Fishing Season In New Brunswick's Lakes

New Brunswick is a haven for anglers, with its abundance of waterways and shores offering a variety of fishing spots. The province has been a popular destination for fishers for over a century, attracting high-profile anglers such as the Duke of Windsor and Bing Crosby. While it is renowned for its salmon fishing, New Brunswick also boasts diverse species of fish and shellfish in its lakes, rivers, and ocean. The fishing season typically starts around January, and the province offers both ice fishing and regular fishing opportunities. The Department of Natural Resources manages fishing licenses and regulations, ensuring the conservation of sensitive species while providing access to the province's abundant natural resources.

Ice fishing

Popular Ice Fishing Destinations

Grand Lake is one of the largest lakes in New Brunswick and is a great option for ice fishing. The lake offers the opportunity to catch various fish species, including trout, perch, and pike. Another popular choice is the Keswick River, where anglers can target trout and salmon. The Renous River is also known for its excellent ice fishing, with an abundance of trout and salmon.

The St. John River is a favourite among ice fishers, as it is home to a diverse range of fish species, including the famous striped bass. In fact, Saint John County, along with Northumberland County, is one of the areas being considered for the expansion of ice fishing lakes. This expansion, proposed by the Department of Natural Resources, aims to double the number of lakes available for ice fishing and is currently under review by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Tips for a Successful Ice Fishing Trip

When planning an ice fishing trip in New Brunswick, it is important to check local regulations and obtain the necessary permits or licenses. Specialized gear, such as an ice auger, ice fishing rod and reel, bait or lures, and an ice shelter, is also required for a safe and enjoyable experience. Dressing warmly and in layers is crucial to staying comfortable in the cold weather, and it is always recommended to bring extra clothes in case of unexpected weather changes.

In terms of techniques, look for drop-offs, underwater structures, and feeding areas when choosing a location. Experiment with different types of bait and lures, and adjust the depth until you find where the fish are biting. Patience is key, as fish tend to be less active in colder temperatures. Remember to respect the natural environment and stay safe by checking ice thickness and never fishing alone.

Salmon fishing regulations

Salmon fishing is more tightly regulated in New Brunswick and requires a guide for non-residents. The Miramichi River is world-famous for its Atlantic salmon, with more Atlantic salmon than any other river in North America. The fly-fishing season on the Miramichi River runs for six months, from 15 April to 15 October. This is the longest fishing season for Atlantic salmon in the world.

The Restigouche River system is primarily trout and salmon, attracting anglers from all over the world. The river welcomes around 15,000-20,000 salmon each year, and the clear water and tranquil atmosphere make for an unforgettable fishing experience.

The Saint John River is home to many species, including striped bass, which sets this river apart. The river is also home to a unique Atlantic sturgeon fishery, along with the smaller shortnose sturgeon. The Saint John River system also includes the Kennebecasis River, a fantastic Atlantic salmon river, although it is also known for its brook trout.

The Hammond River, a tributary of the Kennebecasis River, is another excellent spot for salmon fishing. The Hammond River Angling Association actively preserves this rich fish habitat and offers summer camps and educational programs.

The Bay of Fundy, known for its high tides, is also a sport fisher's paradise. While popular species include cod, flounder, and haddock, larger fish such as porbeagle sharks are also targeted.

Lake Utopia, found in eastern Charlotte County, is known for its brook trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch fishing. The lake is also home to a stocked population of landlocked Atlantic salmon.

Fishing hotspots

New Brunswick is a haven for anglers, with its abundance of waterways and shores offering a variety of fishing spots. The province has been a popular fishing destination for over a century, attracting high-profile fishers such as the Duke of Windsor and Bing Crosby. With its lakes, rivers, and ocean, New Brunswick is home to a diverse range of fish species, including salmon, trout, bass, and more. Here are some of the top fishing hotspots in the province:

Miramichi River

The Miramichi River is world-renowned for its Atlantic salmon, with more salmon than any other river in North America. Stretching 250 km across New Brunswick, the river offers excellent fishing opportunities in July when the salmon are aggressively feeding in preparation for spawning season. Small boats or canoes are recommended to find the deep pools where salmon are most abundant. The river is also home to Striped Bass, with the wintering bass schooling in the mouth of the river.

Cains River

The Cains River, a 113 km long tributary of the Miramichi, is known for its Atlantic salmon and sea-run brook trout. The river boasts some of the largest brook trout in Eastern Canada, with fish weighing up to 4.5 kg. Paddling in search of the deep pools in the upper reaches of the river is the best strategy, as much of the lower river is private property.

Restigouche River

The Restigouche River, flowing across northwestern New Brunswick into Quebec, welcomes thousands of salmon each year, making it a popular destination for anglers worldwide. The river's clear water and tranquil atmosphere, coupled with the aggressive nature of its salmon, provide an unforgettable fishing experience.

Saint John River

The Saint John River stands out for its Striped Bass, with claims that it is the best place in Canada to target these sea-run fish. The river also offers a unique Atlantic sturgeon fishery and a variety of other fish species. The Lower Saint John River, in particular, offers outstanding fishing and sightseeing opportunities, with free ferry services and no fishing licence required on tidal water.

Hammond River

The Hammond River, a tributary of the Kennebecasis River, is renowned for its Atlantic salmon and brook trout. The Hammond River Angling Association actively preserves this rich fish habitat and offers summer camps and educational programs.

Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy, known for its high tides, is a paradise for sport fishers. Popular species include cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, mackerel, and Pollack, with the opportunity to target larger fish such as Porbeagle sharks. The bay is also home to an active lobster and scallop fishery and a diverse population of marine animals.

Lake Utopia

Located in eastern Charlotte County, Lake Utopia is known for its brook trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch fishing. The lake connects to the Magaguadavic River and is home to a stocked population of landlocked Atlantic salmon. Keep an eye out for Old Ned, the local lake monster!

Fishing licenses

The Department of Natural Resources issues a Fish & Wildlife license, which can be purchased online or at select local retailers and bait shops. A New Brunswick Outdoors Card number is required to buy an angling license, which can be obtained through the Fish and Wildlife Licensing System or at authorized vendors or Service New Brunswick locations.

There are different classes of licenses available, depending on the type of fishing desired. For example, Class 1, 2, and 3 licenses are for salmon fishing (including all other fish), while Class 4, 5, and 6 licenses are for angling (excluding salmon). Non-resident anglers intending to fish for Atlantic salmon and those under 16 who wish to fish without a license have their own daily bag limits.

The cost of a license includes a fish stocking fee and conservation fees for the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund, and tax is not included. Non-resident anglers may purchase any combination of Class 2 or Class 3 Salmon licenses, but the total number of tags must not exceed four per year. These tags are necessary for landlocked salmon. It's important to note that non-resident angling licenses that are valid for a specified number of days are only valid for consecutive calendar days.

Fishing guides and outfitters

Fishing in New Brunswick is a great way to explore the province and connect with nature. The province has a variety of stocked ponds and lakes, which are perfect for beginners, as well as rivers and the ocean, which host dozens of fish and shellfish species.

New Brunswick has many certified professional guides and outfitters who can help you navigate the waters and improve your fishing skills. These guides and outfitters are not just for non-residents—anyone can use their services and benefit from their wealth of local knowledge. They can also help with accommodations, making it easy to travel around the province to fish.

If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, Long Lake Adventures offers a remote spring and summer trophy fishing experience. As the only outfitter in New Brunswick that spends most of the year in this isolated wilderness, their experienced guides can help you find the best fishing spots. They also offer a variety of other outdoor activities like hunting, ATVing, boating, and kayaking.

For those interested in ice fishing, the Department of Natural Resources has proposed doubling the number of lakes open for this activity. This would provide even more opportunities for anglers to get out on the ice and try their luck at catching smallmouth bass, pickerel, and trout.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, the fishing guides and outfitters of New Brunswick are ready to help you make the most of your time on the water. With their expertise and the province's abundant waterways, you're sure to have a memorable fishing experience.

Frequently asked questions