Now the common man can enjoy the sport of kings

A major decline in Atlantic salmon populations returning to Maine salmon rivers over the last decade has led to a moratorium on sport fishing for this exciting game fish. Speculation has been high that this high leaping, hard-fighting quarry sought out for centuries by avid fly casters might even be an endangered species in Maine. Russia, Scotland, and many Canadian provinces suffer no such problem.
For centuries Atlantic salmon fishing has been referred to as the “Sport of Kings,” mostly because royal families owned most of the prime waterways. Currently I perceive the phrase to mean an angler needs to be as rich as a King to afford to cast flies for this renowned game fish. The average fisherman would have to put a second mortgage on the house to fish for three days. Cost for a guide, boat, accommodations, meals, and the right to cast for bright, fresh run Atlantic salmon on private pools runs from $750 to $1,500 a day.
Northern Maine salmon enthusiasts have a far less expensive option known as black salmon fishing. Black salmon are Atlantic salmon that moved from the ocean into their home river to spawn during late summer and fall, and then spent the winter in that river or its feeder lake. As soon as the river frees of ice, these fish often referred to as kelts, slinks or runners, begin returning to salt water, and the fly fishing is fabulous for a month or so. During the winter the salmon have lost up to a third of their weight and they are ravenous, so they’ll take flies readily during April and May.
It’s possible to catch half a dozen salmon a day, and totals of 20 fish a day aren’t unknown, unlike summer fishing when fish are far more finicky and many fishless days occur. Despite black salmon being thinner, contrary to popular belief, they will jump, they will take flies near the surface and high, fast river levels give the fish extra leverage during the tug of war that follows a strike. Some black salmon run 36-48 inches and exceed 20 pounds, which translates to a lot of action at the end of a fly rod.
The most dependable black salmon rivers are the Miramichi and its tributaries in New Brunswick, and the Restigouche and Matapedia in Quebec. A two-and-a-half hour drive will have any Aroostook angler at any camp on these waterways, and prices per day run $150 to $250 for all amenities. Guides are required on these rivers and they come equipped with sturdy, safe boats or canoes, smooth running motors and plenty of knowledge of their local waterways. Most guides also have a box of sure fire flies to lend just in case your pattern doesn’t work.
A nine-foot, nine- or 10-weight rod, and a reel that will hold 200 yards of backing and has a sturdy drag system are a must. A full sinking line or a sinking tip line with a lead core weighted tip and 20 pound test leader will get the fly down deep in fast, tea-colored water. Colorful flies and smelt patterns with lots of silver and some crystal flash, on huge size 2/0 to 5/0 hooks are perfect for enticing, hooking and holding spring salmon.
Precision casting and long, delicate casts aren’t necessary to fish black salmon. The fish aren’t spooky or line shy, for best results the fly needs to swing near the fish since they won’t travel far to strike in the dingy, cold water. There is no private water on these famous salmon rivers during spring fishing, and the guides will know the pools well and anchor the boat to allow moderate casts and the best line swing in the current. Even novice salmon anglers will generally experience good fishing, which often isn’t the case on bright fish.
Bright fly patterns produce excellent results on spring fish. Mickey Finn, Red and White, Rose of New England, Renous special, Red Eagle and Golden Eagle are proven colorful patterns for the dirty, debris-filled rivers. A gray ghost, silver rider, Herb Johnson special or smelt streamer, all of which imitate smelt or bait fish, are top rate flies as well.
Atlantic salmon are king of the fresh water game fish and any devout fly fishermen who hasn’t spent time in a cedar canoe floating a tree-lined waterway casting for salmon has a hole in their angling resume. Under current circumstance, black salmon fishing may have to fit the bill, but be assured that you won’t be disappointed. The rivers are fairly close, the price is certainly fair and the fish take flies fast and furious from mid-April through May, so make some plans. It may be your first black salmon trip, but it won’t be your last.