Fishing After Dark: New Brunswick Rules

New Brunswick is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with its abundance of waterways and shores offering a variety of fishing experiences. Anyone can fish in New Brunswick, as long as they follow the regulations and have the proper license if they're 16 or older. The province offers freshwater and saltwater fishing, with 30+ sport fish available, including Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Atlantic Salmon, and more. The best times to fish are during dawn and dusk in the summer and fall, especially for Atlantic Salmon runs. Ice fishing is also popular in the winter, with many lakes and rivers offering exciting opportunities to catch various fish species. So, can you fish after dark in New Brunswick? While there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer, the focus on dawn and dusk as prime fishing times suggests that fishing after dark may not be the most productive, as it is outside the fish's most active feeding periods.

Fishing laws and licensing requirements

Anyone can fish in New Brunswick, as long as they have the proper license (if they are 16 years or older) and follow the laws and regulations around the body of water they want to fish. Salmon fishing is more tightly regulated and requires a guide for non-residents. However, if you are an NB resident, all unclaimed waters in the crown reserve system draw can be booked without participating in a draw.

The Department of Natural Resources issues a Fish & Wildlife license, which can be purchased online or from local retailers and bait shops. There are 17 different classes of licenses that vary depending on whether individuals have residency or non-residency, and the length of time the license is needed (3-day, 7-day, or season). 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. In this case, they must buy a license.

The best times to fish in New Brunswick are during the summer (May to July) and fall (September to November) Atlantic salmon runs, particularly at dawn and dusk when the fish are most active. The summer salmon fishing season begins in mid-June and lasts until mid-October. Fall offers the best time to catch the larger salmon, which average between 30 and 70 pounds.

The province maintains a variety of stocked ponds and lakes, which are great places to learn. There is also a twice-annual Fish NB Days event where anyone can fish (with certain exemptions) across New Brunswick.

River fishing is dependent on water levels, so monitoring levels and rainfall is key to a good day. Water temperature and spawning dates also affect the species available. It is a much more seasonal type of fishing and is often species-specific.

The Saint John River system has Striped Bass, Musky, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Sturgeon, and Chain Pickerel, among other species. The Restigouche River system is primarily Trout and Salmon, while the Miramichi River system has Salmon, Trout, and Striped Bass.

Other smaller tributaries and non-tidal waters are home to Smallmouth, Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout, White and Yellow Perch, and Shad, among other species. Tidal waters are dependent on tides, and many anglers target the incoming tide as opposed to the outgoing tide.

Best spots for shore fishing

New Brunswick is a haven for anglers, with its abundance of waterways and shores. Here are some of the best spots for shore fishing in the province:

The Saint John River

The Saint John River is known for its excellent shore fishing opportunities. The lower portion of the river offers convenient access to fishing spots and sightseeing locations. The government provides a free ferry service, and a fishing licence is not required on tidal water (hook and release only for most species). The river is home to a variety of fish species, including Striped Bass, Musky, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Sturgeon and Chain Pickerel. The Reversing Falls in Fallsview Park is a great spot to access the river and target Striped Bass, which can reach enormous sizes.

The Miramichi River

The Miramichi River is world-renowned for its Atlantic salmon fishing, attracting anglers from all over the globe. It is also home to a thriving population of Striped Bass. In the fall, the bass begin to move into their wintering spots, and the fishing can be excellent. The town of Miramichi even hosts an annual Striper Cup tournament. The river's tributaries, such as the Cains River, are also worth exploring for their sea-run brook trout.

The Restigouche River

The Restigouche River is primarily known for its Trout and Salmon fishing. It welcomes thousands of salmon each year, and these fish are known for their aggressive character. The river's clear water and tranquil atmosphere make for an unforgettable fishing experience.

The Kennebecasis River

The Kennebecasis River is a great spot for Brook Trout and Shad fishing, especially in the spring. The river also has a variety of access points, boat launches, and campgrounds. It is known for its stocked population of landlocked Atlantic salmon.

The Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy offers a unique fishing experience, with popular species including cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, mackerel and Pollack. It is also possible to target larger fish such as Porbeagle sharks with the help of a fishing charter. The Bay of Fundy is also a great place to spot marine life, including whales, porpoises, and seals.

Salmon fishing season

Salmon fishing in New Brunswick is a tightly regulated activity that requires a licence for anyone over the age of 16. The salmon fishing season typically begins in mid-April and lasts until the end of May or the end of September, depending on the source. The summer (May to July) and fall (September to November) runs are considered the best times for Atlantic salmon fishing. The exact dates for the fishing seasons can vary from year to year, depending on factors such as weather conditions and fish population health.

The Restigouche, Miramichi, Nespisiguit, Tobique, and Saint John Rivers are some of the most popular locations for salmon fishing in New Brunswick. The Restigouche River is known for its Atlantic salmon fishing, with the season typically peaking in June and lasting until September. The Miramichi River is also a popular spot for anglers, with its spring salmon run starting in April and lasting until September. The Nespisiguit River is another great location for spring salmon fishing. The Tobique River is known for its prime Atlantic salmon fishing, and the Saint John River offers excellent angling opportunities for striped bass.

The Bay of Fundy and the Bay of Chaleur offer saltwater fishing opportunities for salmon and other species. The deep-sea waters around the coast are also popular for those looking to catch salmon or bluefin tuna.

To legally fish for salmon in New Brunswick, anglers must follow the regulations set by the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development. Salmon retention requires the fish to measure at least 48 centimetres, and each fish must have a retention tag.

Ice fishing locations

Ice fishing is a popular pastime in New Brunswick, with the season running from January to March. Here are some of the top ice fishing locations in the province:

The Kennebecasis River

The Kennebecasis River is a popular spot for ice fishing, with a collection of shacks and shanties popping up along the river during the winter. The Renforth ice fishing village is a great choice for a "luxury ice fishing experience", offering cosy shacks with fishing holes, bait, poles, and a wood-burning stove. This location is also ideal for families, with plenty of space for children to enjoy the outdoors.

Mactaquac Dam

Mactaquac Dam is a prime location for ice fishing yellow perch and pickerel. Bundle up and get ready to drill some holes in the ice for a chance to catch these tasty treats.

Washademoak Lake

Washademoak Lake is another excellent choice for ice anglers seeking perch and lake trout. This lake offers an exciting ice fishing experience, with the chance to reel in a variety of fish.

Grand Lake

Grand Lake is known for its winter ice fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck at catching yellow perch, smelt, and white perch. It's a peaceful spot to spend a day on the ice.

Belleisle Bay

Belleisle Bay is a popular ice fishing destination during the winter months. It offers a chance to catch various fish species, including yellow perch, chain pickerel, and black crappie.

Oromocto Lake

Oromocto Lake is a fantastic location for winter fishing, providing opportunities to catch yellow perch, chain pickerel, and other fish species. It's a great spot to spend a day on the ice with friends or family.

Fredericton Junction

If you're looking for a more remote ice fishing experience, head to Fredericton Junction. This spot is known for its ice fishing opportunities during the winter months.

The Shacks, Kennebecasis River

For a unique ice fishing experience, check out The Shacks on the Kennebecasis River. This rental business offers cosy, insulated shacks equipped with fishing holes, bait, poles, and a warm stove. It's a great choice for families or groups of friends looking for a comfortable and convenient ice fishing adventure.

Other popular fish species and where to find them

New Brunswick is known for its world-class fishing opportunities, offering both freshwater and saltwater experiences. The province is home to a diverse range of fish species, and here are some of the popular ones, along with locations where you can find them:

Striped Bass

The Striped Bass is one of the most popular species in New Brunswick. They can be found in various locations across the province, including:

• The Saint John River: All along this river, you can target both Smallmouth and Striped Bass as they feed up for the winter.
• The Miramichi River: During the fall, Striped Bass start to move into their wintering spots under the ice. While the school is not as large as the spring spawning run, the fishing can still be excellent.
• Saint John Reversing Falls: Fallsview Park provides access to the famed Reversing Falls, a long-standing secret among local fishermen. Here, you can find enormous Striped Bass, with some weighing over 70 pounds!

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass is another sought-after species in New Brunswick and can be found in several locations:

• The Saint John River: This river offers excellent Smallmouth Bass fishing, especially in the lower and upper sections. The Mactaquac Causeway, for example, is a great spot for both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass.
• The Miramichi River: During the fall, you can target Smallmouth Bass as they stage near the Meduxnekeg River in downtown Woodstock before moving upriver to spawn.
• The Kennebecasis River: The Kennebecasis is known for its excellent Smallmouth Bass fishing in the spring.

Salmon

Atlantic Salmon is the king of game fish in New Brunswick, attracting anglers from around the world. The following locations are known for Salmon fishing:

• The Restigouche River: This river system is primarily known for its Salmon and Trout populations.
• The Miramichi River: The Miramichi is another famous river for Salmon fishing, along with its Trout and Striped Bass populations.

Trout

New Brunswick is home to several Trout species, including Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Here are some places to find them:

• The Restigouche River: As mentioned earlier, this river is known for its Trout population, along with Salmon.
• The Miramichi River: In addition to Salmon and Striped Bass, the Miramichi also offers Trout fishing.
• The Kennebecasis River: During the spring, the Kennebecasis is a prime location for targeting Brook Trout.
• The Saint John River: This river system supports a variety of Trout species, including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.

These are just a few of the popular fish species and locations in New Brunswick. The province offers a wide range of fishing opportunities, from tranquil streams to the exciting Bay of Fundy, providing anglers with a world-class fishing experience.

Frequently asked questions