[tweegle]

Hey there, I moved to NB about 3 years ago from Halifax where I used to do quite a bit of fishing for Smallies. Sad to say that I haven't hooked into one of these fun fish since I moved. The lady and I are heading up to Great Bear on the 105 (north) side of the Saint John. We are bringing the canoe and hoping to do some fishing while we are there. Has anybody had any luck on this part of the SJ? If so, what have you had the most luck on? Also, is the river slow enough to be able to paddle against the current? I know it's quite big, but I haven't had any experience paddling it.

 

[rocketball]

tweegle...I am assuming u mean great bear campground above mactaquac? If so the head pond is full of smallies and other great fish to catch. U wont have to worry about the current eather in the area...just gets a little breezy out there but if u hang around the coves u should do well. good luck

 

[pond jumper]

You shouldnt have to much trouble finding smallies , I took the girlfriend to Mactaquac park camping a few weeks ago, we fished just around the shoreline of the headpond and caught some nice bass and tons of perch and sunnies, with a canoe you should do very well

 

[lobsterman]

Tweegle, you will be camping in a smallie hotspot!
Just watch out for the wind and you'll be fine in a canoe. Sometimes if you cross the river in a canoe in the morning, the wind makes it too rough to safely paddle back again until nightfall. Don't ask me how I know this!

I've fished there a few times and did very well, with everything from worms and spinners, to rapallas, to soft baits and did well with each.
Enjoy!

 

[tweegle]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Now I really can't wait to drop a line. Been too long since I hooked up with a smallie. I'll let you know how I make out. We are heading up there tomorrow.

 

[Bownzee]

Don't be too discouraged if you don,t catch any good sized bass. It's post spawn and the fishing can be pretty slow for the next couple of weeks. good luck!

 

[rocketball]

Don't be too discouraged if you don,t catch any good sized bass. It's post spawn and the fishing can be pretty slow for the next couple of weeks. good luck!

thats the reason I am using for why i only landed 4 smallies in 2 days last weekend

 

[Lincoln]

I was up at Great Bear over the weekend and managed to catch 4 nice bass from my kayak. All I was using was a good ol spinner and worm, they seem to like those.