Damon Mcknight
New Brunswick is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with its abundance of waterways and shores. Anyone can fish in New Brunswick, as long as they follow the laws and regulations and have the proper license if they're 16 or older. Salmon fishing, in particular, is a major attraction, with the summer salmon-fishing season running from June to October. Fall offers the chance to catch the larger salmon, which can weigh between 30 and 70 pounds. The Miramichi, Restigouche, and Saint John Rivers are popular spots for anglers seeking salmon, while the Bay of Fundy and the Bay of Chaleur provide saltwater fishing opportunities. New Brunswick also boasts over 2,500 lakes and 60,000 kilometres of rivers and brooks, teeming with a wide variety of fish species. So, whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, New Brunswick has something to offer for everyone looking to cast a line.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fishing license required? | Yes, for people 16 years or older. |
| Exceptions to license requirement | Fish NB Days, when resident and non-resident anglers can fish inland waters without a license. |
| Frequency of Fish NB Days | Twice a year: during the Family Day long weekend in February and the first full weekend of June. |
| Species available for fishing during Fish NB Days | All species, except for landlocked salmon from 48 cm to 63 cm (fork length) which require a license with tags. |
| Fishing locations | More than 2,500 lakes, 60,000 kilometers of rivers and brooks. |
| Other requirements | Current bag limits, closures, and other restrictions must be followed. |
| Fishing in tidal waters | No license required for tidal water fishing (hook and release only for most species). |
| Fishing in Crown reserve waters | Appropriate license and landowner permission required. |
What You'll Learn
Fishing licences and regulations
Anyone can fish in New Brunswick, as long as they have the proper licence (when 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.
The Department of Natural Resources issues a Fish & Wildlife licence, which can be acquired online or at local retailers and bait shops. There are 17 different classes of licences that vary depending on whether individuals have residency or non-residency, and the duration of the licence.
Non-resident anglers require a licence to fish inland waters, and non-residents also need a guide. There are also special Crown reserve, regular Crown reserve, and daily Crown reserve licences.
Anglers may choose from all species except salmon, salmon live release, and salmon retention licences. All anglers aged 16 and over must have a signed, valid New Brunswick fishing licence. Children aged 10 to 15 may fish with adults without a licence unless they desire retention rights.
The province says anglers can fish for all species over these days, but those who want to catch landlocked salmon from 48 cm to 63 cm (fork length) require a licence with tags. Current bag limits, closures, and other restrictions are still in effect during licence-free fishing days.
Ice fishing season runs from January until the end of March. Spinning gear is permissible in most locations unless posted signs stipulate fly-fishing only.
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Salmon fishing
The best times to fish for salmon in New Brunswick are at dawn and dusk during the summer and fall runs, particularly from June to September. Salmon are more active during the cooler parts of the day. Salmon fishing in the province requires a retention tag for each fish, and the fish must measure at least 48 centimetres (18.9 inches).
The Miramichi River is known for its spring and fall salmon runs, with spring being a great time to fish for spring salmon (kelt) and summer through fall for bright salmon. The Restigouche River is also known for its salmon fishing, with the season typically peaking from June to September. The Tobique River is another popular spot for salmon fishing, particularly during the prime Atlantic salmon fishing months of May to September.
In addition to the famous salmon rivers, New Brunswick also offers saltwater fishing opportunities for salmon in the Bay of Fundy and the Bay of Chaleur. Deep-sea waters around the coast also provide the chance to catch salmon or bluefin tuna.
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Striped bass fishing
Miramichi River
The Miramichi River is one of the most renowned destinations for striped bass fishing in New Brunswick. The river is home to an explosive striped bass population, with an estimated one million striped bass migrating through its waters in 2018. The river's annual competition in May, the Miramichi Striper Cup, attracts anglers from all over. The river's Northwest and Southwest branches are particularly productive for striped bass migration. The spring spawning run and the fall migration into the river offer excellent opportunities to catch striped bass.
Saint John River
The Saint John River is another prime location for striped bass fishing. The river's system includes the Saint John River itself and its surrounding tributaries. The Reversing Falls in Saint John is a well-kept secret among local fishermen, known for the prevalence of striped bass during the incoming tide. The Lower Saint John River also offers outstanding fishing opportunities, with the government providing a free ferry service and not requiring a fishing license on tidal waters.
Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is a renowned destination for saltwater fishing, offering the chance to catch striped bass, mackerel, cod, pollock, flounder, ocean perch, and other bottom fish. It is also an ideal spot for shark excursions and whale, porpoise, seal, and seabird watching. The Bay of Fundy is known for its large striped bass, with some reaching enormous sizes.
Seasonal and Licensing Considerations
When planning your striped bass fishing trip to New Brunswick, keep in mind that the best times to fish are during the summer (May to July) and fall (September to November). Additionally, anyone over the age of 16 requires a valid fishing license in New Brunswick, which can be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources or local retailers and bait shops.
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Fishing locations
New Brunswick is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with its abundance of waterways and shores. The province offers a variety of stocked ponds, lakes, and rivers for anglers to explore. Here are some of the top fishing locations in New Brunswick:
The Saint John River
The Saint John River is known for its Striped Bass, Musky, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Sturgeon, and Chain Pickerel. The Lower Saint John River offers excellent fishing and sightseeing opportunities. The government provides a free ferry service, and a fishing license is not required on tidal water for most species. The Upper Saint John River also offers Smallmouth Bass opportunities and other non-traditional species.
The Restigouche River
The Restigouche River is primarily known for its Trout and Salmon fishing. Salmon fishing in this river typically begins in mid-April and continues until the end of May. The summer salmon season runs from mid-June to mid-October, with fall offering the best chance to catch larger salmon.
The Miramichi River
The Miramichi River is famous for its spring and fall runs of Atlantic Salmon. It is also a great spot for Striped Bass fishing, especially during the fall migration. The river is known for its excellent shore fishing opportunities.
The Tobique River
The Tobique River is a prime location for Atlantic Salmon and Smallmouth Bass fishing. It is also a great spot for Brook Trout.
The Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy offers saltwater fishing opportunities, with the chance to catch Striped Bass, Mackerel, Cod, Pollock, Flounder, Ocean Perch, and other bottom fish. It is also a great place to spot whales, porpoises, seals, and seabirds.
Washademoak Lake
Washademoak Lake is a popular destination for ice fishing, with anglers targeting Perch and Lake Trout. It is also a great spot for Yellow Perch fishing in the spring and fall seasons.
Grand Lake
Grand Lake is known for its Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch. It is also a popular winter ice fishing destination.
Mactaquac Dam
Mactaquac Dam is a prime location for ice fishing, where anglers can target Yellow Perch and Pickerel.
Hammond River
The Hammond River is a great spot for early spring fishing, especially for Brook Trout.
Nepisiguit River
The Nepisiguit River is known for its fall-run Atlantic Salmon, which reach their peak in September. It is also a great spot for Brook Trout fishing.
Shediac Bay
Shediac Bay is a prime location for Flounder and Mackerel fishing. It is also a great spot for American Eel fishing during the summer months.
Fundy National Park
Fundy National Park offers fishing opportunities for Lake Trout and Whitefish.
Lily Lake
Lily Lake is a great spot to take a young child fishing, with good reports of trout and sunfish catches.
These are just a few of the many fishing locations that New Brunswick has to offer. Each spot has its own unique characteristics and offers the chance to catch a variety of fish species.
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Best times to go fishing
New Brunswick is a great place to go fishing, with its abundance of waterways and shores. Anyone can fish in New Brunswick, as long as they have the proper license (when 16 years or older) and follow the laws and regulations.
The best times to go fishing are when the fish are most active. In general, fish tend to feed more at sunrise and sunset and during a full moon when the tides are higher than average. The sun, moon, tides, weather, and water temperature all influence fish activity.
- Dawn and dusk are great times to fish, as fish are most active during these cooler parts of the day.
- In the summer (May to July) and fall (September to November), you can target Atlantic salmon, especially at dawn and dusk.
- For ice fishing, try Washademoak Lake for perch and lake trout, or Mactaquac Dam for yellow perch and pickerel.
- In the early spring, try the Hammond River for brook trout.
- The Miramichi River is a great spot for a spring run of Atlantic salmon.
- The Restigouche River is known for its Atlantic salmon fishing, which peaks from June to September.
- For Smallmouth Bass, try the Saint John River in the fall when the water is warmer.
- The Bay of Fundy is a popular spot for deep-sea fishing for cod and haddock.
- If you're interested in saltwater fishing, head to the Bay of Fundy or the Bay of Chaleur.
- Keep an eye on the weather and tide conditions, as these can impact fish behaviour. Avoid extreme temperatures, and take advantage of cloudy days and light rain, which create ideal feeding conditions for fish.
- Consider using tools like a fishing calendar or a daily fishing forecast to help plan your outings.
Additionally, there are a few licence-free fishing days in New Brunswick throughout the year. Fish New Brunswick Days happen during the Family Day long weekend in February and the first full weekend of June. These are great opportunities to try fishing without the need for a licence.
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Frequently asked questions
Anyone over the age of 16 needs a valid, signed fishing license to fish in New Brunswick. Children between 10 and 15 can fish without a license if they are with an adult and do not want to keep their catch. There are 17 different classes of licenses depending on the duration of the license and the species you want to catch.
Yes, during Fish New Brunswick Days, which happen twice a year during the Family Day long weekend in February and the first full weekend of June, anyone can fish in inland waters without a license.
There are almost 200 species of fish in the waters of New Brunswick. The most popular species to fish for is Atlantic salmon, which has a season from mid-April to the end of May and then from mid-June to mid-October. Other common species include bass, brook, brown and rainbow trout, shad, eel, smelt, white perch, muskellunge, whitefish, pickerel and yellow perch.
There are many great spots for fishing in New Brunswick, including the Restigouche River, the Saint John River, the Miramichi River, the Shediac Bay, the Bay of Fundy and the Bay of Chaleur.
