Hunter Education course, somewhere- usually your home state..
• Gun hunters who were born previous to January 1, 1981, and who are not first-time hunters, may show a previous hunting license as proof of experience.
• All persons younger than 16 must show proof of having taken a firearm safety and hunter education course, and be accompanied by an adult while hunting.
• All bowhunters and crossbow hunters must complete a recognized stand-alone Bow Hunter Education course or have proof of a previous hunting license allowing use of a bow or crossbow.
• Firearm Safety/Hunter Education and Bow Hunter Education certificates from other provinces, territories and the U.S. are accepted.
Hunter Orange From September 1 to December 31,ALL hunters MUST wear a fluorescent hunter orange jacket OR vest AND a hat of solid fluorescent hunter orange Jackets, vests and hats must be visible from all directions
SALMON SEASONS (approx.) Spring salmon – Mid-April to early June (guide ratio then is 1×1; flies only)
Summer-run – early June to mid-October (guide ratio 3×1; FLY FISHING ONLY)
PRICES 2024(subject to change without notice)
BEAR HUNTING:
5 Days, Spring or Fall – $3,200 for 1 bear, $4,200 for 2 bears
Airport pickup $150; bear license $184 CAD per tag.
½ day fishing $200 approx.
Observers $100/night
STRIPED BASS OR SALMON FISHING
5 DAYS, 6 NIGHTS W/ GUIDING, MEALS AND LODGING — ONLY $2500
OR:
JUST LODGING with a FISHING GUIDE W/BOAT AND MOTOR, DO YOUR OWN MEALS ETC $350/DAY/PERSON
OR:
LODGING BUT NO GUIDES, ALL DO IT YOURSELF — $125/DAY/PERSON
TAX OF 15% WILL BE ADDED TO ALL HUNTING AND FISHING RATES AND LICENSES/TAGS.
BEAR EQUIPMENT NOTES FROM BUTCH: We Strongly suggest good bug protection, especially for sitting for the bears. Black flies AND skeeters can be obnoxious. Buy and bring a Thermacell with refills. About $40 last time we bought one—but worth its weight in gold! All the major retailers sell them. Face nets, gloves too. Raingear too. Choice of gun or bow and ammunition, rain gear, sunglasses, hunting gear, mix of warm and light clothing that you can layer.
Remember, ask us for the Canadian gun import forms. Very simple- honestly! ( But– If you ever had a felony or serious arrest, or a DUI or drug problem- talk to us before booking. You will need to go through some procedures that can take several months to complete.) Otherwise it is a piece of cake- about $25 and 5 minutes!
For the bear license, the lodge will need your name, address, telephone number and birth date. They usually also need a Firearms Safety Card (NRA) or bring along a current hunting license from elsewhere. They will take you to get your licenses, once you arrive. We understand that US Passports are required. Get applications from Post Office- takes some time! You will also need a US Customs form 4457- again easy and no cost to obtain. It simply is proof of ownership from US Customs. Mandatory basically! Go to nearest US Customs office – bring gun along.
“Excellent outfitter. Camp was clean and well run. Guides, both hunting and fishing, were very professional. Glenn maintains a large number of active bait sites with metal ladder tree stands. They were very accommodating to me as a bowhunter. Both my son and I killed bears. My son saw eight and I saw two. Our bears were in the 200 – 250 lb range. Hides were nice – dark black with little to no rubbing. Another hunter in camp killed a nice 300+ bear. To be honest the weather was windy with light rain for much of the week which negatively impacted our hunting. Salmon were not in the river that week but we still enjoyed fly casting in the Miramachi River. Caught some small brook trout and learned much from our knowledgeable guide. I would recommend this outfitter”. Bob F
