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. 86 September 2025

President's Update

By Butch Dalton

Dear MSA Members and Supporters,

This summer has been unusually hot and dry in New Brunswick, with extended periods of heat and little rainfall. Unfortunately, these conditions create significant challenges for Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi and across the province. Thankfully, the Miramichi River system is blessed with numerous cold-water holding pools that provide refuge for salmon during these extreme weather events.

Over the summer, Lyndsay and her dedicated team have been hard at work revisiting previously restored holding pools to ensure they remain effective. Their efforts include monitoring water temperatures, removing barriers and obstructions, and conducting snorkel surveys to confirm that salmon are using these vital refuge areas. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Lyndsay and her hardworking crew for carrying out this essential conservation work.

We are also continuing to advance hatchery upgrades in preparation for the potential implementation of MSA’s proposed stocking plan, submitted to DFO in April. While we did not receive permits to collect smolt this past spring, our recent discussions with the DFO Gulf executive team at a meeting on August 27th were encouraging. There appears to be growing support within DFO for a stocking program, and we will be working closely with them in the coming weeks to refine the details. I will provide updates as progress is made.

As many of you know, we have a full calendar of exciting events this fall. These include the MSA Fredericton Dinner, the presentation of the Bud Bird Award in Atlantic Salmon Conservation, a ceremonial flag raising at City Hall, and a proclamation from the Mayor of Fredericton designating October 2nd as “Atlantic Salmon Conservation Day in Fredericton.” Later this month, on September 28th, we will also celebrate the official unveiling and permanent installation of the Bud Bird Award at the Atlantic Salmon Museum. Additionally, our Autumn Dinner in Saint John will take place on October 22nd. I hope many of you will be able to join us at these events, and I encourage you to review the detailed information included in this issue of The Leaper.

On a positive note, salmon returns to the Miramichi showed a marked improvement over 2023 and 2024. While the run consisted largely of male grilse, many anglers reported productive days on the river, which is encouraging news for all of us who care deeply about this iconic species.

Thank you to all our members and supporters for your ongoing engagement and generosity. Your commitment allows the Miramichi Salmon Association to continue its vital work to conserve and protect Atlantic salmon.

Warm regards,

William (Butch) Dalton

President, Miramichi Salmon Association

MSA Fredericton Dinner & Auction

Purchase Your Tickets Today!

Tickets are now available for the 28th Annual MSA Fredericton Dinner & Auction, taking place on October 2nd at the Fredericton Inn. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. and an exciting live auction featuring a variety of exclusive items and experiences.

This year, we are proud to honour Norm Betts and Laura Gilks for their remarkable dedication to Atlantic salmon conservation on the Miramichi River. Norm, a lifelong angler and conservationist, has been a passionate advocate for the protection of salmon habitat, lending his voice and leadership to ensure the future of the species. Laura, whose tireless efforts in conservation and community engagement have made her a trusted steward of the river, has been equally instrumental in advancing salmon restoration and education initiatives. Together, Norm and Laura represent the very best of the Miramichi’s conservation community, and we are thrilled to celebrate their contributions.

To purchase tickets or sponsor a table, please visit the link below, email admin@miramichisalmon.ca, or call (506) 622-4000.

Fredericton Dinner Tickets

MSA Autumn Dinner & Auction

Happening October 22nd!

Join us for the MSA Autumn Dinner in Saint John! The event will take place on October 22nd and promises an evening of celebration, connection, and support for Atlantic salmon conservation. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a delicious dinner and a live auction featuring unique items and exclusive experiences.

This year, we are proud to honour Kevin Harris for his outstanding contributions to Atlantic salmon conservation on the Miramichi River. Kevin has been a dedicated supporter of the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) for many years, serving as Chair from 2018 to 2022. His leadership and involvement over several decades have been instrumental in raising both awareness and funding for salmon conservation on the Miramichi River. Kevin’s commitment to the MSA, combined with his tireless advocacy for the preservation of Atlantic salmon, has been invaluable to the organization and the broader conservation community.

Beyond his work with the MSA, Kevin has contributed over 30 years of volunteer leadership to conservation efforts across Canada. His distinguished service includes roles as Chair of the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund, Chair of Wildlife Habitat Canada, President of Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Chair of the Miramichi Salmon Association. Through these positions, Kevin has advanced habitat protection, conservation initiatives, and public awareness on a national scale, leaving a lasting legacy for wildlife and the natural environment. Kevin’s dedication, vision, and decades of service make him a truly deserving recipient of this year’s MSA Fredericton Dinner & Auction honour.

To purchase tickets or sponsor a table, please visit the link below, email admin@miramichisalmon.ca, or call (506) 622-4000.

Saint John Dinner Tickets

Unveiling & Permanent Installation of Bud Bird Award

September 28th - Atlantic Salmon Museum

On September 28th at 2p.m., the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) will proudly host a special unveiling ceremony at the Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown to celebrate the permanent installation of the Bud Bird Award in Atlantic Salmon Conservation. This new display will provide a dedicated space to recognize Bud Bird’s incredible contributions to salmon conservation, as well as the remarkable individuals who have received this prestigious award over the years.

This celebration will bring together friends, supporters, and members of the conservation community to honour Bud Bird’s enduring legacy and his lifelong passion for protecting Atlantic salmon. Guests will be among the first to view the permanent installation, which will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations and a reminder of the importance of preserving the Miramichi’s iconic salmon. The partnership between the MSA and the Atlantic Salmon Museum ensures that the story of Bud Bird and other conservation leaders will be shared with all who visit, helping to foster an even greater appreciation for this vital work.

To RSVP for this event please email Jeff at events@miramichisalmon.ca

Atlantic Salmon Conservation Day

Fredericton - October 2nd

On October 2nd, the City of Fredericton will officially recognize the importance of protecting wild Atlantic salmon with the proclamation of Atlantic Salmon Conservation Day. Her Worship Mayor Kate Rogers has signed a proclamation, designating this special day in honour of the efforts to conserve and restore Atlantic salmon populations in New Brunswick. To mark the occasion, there will be a flag-raising ceremony at Fredericton City Hall at 10:00 a.m., where the Miramichi Salmon Association’s flag will be proudly flown in celebration of this important milestone.

This event is an opportunity for conservation supporters, community members, and partners to come together in recognition of the shared responsibility to protect and preserve Atlantic salmon for future generations. The proclamation and flag-raising highlight the vital work being carried out by the MSA and others dedicated to salmon conservation, while also raising public awareness about the importance of this iconic species. We warmly invite all members, friends, and supporters to join us on October 2nd at City Hall to celebrate this exciting occasion.

Bud Bird Award in Salmon Conservation

October 2nd - Award Presentation

On October 2nd at 2:30 p.m., the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) will proudly present the Bud Bird Award in Atlantic Salmon Conservation to Manley Price at a special ceremony at the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre in Fredericton. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and protection of wild Atlantic salmon, and Manley’s decades of dedication to the Miramichi and its iconic salmon populations make him a most deserving recipient. The ceremony will feature a number of guest speakers who will highlight Manley’s achievements and his lasting impact on conservation efforts in New Brunswick and beyond.

In addition to the presentation of the Bud Bird Award, the Canadian Rivers Institute (CRI) and UNB will announce the recipient of the 2025 Bud and Peggy Bird Scholarship in Atlantic Salmon Conservation. This scholarship, established by Bud and Peggy Bird, is awarded annually to a graduate student who demonstrates exceptional promise in salmon conservation research. By supporting the next generation of conservation leaders, the scholarship reflects the Birds enduring commitment to advancing science-based conservation and ensuring that Atlantic salmon remain a vital part of our natural heritage. Together, the award and scholarship showcase the deep connections between community leadership, academic research, and a shared passion for safeguarding wild salmon for future generations.

Farewell to the MSA Summer Students

We are incredibly grateful for the fantastic crew of students who joined us this summer, lending their energy and enthusiasm to our vital conservation efforts! A heartfelt thank you to Ally, Cole, Hunter, Jack, Lauren, Maggie, and Payton - your hard work in the field, assistance in the hatchery, hosting engaging site tours, and caring for the MSA grounds has made a significant impact on our mission to preserve Atlantic salmon and enhance the health of the Miramichi River ecosystem. We wish you all the best as you embark on another school year and other endeavors and hope to see your smiling faces back here next summer!

Left to Right: Maggie Clark, Lauren Comeau, Cole Johnson, Payton Schenkels, Ally Taylor, and Jack Riley. Missing from photo: Hunter Banks

Summer Field Update

MSA Biologist Lyndsay Jay-Keating and her field team continues to conduct electrofishing surveys in the headwater regions of the Miramichi watershed as part of the annual Juvenile Assessment Program. This program is an important tool for assessing the distribution of juvenile Atlantic salmon, scouting future stocking sites, evaluating the success of spring fry stocking, and monitoring the effectiveness of fall beaver dam management efforts. Unfortunately, the 2025 fieldwork could not be completed to its full extent this season due to wildfires in the region, extremely hot temperatures, river closures, and restrictions on access to Crown land. Looking ahead, the MSA will continue to collaborate with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Science Branch on electrofishing surveys when conditions allow, contributing to the long-term monitoring of juvenile salmon populations across the Miramichi River system.

Miramichi Salmon Blog

Brad Burns Fly Fishing

Fishing Friends -

I've just posted a new edition of the Miramichi Salmon Blog on my website. This edition has reports on the latest conditions and news from the Miramichi - fishing is starting again - comments by Michael Wigan from the Helmsdale River in Scotland, a report on my recent trip to the Whale River in Ungava Bay and much more. There are lots of interesting photos and bits of important conservation news.

Miramichi Salmon Blog

Public Auction of Crown Angling Leases

New Brunswick issues angling leases through public auctions which grant exclusive access to angle on certain stretches of Crown-owned waters. These leases balance recreational access, conservation and the economic value of some of the province’s most prized fish.

Under the Fish and Wildlife Act, angling leases are issued for a ten-year term. The lease must be awarded to the highest bidder at a public auction, advertised in the Royal Gazette and meeting a minimum price.

The Crown Angling Lease Auction will take place September 17, 2025, at 1 p.m. To learn more please visit the link below:

Crown Angling Lease Auction

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

MSA Board of Directors Meeting

Freeport, ME - November 15th

The Miramichi Salmon Association’s next Board of Directors meeting will be held on Friday, November 15th, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport, Maine.

This meeting will bring together MSA’s leadership to review ongoing initiatives, discuss strategic priorities, and plan for the year ahead. Board members are encouraged to attend in person to participate fully in these important discussions. A detailed agenda and supporting materials will be circulated in advance of the meeting.

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us in Freeport for this important session.