By: Kevin Smith
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a silver Atlantic Salmon exploding on your fly from the Miramichi River, or the brute pull of a Striped Bass in a tidal estuary. But that thrill starts long before you wade into the water—it starts with a well-stocked fly box.
At Highland River Flies, we live and breathe Atlantic Canadian fly fishing. We’ve curated our collection based on what works on our local waters, ensuring you get to the river with confidence. Here’s our breakdown of the must-have patterns for targeting two of the Maritimes' most iconic game fish.
Part 1: Conquering the Miramichi – Atlantic Salmon Flies That Produce
The Miramichi is hallowed ground for salmon fishers. While hatch times and water levels dictate the day, these classic and modern patterns are proven fish-catchers you can count on.
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The Classic: The Black Bear Green Butt
A legendary pattern on the Miramichi system. Its buoyant hair wing and vibrant green butt create a silhouette and splash that salmon find irresistible, especially in faster, broken water. This is a non-negotiable for any salmon fly box bound for New Brunswick.
2. The Modern Workhorse: The Ally's Shrimp
No fly box is complete without a few shrimp patterns, and the Ally's is a top performer. Its buggy, lifelike appearance in the water mimics a key food source. It’s exceptionally effective in clearer water or when salmon are being a bit finicky.
3. The Topwater Thrill: The White Bomber with Orange Hackle
When you see a salmon rise, there's no greater excitement than throwing a dry fly. The Bomber is the king of surface flies for Atlantic Salmon. Its buoyant body and prominent hackle create a tempting wake that can trigger explosive, heart-stopping surface takes. It's a personal favourite and a consistent top producer.
Shop Our Curated Salmon Fly Collection
Part 2: Taming the Stripers – Top Flies for Atlantic Canada's Striped Bass
The resurgence of the striped bass population has created a world-class fishery right here in our backyard. These powerful fish are aggressive and opportunistic, making for heart-stopping surface action.
1. The Topwater King: The Dahlberg Diver
This is the ultimate topwater provocateur for big bass. The Dahlberg Diver dives and "gurgles" on the retrieve with an incredibly erratic, wounded-baitfish action that stripers cannot resist. It's incredibly effective for covering water and calling fish up from the depths.
2. The Subsurface Slammer: The Clouser Minnow
Perhaps the most effective streamer ever designed. The Clouser's weighted eyes give it a jigging, darting motion that perfectly imitates a wounded baitfish. It sinks quickly, allowing you to work the deeper channels and eddies where big bass hold. In chartreuse/white or all-white, it's a must-have.
3. The Deceiver & Half & Half
These long, flowing streamers are perfect for imitating larger prey like sand eels and herring. They have incredible action in the water and are excellent for covering water from a boat or while wading a sandy shoreline.
Gear Up for Striped Bass Season
Your Next Steps to a Successful Trip
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Stock Up: Don't wait until the morning of your trip. Browse our online shop and select your proven patterns. We ensure quick, reliable shipment right to your door in Atlantic Canada, so your box is ready when you are.
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Get the Right Gear: Need a heavier rod for bass? Or a new floating line for salmon? We offer expert advice to make sure your entire setup is dialed in. [Link to a "Contact Us" or "Gear Advice" page].
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Fish with Confidence: With your fly box filled with these trusted patterns, you can focus on what matters most—reading the water and enjoying the incredible fishing Atlantic Canada has to offer.
Tight lines from your team at Highland River Flies!