n the past we considered prime dates to run from June 20th - Aug.20th. This is not so much the case anymore. Due to unpredictable weather patterns and a changing fish demographic, projecting prime dates in advance is becoming much more difficult. The runs appeared to be more evenly spread out throughout the summer with fish continuing to enter the river late into October. 2004 saw an increase in the number of June salmon and also late August fish. July suffered from a bit of a low water condition that messed with the middle two weeks of the month. While fish continued to enter the system during this period they were not in the numbers normally encountered. Also, we had for the first time since 1996 a stoppage in fishing due to high, dangerous conditions as a result of heavy rains in mid-August. The stoppage lasted about three days and a large amount of silt that had built up in the river system over the years was washed out.

These patterns can also be explained by more than weather patterns. The pattern of increased runs in June could also be attributed to a stocking program that mixed Grande Cascapedia salmon (well known for a good run of large, early season fish) with Little Cascapedia salmon. This program was ended quite some time ago but, it is possible that the gene pool is feeling it’s effects.

The balanced ratio of MSW to grilse (roughly 65%-35% in 2004)over the last few years could also help explain the more even distribution of fish entering the system. The wide variety in fish size could help explain a more balanced run pattern throughout the season. Certainly this trend is difficult to ascertain over such a short time span, but the last two years would seem to support it as a hypothesis.

Either way this is a benefit to us all on this river, as the real productive length of the season has increased.

or some reason many sports believe that dryfly fishing is not a productive technique when tempting salmon to take. To my way of thinking there is no better a way of increasing hook-ups than including this technique in the arsenal. Traditionally, dryflying was reserved for times when the water temperatures were between 55F and 65F, the water clarity perfect and the wind calm. I have come to the conclusion that with the exception of the windiest days, dry flying can be pursued at any time of the season with great effect.

Over the past few years, we have consistently hooked salmon on dryflies when water temperatures were in the low 40s F. This past year we took a fine 20 lb fish within 30 feet of the canoe on June 15th, that rolled up at the fly eleven times before smashing it on the 12th, and the water was running around 43 C. Understandably the sport and guide were excited to say the least, at the thrill of seeing this big fish roll at almost every cast. Trust me, once this happens, you will never forget it!

We have also hooked them when the river was ripping high and chalky, as well as blowing to beat the band. There are some key presentation requirements when fishing with the dryfly. Certainly, accuracy is the key to successful dryfly fishing and once the fly is on the water, there is also a need for mending and slow stripping to keep that dead float alive over the drift of the selected area. The taughtness of the line is key in this respect because as the fish turns with the fly you will want a straight line between the salmon and the fly. Otherwise the set is wasted. You don’t want it so tight though that you are moving the fly as you slowly strip the line in.

In many respects we are lucky on the Little Cascapedia that the water is so clear and that we are able to sight fish to our salmon. This makes presentation easier. In this situation, I have always tried to drop the fly (nice and easy like) roughly a couple of feet upriver from the salmon and about a foot to the inside (the inside being the closest side to the fisherman). It is important to visualize the spot where you want the fly to land. The interested fish will roll up and back at the fly, taking it and then turning back to his lie with the fly. It is only when the fish begins to turn back that the hook is set. An early strike has burned more than one fish and if he has felt the iron it is doubtful he will come back.

Fly size, colour and type are all variables that need to be addressed. Size is more dependent upon water levels and speed. A slower lower level of water later in the season may require a smaller fly. Trout flies have done well in these conditions. Common sense applies in this decision...if the water is low and slow dropping a monster bird on the fishes head will probably spook the fish. Colour, the same as wet flies, can make a difference also. Just because the fish did not appear interested in the first fly is no reason to quit. If after 6 or 7 different flies and there is no movement, half rolls, twitching, etc.,then either move on to another fish or rest the salmon for a good twenty minutes.

Fly type can make a big difference too. I have had great success over the years with a White Wulff, the traditional brown bomber has also proved successful, whether this is do to the fact that it is the most commonly used first. My favourite is an orange bodied, green butted, bi-wing bomber with brown hackle and white wings.

In all cases, it is best to stalk the fish. Starting with smaller flies, casting a little higher above the fish than usual and working to larger flies casting closer to the fish is a thought. As important as the fly selection is the weather condition. Salmon will take a dry fly in the rain, in some ways more aggressively as the rain deadens the impact of the fly landing near the fish. Sunny conditions should be treated with caution. Check the shadows that are being thrown, it is important that the fish sees the fly before the shadow. Those long shadow situations in low water can be difficult, better to work the fish with a wet fly first.

Either way, in all conditions it is a good idea to give the fly a few practice casts well below the fish to get the right length and to see just how the fly is landing on the water. Big plopping splats can be effective sometimes but tend to do more damage than good. Also if the fish doesn’t pull towards the inside then try putting the fly to the far side of the fish...be careful of the shadows though.