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. 95 June 2026

Hello MSA Members and Supporters,

As we move into June, the Miramichi Salmon Association is entering one of the busiest periods of the year. While challenges remain for Atlantic salmon throughout the North Atlantic, there are several initiatives underway that we hope will help recover Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi. 

Over the past week, MSA staff and partners have been actively involved in collecting smolt as part of a proposal to expand our fry stocking efforts. There is growing interest in fry stocking as a tool to help support salmon populations, and we are hopeful that a broader fry stocking program may be approved in the future - if the current Dungarvon River fry stocking project demonstrates positive results. While no one is suggesting that stocking alone will solve the many challenges facing Atlantic salmon, it is important that we continue to explore every available tool that could contribute to the recovery of this iconic species.

On the hatchery front, our annual fry stocking efforts for the Dungarvon program will begin within the next week. Holly Labadie and her team have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for this important undertaking. This year's program will be particularly demanding as both the Miramichi Salmon Association and Miramichi Fish Management were denied summer student funding this year. As a result, we will be operating with fewer hands than usual during one of our busiest seasons. Despite these challenges, our staff remain committed to delivering a successful fry stocking program on the Dungarvon and assessing the results of past fry stocking efforts in the coming year. 

Our barrier operations are also underway. Ed, our Barrier Manager, has been busy with staff preparing and installing the barriers and ensuring they are fully operational for the season. As always, the information gathered through the barrier program will provide valuable insight into fish movement, populations and river conditions throughout the summer and fall.

Finally, you will notice that we are launching a fun online auction this week. These auctions are always an enjoyable way for members and supporters to engage with MSA while helping raise funds for our conservation programs. We have assembled a variety of interesting items and experiences, and we encourage everyone to take a look and place a bid or two. Every dollar raised helps support our ongoing work on behalf of Atlantic salmon and the Miramichi watershed.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of MSA and our mission. Conservation is never easy, but with dedicated members, volunteers, staff, and partners working together, we continue to make progress where we can and remain committed to ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to experience Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi.


William (Butch) Dalton

President, Miramichi Salmon Association

The MSA's Spring into the Season Auction is now live! Don't miss out on the opportunity to bid on some amazing items. From fishing trips, flies, rods, artworks, books, and much more, we have something for everyone. Make sure to check out this online auction from now until June 7th at 8PM ADT.

For the first time in 79 years, one of the Miramichi River’s most coveted and productive stretches is open to a select few.

Rocky Brook Fishing Camp offers privileged access to nearly 100 pools and 45 kilometres of prime water on the renowned Main South-West Miramichi—long held privately and now available for public bookings for the very first time.

With multiple cold-water tributaries feeding the system, the river here holds consistently cool, oxygen-rich pools—creating ideal conditions for Atlantic salmon and delivering exceptional catch rates throughout the season.

Established in 1947, Rocky Brook blends classic Miramichi heritage with a high-end experience reserved for serious anglers. Guests enjoy:

• Expert local guides with intimate river knowledge

• Above average catch rates

• Refined lodge dining and hospitality

• Authentic log cabin accommodations

• Quiet, uncrowded water—by design

• Secluded trout fishing and private clay shooting

Opportunities like this are rare—grab your spot now.

To inquire about availability, call:

Wayne O’Donnell

Camp Manager, Rocky Brook Fishing Camp

506-369-2479 (office)

506-390-0143 (mobile)

Odonnell.Wayne@jdirving.com

The Miramichi Salmon Association is pleased to report that the first bright salmon of the 2026 season was caught by Scott Cormier of Riverview, NB, at around 8:30PM on May 30th. The fish, estimated at 30 inches, it was taken using Scott's own pattern the Orange Crack fly.

In recognition of this notable catch, Mr. Cormier will receive a frameable certificate featuring a high-quality reproduction of Luther Hall’s painting of an early-run, bright Atlantic salmon. Congratulations, Scott!

Salmon fry at the hatchery have begun feeding! Once alevins have absorbed most of their yolk sacs, we give them small pellet feed. The first feeding indicates that the fry are ready to be released into the wild. Over the next couple weeks, we’ll be stocking them in their natal waters in the Miramichi River.

Winston Gardner Hunter and Hebert "Johnny" Spencer

In Memoriam – Herbert "Johnny" Spencer

The Miramichi Salmon Association was saddened to learn of the passing of Herbert "Johnny" Spencer on May 21, 2026.

Johnny was a proud veteran who served nearly 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a member of the Black Watch and Royal Canadian Regiment before retiring in 1988. An avid outdoorsman, he went on to pursue a second career as a fishing guide at Clearwater Camp and Pond's Chalet, and later served as caretaker at Slate Island, where he formed many lasting friendships.

Known for his love of fishing, hunting, classic cars, and woodworking, Johnny was always willing to lend a helping hand and was respected throughout the Miramichi salmon community for his kindness and generosity.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and members of the Miramichi Salmon Association, we extend our sincere condolences to Johnny's family and friends. He will be remembered fondly and greatly missed.

Tight lines, Johnny.

In Memoriam – Winston Gardener Hunter

The Miramichi Salmon Association was saddened to learn of the passing of Winston Gardener Hunter on June 3, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born in Bloomfield Ridge, New Brunswick, Winston was a lifelong resident of the province and a member of a well-known York County family. He is survived by his wife, Rita, his children, Troy and Ann, and numerous family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

The Board, staff, and members of MSA offer their heartfelt sympathies to Winston's family and friends and honor his memory.

May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

First Cast June 27 & 28

First Cast is an annual weekend fly fishing program hosted by the Miramichi Salmon Association taking place on June 27^th & 28^th. This program is an introduction to fly fishing with no age limit for participants. First Cast is an excellent chance for a “relatively experienced” fisher to bring along someone who is new to the sport, with the help of volunteers from the MSA, participate in a two-day mentoring experience guaranteed to be the start of a lifetime of fly fishing and a new appreciation for our natural environment. Whether you have a child or grandchild that you’ve always wanted to share your passion for the sport with, or if you’ve always wanted to learn about fly fishing and never had the opportunity, we encourage you to take part!

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

We’re continuing to collect fishing line waste through the Monofilament Line Recycling program in partnership with the Hammond River Angling Association. This program is funded by the Environmental Trust Fund.



These yellow bins are conveniently located throughout the Miramichi watershed and New Brunswick so you can deposit your scrap line. Thanks for doing your part to keep our rivers clean and safe for Atlantic salmon and other aquatic species!

This summer, the MSA will once again be operating the salmon protection barriers on the Northwest Miramichi and Dungarvon Rivers on behalf of the Province of New Brunswick (PNB). These barriers are a crucial tool in assessing adult salmon returns to the Miramichi and aid the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in making informed management decisions regarding Atlantic salmon. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff, who man the barriers 24/7 throughout the entire operating season. The barriers operate each year from May until October and are open to the public for visitation daily between the hours of 9am to 5pm.

First Cast

June 27th & 28th

Fredericton Dinner & Auction

October 1st



Autumn Dinner & Auction in Saint John

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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