New Brunswick

The Canadian province of New Brunswick offers over four dozen lodge destinations for the perfect fishing vacation. The waters in and around the territory harbor almost 200 species of fish. However, fly-fishing for Atlantic salmon remains a major attraction for many anglers. Salmon fishing in New Brunswick begins around the middle of April and continues until the end of May.

During this time, salmon become involved in feeding and it is not unusual for anglers to net more than one dozen fish daily. From the middle of June until the middle of October, the summer salmon-fishing season begins. Fall offers the best time for catching the larger of the species that average between 30 and 70 pounds.

The Miramichi, Nespisiguit and Restigouche rivers along with the Tobique and the Saint John Rivers are some of the most popular fishing locations. Anglers typically find landlocked salmon in the Miramichi, the Restigouche and the Saint John rivers. The Bay of Fundy and the Bay of Chaleur offer a chance for salt-water fishing. Many also enjoy the deep-sea waters around the coast when looking for salmon or blue fin tuna. Keeping salmon requires that the fish measure at least 48 centimeters (18.9 inches) and each fish must have a retention tag.

Small and largemouth bass lie in the rocky areas of 69 lakes and waterways that empty into the major rivers. Anglers snare brook, brown and rainbow trout in most of the waters throughout the region. Lake trout prefer only the 12 lakes found in New Brunswick. At many lodge locations, anglers catch lake, rainbow and small mouth bass from the shoreline. Other common fish species caught throughout the region include: Burbot, Shad, Eel, Smelt, Gaspereau, White Perch, Muskellunge, Whitefish, Pickerel & Yellow Perch.

Length and number of allowable retentions apply to many different fish found in New Brunswick. Locations offering licensing generally carry copies of province regulations. Ice fishing season runs from January until the end of March. Spinning gear remains permissible in most locations unless posted signs stipulate fly-fishing only.

New Brunswick offers 17 different classes of licenses that vary depending on whether individuals have residency or non-residency, desire 3 day, 7 day or season licenses. Anglers may also choose from all species except salmon, salmon live release and salmon retention licenses. All anglers aged 16 and over must have a signed, valid New Brunswick fishing license. Children aged 10 to 15 may fish with adults without a license unless they desire retention rights.