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.

Vol. 97 August 2026

Hello MSA Members and Supporters,

As we move through the summer, I wanted to provide a brief update on some of the work underway at the Miramichi Salmon Association and what we can look forward to in the coming months.

Our Development team is busy preparing for our upcoming fall fundraising dinners, with the Fredericton dinner taking place on October 1st and the Saint John dinner on November 4th. We are especially pleased to announce that this year we will be honouring the Colter family at our Fredericton dinner. The Colter family has a long history of supporting the MSA and salmon conservation on the Miramichi, and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to recognize their longstanding commitment. We are hoping for a great turnout and a very special evening.

Ticket sales for the Fredericton dinner are now available, and the ticket link can be found below.

As we prepare for these events, I would also like to put out a request to our members and supporters. If you, your business, or someone you know would be willing to donate an item or experience for either the silent auction or live auction at one of our dinners, we would be very happy to receive it. These donations make a significant contribution to the success of our fundraising events and ultimately help support the MSA’s conservation work.

Our field programs are also moving along nicely this summer. Lyndsay has been working diligently to keep our various projects on track and ensure that they are completed successfully. These programs continue to provide important information about the health of the Miramichi watershed and help us focus our conservation efforts where they are most needed.

On the hatchery front, we were able to collect approximately 900 smolt this spring, which we are currently holding as we explore the potential for a ramped-up fry stocking program that could include both the Northwest and Southwest Miramichi rivers.

At the same time, we remain in a period of uncertainty regarding the future of the MSA hatchery. We have been meeting with various partners and stakeholders to explore possible ways forward. Our goal is to find a solution that recognizes the value of this important supplementation infrastructure while also ensuring that the MSA is not left to shoulder the full financial burden of operating it.



The hatchery has played an important role in salmon conservation on the Miramichi for generations, and we recognize the value of the infrastructure, knowledge and expertise that exists there. At the same time, the MSA has a responsibility to ensure that we remain financially sustainable and able to continue our broader conservation work. We will continue working with our partners over the coming months to find a responsible path forward.



Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the MSA and your commitment to the future of wild Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi.

William (Butch) Dalton

President, Miramichi Salmon Association

Get ready for one of the most enjoyable nights on the MSA calendar!

On October 1st, the Miramichi Salmon Association will host its annual Fredericton Dinner, and we are expecting a fantastic turnout for an evening of good food, good friends, great stories and plenty of fun — all in support of the Miramichi and wild Atlantic salmon.

This year’s dinner will be especially meaningful as we are proud to honour the Colter Family and Loggie Lodge. The Colter family has a long and valued history of supporting the MSA and the conservation of the Miramichi. Their commitment to the river, the salmon and the traditions that surround them is something we are pleased to recognize and celebrate.

And, of course, there will be plenty of fun throughout the evening. We’ll have a great silent auction, an exciting live auction and some fun raffles, with lots of opportunities to win something special. Whether you’re coming to catch up with old friends, meet fellow anglers and conservationists, support the MSA, or simply enjoy a great night out, there will be something for everyone.

Most importantly, the dinner is about bringing the MSA community together. The Miramichi means something different to all of us — whether it is the thrill of a salmon taking a fly, a summer evening at camp, a lifetime of memories on the river, or simply the desire to see wild Atlantic salmon thrive for generations to come.

We hope you’ll join us on October 1st in Fredericton and help make this year’s dinner one of our best yet. Bring a friend, come hungry, and be prepared for a great night!

For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, please visit the link below or call (506)622-4000.

This year’s First Cast, MSA, conducted weekend of June 27th and 28th, marked the fourteenth session this free program has been run since its founding seventeen years ago, 2009. In partnership with the Atlantic Salmon Museum, free to the public, First Cast has proven to be a popular way for pairs interested in starting or...

Cold-water brooks provide critically important thermal refuge and habitat for both adult and juvenile Atlantic salmon, particularly during periods of elevated water temperatures. Each year, the MSA field team revisits previously restored cold-water habitat sites to assess the effectiveness and ongoing functionality of these restoration efforts. Where necessary, maintenance activities are undertaken to ensure adequate cold-water flow and continued access to these important habitats. Snorkel surveys are also conducted at each site to assess habitat use and document the presence of salmon and other aquatic species utilizing these thermal refuges.

MSA staff comparing water levels and temperatures surrounding the cold-water habitat sites.

MSA staff conducting snorkel surveys to document the species utilizing the thermal refuges.

Watch Episode 25 of the Miramichi River Stories below!

The Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest is an opportunity for photographers to showcase their best shots of the Miramichi River and its surroundings. This is an annual event that runs from April 15th until October 30th. The MSA invites participants to submit their best photos capturing the beauty and diversity of the Miramichi watershed. This photo contest is open to all amateur photographers. Contest categories include Miramichi People, Angling, Miramichi Scenes, and Kids.

Our 2026 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

The Miramichi Salmon Association is pleased to announce that our annual Saint John Dinner will be held on November 4th at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. This popular evening brings together friends, supporters, anglers and conservationists for a great night in support of the Miramichi and wild Atlantic salmon.

We are looking forward to another great turnout and a fun evening featuring a silent auction, live auction and raffles, along with good food and great company. We will also be announcing this year’s honouree in the coming weeks.

The support generated through our dinners helps the MSA continue its important conservation, research, habitat restoration and advocacy work throughout the Miramichi watershed.

Fredericton Dinner & Auction

Fredericton Inn

October 1st

Bud Bird Award in Salmon Conservation

Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre

October 1st



Autumn Dinner & Auction in Saint John

Saint John Trade and Convention Centre

November 4th

Support the MSA by becoming a member today!

If you are not already receiving The Leaper automatically:

Miramichi Salmon Association

485 Route 420

South Esk NB E1V 4L9

506-622-4000

admin@miramichisalmon.ca

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