STRIPED BASS
“A WORLD CLASS FISHERY”
It is now common to end a day with several 35+ inch striped bass in the net in addition to overall numbers frequently in the hundreds.
NBFG offers Striper trips on the Miramichi River to guests of all ages and experience levels. Our guides not only help put you in the right place at the right time but ensure you will learn and benefit from their years of experience on the water. New Brunswick’s Miramichi River is home to an up and coming world class Striper fishery. Once nearly extirpated, these fish have rebounded in a way never seen before in our lifetime. Reports place the population of these tough, aggressive fish somewhere in the realm of 300k to 1 million strong in breeder abundance.
Some general information about the seasons and locations are as follows:
located on New Brunswick’s North Atlantic shore, it allows anglers to pursue Stripers in fresh, Brackish and saltwater with a variety of tackle.
-From the beginning of June until late September is when fly anglers can expect to catch large numbers of striped bass.
New Brunswick's Bathurst region provides a very unique and challenging experience to those who wish to pursue Striped bass on the fly.
June being the best producer of larger bass with most days producing at least a dozen fish over 30 inches.
-Being primarily a walk and wade fishery having the proper wading gear and footwear is essential.
In June, Stripers are migrating back to their summer territories and are in the post spawn. This is the best time to target large numbers of large hungry fish with large flies.
- Weather conditions range from 41F (5c) in the early morning to 85F (30c) by the evening, and of course there are always chances of cloudy/stormy weather.
-With striped bass aggressively feeding, you have the best opportunity to target them in deep flowing rivers with boulder gardens, as well as the chance to catch stripers in fast moving white water rapids.
July through to late September.
-Resident striped bass have situated themselves in the area and are roaming for a wide variety of baitfish.
-Weather conditions range from 70F (20C) to 95F (35C).
-This time of year, night time fishing and early morning fishing has proven to be super effective. Having a head mounted light will prove essential.
-some fantastic opportunities at sight fishing for striped bass on sand flats. As well as the chance to see large Blitzes of striped Bass and Atlantic Mackerel,
- chances to throw flies or lures
Miramichi River
4 distinct phases the striped bass follow during the spring spawn migration, tied to water temperature.
Weather influences when each phase occurs and they can dip back and forth into each other.
1) Ice out overwintered bite
Runs until early May; ambient air temperature highs generally low 50s F (low teens C), days near freezing can occur.
Water temperatures ~35–45F (1.6–7.2C).
Clients should expect to dress warmly as wind on the water cools significantly.
Striped bass overwinter in key areas; ~20% of the full run already present waiting to begin the journey to spawn (spawn peaks near 60F in upper reaches).
Fish require specific presentations, usually fished shallower than 10ft with light and small tackle.
Most consistent time for locating fish as they warm their bodies near wintering locations.
2) Early prespawn migration
Runs first week or two of May (fish may return to this if downward weather pattern occurs).
Water temps around or slightly below 50F (10C).
Daily highs between 40–60F (5–15C). Dress warmly and in layers.
Fish often hold in flat water ~20 ft deep, taking larger jigs while resting against incoming current.
Large size potential but requires specific presentation.
As temps crest above 50F and evenings set in, feed blitzes may occur resulting in topwater and more aggressive bite.
3) Full prespawn feeding
Runs mid-May to early June; water temps above 50F to ~60F (10–15C).
Ambient air temperatures rise and daily highs can reach mid-70s F (25C).
Clients should dress in layers with potential for warm afternoons.
Striped bass aggressively take lures of all varieties in many presentations.
Fish positions vary widely: chasing forage as deep as 30ft or as shallow as a foot.
Frequent feed blitzes and topwater bite opportunities.
Generally the easiest time for raw numbers and most accessible for all skill levels.
4) Full spawn behaviour
Runs early June to mid June; water temps 60F+ (15C+).
Ambient highs frequently mid-70s (25C). Expect warm days barring inclement weather.
Striped bass hit full spawn behaviour; dramatic boils on the surface.
Accompanied by a regulatory closure for much of the river.
Topwater experience is exceptional, casting at more fish than most people have observed.
Fly fishing excels; sections still open provide large opportunity.
Most visually stunning and arguably most action-packed period on the Miramichi River.
Fall return run (September–October)
September ambient temps can reach mid-70s F (25C); fall can also bring near-freezing temps. Be prepared for any weather.
~20% of fish slated to overwinter begin cycling back mid-September.
Lower river sections act as a staging area; many anglers target returning fish with cut bait (mackerel, herring, squid).
As daily highs drop into October, fish creep into upper areas for wintering. Topwater and small plastics dominate and days comparable to spring can be had.
Numbers lower overall but the quality of fish and the quality of fight is much higher.