Best Spots For Bass Fishing In New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a haven for anglers seeking the thrill of catching largemouth bass. These feisty fish, known for their fighting spirit, vibrant coloration, and impressive size, have become a popular game fish in the region. The St. Croix River, forming the western border with Maine, is a prime spot for bass fishing enthusiasts, offering a Canadian Heritage River experience with its pools and lakes. The Mactaquac Arm on the St. John River is another hotspot, where the presence of largemouth bass is being studied for its impact on the ecosystem.

Anglers can also try their luck in various lakes and rivers across New Brunswick, such as Grand Lake, Oromocto Lake, and Washademoak Lake. The town of St. Stephen, located by the riverside, provides a convenient base for anglers with its food and accommodation options. With the right techniques and gear, such as casting and trolling methods, anglers can improve their chances of landing these challenging yet rewarding catches.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, New Brunswick's diverse waterways offer an exciting and memorable largemouth bass fishing adventure.

St. Croix River

The St. Croix River is a prime spot for both smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing in New Brunswick. The river forms part of the province's western border with the state of Maine and is classified as a Canadian Heritage River. It offers anglers numerous pools and lakes for fantastic bass fishing.

The river runs for 185 kilometres from Monument Brook and North Lake down to Passamaquoddy Bay, an inlet of the Bay of Fundy, at St. Andrews. The largest pools and lakes along the river are known collectively as the Chiputneticook Lakes. The St. Croix River is known for its excellent bass fishing, with both species sometimes gathering in the exact same areas.

One recommended area to target is the reservoir created by the dam at St. Croix, where Palfrey and Spednic Lakes offer a superb, yet underutilised, bass fishery. Under the right conditions, anglers can expect daily catches of 50 fish with an average weight of around 1.75 pounds. To catch these bass, use medium-action spinning tackle loaded with 10-pound test. Topwater lures, particularly poppers, are very effective as the bass move to the spawning beds in mid-June. If the action slows down, switch to a white spinnerbait or move to the rocky reefs and try a 2.25-inch crayfish-pattern crankbait.

Another productive area for largemouth bass in the St. Croix River is the Mactaquac Arm on the St. John River, which has seen a recent increase in the population of this non-native species.

When fishing for largemouth bass in the St. Croix River, look for areas with suitable habitats such as underwater structures, weed beds, or drop-offs. Largemouth bass are often found in shallow water near cover and can be caught using various techniques, including casting, trolling, and fly fishing. Remember to follow local regulations and practice proper fish handling and release techniques to ensure the sustainability of the bass population in the St. Croix River.

Mactaquac Arm on the St. John River

The Mactaquac Arm on the St. John River is a great spot for anglers looking to catch largemouth bass in New Brunswick. This area has seen a recent increase in the presence of largemouth bass, a species not native to the region. The river offers a variety of suitable habitats for these fish, including underwater structures, weed beds, and drop-offs, which are known to attract largemouth bass.

One of the best locations within the Mactaquac Arm is the Mactaquac Causeway, where both smallmouth and largemouth bass gather in feeding zones. The Nackawic Marina and shoreline is another excellent spot to try your luck. Here, you can cast your line out to the edge of the weed lines and wait for the visual explosions of largemouth bass striking your lure. Just remember to take your time and carefully guide your catch through the weed lines to bring it to shore.

The nearby Shogomoc Walking Bridge, located off the old highway just above Nackawic, is another fantastic option. This area not only offers great fishing opportunities but also provides a wonderful exploration experience with its old bridges and shallow streams.

When fishing for largemouth bass in the Mactaquac Arm, it's important to use the right techniques and gear. Casting is a widely used technique, involving the use of a spinning rod and reel to cast lures or baits near underwater structures or weed beds. Popular lures for largemouth bass include plastic worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Trolling is another effective method, where you troll lures or baits behind a moving boat at depths of 5 to 10 feet. Fly fishing is also an option, although it's more challenging, requiring a 7- to 8-weight fly rod and reel with bulky flies cast near underwater structures or weed beds.

Remember to always follow the local regulations and practice responsible fishing. New Brunswick has specific seasons and bag limits for largemouth bass fishing, and a valid fishing license is required. Additionally, there may be gear restrictions, catch-and-release requirements, and consumption guidelines to be aware of.

Grand Lake

To maximise your chances of success at Grand Lake, it is recommended to visit during the peak feeding period in July. This is when bass are most active and abundant, providing an excellent opportunity to make some impressive catches. The lake's wheelchair-accessible dock and well-maintained boat launch also contribute to its appeal, making it convenient for all types of anglers.

When it comes to tactics and gear selection, medium-action spinning gear loaded with eight-pound-test super-line is the recommended setup for Grand Lake. This combination offers the right balance of strength and sensitivity to effectively target the bass in this body of water. For lure choices, shad-patterned poppers and five-inch soft-plastic jerkbaits in bass-imitating colours have proven to be particularly effective. Focusing your efforts on the shallows during this period will increase your chances of landing a bass.

For those who enjoy fly fishing, Grand Lake also presents a great opportunity. A six-weight rod with a 2X tippet leader is the recommended setup. Black or green Whisker Bugs (spun and clipped deer hair) have shown to be productive fly choices, attracting the attention of bass lurking in the shallows. Remember to work your flies around reed beds and weed edges, as these areas provide cover and attract bass during their feeding periods.

Oromocto Lake

When fishing on Oromocto Lake, anglers can expect to find success using a variety of techniques and lures. A surprising lure to use is a popper with a white belly and a dark back, which can entice smallmouth bass to strike even in six to eight feet of water. Working the shorelines early in the morning or late in the day is also a productive strategy. For those who prefer soft plastics, a three-inch watermelon-green tube can be a deadly choice. Given the possibility of encountering larger fish such as striped bass, it is recommended to use medium-action spinning gear loaded with 10-pound test line.

The Saint John River system, including Oromocto Lake, is known for its quality smallmouth bass population. Anglers can expect to catch a good number of fish, with an average of 40 fish per day weighing between one and one-and-a-half pounds. In addition to smallmouth bass, there is also the chance to hook into other species such as striped bass or muskie, adding to the excitement of fishing in this area.

The accessibility of Oromocto Lake also makes it a convenient fishing destination. Anglers can easily reach the lake by following Route 102 east from Fredericton to the town of Oromocto. With its productive fishing grounds and convenient location, Oromocto Lake is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a rewarding bass fishing experience in New Brunswick.

Meduxnekeag River

The Meduxnekeag River is a prime spot for bass fishing in New Brunswick. It is part of the 100-kilometre-long Mactaquac Reservoir, also known as the "Headpond", which offers a diverse range of bass habitats, including tributary streams, flooded roadbeds, and deep sandbars. Early in the season, anglers can expect to catch a dozen or more bass, averaging 2.5 pounds per hour, in the Meduxnekeag.

To make the most of your fishing trip to the Meduxnekeag River, here are some essential tips and tactics:

Tackle and Tactics:

• The bass season usually opens on May 1, and during the first few weeks, bass move from the Headpond into rivers like the Meduxnekeag to prepare for spawning. This is an excellent time to target bass as they are aggressive and actively feeding.
• Focus your efforts on the lower section of the Meduxnekeag River, specifically between the Highway 2 bridge and the town bridge.
• Use medium-action spinning gear and an in-line spinner for your lure. A green-and-chartreuse blade is a local favourite.
• Given the aggressiveness of the bass, it is recommended to use a 10-pound line to handle the strong fights these fish are known for.

Getting There:

• To access the Meduxnekeag River, take Highway 2 west from Fredericton to Woodstock.
• Other areas of the Mactaquac Reservoir can also be reached from various locations along Highway 2, such as Nackawic.

The Meduxnekeag River is not just a great spot for bass fishing but also offers a tranquil and sheltered fishing experience. The river provides a peaceful setting with quiet waters and an abundance of nature to enjoy while you cast your line.

In addition to bass, the Meduxnekeag River is also home to Chain Pickerel, Smallmouth Bass, and a growing population of Largemouth Bass. So, whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, the Meduxnekeag River offers a well-rounded fishing experience with a variety of species to target.

Remember to always follow local fishing regulations, practice catch-and-release when possible, and respect the natural environment to ensure the sustainability of the fishery for future generations.

Frequently asked questions