For the Northumberland Strait rivers as well as those in Cape Breton entering the Gulf of St. Lawrence, like the Cheticamp and the Margaree, 2011 saw the most large salmon return since the series of data began in 1984.
Preliminary analysis shows the Margaree itself had in excess of 5,000 large salmon and over 1,000 grilse. That is more than five times the basic conservation requirement of 1,036 salmon.
It was also a year in which many Atlantic salmon were caught. Both the River Philip and the West River Antigonish had the highest catches since 1984.
In Cape Breton, the North River had great numbers, as did the Middle and Baddeck rivers.
The Lahave did not rebound to the same degree in 2011, but there were 74 large salmon, more than in the previous year, as well as 281 grilse.
The St. Mary’s met 11% of its basic requirement in 2010, but water levels and debris played havoc with counts in 2011. Anecdotal information said that more salmon than in past years had been spotted as they migrated upstream.
Together with the large and growing population of parr in the West River – Sheet Harbour, there is a definite optimism going into 2012.

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Government scientists have now provided data on the health of wild Atlantic salmon that agrees with anecdotal information from anglers who raved about the great 2011 fishing season. Experts have confirmed that many salmon populations met, or exceeded their minimum conservation requirements in 2011. This bodes well for both the restoration of Atlantic salmon runs, and further stimulation of the strong economic upswing in recreational salmon fishing that was experienced in 2010 and 2011.
More anglers were drawn to cast for salmon along the shores of rivers throughout Atlantic Canada, and Quebec in 2010 and 2011. With more salmon anglers come more spending, and more employment in river communities. Salmon angler numbers rose from 42,000 in 2005 to 54,000 in 2010. Gardner Pinfold Consulting Economists of Halifax reported that these anglers spent more than $128 million, and supported just over 3,300 full-time equivalent jobs, primarily in rural areas where employment opportunities are often scarce. In all, about 9,200 people benefited from seasonal wages in the recreational salmon fishing industry in 2010.

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Update July 26th, every day nice catches – mainly Seal, Forks and Gillis Island Pool, yesterday morning 11 Salmon at the Seal Pool.

The season started very good, every day lots of Catches from the Tidal to the Cemetery Pool.
Watch recent Videos!

What a day, one Pool on July 3rd 2011, more than 6 Salmon and 4 Grilse up to 3pm, beautiful sunny weather and lots of fish, what does a fellow wants more, yes a beer after!

Nice silver bright Salmon from the Ross Bridge Pool on June 28th 2011

The Margaree splits into two parts at Margaree Forks. The part coming from the mountain is to be fished by fly only from June 1 to the end of October.

The North East Margaree has more than 60 pools and a length of approx. 40 km from the mouth to the sanctuary.
All pools are wade able, no boats are required.

Pool Rotation:
Pool rotation can be summed up very simply: -Take your turn, and cast and move. -Should you arrive at a pool, and other anglers are there ahead of you, it will be expected that you wait your turn before entering the pool. A waiting area is usually obvious where waiting anglers gather until it is their turn.
-When it becomes your turn, you will start at the upstream end of the group of anglers, and follow the group through the pool.
-While moving through the pool, it is the usual practice to take 2 casts and then take a step downstream. Be careful not to move too far out into the pool near the fish. This may cause the fish to move away or cause them to be less likely to take a fly.
Fly Presentation:
-A dry fly may be cast up or downstream depending on your preference of presentation.
-Wet flies are cast downstream and across the current, usually on a 45 degree angle. Casting wet flies upstream increases the risk of foul hooking fish and causing unnecessary damage to the fish.
Use of sinking tip lines, sinking lines and leaders:
There is growing concern over the number of fish that are foul hooked through the use of this type of equipment. When used in combination with a heavy fly, the risk of foul hooking a fish increases. This type of equipment is normally used in high, cold water, however some anglers use them in any water conditions. It is not necessary to use this type of gear during periods of low water and we recommend not to use it during these condition.
Recommended use of Sink Tip and sinking lines and Leaders:
-Use during moderate to high water conditions.
-Be prepared with a choice of sink rate lines (some manufacturers offer six different) and adjust according to conditions.
-During a pass through the pool, should you encounter hooking bottom on one or two occasions, either speed up the retrieval of the fly line, switch to a slower sink rate line, use a smaller fly, lengthen leader or go to a floating line.
-Be aware of different water flow rates/water depth and adjust the speed of the line retrieval to match conditions, i.e.. when a sinking line/leader swings out of the faster current into the quieter water, the fly will sink to the bottom much faster. Also as the pool tails out, the water becomes more shallow.
How to release an Atlantic Salmon
-Go “barb less”. Catch and release works. Use barb less or pinched hooks. They usually cause less damage to large fish and are particularly beneficial for releasing juvenile fish, unharmed.
-Play the fish quickly and apply enough pressure to bring it within reach for tailing. It usually takes a few attempts to finally tail the fish.
-Use a cotton or wool glove to tail the fish. This provides a better grip for large fish and especially grilse.
-KEEP THE FISH IN THE WATER. DO NOT BEACH, or semi-beach the fish. They do not have eyelids and are easily blinded if scratched by sand or gravel. DO NOT LIFT THE FISH OUT OF THE WATER BY HOLDING THE TAIL ONLY.
-Remove the hook carefully. Haemostats can be very helpful. If hooked deep or near the gills, cut the leader.
-To have a picture taken, raise the fish partially out of the water using a firm grip on the tail and at the same time support the forward part of the underbelly (pectoral fins).Have the picture taken within a few seconds.
-Hold the fish facing upstream, in the normal swimming position until it revives. Once you feel the strength return to the fish, gently release it.
-It’s a great feeling to return a wild fish back to its habitat.
Respecting the resource will help to provide a bright future with bright fish for all.

About my service
My first priority is your safety and your enjoyment of catching your Salmon.
After making sure you have the right equipment and license, I will take you to the spots where you have the best chances of getting your Salmon. I will completely set up your gear, tie your knots and guide you on where to cast. I have landed over 1500 salmon and I will do my best to help you land yours.
Transportation to all spots in my comfortable SUV is included so your vehicle is available for your family or friends while you are out fishing. For good memories I can capture photos of your catch with your or my own camera.
I am fluent in English and German and I have guided people from all over the world.