Atlantic salmon fly-fishing conditions on the Miramichi River at McNamee on August 22nd. Anglers beware , just when we thought the river could not be treating us any better we discover fres-run salmon moving through in mass . The water height is perfect and the temps are cool , maybe too good for the best fishing because the run does not seem to be slowing down in the pools at all . We are seeing new silver fish and many older summer fish too , jumping way down in the pools then on the bar then gone . Our best success has been in the shallow water just as the fish leave the pool . In my haste to get on the water last night I ended up with my 5wt. trout rod in hand , and as luck would have it I hooked into a big fresh-run 12 pound hen that easily stripped my reel and did a fantastic airial show as I seized the line in hopes that my leader would break before the backing . After a half dozen more jumps and tail walks , with me holding it stiff heals , the leader finally gave way and I rescued my little 5 wt. from the boss . There are reports of many fish in the 20 – 30 pound range this year so as the fall season swings into high gear I for one will make sure that I have my 8 or 9wt rod ready to do battle .