Keeping Atlantic Salmon In New Brunswick

Salmon fishing is a popular activity in New Brunswick, Canada, with the province offering numerous destinations for anglers. While anyone can fish in New Brunswick, specific regulations and licensing requirements must be followed. For Atlantic Salmon, there are varying opinions on whether anglers should be allowed to keep their catch. Salmon fishing in the province is highly regulated, and the rules can change from year to year. For example, in 2017, there was a mandatory hook-and-release rule for grilse, but some groups wanted to end this rule, while conservation groups wanted to maintain it. To keep a salmon in New Brunswick, it must be at least 48 centimetres long and have a retention tag.

Salmon fishing in New Brunswick starts in mid-April and ends in October

Salmon fishing in New Brunswick, Canada, is a tightly regulated activity that usually starts in mid-April and ends in October. The exact dates vary from year to year, depending on factors such as weather conditions and the health of fish populations.

The Atlantic Salmon fishing season typically opens around mid-April and lasts until the end of May, with salmon becoming involved in feeding. It is not unusual for anglers to net more than a dozen fish daily during this time. From mid-June to mid-October, the summer salmon fishing season begins, with the Fall offering the best time to catch the larger species, averaging between 30 and 70 pounds.

The Miramichi River is a popular destination for anglers, as it comprises over 40% of all the Atlantic salmon returning to spawn in North America's rivers. The river offers a long season, with angling for "spring salmon" or kelts (post-spawning fish) from April 15 to May 15, and bright salmon fishing from June 10 to October 15. Conservation efforts have improved salmon returns in Eastern Canada in recent years.

Other popular fishing locations in New Brunswick include the Restigouche, Nespisiguit, Tobique, and Saint John Rivers. Anglers can find landlocked salmon in the Miramichi, Restigouche, and Saint John rivers, and saltwater fishing opportunities in the Bay of Fundy and the Bay of Chaleur.

To fish for salmon in New Brunswick, a license is required for individuals aged 16 and older. The province offers 17 different classes of licenses, including options for residents and non-residents, as well as different duration options. Salmon fishing also requires a guide for non-residents.

Salmon must be at least 48cm long to be kept

Salmon fishing is a popular activity in New Brunswick, Canada, with the province offering over four dozen lodge destinations for fishing vacations. The Miramichi, Restigouche, and Saint John Rivers are some of the most popular fishing locations for anglers. Salmon fishing in New Brunswick typically begins in mid-April and continues until the end of May, with the summer salmon-fishing season starting in mid-June and lasting until mid-October.

If you're planning on keeping your catch, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, all anglers aged 16 and over must have a signed, valid New Brunswick fishing license. Secondly, salmon must meet specific size requirements to be kept. In New Brunswick, salmon that are at least 48 centimetres (18.9 inches) long can be retained, but they must have a retention tag. This rule applies to both residents and non-residents of New Brunswick.

It's important to note that salmon fishing is more tightly regulated than fishing for other species, and non-residents are required to be accompanied by a licensed guide when fishing for sea-run Atlantic salmon or other fish species on Guide Required Waters. These waters are listed in the Fish Book – Summary of Regulations and can also be found on the Fishing Regulations website through an interactive map.

Additionally, there are specific days when anyone can fish across New Brunswick, called Fish NB Days, which happen twice a year. On these days, even non-residents can fish without a license or guide, but an appropriate angling license and tag are required if a landlocked salmon from 48 cm to 63 cm in length is retained.

A fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older

Anyone over the age of 16 who wishes to fish in New Brunswick requires a fishing license. This applies to both residents and non-residents of the province. Licenses can be purchased at Service New Brunswick Centres, as well as from some local retailers and bait shops. There are 17 different classes of licenses available, which vary depending on the residency of the individual, the length of the license (season, 7-day, 3-day, or 1-day), and the type of fish being targeted (all species except salmon, salmon live release, or salmon retention).

The cost of a fishing license in New Brunswick depends on the type of license being purchased. For residents, a season license for all species except salmon costs $13, while a season license for salmon retention costs $138. Seniors aged 65 and over can purchase a season license for all species except salmon for $10. For non-residents, a season license for all species except salmon costs $39, while a season license for salmon retention costs $138. There are also additional fees for salmon stocking and conservation.

It is important to note that fishing in New Brunswick is subject to various regulations, including restrictions on the locations where fishing is permitted, the types of gear that can be used, and the size and number of fish that can be kept. Salmon fishing, in particular, is more tightly regulated and may require a guide for non-residents. In addition, anyone fishing in New Brunswick must follow the laws and regulations specific to the body of water they are fishing in.

Atlantic salmon is a popular fish species in New Brunswick, with the Miramichi, Restigouche, and Saint John Rivers being some of the most popular fishing locations. Salmon fishing typically begins in mid-April and continues until the end of May, with the summer salmon season starting in mid-June and lasting until mid-October. Conservation efforts have helped improve the returns of Atlantic salmon in the region, but there have also been concerns about the escape of farmed salmon into rivers and the potential impact on wild fish populations.

The Miramichi River is a popular spot for salmon fishing

The Miramichi River is known for its impressive runs of Atlantic Salmon, contributing over 40% of all Atlantic Salmon returning to spawn in North America's rivers. This abundance, combined with its long season, makes it a top destination for anglers seeking this prized sport fish.

The river's private fishing pools and variety of holding water maximise anglers' success, regardless of water conditions. The river's lower stretch, in particular, is considered highly productive as it is only 5 miles above the tidal influx, ensuring fresh and active fish.

The Miramichi River also provides access to other salmon tributaries, such as the Northwest Miramichi, Little Southwest Miramichi, Renous, Cains, Dungarvon, and Bartholomew Rivers, each with its unique characteristics and runs.

The popularity of the Miramichi River for salmon fishing has led to the development of lodges and outfitters offering guided trips, fly-fishing gear rentals, and accommodation. These services cater to both experienced anglers and novices, providing an opportunity for beginners to land their first Atlantic Salmon under the guidance of experienced professionals.

With its long history, abundant salmon runs, and the surrounding infrastructure supporting anglers, the Miramichi River rightfully earns its reputation as a premier destination for salmon fishing, especially for those seeking the elusive Atlantic Salmon.

Salmon aquaculture in New Brunswick has grown to over 90 sites since 1978

Salmon aquaculture in New Brunswick has grown to over 90 sites since its beginnings in 1978 with just one commercial site. It is now the largest single food commodity in New Brunswick in terms of sales value, with an estimated value of $117.3 million in 2013. Salmon aquaculture is responsible for approximately 40% of all Canadian salmon production and is the primary source of income for one in every five jobs in Charlotte County.

The success of the industry can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, the pristine waters of the Bay of Fundy provide a healthy environment for cultivating fish, with its currents, back eddies, and high tides. Secondly, the proximity of the industry to the largest seafood markets on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States gives New Brunswick an advantage in providing the freshest product. Salmon from New Brunswick can be on the table in New England within 24 hours of being removed from the water. This has led to around 60% of the province's salmon being exported to the Northeastern United States. The remaining 35% is exported to the rest of Canada, and 5% is sold locally.

The majority of the salmon sold is whole fish that has been gutted, while the rest is sold as value-added products such as fillets, steaks, portions, and smoked salmon. The industry employs an estimated 1,500 people in both direct and indirect industries, including feed production, cage and net manufacturing, boat building, fish processing, transportation, and construction.

While St. George is considered the hub of the industry, Deer Island, Campobello, and Grand Manan have also benefited from salmon aquaculture. The proposed development of a completely land-based salmon aquaculture business on the Acadian Peninsula could further boost the industry in the region.

New Brunswick's abundance of waterways and shores makes it a popular destination for fishing vacations. The province offers over four dozen lodge destinations, and anyone can fish in New Brunswick as long as they have the proper license (if they are 16 or older) and follow the relevant laws and regulations. Salmon fishing is more tightly regulated and requires a guide for non-residents.

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