New Brunswick's Top Fishing Hotspots
Anglers from across the world know well enough that if you want to experience some of the best fishing available anywhere, New Brunswick is a top destination to go to. The province has been attracting a lot of high-profile fishers for over 100 years, including the likes of the Duke of Windsor and Bing Crosby.
Although New Brunswick may be famous for its salmon, the province's lakes, rivers, and ocean are a host to dozens of species of fish and shellfish. Today, I'd like to give you a better idea of what draws anglers to New Brunswick by listing out some top fishing spots in the province:
Miramichi River
Stretching for 250 kilometres across New Brunswick, the Miramichi River is pretty famous for its Atlantic salmon population. In Doaktown, you can even find an Atlantic salmon museum. These fish are usually best targeted in July when they are aggressively feeding in preparation for the spawning season. Heading out in a small boat or canoe is a good way to find the deeper pools where your chances of success are higher.
Restigouche River
Flowing across the northwestern part of New Brunswick and into Quebec, the Restigouche welcomes thousands of salmon each year. Restigouche salmon are known for their aggressiveness, putting up an excellent fight upon being hooked. There's nothing quite reeling in a 9-14 kg salmon.
Saint John River
The Saint John River is home to multiple species of fish, but it's the striped bass that really sets the river apart, with some claiming this to be the best place in Canada to snag these sea-run fish. Each year, tons of bass are caught within Saint John's city limits alone than in the rest of Atlantic Canada combined. In fact, the unofficial Canadian record bass was pulled from this river, weighing over 28 kg. The Saint John is also home to a unique Atlantic sturgeon fishery, along with smaller shortnose sturgeon and muskies.
Grand Lake
Located just north of Gagetown, this lake is more than 20 kilometres long and has a variety of access points, boat launches, and campgrounds for anglers to choose from. Lake trout, burbot, and whitefish can all be fished here, along with a large population of stocked landlocked salmon – just mind the wind!
Lake Utopia
Found in eastern Charlotte County, this lake is perhaps best known for its brook trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. The lake connects to the Magaguadavic River via a deep naturally occurring canal and is also home to a stocked population of landlocked salmon. While fishing Lake Utopia, keep your eyes out for Old Ned– the speculated local lake monster of legend.
Did I miss any of your favourite New Brunswick fishing locations? If so, I'll be sure to cover more in the future, because there are plenty!
