Your monthly resource for MSA conservation updates, Miramichi watershed information, upcoming MSA events, and much more.

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.

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Vol. 82 May 2025

President's Update

By Butch Dalton

Hello MSA Members and Supporters -

Spring is here, and the MSA team is in full swing with our conservation programs. Smolt wheels are now in place across the watershed, allowing us to begin our seasonal smolt counts, which are critical for tracking outmigration and overall river health. At the hatchery, our eggs are developing well and transitioning into fry. In early June, we hope to stock over 700,000 fry back into the river system—an essential step in our commitment to restoring wild Atlantic salmon.

We’re also pleased to share that the Plamu Conference report is nearly complete and will soon be released to the public. This document will form the basis of a five-year, Indigenous-led management plan for the Miramichi, and we are hopeful that DFO will provide the financial backing needed to support this important initiative.

Our IceBreaker Dinner and AGM were a great success this year. We were thrilled to see such a large turnout in honour of the Wilson family and thank everyone who joined us in celebrating their contributions.

Looking ahead, we invite you to our Moncton Mixer on May 27th—a relaxed event where members and supporters can come together to discuss everything Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi. We hope to see many of you there.

Hatchery upgrades continue as we prepare to collect wild smolt for a more robust stocking program, something the river urgently needs. While we await permit approval from DFO, we remain ready to begin this critical work.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to protect and rebuild our salmon populations.

Sincerely,

William (Butch) Dalton

President, Miramichi Salmon Association

28th Annual IceBreaker Dinner & Auction

Thank you to all who attended!

On behalf of the Miramichi Salmon Association, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and supported this year’s IceBreaker Dinner & Auction. Your presence, energy, and enthusiasm helped make the evening a true celebration of conservation, community, and our shared commitment to protecting Miramichi Atlantic salmon.

We are especially grateful to Cooke Seafood for their generous donation of smoked salmon and fresh salmon for our meal—an incredible contribution that added a special touch to the evening.

A sincere thank you as well to all of our table sponsors, whose support is essential to the success of this event. Our appreciation goes out to the dedicated dinner committee, with special recognition to Manley Price for his outstanding efforts in organizing the event and securing so many generous donations.

To everyone who came out, bid, donated, or simply shared in the spirit of the evening—thank you. We are already looking forward to next year’s IceBreaker and another opportunity to gather in support of the Miramichi and its iconic salmon.

2nd Annual Moncton Mixer

Purchase your ticket today!

Join us May 27th for a fun evening at the MSA Moncton Mixer, hosted at the Canvas Hotel at 55 Queen St, Moncton, NB!

The event kicks off at 5:30 PM and promises an array of delights, including a silent auction and exciting raffles that will keep the energy high throughout the night. Attendees will hear an update from MSA President Butch Dalton, offering insights into the association's latest initiatives and achievements.

Guests will be treated to a sumptuous smoked salmon reception and a selection of mouthwatering appetizers, creating the perfect backdrop for mingling, networking, and forging new connections within the angling community. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an evening filled with camaraderie, celebration, and shared passion for Atlantic salmon!

Mixer Tickets

2024 Annual Report

Learn about all of the things that the MSA accomplished in 2024!

This report highlights the important Field programs that were completed throughout the year, the ongoing work that is happening at the Hatchery, the many fundraising events that occur throughout the year, and much more!

To read the report please visit the link below.

Annual Report

13th Annual First Cast

First Cast June 28 & 29

First Cast is an annual weekend fly fishing program hosted by the Miramichi Salmon Association taking place on June 28^th & 29^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!

Registration is open now!

First Cast Registration

Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest

Submit your photos today!

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 15th. 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 2025 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

Submit Your Photos

Atlantic Salmon Egg Update

Salmon eggs that have been incubating at the hatchery over the winter are hatching! Newly-hatched salmon are called alevin or “sac fry”. They retain their yolk sac until its nutrients have been absorbed. In June, after their first feeding, these fish will be stocked in predetermined low-density areas of the Miramichi River.

Field Update

The 2025 Season Has Begun!

Smolt wheels have been installed on the Northwest, Southwest, and Dungarvon branches of the Miramichi River with the help from our conservation partners Anqotum, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Canadian Rivers Institute, and the University of New Brunswick. These wheels are used for our smolt estimate and collaboration projects with partners.

Thank you to The Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon (FCAS) for funding this project.