Miramichi Water Levels - Opinions

[jasonh]

Hi guys, I have searched this forum numerous times, but now I have finally signed up!

Question for the more seasoned paddlers. I have ran the Main Southwest Miramichi from Juniper to Boiestown once before at 1.3 on the Blackville gauge (very low). With the water we are having this year, what is it like to run between 2-2.5? I understand from other posts that over 3 is crazy in terms of standing waves. We will have full canoes, but will try to go lighter. 

What do you feel comfortable with? We will be running Discoveries mainly, and none are really equipped with spray decks. Just looking for opinions. Thanks, J

[Jamie]

I've only run the Miramichi once with lots of water, I found it easier than with less water. Didn't have to worry about rocks so much as they were all submerged enough to float right over them. I was paddling solo with a great little canoe, didn't take on much water at all. Your Disco (169 I assume) will likely take on lots . Just make sure you have a good bailer or two and keep your fingers crossed...

[Ken Corbett]

Check what others have said at www.nanookofthenashwaak.com/levels.shtml.

[chico]

When are you planning your trip? I have run this stretch for the past 6 years. We aim for 2-2.5m which leaves some fun without the water running too fast and high. If you flip you should t have an issue keeping your boat and gear with you. 3m plus is a gamble. Some say its perfect around 3m but if you get close to 4m you will likely have a bad day and a long walk out.

She stands at 2.4m today and dropping steady. I'm sure lots of people are running it this weekend or next and shouldn't have an issue at all.

I ran last year at 1.3m and my buddy dumped twice. Once at Little Louie and next at the Narrows. Mind you his bowman was pretty useless.

Little Louie and the Narrows are the tricky spots in my mind. Burnt Hill is pretty easy as long as you go hard left after the big rock on the left. If you tip or take on water she runs into a slow pool afterwards so things should t get too far away from you.

Enjoy!! I love this run and will be hitting it in a few weeks. Hope the Skeeters stay put.

[chico]

Has anyone gone down the SW Miramichi lately? Has the river changed much due to the heavy winter ice? How's the condition of the Rangers camp? I'm looking at heading down in the next few weeks.

[hosehound]

That upper stretch doesn't seem to change much from year to year due to ice,, too many big rocks and ledges,,water levels make the changes,,,bars may move some further down where it is wider and flatter, my minimum water level to go is 1m, but I use a 20' XL tripper,,paddle the flats and stand and pole the rapids,, 2m and up is easier to follow the channels and if you work at it you can clear the swells without taking too much water ,, The ranger camp had been over-grown with brush but was cleared around it last year, I think the rangers were planning to do some up-keep repairs , you could check with the local office on it's last known condition,, good luck,,,