Best Fishing Spots In New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, offering a world-class experience with its tranquil streams, picturesque lakes, and the Bay of Fundy. With an abundance of waterways and shores, anyone can try their hand at fishing in New Brunswick, as long as they have the proper license and follow the regulations. The province is known for its legendary Atlantic Salmon rivers, with the Restigouche and Miramichi rivers being famous fishing spots. Beyond salmon, anglers can also target Striped Bass, Musky, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Chain Pickerel, Shad, and more in the province's freshwater locations. For those seeking a saltwater adventure, the Bay of Fundy is the place to be, offering the chance to catch Striped Bass, Mackerel, Cod, and other exciting species. So whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, New Brunswick has something to offer for everyone looking to cast a line and create some memorable fishing stories.

Salmon fishing on the Restigouche River

The Restigouche River is known for its exclusivity, clear waters, and large Atlantic salmon. Each year, between 15,000 and 25,000 salmon enter the Restigouche, attracting anglers from across the globe. The Restigouche variety of Atlantic salmon are aggressive and fight hard when hooked, making for an exciting fishing experience. The river has a rich history, having been fished by the likes of the Duke of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, and even American presidents.

When planning a salmon fishing trip on the Restigouche, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, salmon fishing is more tightly regulated than other types of fishing in New Brunswick, and a guide is required for non-residents. Secondly, the river is partially leased to private fishing lodges, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the leased areas and navigate accordingly.

There are lodges, such as the Restigouche River Lodge, that offer full-week bookings and provide guests with an equal opportunity to fish. Their system includes two fly-fishing sessions per day, in the morning and evening, with each session guided and accommodating two anglers. The lodge also provides motor-powered 26-foot canoes and access to their private stretch of the river.

The Restigouche River is a destination that combines natural beauty, a peaceful atmosphere, and the thrill of salmon fishing. It is a place where you can connect with nature, create memorable experiences, and, with some luck, land a big catch.

Striped Bass fishing on the Miramichi River

The Miramichi river system is a prime spot for fishing for Salmon, Trout, and Striped Bass. The Striped Bass population in the estuary areas of the Miramichi River is booming, with an estimated 1.4 million in 2024, and it is common to catch a dozen or more in a single day. Anglers can choose to fish with spinning rods and lures or artificial flies on a saltwater fly rod. The best time to fish is late May through to June.

Wilson's Sporting Camps offer a housekeeping package with lodging, a guide, and a boat for $475 per person per day, or $50 per set per day. Big Paw Outfitters, located minutes from the headwaters of the Northwest and Southwest Miramichi river, offer a fishing package with overnight lodging, a fishing guide, and a boat for $300 per person per day. They also offer fish preparation and freezer storage at no extra cost.

The Saint John river system is another great spot for fishing, where you can find Striped Bass, Musky, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Sturgeon, and Chain Pickerel, among other species. The Fredericton area of the Saint John River is the place to go for Musky and Stripers from June to November.

The Restigouche river system is primarily Trout and Salmon, and the Kennebecasis river is perfect for Brook Trout and Shad in the spring.

Fly fishing on the Miramichi River

The Miramichi River is one of the best Atlantic Salmon rivers in the world, attracting fly fishermen from across the globe. The river is famous for its ability to produce an abundance of wild Atlantic Salmon, with more salmon annually than any other river in the world. The Miramichi is one of the few rivers in North America where fishing rights are privately owned.

The Miramichi River System is made up of the Main Southwest Miramichi, the Northwest Miramichi, the Little Southwest Miramichi, the Renous, the Cains, and the Bartholomew. The Main Southwest Miramichi is the largest of the tributaries and is approximately 200km long, flowing through the province of New Brunswick before emptying into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The river is only one of a few remaining rivers in North America where fishing rights are still privately owned.

The Northwest Miramichi begins in the wooded hills of northeastern New Brunswick, rushing through the wilderness over giant boulders and ledges. The Little Southwest Miramichi is a fast-flowing tributary that travels approximately 80km before joining the Northwest Miramichi. The Renous River starts in central northeastern New Brunswick and flows through a tall jack pine forest before merging with the Dungarvon River, another small, fast-flowing river. The Dungarvon River is mainly an early-run salmon river and tends to stay cooler than the larger rivers due to being spring-fed. The Cains River is one of the most scenic rivers in the province, renowned for its great run of fall salmon. The Bartholomew River is the smallest tributary of the Miramichi freshwater system and is a winding and secluded river, ideal for canoeing when water conditions are right.

The Miramichi River is a fantastic location for fly fishing, with many lodges along the river offering fishing in their private pools with guides. The river is strictly catch and release, so it's all about the sport. The Atlantic salmon hatch in freshwater and briefly grow before migrating to saltwater to mature and then returning to freshwater to spawn and complete their cycle. This means that fly-fishing on the Miramichi is ever-changing throughout the year, with size, colour, and strength changing, so your fishing strategies must also change. Spring fishing is the easiest, as the fish's food stores are depleted, and they are looking to feed. Summer and fall fishing are more challenging, as the fish are not necessarily hungry or easy to catch.

The Miramichi River is not just great for fishing, it's also perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing, and there's an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities along the river. Country Haven, located on the lower stretches of the Main Southwest Miramichi, offers a variety of river activities for fishermen and outdoor adventurers, including fly-fishing lessons.

Ice fishing on the Kennebecasis River

Ice fishing is a popular pastime in Canada, and the Kennebecasis River in New Brunswick is a great place to try it. The Renforth Ice Fishing Village, located in the well-to-do suburb of Renforth, is a community that's all about simple winter fun – and it revolves around one thing: Smelt.

The village is made up of around 100 fishing shacks that pop up on the frozen river each winter, gathered around the Renforth Wharf, just 10 minutes from Saint John. Each shack accommodates six adults and comes with four fishing holes, bait, poles, and a fire-lit wood-burning stove. You can reserve a shack for as little as three hours, giving you plenty of time to try your hand at ice fishing and enjoy the winter wonderland.

The Kennebecasis River is known for its sea-run Smelt, which migrate under the ice to and from the Bay of Fundy. New Brunswick's generous regulations for this species mean you could catch enough to last you for months! But Smelt aren't the only fish you'll find here. Venture further out towards Long Island, and you might hook a Hake lurking under the ice.

The river also offers a variety of other winter activities. If you want to take a break from fishing, you can try skating or ice surfing. And if you're new to ice fishing, don't worry – The Shacks provides a luxury ice fishing experience, so you can give it a go without having to buy or prepare any equipment yourself.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that ice fishing on the Kennebecasis River is highly dependent on the weather. The season typically lasts from early January to mid-March, but the duration can vary significantly from year to year. So, make sure to check the ice conditions and local regulations before heading out.

Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, ice fishing on the Kennebecasis River is a unique and enjoyable way to spend a winter day in New Brunswick. So, bundle up, grab your auger and ice fishing rod, and get ready to create some memorable moments on the ice!

Saltwater fishing in the Bay of Fundy

New Brunswick's saltwater fishing in the Bay of Fundy is a memorable experience. The Bay of Fundy is one of Canada's best spots for deep-sea fishing. Setting off from Digby, Campobello Island, or St. Andrews, you can enjoy a thrilling adventure on the vast bay. The typical sport fishing excursion lasts between three and four hours, and you can expect to reel in a variety of exciting catches.

The Bay of Fundy is renowned for its diverse marine life, including mackerel, pollack, flounder, cod, haddock, halibut, and even the elusive porbeagle shark. The bay's cold waters are particularly attractive to this species of mackerel shark, offering anglers a unique challenge. In addition to the thrilling fishing experience, you'll also have the opportunity to witness the beauty of the bay and its inhabitants, including whales, porpoises, seals, and seabirds.

When planning your saltwater fishing trip to the Bay of Fundy, consider booking with a local charter company that provides all the necessary gear and bait. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience. You can also opt for a shark excursion, where you can catch, tag, and release sharks, creating an unforgettable story to share with your friends and family.

The Saint Andrews-based outfitters can provide you with everything you need, from rods and bait to kayaks for a unique fishing experience. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, the Bay of Fundy offers a saltwater fishing adventure like no other, combining the thrill of the catch with the breathtaking beauty of nature. So, get ready to cast your line and create some unforgettable memories!

Frequently asked questions