Fish 2025-26

REGU L ATIONS SUMM A RY

Regular Season 2025 - Winter 2026

Stop the Spread of Zebra Mussels!
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are a highly
invasive freshwater mussel that are now in the
Saint John River system.
Report any sightings immediately to:
FishNB-PecheN-B@GNB.CA | (506) 453-3826
Please include the date, location (GPS coordinates), and photos (if possible).
For more information: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/
erd/fish-and-wildlife/content/go-fishing/content/ZebraMussels/saint-john-
watershed-detection.html

Adult Zebra mussels can be identified by their triangular

shape, often with dark and/or light stripes on their shells;
very small size, ranging from a few millimeters up to 4 cm
(no bigger than a thumbnail); byssal threads (fine hairs)
which they use to firmly attach to under-water surfaces.

To prevent zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species, it is

important to remember to Clean, Drain and Dry (CDD) any water-
based equipment (boats, trailers, canoes, kayaks, fishing gear, boat
lifts, etc.) before entering a new body of water! For more information
on CDD, see Page 22. Don’t forget to CDD your winter fishing gear too!

Report Your Catch ... and WIN!

Do your part to help managers make informed
decisions to sustain quality fishing in New Brunswick.
WIN
Rod/Reel Combo
or
1 of 15 NB Resident Fishing Licences
Complete and submit either the postage-paid angler
survey card in the center of this book or online by
January 15, 2026, to be eligible for the draw.
https://dnr-mrn.gnb.ca/AnglingRecord/?lang=e
A New Brunswick Outdoors Card number will be
required. Numbers are free and can be obtained from
Be sure to include information for days when no fish an authorized vendor, Service New Brunswick centre,
were caught, if you fished very little or not at all. All or by registering online at GNB.CA/FishWildlife. Please
information is important! ensure your information is valid and up to date.
 Contents
Aboriginal and Treaty Rights 2
A Message from the Minister
of Natural Resources 3
How to use this summary 4
New for 2025 5
Definitions 6
General information 8
Angling licences and fees 12
Warm Water Protocols 14
Sea-run Atlantic salmon information 14
Information for non-residents 15
Questions about regulations? 18
Provincial Fish Stocking Program 20
Aquatic Invasive Species 22
Fish Consumption Guidelines 24
Fish NB Days 25
Recreational Fishery Areas (RFA)
Restigouche 26
Chaleur 30
Miramichi 33
Southeast 38
Inner Bay of Fundy 40
Lower Saint John 42
Southwest 46
Upper Saint John 50
Law Enforcement Collaboration 54
Winter Fishing 57
Crown Reserve Waters 63

This is not a legal document. This book NB Fish 2025-2026

provides a brief summary of major angling
regulations and licence information for Province of New Brunswick
the 2025-2026 seasons. Regulations are PO Box 6000, Fredericton NB E3B 5H1
subject to change at any time. Check online 24-01695 | 2025.03
for the latest version. This book does not GNB.CA
cover all the laws contained in federal and
provincial acts and regulations. For additional ISBN 978-1-4605-4170-8 (print)
information regarding season dates, bag ISBN 978-1-4605-4171-5 (online)
limits, possession limits, size limits or gear ISSN 1914-6191 Print
restrictions, contact your local Department of ISSN 2371-8781 PDF
Fisheries and Oceans. Cover photo: Madison DeBouver
A B O R I G I N A L A N D T R E ATY R I G H TS
The Mi’gmaq, Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy), and Wolastoqey (Maliseet) Peoples,
which are the Indigenous Nations in New Brunswick, have sustained their families and
communities in New Brunswick for thousands of years. At the time of contact with
European settlers they had vibrant cultures with economies based on the use and trade
of plants, fish, seafood, and wildlife, supported by land and water networks connecting
camps, villages, and spiritual places. Their relationship with the land has always been
one of respect, reciprocity, and conservation of natural resources.
The Indigenous Nations in New Brunswick and the other Maritime provinces signed
Peace and Friendship Treaties with Great Britain (the Crown) in the 18th century. Under
these Treaties the Crown and Indigenous signatories agreed to co-exist peacefully and
encouraged cooperation to help the British and other settlers establish lives in the
Atlantic provinces and country we live in today.
To this day, the Peace and Friendship Treaties are the foundation of the relationship
between Indigenous Nations, federal, and provincial governments. These treaties have
been included in the Canadian Constitution since 1982. The Treaties protect the rights
of Indigenous Nations to live on the land they have cared for since time immemorial.
The Treaties protect the rights of Indigenous Nations to harvest natural resources to
support their cultural, social, health, spiritual and economic wellbeing.
Treaties are signed on a nation-to-nation basis and the relationship is between the
people of those respective nations. Therefore, we are all Treaty People. Let’s all take
our Treaty responsibilities seriously, respect differences in rights, celebrate our shared
enjoyment of the lands, waters, and resources, and work as partners in protecting these
precious natural resources.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 2
A Message from the
Minister of Natural Resources

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just minutes of your time, you can have an
looking for something fun to do outdoors impact on our management decisions.
with friends and family, fishing is an Sustainability of this popular activity is
activity that everyone can enjoy, especially incredibly important to our province.
here in New Brunswick. We are incredibly Also, be on the look out for invasive
fortunate to have access to some of the species, which are noted in this booklet
best fishing opportunities in Canada. on Page 22 and Page 23. With the highly
Our fishing guide has everything you need invasive zebra mussels now in our
to know about angling in New Brunswick. province, we all need to help prevent their
You can also use the interactive spread by taking steps such as Clean
regulations mapping tool found on our Drain Dry.
website. I encourage you to grab your gear, bring
I ask that you help us make informed your sense of adventure, and go make
decisions to sustain quality fishing some unforgettable fishing memories.
in New Brunswick by reporting your Happy fishing!
catch and effort. You can do that by Sincerely,
completing and submitting either the
postage-paid angler survey card in the
center of this book or keep track of your
fishing info online: http://dnr-mrn.gnb.
ca/AnglingRecord/?lang=e. For a few Hon. John Herron

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 3
HOW TO USE THIS SUMMARY
1. Where: See the map below and turn to the page of the Recreational Fishery Area
(RFA) where you will be fishing.
2. What species: Decide which species you want to fish.
3. Look under the species name: For season, bag limit, size limit and exceptions.
4. Look under Exceptions and special regulations: Check to see if the water you want
to fish is closed or has special gear or harvest restrictions.

Recreational Fishery Areas (RFAs) NOTE: Interactive maps

are also available to help
anglers with fishing rules,
Restigouche
lake depths and stocked
PA G E 2 6 waters:
Chaleur
PA G E 3 0
www2.gnb.ca/content/
gnb/en/departments/
Upper Saint John erd/fish-and-wildlife/
PA G E 5 0
content/go-fishing.html
Miramichi (Interactive Maps)
PA G E 3 3

Southeast
PA G E 3 8

Lower Saint John

Inner Bay of
PA G E 4 2 Fundy
PA G E 4 0

Southwest
PA G E 4 6

RFA ALL LAKES, RIVERS AND STREAMS DRAINING INTO THE . . .

Restigouche Restigouche River and tributaries upstream of the J.C. Van Horne Bridge at Campbellton
Bay of Chaleur seaward of the J.C. Van Horne bridge at Campbellton, and the Gulf of St.
Chaleur Lawrence north of the Tabusintac Bay

Miramichi Tabusintac Bay and all waters draining into the Miramichi Bay north of Point Escuminac
Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait south of Point Escuminac to the New
Southeast Brunswick / Nova Scotia Border
Bay of Fundy eastward of the Saint John Harbor Bridge to the Provincial border between
Inner Bay of Fundy New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
Saint John River and tributaries downstream from the Covered Bridge at Hartland to the
Lower Saint John Saint John Harbor Bridge
Bay of Fundy westward from the Saint John Harbor Bridge to the International Border
Southwest between New Brunswick and Maine

Upper Saint John Saint John River upstream from the Covered Bridge at Hartland

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 4
New for 2025

• Report Your Catch...and Win! See inside cover for details.

• Smallmouth bass is considered invasive in the Miramichi watershed. Fisheries
and Oceans Canada (DFO) has introduced a new management measure that
allows lawful capture, retention, and reporting to control this species. For more
information, please see page 23.
• Following the removal of the dam at Canoose Flowage, this area is no longer open
for winter fishing.
• All waters are closed to angling from the abutment above the remaining mill dam
timbers in Alma (USR 45.605784, -64.956689 USR 45.605893, -64.955634) to the
junction of Lake Brook and Upper Salmon River at the boundary of Fundy National
Park (45.626781°, -64.969453° 45.626399°, -64.969953°).

Federal Regulatory Amendments

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in partnership with the provincial authorities of New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, have identified a suite of proposed
changes to the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations. Interested groups and
individuals were offered an opportunity to engage in the development of the proposed
changes during 2023 and 2024. The proposed changes are anticipated to be published
in Part I of the Canada Gazette in 2025. The publication in Part I of the Canada Gazette
will launch another opportunity for public review and comment before the changes
become official. Those with an interest are encouraged to monitor the Canada Gazette
website at https://canadagazette.gc.ca/consult/consult-eng.html

Sea-run Atlantic Salmon

A mandatory hook and release requirement for sea-run Atlantic salmon is in effect on
all waters of New Brunswick. Please consult the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’
webpage for details about sea-run Atlantic salmon regulations at https://www.glf.
dfo-mpo.gc.ca/glf/en/recreational-fisheries (or search by keywords ‘’DFO Gulf Region
recreational fisheries’’). You can also call the nearest DFO conservation and protection
office (see contact list on Page 18).

Striped Bass
At the time this book was published, information on management measures and
seasons for Striped bass in the Restigouche, Chaleur, Miramichi and Southeast RFAs
was not available. Please consult the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ website
for details about Striped bass regulations at https://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/glf/en/
recreational-fisheries (or search by keywords ‘’DFO Gulf Region recreational fisheries’’).
You can also call the nearest DFO conservation and protection office (see contact list on
Page 18).
F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 5
Definitions

Angling
Fishing with a line to which one or more line to which no weight has been added.
hooks are attached and that is held in the Trolling with artificial flies is permitted.
hand or attached to a rod that is held in
the hand or closely attended. Fly Fishing Only Waters (Scheduled)
Waters where fly fishing is the only
Artificial Fly
method of angling permitted.
A single hook, a double hook or two
single hooks dressed with materials likely Guide Required Waters
to attract fish, with no weight, spinning Waters deemed to be angled mainly for
device or natural bait attached. Atlantic Salmon. Non-Residents require
a guide while angling for any species on
Boundary Waters
these waters after the designated date.
Waters forming the boundary between
the State of Maine and/or the Province Hook
of Quebec and the Province of New A single, double or treble hook, with or
Brunswick. without barbs, on one shank or shaft.

Daily versus possession limits Jigging

(collectively called bag limits) Manipulating a hook(s) to foul-hook a
For all species, the possession limit is the fish in any part of its body instead of its
same as the bag limit, regardless of the mouth.
number of days of fishing. A possession • Foul-hooked fish are those fish
limit is the number of a particular species hooked accidentally in any part of the
allowed in an angler’s possession, body except the mouth, which must
including any and all locations such as a be released unharmed immediately.
live well or freezer at home. A daily limit
Length Measurements
is the number of a particular species an
angler is allowed to keep in a calendar • Fork length (FL) is measured from the
day, including those that are consumed tip of the nose to the fork of the tail -
that day. used when measuring Atlantic salmon
or landlocked salmon.
Fly Fishing
• Total length (TL) is measured in a
To cast upon the water and retrieve in the straight line from the tip of the nose
usual and ordinary manner an unbaited, to the tip of the tail — used when
unweighted artificial fly attached to a measuring all other fish.
F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 6
Live Release e. A person who has resided in
the province for the purpose of
Capture and immediate release of live fish.
employment for an aggregate period
Main Restigouche River of six months within the last 12
months.
The main stem of the Restigouche
River, from the junction with the Little f. A person who was born in the province
Restigouche River and Kedgwick River, and who owns real property in the
downstream to the J.C. Van Horne Bridge. province.
Main Southwest Miramichi River g. A person who was born in the Province
and who is a member of the Canadian
The main stem of the Southwest
Forces or the Royal Canadian Mounted
Miramichi River, from the forks at Juniper,
Police.
downstream to the junction with the
Northwest Miramichi River. h. A person who has his or her principal
place of residence in the Province
Non-Sport Fish Seasons
and is the holder of a valid New
Legal access to non-sport fish species in Brunswick driver’s licence or a valid
inland waters is governed by the season photo identification card issued by
for sport fish. If all sport fish seasons on a the Minister of Public Safety and
particular water are closed, then the non- referred to in the regulations under
sport fish season is also closed. the Financial Administration Act.
Resident
Set Line
a. A person who has resided in the
A set line is only used in the winter fishery
province for a period of six months
and refers to a line that is not attached
immediately prior to making an
to a rod or held in the hand and to which
application for a licence.
only one hook with a single point or barb
b. A person who has resided in the is attached. Every person who fishes
province for a period of two weeks with set lines must attend those lines and
immediately prior to making an maintain an unobstructed view of those
application for a licence, where that lines.
person was required to take up
residence in the province as a result of Sport Fish
being transferred to the province by
Sea-run Atlantic salmon, landlocked
their employer.
salmon, brook trout, brown trout, lake
c. A person who is taking educational trout, rainbow trout, arctic char, and
training of a three-month minimum smallmouth bass.
duration and has been residing in
the province for a two-week period Trolling
immediately prior to making an Angling with a hook(s) and line that is
application for a licence. drawn through the water by a watercraft
d. A person who resided in the province propelled by mechanical or manual
for a period of six months immediately means.
prior to taking educational training
outside the province.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 7
General information

ANGLING ETHICS AND water. New rules are in place, see

COURTESY Page 11.
Ethical anglers are those who appreciate
ACTIVITIES NOT ALLOWED
New Brunswick’s natural culture and
WHILE ANGLING
its history. They protect our natural
resources. They fish in a responsible • Sport fish may not be caught by means
manner. They respect the rights of others other than angling.
and they handle their catch in a humane • When fishing in inland waters for
manner. sport fish or non-sport fish, or fishing
in tidal waters for sport fish, no person
Respect our fish as a valuable resource: shall angle with more than one fishing
• Do not kill fish that you do not intend line to which more than three hooks
to use. are attached.
• Learn proper handling techniques • No person shall use a set-line for
to ensure released fish survive. fishing in inland waters, except where
See Page 17. permitted during the winter fishery.
• If you have decided to keep a fish, kill • During the open water season, no
it quickly. person shall angle for sport fish during
the period beginning two hours after
• Treat fish in a humane manner,
sunset and ending two hours before
whether they are retained, released or
sunrise.
used as bait.
• No person shall fish in inland waters
• Ensure quality angling for future
at any time, with the aid of an artificial
generations. Limit your catch, rather
light or light from a fire
than catching your limit.
• No person shall angle or assist in
Respect the environment and our angling from any bridge that spans
aquatic habitat: or forms the boundary of any inland
water identified in column I of
• Do not litter. If you brought it in, take
Schedule II of the Maritime Provinces
it out. Leave the area cleaner than you
Fishery Regulations.
found it.
• No person shall fish in any manner
Respect other users and their property: within 23 m downstream from the
• Fishing should be an enjoyable lower entrance to any fishway,
experience for all. Don’t spoil it for obstruction or leap (Ex. waterfall).
others. • Fishing is not permitted within a
• Cooperate with all resource users, 100 m radius of any facility operated
including other anglers, swimmers by or on behalf of the Department of
and boaters. Fisheries and Oceans or the Province
for the purposes of counting, passage
• Respect private property and private
or rearing of fish.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 8
• Gaffs cannot be used to land sport permitted in inland waters or within
fish. 15 m of inland waters unless the
• Jigging devices or spears are not person is lawfully hunting or trapping.
permitted within 15 m of inland • Fishing by jigging or assisting in landing
waters. fish that have been caught by jigging
• Snares or bows and arrows are not in inland waters is not permitted.

I N L A N D A N D T I DA L WAT E R S

• Inland waters are all waters upstream of an inland water boundary - often referred
to as head of tide. Tidal waters are all waters downstream of the inland water
boundary.
• Boundaries for our main waterways can be found at: www2.gnb.ca/content/
gnb/en/departments/erd/fish-and-wildlife/content/go-fishing/content/
TidalWaters.html
• The boundary for waters not listed is the low water mark at the time of low water as
set by Canadian Tide and Current Tables (Department of Fisheries and Oceans). For
more information, contact your local Fisheries and Oceans office.

F I S H I N G A N D B OAT I N G I N D E S I G N AT E D WAT E R S H E D S
Certain lakes, ponds, brooks and rivers are in a Designated Watershed which means
that they have various restrictions on the use of motorized boats. For a map of these
waterbodies and information on their restrictions see Watershed Protection: https://
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/elg/environment/content/land_
waste/content/reference_manual/watershed_protection.html

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 9
LINES AND HOOKS

How many lines can I fish with?

• You may only use 1 angling line (a line that is held in the hand or attached to a rod
that is held in the hand or closely attended) during the open water and/ or winter
fishing seasons, except 5 lines may be used in tidal waters when fishing for non-
sport fish.
• During the winter fishing season, you may also use 5 set lines (a line not attached to
a rod or held in the hand but attended to with an unobstructed view) on Designated
Inland, Designated International and Designated Tidal waters (see pages 57-62).
How many hooks can I use at the end of my line?
• Angling lines may have up to 3 hooks with no more than 3 points per hook (i.e. treble
hook) unless
— angling for Atlantic salmon or angling for any species in fly fishing only waters
(see Exceptions and Special Regulations table in each RFA), where a barbless
artificial fly, which can be a single or double hook or two single hooks, dressed
with materials but has no added weight, spinning device or natural bait attached,
is required.
— in tidal waters, when fishing for non-sport fish, angling lines may have up to 6
hooks with no more than 3 points per hook.
• Set lines (winter fishery only) must have only 1 hook with a single point.

BAIT RULES

• Species not allowed for use as bait: bass, bullhead, sunfish, yellow perch, white
perch, other spiny finrayed fish, pickerel, muskellunge, goldfish or other carp.
• No person shall use or possess live fish (including crayfish) as bait in inland waters,
with the following exceptions:
— On international boundary waters (between Maine and New Brunswick), live fish
may be used as bait provided they are obtained from the water being fished and
are not on the prohibited list above.
— In tidal water live fish may be used as bait but only if they were caught in NB and
are not on the prohibited list above.
• On international boundary waters (between Maine and New Brunswick), tidal waters
and all inland waters, dead fish can be used as bait as long as they are not on the
prohibited list above.
• It is illegal to buy, sell, trade or barter any fish unless it was caught under a commercial
fishing licence.
• Fishing with bait or lures is not permitted on Crown Reserve Waters.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 10
Trespass on Agricultural Land
In accordance with recent changes to the Trespass Act, trespass by any means, including
on foot or by vehicle, is prohibited on agricultural land, unless written consent of the
owner or occupant of the land has been obtained. This applies to all land classed as
agricultural land, whether on private or Crown lands.
Note: There is no requirement for the owner or occupant of agricultural land to post
signage concerning trespass. The prohibition against trespass on agricultural land
applies regardless of whether such land has been posted or otherwise identified
and applies to all persons wishing to access or cross agricultural land for any reason,
including anglers.
Under the Trespass Act, agricultural land is defined as follows:

• land that is being cultivated for the production of food for humans or livestock;
• land that is being managed for the production of food for humans or livestock;
• an orchard that is being cultivated;
• an orchard that is being managed;
• a pasture;
• a Christmas tree plantation;
• a plantation of seedlings and saplings;
• land that is being managed for maple sugaries.

For information concerning Active Agricultural Leases on Crown Lands, please visit the
following link: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/10/agriculture/
content/additional-information.html or call 888-312-5600.
For more information on other restrictions on trespass, please consult the Trespass Act:
https://laws.gnb.ca/en/document/cs/2012,%20c.117

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 11
Angling licences and fees

• You will need a New Brunswick Outdoors Card number to purchase a licence.
Outdoors Card numbers and licences are available at gnb.ca/fishwildlife, from
authorized vendors, and all Service New Brunswick centres.
• Contact your local DNRED office or our website to find the location nearest you
- see Page 18.
• Your season Angling Licence is valid from April 15 until March 31 of the following
year. This means the upcoming winter fishing season from January 1 to March 31 is
included in your licence.
• A salmon licence can be purchased without activating a tag. There is no retention of
sea-run Atlantic salmon.
• The requirement to tag landlocked salmon has been removed and a salmon licence
is not required to retain landlocked salmon.
• One day angling adventures may be available to resident and non-resident anglers
from specific operators and outfitters. For more information, contact Fish & Wildlife
at fw_pfweb@gnb.ca or 506-453-3826.

AGE LICENCE TYPE PERIOD COST 1

RESIDENT
0-15 years Angling (except sea-run Atlantic salmon)2 Season No licence required
10-15 years Class 8 – Salmon (includes all other fish) Season $20.00
Class 7 – Salmon (includes all other fish) Season $36.00
16-64 years
Class 9 – Angling (except sea-run Atlantic salmon)2 Season $23.00
Class 8 – Salmon (includes all other fish) Season $20.00
65 years & over
Class 10 – Angling (except sea-run Atlantic salmon)2 Season $15.00
NON-RESIDENT
0-15 years Angling (except sea-run Atlantic salmon)2 Season No licence required
Class 1 – Salmon (includes all other fish) Season $173.00
10 years & over Class 2 – Salmon (includes all other fish)3 7-day4 $100.00
Class 3 – Salmon (includes all other fish)3 3-day4 $53.00
Class 4 – Angling (except sea-run Atlantic salmon)2 Season $64.00
16 years & over Class 5 – Angling (except sea-run Atlantic salmon)2 7-day4 $41.00
Class 6 – Angling (except sea-run Atlantic salmon)2 3-day4 $30.00
1
Licence cost includes fish stocking fee, conservation fees collected for the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund and tax is not included.
2
You do not need a salmon licence to fish for or retain landlocked salmon.
3
Non-resident anglers may purchase any number or combination of Class 2 or Class 3 Salmon licences.
4
Non-resident angling licences that are valid for a specific number of days are valid for consecutive calendar days.
For example: June 30, July 1, and July 2

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 12
LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Angling licences must be properly signed and carried at all times while fishing.
• Angling licences are not required in tidal waters. New Brunswick tidal water
boundaries are described at gnb.ca/fishwildlife.
• Anglers can only purchase one Class 1, 7, or 8 licence per season.
• Anglers 16 years of age and older require a provincial licence while angling in inland
waters.
• An angling licence does not authorize the holder to purchase, sell or barter sport fish.
• Fishing in a National Park requires a National Park fishing licence. Provincial licences
do not apply. There are Park-specific angling rules and regulations. For more
information on the park nearest you, please visit https://parks.canada.ca.

Anglers under the age of 16

• Anglers who are 10-15 years of age may fish for Atlantic salmon:
— Without an Atlantic salmon licence if accompanied by an angler with a valid
Atlantic salmon licence. The licence holder must include the child’s Atlantic
salmon catch in his/her daily catch limit.
— With their own Atlantic salmon licence. In this case, the child has their own
Atlantic salmon catch limit.
• Anglers who are under 10 years of age may fish for Atlantic salmon but cannot
have their own catch limit. They do not need an Atlantic salmon licence but must be
accompanied by an angler with a valid Atlantic salmon licence and the licence holder
must include the child’s Atlantic salmon catch in his/her daily catch limit.
• Anglers under 16 years of age who do not wish to fish for Atlantic salmon do not
require an angling licence. These anglers have their own daily bag and possession
limits.
• Regular angling licences do not entitle anglers to fish on Crown Reserve Waters.
— For information on youth anglers on Crown Reserve waters, see Page 64 to 65.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 13
Warm Water Protocols

There is a concern for Atlantic salmon under stressful conditions associated with
warming events. A Warm Water Protocol is a science-based tool developed to guide
management measures in certain rivers when pre-determined temperature thresholds
for Atlantic salmon are reached. Measures include a series of angling restrictions such
as partial or complete closures of all recreational fishing in a river or sections of a river.
When environmental conditions improve, the restrictions are lifted.

There are three Warm Water Protocols in effect in NB: Miramichi,

Restigouche and Nepisiguit. During the summer months, please
remember to frequently check this DFO website for updated information
on current warm water closures and re-openings at: https://www.glf.
dfo-mpo.gc.ca/glf/en/Atlantic%20Salmon%20-%20Saumon.

Sea-run Atlantic salmon information

See individual Recreational Fishery Areas (RFA) for detailed Atlantic salmon angling
information.
All sea-run Atlantic salmon and grilse must be live released.
• Only barbless artificial flies are permitted on fly fishing only waters.
• Once anglers have reached their daily live release limit, they must stop fishing for
sea-run Atlantic salmon.

In-season closures for the Miramichi, Restigouche and Nepisiguit River systems
For more information on these conservation measures and when they are implemented,
please refer to DFO Gulf Region’s Recreational Fisheries webpage at https://www.glf.
dfo-mpo.gc.ca/glf/en/recreational-fisheries.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 14
SALMON ANGLING COURTESY
Start upstream of others Don’t anchor too close to wading
Begin fishing upstream of anglers that are anglers
already fishing a pool or run. When arriving to fish a pool from a boat,
allow anglers who are fishing from shore
Don’t crowd other anglers with enough room to cast.
Leave some space between you and the
angler downstream so you don’t affect Always yield to an angler who has a
their ability to cast and fish through the fish on the line
pool. The angler below and above should reel
in line and be prepared to give the angler
Fish through the pool fighting the fish room to play and land his/
Anglers should move downstream at a her catch.
reasonable pace while fishing a pool or
run to allow upstream or waiting anglers Give others a chance after you have
an opportunity to fish the water (applies landed a fish
for shore and boat anglers alike). An angler who lands a salmon or
grilse should rotate to the beginning
Slow your boat if they wish to continue fishing a pool
Reduce the wake from your boat by or run. An angler who loses a fish
slowing down and taking a wide berth may return to his/her place in line.
when passing anglers fishing from shore
or in another boat.

Information for non-residents

• Non-residents may fish without a licence or a guide on Fish NB Days; however, all
current catch limits, closures and other restrictions remain in effect and in winter,
this only includes those waters that are open for winter fishing. Individuals whose
angling privileges have been revoked cannot fish on Fish NB Days.
• Non-resident anglers require a licensed guide when fishing for sea-run Atlantic
salmon, or when angling for any species on Guide Required Waters after the
designated date.
• Professional guides (Guide I) are permitted to angle and hook a salmon on behalf of
his or her licensed client. The client is considered to have hooked the salmon, which
counts towards their live release limit.
• Professional guides (Guide I) may accompany as a guide: three licensed persons
while wading or fishing from shore for Atlantic salmon or while angling in Guide
Required Waters; or one licensed person while angling from a boat for Atlantic
salmon in Guide Required Waters.
• Professional guides (Guide I) and their clients cannot fish at the same time.
• For more information, visit www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/erd/
fish-and-wildlife/content/go-fishing/content/definition-requirements-non-
res-angler.html.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 15
G U I D E R E Q U I R E D WAT E R S
Non-resident anglers must be accompanied by a licensed New Brunswick guide when
fishing these waters after the specified dates.
GUIDE
RIVER REQUIRED GUIDE REQUIRED STRETCH
BEGINNING
RESTIGOUCHE RFA
Kedgwick May 15 Entire river
Entire river (Note: a portion of this river is restricted to
Little Main Restigouche May 15
residents only - see Page 26)
Northwest Upsalquitch May 15 Mouth upstream to the closed waters
Patapedia May 15 Entire river
From line drawn from Copeland Brook (NB) to Ferguson Creek
Restigouche May 1
(Quebec) upstream to Little Main Restigouche
Southeast Upsalquitch May 15 Entire river
Upsalquitch May 15 Entire river
CHALEUR RFA
Big Tracadie Apr 15 Murchie Bridge to St. Sauveur road
Jacquet July 1 Route 11 bridge to Lower McNair Brook
The Consolidated Bathurst Pumping Station Dam to Nepisiguit
Nepisiguit Apr 15
Falls
Tetagouche Apr 15 From and including Minnie’s Pool upstream to Tetagouche Falls
MIRAMICHI RFA
Bartholomew June 1 Mouth upstream to forks of North & South branches
Bartibog Apr 15 Egans Quarry upstream to Green Brook
Big Sevogle Apr 15 Entire river including North & South branches
Cains Apr 15 Mouth upstream to North Cains River
Mouth upstream to western limit of timber block 222
Dungarvon Apr 15
(N 46°45.68’, W 066° 34.67’)
Upstream of the Oxbow on the north boundary line of the Red
Little Southwest Miramichi Apr 15
Bank Indian Reserve No. 7
Lower North Branch Little
Apr 15 Entire river
Southwest Miramichi
A line drawn from grid reference 87948796 to 87048802
Main Southwest Miramichi Apr 15 (the Old Squaw Rock above the mouth of the Renous River)
upstream to junction of North and South Branches
North Branch Renous Apr 15 Mouth upstream to North Renous Lake
North Branch Southwest
Apr 15 Forks upstream to Beadle Brook
Miramichi
Northwest Miramichi Apr 15 From and including Scott’s Rapid Pool upstream to the forks
Renous Apr 15 Entire river upstream of the Route 8 bridge
South Branch Southwest
Apr 15 Forks upstream to Flemming Gibson Dam at Juniper
Miramichi
South Branch Renous Apr 15 Mouth upstream to forks with Little Renous River
Tabusintac Apr 15 Head of Tide Island upstream to Route 8 bridge
Taxis July 1 Mouth upstream to Route 625 crossing
Tomogonops June 15 Mouth upstream to South Branch

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 16
CATC H & R E L E A S E T I P S

Anglers are reminded to adopt both careful handling and proper catch and release
practices to ensure the health and survival of their catch.
1. Eliminate Contact With Dry Surfaces: Avoid beaching your fish. Keep the fish in
or over the water, and hold it with clean, wet hands or a soft rubber net. This helps
keep a fish’s protective layer intact and prevents the chances of infection.
2. Reduce Handling: Retrieve your catch quickly. Do not angle a fish until it is
exhausted. The use of barbless hooks and barbless artificial flies / lures increases
a fish’s chance of survival. Cut the line and leave deeply embedded or swallowed
hooks in the fish. A fish that can be legally kept should not be released if it is
bleeding heavily as it is unlikely to survive. Avoid squeezing the fish. Use both
hands to evenly support the fish’s weight. Do not lift a fish out of the water by the
tail. Keep your fingers out of the gills and eyes.
3. Minimize Air Exposure: Keep air exposure to a minimum. Even short durations
of air exposure (Ex. 10-20 seconds) can cause harm to a fish. Keep the mouth and
gills fully submerged in water as much as possible. Take the time to gently revive
the fish. Place your hand under the fish’s belly and support it until it swims away. In
moving water, face the fish into the current.

SET YOUNG SALMON FREE

It’s the law! If you catch a salmon parr or smolt, gently remove the hook and release it
back in the water. Study these pictures and note the differences between young Atlantic
salmon and brook trout.

S A L M O N PA R R
• Black spots on back and sides
• Forked tail
• No markings on fins or tail
S A L M O N S M O LT
• Silvery fish
• Only a shadow of vertical side bars
• Black spots on upper sides and cheeks
• Dark forked tail
BROOK TROUT
• Light coloured spots on its sides
• Red spots with light coloured edge
• Marbled pattern (dark irregular lines) on upper body and back
• Dorsal fin has dark bars and patches
• Lower fins have a white edge
• Tail is square or very slightly concave

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 17
REPORT POACHING TO

Justice and Public Safety (JPS) and/or

Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
The presence of anglers on the water is an important deterrent to illegal fishing
activities. Please do your part by reporting fish poaching or the use of illegal fishing
gear to a conservation officer.
If activity is in progress, immediate reporting by cell phone is important:
• Connect to a JPS Conservation Officer at 506-453-7171
• Connect to a DFO Conservation and Protection Officer at 1-800-565-1633
(press 1 and 6)
Gather evidence to support your report. Note details of activity, exact date, time and
location. Take photos and note vehicle licence plate number if possible.

Questions about regulations?

CO N TACT D N R E D AT 5 0 6 - 4 53 -3 8 2 6 O R YO U R N E A R E ST D I ST R I CT O F F I C E
DISTRICT PHONE DISTRICT PHONE DISTRICT PHONE
OFFICE NUMBER OFFICE NUMBER OFFICE NUMBER
Bathurst 506-547-2080 Edmundston 506-735-2040 Richibucto 506-523-7600
Campbellton 506-789-2336 Florenceville 506-392-5105 St. George 506-755-4040
Canterbury 506-279-6005 Fredericton 506-453-2345 Saint-Quentin 506-235-6040
Chipman 506-339-7019 Hampton 506-832-6055 Sussex 506-432-2008
Dieppe 506-856-2344 Miramichi 506-627-4050 Tracadie-Sheila 506-394-3636
Doaktown 506-365-2001 Plaster Rock 506-356-6030 Welsford 506-486-6000

D FO CO N S E R VAT I O N A N D PR OT E CT I O N D E TAC H M E N TS
D E TAC H M E N T PHONE NUMBER D E TAC H M E N T PHONE NUMBER
Baie Ste-Anne 506-228-4263 Quispamsis 506-849-1416, ext. 221
Beresford 506-542-7485 Renous 506-622-5992
Campobello 506-752-2935 Richibucto 506-523-4606
Caraquet 506-727-3038 Shediac 506-533-5033
Charlo 506-684-2202 Shippagan 506-336-6474
Fredericton 506-452-3018, ext. 221 South Esk 506-773-3268
Grand Manan 506-662-3151 St. George 506-755-5000
Grand Falls 506-473-3993 Tracadie 506-395-7706
Neguac 506-776-3307

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 18
MARINE SPECIES AND SHELLFISH

Questions?
Angling for marine species and recreational harvesting of shellfish are regulated by the
federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. For information on seasons, zones, bag
limits, closures and other regulations, contact DFO at 1-800-782-3058.

To report illegal fish stocking activity:

call 1-800-222-8477 or go online to crimenb.ca
IT IS ILLEGAL TO TRANSFER FISH OR TO
STO C K WAT E R S WI T H O UT AUT H O R I Z AT I O N !

What is the problem?

Introduced species:
• prey on resident fish species
• compete for food and space
• disrupt natural ecosystems
• introduce diseases and parasites to native fish

What can you do?

• Do not stock or move fish. It is illegal to transfer or stock any fish without federal
authorization.
• Be aware of bait regulations. It is illegal to use live fish as bait in most
New Brunswick waters. Where use of live bait is legal, use bait from the body of
water you are fishing.
• Never release aquarium or pond fish into natural waters.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 19
Provincial Fish Stocking Program

The provincial Fish Stocking Program provides enhanced recreational angling

opportunities for brook trout and landlocked salmon in a number of lakes and ponds
throughout the province. Fish are stocked in either the spring (s) or fall (f) as Fingerling
(F)=10 cm to 15 cm (4” to 6”); Yearling (Y)=15 cm to 25 cm (6” to 10”); or Adults (A)=>25
cm (>10”).
To view an interactive map of stocked waters, or past records, please visit: https://
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/erd/fish-and-wildlife/content/go-
fishing.html.
BROOK TROUT STOCKING 2024
COUNTY LAKE/POND, AMOUNT STOCKED, (SEASON STOCKED), (SIZE OF FISH)
Carleton Nashwaak 1,160 (s)(Y)
Cundy 700 (s)(Y) Goldsmiths 360 (s)(Y)
Charlotte Ormond 1,960 (s)(Y)
Red Rock 1,240 (s)(Y) Sparks 1,240 (s)(Y)
Bass River 6,280 (f)(F)
Gloucester Beaver 915 (f)(F) Pabineau 3,290 (f)(F)
Saint-Coeur 1,000 (s)(Y)
Kings Clark 140 (s)(Y) Pickett 680 (s)(Y)
Baker 2,900 (s)(Y)
Madawaska Thompson 655 (s)(Y) Unique 1,510 (s)(Y)
Unique 6,760 (f)(F)
Blind 875 (f)(F) Chatham Res 3,135 (s)(Y)
French Fort Cove 1,000 (s)(Y)
Grants 4,750 (f)(F) McKendrick 8,605 (f)(F)
Mullin Stream 6,500 (s)(Y)
Northumberland Mullin Stream 5,995 (f)(F) North 650 (f)(F)
Rocky Brook 945 (f)(F)
Second Bear 1,200 (f)(F) Serpentine 3,500 (s)(Y)
Third Bear 310 (f)(F)
Whitney 3,085 (s)(Y) Whitney 5,030 (f)(F)
Queens Wishbone/Eighteen* 1,040 (s)(Y)
Belledune Res 1,845 (s)(Y)
Eightmile 3,550 (f)(F) First Portage 1,760 (f)(F)
Fitzgerald 500 (s)(Y)
Head 480 (f)(F) Indian 1,000 (f)(F)
Island 6,150 (f)(F)
Lower Tetagouche 4,810 (f)(F) McDougall 2,105 (f)(F)
Restigouche Meadows (West) 120 (s)(Y)
Middle Tetagouche 2,410 (f)(F) Miller 550 (s)(Y)
Murray 3,775 (f)(F)
Nictau 1,375 (s)(Y) Popelogan 1,170 (f)(F)
Tongue 1,120 (f)(F)
Upper Tetagouche 2,920 (f)(F) Wild Goose 1,480 (s)(Y)
Windemere 1,000 (s)(Y)
Arnold 955 (s)(Y) Fisher 2,000 (s)(Y)
Saint John Lily 2,000 (s)(Y)
Taylor 1,790 (s)(Y) Theobald 990 (s)(Y)
Victoria Roulston 500 (s)(Y)
Westmorland Morice (Silver) 5,740 (s)(Y)
York Killarney 2,185 (s)(Y) McAdam 500 (s)(Y)
strip mine pond
*

LANDLOCKED SALMON STOCKING 2024

COUNTY LAKE/POND, AMOUNT STOCKED, (SEASON STOCKED), (SIZE OF FISH)

Charlotte Digdeguash 965 (s)(Y)
Madawaska Baker 250 (s)(A)
Northumberland Serpentine 1,260 (s)(Y)
Queens Grand 1,390 (s)(Y)
York Magaguadavic 5,050 (s)(Y) Oromocto 5,000 (s)(Y)

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 20
PROVINCIAL FISH STOCKING PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
Before being stocked, a fin is clipped on each fish so it can be distinguished from wild
fish. If you catch a brook trout or landlocked salmon with a fin clip please add a note on
your angler survey (see insert) indicating which fin was clipped along with the length,
date and location (waterbody) of your catch.

This information is important in helping us evaluate the Fish Stocking Program.

Please report your catch! https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/
erd/fish-and-wildlife/content/go-fishing/content/FishingSurveyContest.html
ADIPOSE FIN (AD)

V E N T R A L F I N S L E F T ( LV ) O R R I G H T ( R V )

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 21
Aquatic Invasive Species

Invasive species are non-native plants or animals that can spread rapidly and are
harmful to the environment. Aquatic invasive species pose a significant threat to New
Brunswick’s water bodies and fish populations since they can compete for resources,
prey on native species, alter habitats, and impact boating access.

WH AT TO D O
Every time you move from one body of water to another, aquatic invasive species may
travel with you. You can help! Please do the following:

• CLEAN all visible aquatic plants, animals and mud from

ATTENTION
Invasive species impact our waters
canoes, kayaks, jet skis, boats, motors, trailers, hooks,
lures, augers, etc.
• D R A I N all the water from your boat, including the live
well, bilge, and motor.
• D R Y for 5 days or wash watercraft with high-pressure
Once you leave the water...
or hot water.
plants, animals and mud all water from your boat all parts of your boat

C H E C K , C L E A N , A N D D R Y all personal gear, including

from boat and gear and gear onto land and gear completely

For more information:

waders, fishing lines and lures.
CleanDrainDry.ca

• D I S P O S E of unused bait responsibly.

• N E V E R R E L E A S E plants, fish or other animals into a
body of water unless they came out of that water!

B E O N T H E LO O KO UT F O R T H E S E I N VA S I VE S PE C I E S !

Walleye Black crappie Goldfish

3 – 6 leaves per whorl (usually 4)

12 – 21 leaflet pairs per leaf

Northern pike Eurasian water-milfoil* Largemouth bass*

Photo courtesy of Dr. Meghann Bruce

* These species are currently known to occur in the Saint John River. Please only report on occurrences in lakes
or other rivers.

See inside front cover for contact information if you think you’ve discovered an aquatic invasive species. For more
information on aquatic invasive species check out our website, www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/
erd/fish-and-wildlife/content/general-information.html or the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council’s
website: nbinvasives.ca

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 22
S M A L L M O UT H B A S S ( S M B ) I N T H E M I R A M I C H I WAT E R S H E D
Under Canada’s Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations (AISRs), Smallmouth bass (SMB) is an
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in the Miramichi watershed.
• In an effort to control and manage the current invasion, Fisheries and Oceans
Canada (DFO) has introduced a new management measure that allows for lawful
capture, retention, and reporting of individual SMB in the Miramichi watershed.
This measure is intended to help suppress the population in the long term.
• Pursuant to section 22 of the AISRs, DFO is notifying the public to follow best
practices for not re-introducing SMB to the Miramichi watershed:
— SMB may be euthanized and kept for personal use;
— The sale of SMB is prohibited;
— Note the GPS coordinates of where SMB were caught;
— Take a photo of the fish;
— Report SMB captures to DFO at 1-866-759-6600 or DFO.GulfAquaticInvaders-
EnvahisseursaquatiquesduGolfe.MPO@DFO-MPO.GC.CA
• DFO Conservation and Protection has posted signs that provide instruction on the
retention and reporting of smallmouth bass in the Miramichi watershed.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 23
Fish Consumption Guidelines

MERCURY
Fish provides many nutrients and there are health benefits of eating fish regularly.
However, it is important to know that mercury is present in varying amounts in different
types of fish. Mercury is found naturally in the environment, and human activity can
increase the amount of mercury in soil and water. Fish absorb mercury and your body
absorbs mercury when you eat the fish. Exposure to high levels of mercury can be
harmful to your health.
The following guideline applies to choosing and eating fish caught in New Brunswick’s
lakes and rivers. This includes consumption of brook trout, lake trout, landlocked
salmon, smallmouth bass, striped bass, brown bullhead, burbot, muskellunge, perch,
and pickerel:

SENSITIVE
FISH LENGTH
G E N E R A L P O PU L AT I O N P O PU L AT I O N
SPECIES (MEASURED NOSE TO
OVER 12 YEARS OLD (SEE DEFINITION
TA I L FO R K )
BELOW)

Under 25 cm 8 servings per month 1 serving per month

Brook Trout
Over 25 cm 4 servings per month Avoid

Striped Bass Under 65 cm 8 servings per month 1 serving per month

(RFA Restigouche, Chaleur,
Miramichi, and Southeast) Over 65 cm 4 servings per month Avoid
Under 75cm 4 servings per month Avoid
Striped Bass
(RFA Inner Bay of Fundy, Lower Between 75 cm and 100 cm 2 servings per month Avoid
Saint John, and Southwest) Over 100 cm Avoid Avoid

Brown Bullhead, Burbot, Lake

Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Any Size 2 servings per month Avoid
Muskellunge, Perch, Pickerel,
Smallmouth Bass
1 serving
75 g or 2½ oz of cooked fish; OR
125 mL or ½ cup of cooked fish; OR
a portion of cooked fish that fits in the palm of the consumer’s hand

Sensitive Population – Women who are or may become pregnant, women who are breastfeeding, infants, and children up to 11 years
old RFAs – Recreational Fishing Areas

Note: This advisory applies only to wild fish caught in the province’s lakes and rivers. The table may show recommendations for some
species or sizes of fish that are not legal to possess from some waterbodies or at certain times. An occasional meal which exceeds the
guideline should have no adverse health effects. . For information on consumption advice for other fish see here: https://www.canada.
ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/chemical-contaminants/environmental-contaminants/mercury/
mercury-fish.html

C YA N O B A C T E R I A ( B L U E - G R E E N A L G A E )
For advice on cyanobacteria and fish consumption, please consult the:
• Public Health Advisories and Alerts: www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/
departments/ocmoh/health_advisories.html
• Blue-green algae webpage: www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/
cyanobacteria.html
• Blue-green algae Q&A: www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/pdf/
en/HealthyEnvironments/water/BlueGreenAlgaeQA.pdf
F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 24
Fish NB Days

JUNE 7-8 , 2025 AND FEBRUARY 14–16 , 2026

Anglers may fish for all species without purchasing a licence.
Non-residents may fish without a guide or licence on these days.
All current catch limits, closures and other restrictions (including access
to Crown Reserve waters, Crown Angling Leases and private waters)
remain in effect during Fish NB Days. In winter, Fish NB Days includes
only those waters that are open for winter fishing.
Individuals whose angling privileges have been revoked cannot fish anywhere
in the province, including on Fish NB Days.

MASTER ANGLER PROGRAM

Are you an avid angler? Please show us your catch and get the
chance to win a prize and a chance to beat the New Brunswick
record in 20 different categories! This contest is open to youth
and adults.
• Log on to nbwildlifefederation.org and find info under
‘Programs and Resources’.
• You can email to nbwfmasterangler82@gmail.com

B E C O M I N G A N O U T D O O R S -W O M A N
is a workshop primarily intended for women, but it is also
an opportunity for anyone 18 years of age or older to learn
outdoor skills – skills usually associated with hunting and
fishing, but useful for many outdoor pursuits.
This workshop is for you if:
• you have never tried these activities, but have hoped for
an opportunity to learn
• you are a beginner and hope to improve your skills
• you know how to do some of these activities, but would
like to try new ones and/or
• you are looking for camaraderie of like-minded individuals
• These activities are held in a supportive, non-competitive
environment.
For more information, please log on to
nbwildlifefederation.org and find info under
‘Programs and Resources’.
F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 25
Restigouche
R E C R E AT I O N A L F I S H E RY A R E A

Boundary description:
All lakes, rivers, and streams of the Restigouche River and tributaries upstream of the
J.C. Van Horne Bridge at Campbellton.
Attention anglers: Permission from the owner/
• Refer to “Exceptions and special lessee is required to angle
regulations” listed below for water on these waters. See Fishing
specific regulations. Regulations Mobile Map: https://
dnr-mrn.gnb.ca/FishRegulation/
• The angling season in the
frmMobilePage.aspx?lang=en or
Restigouche RFA closes Sept 15 on
Web Map: https://dnr-mrn.gnb.
all inland waters not open to Atlantic
ca/FishRegulation/?lang=en for
salmon angling or noted otherwise in
guidance on private and leased
the exceptions below.
waters.
• Crown Reserve Waters are not
• The Little Main Restigouche River
open to fishing before or after the
from the junction of the Kedgwick
Crown Reserve season dates. See
River upstream to, but not including,
exceptions below. Locations of
the pool at the mouth of Jardine
Crown Reserve waters can be
Brook is restricted to Resident
found here: https://www2.gnb.ca/
anglers only.
content/gnb/en/departments/
erd/fish-and-wildlife/ • During periods of warm water,
content/go-fishing/content/ a partial or complete closure of
CrownReserveStretches.html recreational angling may be in effect.
For more details see Warm Water
• The Restigouche River main stem is
Protocols on page 14.
primarily private or leased waters.

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS (TL)

D A I LY
BAG AND
TROUT SEASON BROOK
ARCTIC CHAR,
LAKE
POSSESSION BROWN TROUT,
TROUT TROUT
LIMIT RAINBOW TROUT

Rivers, brooks and

May 1 - Sept 15
streams
5* 10 cm 15 cm 45 cm
Lakes, ponds and
May 15 - Sept 15
reservoirs
*
No more than 2 lake trout

Note: Barbless artificial flies are required when angling for Atlantic salmon and anglers must stop fishing for
Atlantic salmon when the daily hook and release limit is met.
D A I LY H O O K
D A I LY
AND
AT L A N T I C S A L M O N SEASON BAG
RELEASE
LIMIT
LIMIT
Spring kelt 0 5
Refer to the table on the next page
Bright salmon 0 2

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 26
AT L A N T I C S A L M O N S E A S O N S — INCLUDES ALL T R I B UTA R I E S
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

WAT E R S P R I N G K E LT BRIGHT SALMON

Gounamitz River N/A June 1 - Sept 30
Kedgwick River N/A June 1 - Sept 30
Little Main Restigouche River, upstream to Cedar Brook May 1 - 31 June 1 - Sept 30
Main Restigouche boundary waters Apr 15 - May 31 June 1 - Sept 30
Main Restigouche non-boundary waters May 1 - 31 June 1 - Sept 30
North Kedgwick River N/A June 1 - Sept 30
Northwest Upsalquitch River N/A June 1 - Sept 30
Patapedia River N/A June 1 - Sept 30
Southeast Upsalquitch River N/A June 1 - Sept 30
Upsalquitch River N/A June 1 - Sept 30

SEASON D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (TL)

NON-SPORT BAG AND
FISH* NON-TIDAL TIDAL
POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT
Burbot Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 10 10 cm 100 cm
Eel
Please visit the DFO Orders Registry at https://inter-l01-uat.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/en
Gaspereau or contact your local DFO office (Page 18) for seasons, fishing times, permitted gear and daily
Rainbow smelt bag and possession limits.

Shad Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 31 5 N/A N/A

Striped bass Please visit https://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/glf/en/Striped_Bass-Bar_raye for the season,

fishing times, permitted gear and daily bag and possession limits.
Whitefish Closed after Sept 15 Opens with 8 10 cm 70 cm
sport fish
season
Closed after
Sept 15
White perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 25 10 cm 50 cm
Yellow perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 100 10 cm 50 cm

* No bag or length restrictions exist for any other non-sport fish found in this RFA.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 27
EXC E PT I O N S A N D S PE C I A L R E G U L AT I O N S — EXCLUDES ALL
T R I B UTA R I E S U N L E S S N OT E D OT H E R WI S E

Note: All fly fishing only waters are restricted to angling with a barbless artificial fly.
WAT E R STRETCH EXCEPTION
Brook trout minimum
entire waterbody
size limit (TL): 25 cm
Gounamitz River
Fly fishing only beginning
upstream to the junction of the North and West Branches
July 1
Jardine Brook,
from its junction with the Little Main Restigouche upstream to the Fly fishing only beginning
Restigouche
Restigouche-Victoria county boundary line July 1
County
Jardine Brook, from the Restigouche-Victoria county boundary line upstream to Fly fishing only beginning
Victoria County the CN railway bridge Aug 1

Fly fishing only beginning

Kedgwick River including North and South Branches
May 1

from its junction with the Main Restigouche River (a line

Little Main Fly fishing only beginning
drawn from grid reference 613248 5279890 to grid reference
Restigouche River May 15
613337 5279856) upstream to Cedar Brook
Fly fishing only beginning
Northwest downstream of Nine Mile Brook (grid reference 664850 5275150)
May 1
Upsalquitch River
upstream of Nine Mile Brook (grid reference 664850 5275150) Closed to angling

Patapedia River
Fly fishing only beginning
(Crown Reserve entire waterbody
June 1
waters)

Restigouche upstream from the junction of the Kedgwick River and the Little Trout daily bag limit
drainage Main Restigouche, including all tributaries beginning Sept 1: 0
Fly fishing only beginning
from the Kedgwick River downstream to the Patapedia River
May 15
Fly fishing only beginning
from the Patapedia River downstream to the Matapedia CN April 15: 5 trout daily
Railway bridge bag limit in effect until
Sept 30

from the Matapedia CN Railway bridge downstream to a line Fly fishing only beginning
between Copeland Brook (NB) and Ferguson Creek (QC) May 15
Restigouche River
5 trout daily bag limit in
from the Matapedia CN Railway bridge downstream to the J.C.
effect from April 15 until
Van Horne Bridge
Oct 31
upstream of a line drawn between Copeland Brook (NB) and
Smelt season closed
Ferguson Creek (QC)
Open to angling without
Devil’s Half Acre, Three Sisters, and Red Bank Crown Reserve
a Crown Reserve licence
stretches
before June 1
South Branch Trout minimum size limit
entire waterbody
Kedgwick River (TL): 25 cm
upstream to the first unnamed pool (grid reference 680703 Fly fishing only beginning
5279878) above Boar’s Head pool May 1
Southeast
Upsalquitch River from and including the first unnamed pool (grid reference
680703 5279878) above Boar’s Head pool upstream to Simpson’s Closed to angling
Field Falls
Fly fishing only beginning
Upsalquitch River entire waterbody
May 1

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 28
D FO AT L A N T I C S A L M O N A N D ST R I PE D B A S S TAG G I N G
PROGRAMS

Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) with many partners regularly tag fish in experiments to
determine fish behaviour, movements, growth and fishing catch rates. The recovery
of tagged fish and the success of these tagging campaigns rely on the collaboration of
recreational anglers and the fishing industry.

AT L A N T I C S A L M O N
If you catch an Atlantic salmon with a DFO tag, please remove the tag and send it,
along with the date and location of capture, to the address on the back of the tag:
Science Branch, Department of Fisheries and Oceans: PO 5030, Moncton NB E1C
9B6

You can also send the information and a photo of the tag by email to
Fishtag@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Be sure to include your name, address and phone number/email for contact purposes
and to receive information on your fish.

STRIPED BASS
If you catch a Striped Bass with a DFO tag, please remove the tag and/or take a clear
photo of it and send it, along with the date and location of capture, to the address or
contact information above.

Be sure to include your name, address and phone number/email for contact purposes.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 29
Chaleur
R E C R E AT I O N A L F I S H E RY A R E A

Boundary description:
All lakes, rivers, and streams draining into the Bay of Chaleur seaward of the J.C. Van
Horne Bridge at Campbellton and all waters draining into the Gulf of St. Lawrence north
of Tabusintac Bay.
Attention anglers: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/
• Refer to “Exceptions and special gnb/en/departments/erd/fish-
regulations” listed below for water and-wildlife/content/go-fishing/
specific regulations. content/CrownReserveStretches.
html
• The angling season in the Chaleur
RFA closes Sept 15 on all inland • Landlocked salmon angling is closed
waters not open to Atlantic salmon in all waters other than those listed
angling, landlocked salmon angling in the “Landlocked Salmon” table
or noted otherwise in the exceptions below.
below. • During periods of warm water,
• Crown Reserve Waters are not a partial or complete closure of
open to fishing before or after recreational angling may be in effect.
the Crown Reserve season dates. For more details see Warm Water
Locations of Crown Reserve Protocols on page 14.
waters can be found here:

MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS (TL)

D A I LY
BAG AND
TROUT SEASON ARCTIC CHAR,
POSSESSION BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT,
LIMIT RAINBOW TROUT

Rivers, brooks and streams May 1 - Sept 15

5 10 cm 15 cm
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs May 15 - Sept 15

D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (FL)

BAG AND
LANDLOCKED SALMON SEASON
POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT
Middle Tetagouche Lake
May 15 - Sept 30 2 35 cm 63 cm
Upper Tetagouche Lake

Note: Barbless artificial flies are required when angling for Atlantic salmon and anglers must stop fishing
for Atlantic salmon when the daily hook and release limit is met.
D A I LY H O O K
D A I LY AND
AT L A N T I C S A L M O N SEASON
BAG LIMIT RELEASE
LIMIT
Spring kelt 0 10
Refer to the table on the next page
Bright salmon 0 4

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 30
AT L A N T I C S A L M O N S E A S O N S — INCLUDES ALL T R I B UTA R I E S
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

BRIGHT
WAT E R B O DY S P R I N G K E LT
SALMON
Bass River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 22
Benjamin River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 22
Big Tracadie River, downstream of Lord & Foy Brook Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 29
Big Tracadie River, upstream of Lord & Foy Brook N/A June 1 - Oct 15
Caraquet River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Charlo River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 22
Eel River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 22
Jacquet River, upstream of Halfway Pool N/A June 1 - Oct 15
Jacquet River, from and including Halfway Pool downstream to Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 22
mouth
Little River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Little Tracadie River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Middle River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 22
Millstream River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 22
Nepisiguit River, from Nepisiguit Falls downstream to mouth N/A June 1 - Oct 22
Nigadoo River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 22
Pokemouche River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
South Caraquet River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 29
Tetagouche River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 22

SEASON D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (TL)

NON-SPORT BAG AND
FISH* NON-TIDAL TIDAL
POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT
Burbot Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 10 10 cm 100 cm
Eel
Please visit the DFO Orders Registry at https://inter-l01-uat.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/en
Gaspereau or contact your local DFO office (Page 18) for seasons, fishing times, permitted gear and daily
Rainbow smelt bag and possession limits.

Shad Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 31 5 N/A N/A

Striped bass Please visit https://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/glf/en/Striped_Bass-Bar_raye for the season,

fishing times, permitted gear and daily bag and possession limits.
Whitefish Closed after Sept 15 Opens with 8 10 cm 70 cm
sport fish
season
Closed after
Sept 15
White perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 25 10 cm 50 cm
Yellow perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 100 10 cm 50 cm
*
No bag or length restrictions exist for any other non-sport fish found in this RFA.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 31
EXC E PT I O N S A N D S PE C I A L R E G U L AT I O N S — EXCLUDES ALL
T R I B UTA R I E S U N L E S S N OT E D OT H E R WI S E
Note: All fly fishing only waters are restricted to angling with a barbless artificial fly.
WAT E R B O DY STRETCH EXCEPTION
upstream of a line drawn from 47°27’46.2”N Fly fishing only before May 1
Big Tracadie River
64°56’01.9”W to 47°27’25.5”N 64°55’23.7”W and after Sept 15
upstream of a line drawn from 47°28’30.2”N Fly fishing only before May 1
Comeau River
64°55’42.2”W to 47°28’26.5”N 64°55’50.5”W and after Sept 15
from the Route 134 (old Route 11) bridge upstream to Fly fishing only beginning
Jacquet River
the head of Kettle Hole Pool July 1

upstream of a line drawn from 47°27’46.2”N Fly fishing only before May 1
Leech River
64°56’01.9”W to 47°27’25.5”N 64°55’23.7”W and after Sept 15

upstream of the Route 11 Bridge (47°31’41.3”N Fly fishing only before May 1
Little Tracadie River
64°56’02.7”W to 47°31’52.5”N 64°56’00.3”W) and after Sept 15
from its junction with the Big South Nepisiguit
Closed to angling
downstream to, but not including, White Birch Pool
from, but not including, Elbow Pool downstream to
Closed to angling
Indian Falls Brook
Nepisiguit River
from Nepisiguit Falls downstream to the Route 11 bridge Fly fishing only beginning
at Bathurst June 1
from the head of Pabineau Falls pool downstream 45 m Closed to angling
within 100 m of the Nepisiguit counting fence Closed to angling
entire waterbody Trout daily bag limit: 0

Nepisiguit Lake Nepisiguit Lakes thoroughfares connecting the chain of

Closed prior to May 15
four lakes
(Bathurst)
All brooks flowing into Nepisiguit Lakes, Northumberland
Closed to angling
County
upstream from Route 134 bridge to a line drawn
Fly fishing only beginning
Nigadoo River from 47°44’38.59”N 65°53’24.22”W to 47°44’38.55”N
July 15
65°53’23.16”W, including Haché Pool
Fly fishing only before May 1
Pokemouche River upstream of Route 113 Bridge
and after Sept 15
upstream of a line drawn from 47°27’46.2”N Fly fishing only before May 1
Portage River
64°56’01.9”W to 47°27’25.5”N 64°55’23.7”W and after Sept 15
Southwest Caraquet from the Route 11 bridge upstream to Innishannon Fly fishing only beginning
River Brook July 15

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 32
Miramichi
R E C R E AT I O N A L F I S H E RY A R E A

Boundary description:
All lakes, rivers, and streams draining into Tabusintac Bay and all waters draining into
Miramichi Bay north of Point Escuminac.
Attention anglers: Permission from the owner/
• Refer to “Exceptions and special lessee is required to angle
regulations” listed below for water on these waters. See Fishing
specific regulations. Regulations Mobile Map: https://
dnr-mrn.gnb.ca/FishRegulation/
• The angling season in the Miramichi
frmMobilePage.aspx?lang=en or
RFA closes Sept 15 on all inland
Web Map: https://dnr-mrn.gnb.
waters not open to Atlantic salmon
ca/FishRegulation/?lang=en for
angling, landlocked salmon angling
guidance on private and leased
or noted otherwise in the exceptions
waters.
below.
• During periods of warm water,
• Crown Reserve Waters are not
a partial or complete closure of
open to fishing before or after the
recreational angling may be in effect.
Crown Reserve season dates. See
For more details see Warm Water
exceptions below. Locations of
Protocols on page 14.
Crown Reserve waters can be
found here: https://www2.gnb.ca/ • Smallmouth bass is considered
content/gnb/en/departments/ invasive in the Miramichi watershed.
erd/fish-and-wildlife/ Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
content/go-fishing/content/ has introduced a new management
CrownReserveStretches.html measure that allows lawful capture,
retention, and reporting to control
• Some stretches on the Miramichi
this species. For more information,
River are private or leased waters.
please see page 23.

D A I LY MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS (TL)

BAG AND
TROUT SEASON ARCTIC CHAR,
POSSESSION BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT,
LIMIT RAINBOW TROUT

Rivers, brooks and May 1 - Sept 15

streams 5 of which only
10 cm 15 cm
Lakes, ponds and May 15 - Sept 15 2 over 30 cm
reservoirs

Note: Barbless artificial flies are required when angling for Atlantic salmon and anglers must stop fishing
for Atlantic salmon when the daily hook and release limit is met.
D A I LY
AT L A N T I C D A I LY HOOK AND
SEASON
SALMON BAG LIMIT RELEASE
LIMIT
Spring kelt 0 5
Refer to the table on the next page
Bright salmon 0 2

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 33
AT L A N T I C S A L M O N S E A S O N S — INCLUDES ALL T R I B UTA R I E S
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

BRIGHT
WAT E R B O DY S P R I N G K E LT
SALMON
Bartholomew River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Bartibog River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 29
Bay du Vin River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Big Sevogle River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Black River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Burnt Church River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 29
Cains River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Clearwater Brook, downstream of the Northeast Branch Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Sept 30
Clearwater Brook, upstream of the Northeast Branch Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Sept 15
Dungarvon River, downstream of the Furlong Bridge Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Dungarvon River, upstream of the Furlong Bridge Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Sept 15
Little Southwest Miramichi River, upstream of Cleland’s Pool Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Sept 15
Little Southwest Miramichi River, downstream of and including Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct.15
Cleland’s Pool
Main Southwest Miramichi River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Main Southwest Miramichi River tributaries downstream of Cains Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
River not described in this table
Main Southwest Miramichi River tributaries upstream of Cains River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Sept 15
not described in this table
Napan River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
North Branch Big Sevogle River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Sept 15
North Branch Renous River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Sept 15
North Branch Main Southwest Miramichi River, downstream of Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Sept 15
Bridge Pool
Northwest Miramichi River, from and including Little River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
downstream to the Red Bank bridge on Route 425
Northwest Miramichi River, upstream of Little River N/A June 10 - Sept 15
Renous River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 15
Rocky Brook Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Aug 31
South Branch Big Sevogle River Apr 15 - May 15 June 10 - Sept 15
South Branch Main Southwest Miramichi River, from the forks Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Sept 15
upstream to the footbridge behind the Juniper Lumber mill (grid
reference 36805650)
South Branch of the Northwest Miramichi River N/A June 10 - Aug 31
South Branch Renous River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Sept 15
Tabusintac River Apr 15 - May 15 May 16 - Oct 29

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 34
 SEASON D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (TL)
NON-SPORT BAG AND
FISH* NON-TIDAL TIDAL POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT
Burbot Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 10 10 cm 100 cm
Eel
Please visit the DFO Orders Registry at https://inter-l01-uat.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/en
Gaspereau or contact your local DFO office (Page 18) for seasons, fishing times, permitted gear and daily
Rainbow smelt bag and possession limits.

Shad Open sport fish season Jan 1 to Dec 31 5 N/A N/A

Striped bass Please visit https://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/glf/en/Striped_Bass-Bar_raye for the season,

fishing times, permitted gear and daily bag and possession limits.
Whitefish Closed after Sept 15 Opens with 8 10 cm 70 cm
sport fish
season
Closed after
Sept 15
White perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 25 10 cm 50 cm
Yellow perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 100 10 cm 50 cm
*
No bag or length restrictions exist for any other non-sport fish found in this RFA.

EXC E PT I O N S A N D S PE C I A L R E G U L AT I O N S — EXCLUDES ALL

T R I B UTA R I E S U N L E S S N OT E D OT H E R WI S E
Note: All fly fishing only waters are restricted to angling with a barbless artificial fly.
WAT E R B O DY STRETCH EXCEPTION
Trout daily bag limit
entire waterbody
beginning July 1: 0
from its confluence with the Main Southwest Miramichi River
Bartholomew Fly fishing only
upstream to the Route 8 bridge
River
Fly fishing only before
from the Route 8 bridge upstream to Ledbetters Brook May 16 and after
May 31
Fly fishing only before
from the Route 11 bridge upstream to the junction with the South
Bartibog River May 1 and after
Branch and Middle Branch
Sept 15
from the mouth upstream to the junction of the North and South
Beadle Brook Fly fishing only
Branches
Fly fishing only before
Big Sevogle River entire waterbody May 16 and after
May 31
Burnthill Brook entire waterbody Fly fishing only
downstream of Beaver Brook Fly fishing only
Open to angling
from the mouth of Lower Otter Brook downstream to the river ford without a Crown
Cains River located approximately 750 m above the Hopewell Lodge Reserve licence after
Sept 1
above the Route 123 bridge, including the North Branch, upstream to
Trout daily bag limit: 0
the junction of Beaver Brook
Clearwater Brook entire waterbody Fly fishing only
from 100 m below the DNRED salmon protection barrier upstream to
Closed to angling
its source, including all tributaries
Dungarvon River Fly fishing only before
from 100 m below the DNRED salmon protection barrier
May 16 and after
downstream to the Renous River
May 31

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 35
WAT E R B O DY STRETCH EXCEPTION
Fifteen Mile
entire waterbody Fly fishing only
Brook
First and Second
Northesk Parish, Northumberland County Closed to angling
Lakes
Little Bartibog all waters from 25 m downstream to 25 m upstream of the
Closed to angling
River Russellville bridge
entire waterbody Fly fishing only
Little Southwest
Miramichi River from Big Rock Pool upstream, including the East and West Branches, Trout daily bag limit
not including tributaries beginning July 1: 0
entire waterbody Fly fishing only
Lower North
Branch of the including tributaries but excluding lakes Trout daily bag limit: 0
Little Southwest
Miramichi River from and including Rocky Rapids Pool upstream to its source, Closed before July 1
including all tributaries and after Sept 15
upstream from a line drawn at the mouth of Doyles Brook from
grid reference 751539 5194066 to grid reference 751553 5193718,
Northumberland County, to the junction of the North Branch Fly fishing only
Southwest Miramichi River and South Branch Southwest Miramichi
River, Carleton County
at the mouth of Indiantown Brook and including a portion of the
said brook next to Quarryville Bridge. This specific area consists of a
portion of the Southwest Miramichi River inside a line drawn from
(1) 46.82941, -65.79013; to
Closed to angling
(2) 46.83065, -65.78412; then to
after June 30
(3) 46.82943, -65.78277 to
Main Southwest
Miramichi River (4) 46.82597, -65.78799; and then to
(5) 46.82631, -65.79003
(North American Datum 1983)
at the mouth of Wilson Brook and including a portion of the said
brook. This specific area consists of a portion of the Southwest
Miramichi River inside a line drawn from
(1) 46.89432, -65.64613; to
Closed to angling
(2) 46.89418, -65.64423; then to
after June 30
(3) 46.89340, -65.64325 to
(4) 46.89209, -65.64532; and then to
(5) 46.89286, -65.64632
(North American Datum 1983)
from Centennial Bridge upstream to Doyle’s Brook on the Southwest Miramichi River and to
the Red Bank/Sunny Corner Bridge on the Northwest Miramichi River
Anglers are restricted to the following gear types:
Miramichi River
1. single barbless hook artificial fly
2. unbaited lure (with single barbless hook)
3. single barbless hook (baited or unbaited)
McKiel Brook entire waterbody Fly fishing only
Fly fishing only
North Branch from its junction with the Renous River upstream
before May 16 and
Renous River to North Renous Lake
after May 31
Fly fishing only before
North Branch Big
entire waterbody May 16 and after
Sevogle River
May 31
North Branch including all tributaries Fly fishing only
Southwest
Miramichi River upstream from the Bridge Pool to its source Closed after June 30

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 36
WAT E R B O DY STRETCH EXCEPTION
from a point 200 m above the South Branch of the Northwest
Closed to angling
Miramichi River upstream to its source, including all tributaries
from a point 200 m above the South Branch of the Northwest
Miramichi River, downstream to the Red Bank/Sunny Corner highway Fly fishing only
bridge
at the mouth of Sutherland Brook and including a portion of the said
brook. This specific area consists of a portion
Northwest of the Northwest Miramichi River inside a line drawn from
Miramichi River (1) 46.94136, -65.81815 to
(2) 46.94003, -65.81606; then to
Closed after June 30
(3) 46.93857, -65.81808 to
(4) 46.93850, -65.82057; to
(5) 46.93867, -65.82082; and then to
(6) 46.93979, -65.82049
(North American Datum 1983)
within 100 m of the Route 430 bridge, locally known as Miners Bridge Closed to angling
entire waterbody Fly fishing only
North Pole upstream from the junction of Lizard Brook Closed to angling
Stream Closed before July 1
downstream from the junction of Lizard Brook
and after Sept 15
Fly fishing only before
upstream of the Route 8 bridge May 16 and after
Renous River May 31
downstream of the Route 8 bridge Fly fishing only
Rocky Brook entire waterbody Fly fishing only
South Branch
Southwest downstream of the Route 107 bridge at Foreston Fly fishing only
Miramichi River
Fly fishing only before
South Branch
downstream of Route 108 May 16 and after
Renous River
May 31
Fly fishing only before
South Branch Big
entire waterbody May 16 and after
Sevogle River
May 31
downstream from a point 90 m above the Miramichi Salmonid
Stewart Brook Closed to angling
Enhancement Centre water supply dam
Hook and release
limits
entire waterbody
Spring kelt: 10
Bright salmon: 4
upstream from the Route 11 bridge to Stilson Brook (a line drawn Fly fishing only after
from grid reference 339874 5244550 to 339870 5244733) Sept 15
Tabusintac River
upstream from Stilson Brook to Becks Brook (a line drawn from grid Fly fishing only before
reference 339874 5244550 to 339870 5244733 upstream to a line May 16 and after
drawn from grid reference 336040 5245334 to 336026 5245205) Sept 15
upstream from Becks Brook to it source, including tributaries Fly fishing only before
(upstream of a line drawn from grid reference 336040 5245334 to May 16 and after
336026 5245205) May 31
West Brook downstream of the CN railway crossing Fly fishing only

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 37
Southeast
R E C R E AT I O N A L F I S H E RY A R E A

Boundary description:
All lakes, rivers, and streams draining into the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northumberland
Strait south of Point Escuminac to the New Brunswick/Nova Scotia border.
Attention anglers: • The angling season in the Southeast
• Refer to “Exceptions and special RFA closes Sept 15 on all inland
regulations” listed below for water waters.
specific regulations. • There is no open season for Atlantic
salmon.

D A I LY MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS (TL)

BAG AND
TROUT SEASON
POSSESSION BROOK TROUT
BROWN TROUT,
LIMIT RAINBOW TROUT

Rivers, brooks and Apr 15 - Sept 15

streams
5 10 cm 15 cm
Lakes, ponds and May 1 - Sept 15
reservoirs

SEASON D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (TL)

NON-SPORT BAG AND
FISH* NON-TIDAL TIDAL POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT
Burbot Open sport fish Jan 1 - Dec 30 10 10 cm 100 cm
season
Eel
Please visit the DFO Orders Registry at https://inter-l01-uat.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/en
Gaspereau or contact your local DFO office (Page 18) for seasons, fishing times, permitted gear and daily
Rainbow smelt bag and possession limits.

Open sport fish Jan 1 - Dec 31 5 N/A N/A

Shad
season

Striped bass Please visit https://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/glf/en/Striped_Bass-Bar_raye for the season,

fishing times, permitted gear and daily bag and possession limits.
Whitefish Closed after Sept 15 Opens with sport 8 10 cm 70 cm
fish season
Closed after
Sept 15
White perch Open sport fish Jan 1 - Dec 30 25 10 cm 50 cm
season
Yellow perch Open sport fish Jan 1 - Dec 30 100 10 cm 50 cm
season
*
No bag or length restrictions exist for any other non-sport fish found in this RFA.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 38
EXC E PT I O N S A N D S PE C I A L R E G U L AT I O N S — EXCLUDES ALL
T R I B UTA R I E S U N L E S S N OT E D OT H E R WI S E
Note: All fly fishing only waters are restricted to angling with a barbless artificial fly.
WAT E R B O DY STRETCH EXCEPTION
from the highway bridge at Coates Mills upstream to the St. Paul Fly fishing only
Bouctouche River
Crossroads bridge beginning July 15
Trout bag limit after
Hudson Brook including all tributaries (Richibucto watershed)
June 14: 0
Northwest Branch Trout bag limit after
including all tributaries
Cocagne River June 14: 0
South Branch Trout bag limit after
including all tributaries
Bouctouche River June 14: 0
South Branch from the lower most road bridge (grid reference 53505525) Trout bag limit after
St. Nicholas River upstream to its source, including all tributaries June 14: 0
Trout bag limit after
Trout Brook including all tributaries (Kouchibouguacis watershed)
June 14: 0
Trout bag limit after
Weisner Brook including all tributaries (Shediac watershed)
June 14: 0

THE

A GASP UNDERWATER COULD

CAUSE YOU TO INHALE UP TO 1 LITRE
OF WATER AND DROWN

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 39
Inner Bay of Fundy
R E C R E AT I O N A L F I S H E RY A R E A

Boundary description:
All lakes, rivers, and streams draining into the Bay of Fundy eastward of the Saint John
harbor bridge to the provincial border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Attention anglers: • There is no open season for Atlantic
• Refer to “Exceptions and special salmon.
regulations” listed below for water • Landlocked salmon angling is closed
specific regulations. in all waters other than those listed
• The angling season in the Inner Bay in the “Landlocked Salmon” table
of Fundy RFA closes Sept 15 on all below.
inland waters not open to landlocked
salmon angling.
MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS (TL)
D A I LY
BAG AND
TROUT SEASON ARCTIC CHAR,
POSSESSION BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT,
LIMIT RAINBOW TROUT

Rivers, brooks and streams Apr 15 - Sept 15

5* 10 cm 15 cm
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs May 1 - Sept 15
*
No more than two brown trout

SIZE LIMITS (FL)

D A I LY B A G A N D
LANDLOCKED SALMON SEASON
POSSESSION LIMIT MIN M AX

Ratcliffe Brook Apr 15 - Sept 30 2

Loch Lomond Reservoir; Second Lake May 1 - Sept 30 2a
35 cm 63 cm
McBrien Lake; Otter Lake;
May 1 - Sept 30 2
Robertson Lake; Taylor Lake; Third Lake
a
Any combination of landlocked salmon or brown trout

SMALLMOUTH BASS D A I LY B A G A N D SIZE LIMITS (TL)

SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT
(GENERAL) MIN M AX

Rivers, brooks and streams Apr 15 - Sept 15

5 10 cm 60 cm
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs May 1 - Sept 15

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 40
 SEASON D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (TL)
NON-SPORT BAG AND
FISH* NON-TIDAL TIDAL POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT
Burbot Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 10 10 cm 100 cm
Chain pickerel Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 10 10 cm 100 cm
Eel Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 31 10 35 cm N/A
Gaspereau Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 31 20 N/A N/A
Dip net: Dip net:
Closed after May 31 Apr 1 - May 31
Rainbow smelt 60 N/A N/A
Angling: Angling:
Closed after Sept 30 Aug 1 - May 31
Shad Open sport fish season Jan 1 to Dec 31 5 N/A N/A
Striped bass Open sport fish season Jan 1 to Dec 29 1 68 cm 150 cm
Sturgeon May only be angled by artificial fly or baited barbless hook with a single point
Closed June 1 - 30 Closed June unlimited 130 cm N/A
1 - 30
Whitefish Closed after Sept 15 Opens with 8 10 cm 70 cm
sport fish
season
Closed after
Sept 15
White perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 25 10 cm 50 cm
Yellow perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 100 10 cm 50 cm
*
No bag or length restrictions exist for any other non-sport fish found in this RFA.

EXC E PT I O N S A N D S PE C I A L R E G U L AT I O N S — EXCLUDES ALL

T R I B UTA R I E S U N L E S S N OT E D OT H E R WI S E
Note: All fly fishing only waters are restricted to angling with a barbless artificial fly.
WAT E R B O DY STRETCH EXCEPTION
Fly fishing only beginning
Big Salmon River from Cranberry Brook upstream to Crow Brook
June 15
Saint John County, from a point 100 m upstream from the Fly fishing only beginning
Black River
public wharf (in the estuary) to Ritchie River July 15
Combined bag limit for
landlocked salmon and
Loch Lomond brown trout: 2
entire waterbody
Reservoir
Brown trout minimum size
limit (TL): 35cm
Combined bag limit for
landlocked salmon and
Second Lake entire waterbody brown trout: 2
Brown trout minimum size
limit (TL): 35cm
Trout season closed prior
to May 15
and its tributaries upstream from the flood gate at Harvey
Shepody River Daily bag limit for trout: 5
Bank, except McFadden Lake, Fenton and Alcorn ponds
only one of which can be
greater than 30 cm (TL)
upstream from the abutment above the remaining mill dam
timbers in Alma (USR 45.605784, -64.956689 USR 45.605893,
Upper Salmon River -64.955634) to the junction of Lake Brook and Upper Salmon Closed to angling
River at the boundary of Fundy National Park (45.626781°,
-64.969453° 45.626399°, -64.969953°)

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 41
Lower Saint John
R E C R E AT I O N A L F I S H E RY A R E A

Boundary description:
All lakes, rivers, and streams of the Saint John River drainage and tributaries downstream
from the Covered Bridge at Hartland to the Saint John Harbour Bridge.
Attention anglers:
• Refer to “Exceptions and special — waters open to landlocked
regulations” listed below for water salmon angling.
specific regulations. • There is no open season for Atlantic
• The angling season in the Lower salmon.
Saint John RFA closes Sept 15 on all • Landlocked salmon angling is closed
inland waters except: in all waters other than those listed
— smallmouth bass managed in the “Landlocked Salmon” table
waters, below.

D A I LY MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS (TL)

BAG AND
TROUT SEASON
POSSESSION BROOK BROWN TROUT, LAKE
LIMIT TROUT RAINBOW TROUT TROUT

Rivers, brooks and Apr 15 - Sept 15

streams
5* 10 cm 15 cm 45 cm
Lakes, ponds and May 1 - Sept 15
reservoirs
*
No more than two lake trout and/or two brown trout

D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (FL)

BAG AND
LANDLOCKED SALMON SEASON
POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT
Newcastle Creek Apr 15 - Sept 30
Grand, Oromocto, Second Eel and May 1 - Sept 30 2 35 cm 63 cm
Yoho lakes

D A I LY B A G A N D SIZE LIMITS (TL)

SMALLMOUTH BASS
SEASON POSSESSION
(GENERAL)* MIN M AX
LIMIT
Rivers, brooks and streams Apr 15 - Sept 15
5 10 cm 60 cm
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs May 1 - Sept 15

Exceptions
Hammond River, from the bridge
in French Village upstream to
McGonagle Brook
Kennebecasis River, from the Apr 15 - Oct 15 5
10 cm 60 cm
bridge on Bloomfield Station
Road upstream to the road
bridge at McCully station (grid
reference 1173 7051)

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 42
 D A I LY B A G A N D SIZE LIMITS (TL)
SMALLMOUTH BASS
SEASON POSSESSION
(GENERAL)* MIN M AX
LIMIT

Exceptions
Keswick River, from Route 105
upstream to the CN railway
bridge at Barton Apr 15 - Oct 15 5
10 cm 60 cm
Nashwaak River, from the
Durham Bridge upstream to the
East Branch Nashwaak River
*
See exceptions for smallmouth bass managed waters below.

D A I LY B A G A N D S I Z E L I M I T S ( T L )
SMALLMOUTH BASS
SEASON POSSESSION
( M A N AG E D WAT E R S ) MIN M AX
LIMIT

Lakes
• Brown Lake • Ludgate Lake
• Cassidy Lake • Oromocto Lake May 1 - June 30 0
• Darlings Lake • Second Eel Lake
30 cm 60 cm
• Davidson Lake • Waltons Lake July 1 - Sept 15 2
• First Eel Lake • Yoho Lake
• Lake George Sept 16 - Oct 15 0

Non-tidal portions of the following rivers, brooks and streams

• Eel River, downstream of First Eel Lake
• Hammond River, downstream of the
bridge in French Village (closed before
May 1)
• Kennebecasis River, downstream of the Apr 15 - June 30 0
Bloomfield Station bridge
• Keswick River, downstream of Route 105
• Meduxnekeag River, downstream of the
railway bridge (1.3 km upstream of
Route 2)
• Nashwaak River, downstream of the
Durham Bridge
• Nackawic Stream, downstream of Route
July 1 - Sept 15 2 30 cm 60 cm
595
• Nashwaaksis Stream, downstream of
Sunset Drive
• Nerepis River, downstream of the Brittain
Road bridge
• Oromocto River, including the North
Branch and South Branch Oromocto River
downstream of Route 101
• Pokiok Stream, downstream of Route 2
Sept 16 - Oct 15 0
• Saint John River, from the covered bridge
in Hartland to the power line crossing
360 m downstream
• Shogomoc Stream, downstream of Route 2

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 43
 D A I LY B A G A N D S I Z E L I M I T S ( T L )
SMALLMOUTH BASS
SEASON POSSESSION
( M A N AG E D WAT E R S ) MIN M AX
LIMIT

Tidal portions of the following

Apr 15 - June 30 0
Saint John River and all tributaries
July 1 - Sept 15 2 30 cm 60 cm
downstream of the Mactaquac Dam
Sept 16 - Nov 30 0

Exceptions
Meduxnekeag River, upstream of the railway Apr 15 - June 30 0
bridge (1.3 km upstream of Route 2) to the 30 cm 60 cm
North Branch Meduxnekeag River July 1 - Sept 15 2
May 1 - June 30 0
Mactaquac Lake, including Mactaquac Arm,
July 1 - Sept 15 2 30 cm 60 cm
Longs Creek Arm and Kellys Creek Basin
Sept 16 - Nov 30 0
Saint John River, from the power lines Apr 15 - June 30 0
crossing the river 360 m below the covered
bridge in Hartland downstream to the Route July 1 - Sept 15 2 30 cm 60 cm
585 highway bridge in Grafton, excluding
tributaries Sept 16 - Nov 30 0

SEASON D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (TL)

NON-SPORT BAG AND
FISH* POSSESSION
NON-TIDAL TIDAL MIN M AX
LIMIT
Burbot Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 10 10 cm 100 cm
Chain pickerel Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 10 10 cm 100 cm
Eel Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 31 10 35 cm N/A
Gaspereau Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 31 20 N/A N/A
Muskellunge Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 5 10 cm 170 cm
Dip net: Dip net:
Closed after May 31 Apr 1 - May 31
Rainbow smelt 60 N/A N/A
Angling: Angling:
Closed after Sept 30 Aug 1 - May 31
Shad Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 31 5 N/A N/A
Striped bass Closed after Oct 15 Jan 1 - Dec 29 1 68 cm 150 cm
May only be angled by artificial fly or baited barbless hook with a single point
Sturgeon Closed June 1 -
Closed June 1 - June 30 unlimited 130 cm N/A
June 30
Whitefish Closed after Sept 15 Opens with 8 10 cm 70 cm
sport fish
season
Closed after
Sept 15
White perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 25 10 cm 50 cm

Yellow perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 100 10 cm 50 cm

* No bag or length restrictions exist for any other non-sport fish found in this RFA.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 44
EXC E PT I O N S A N D S PE C I A L R E G U L AT I O N S — EXCLUDES ALL
T R I B UTA R I E S U N L E S S N OT E D OT H E R WI S E
Note: All fly fishing only waters are restricted to angling with a barbless artificial fly.
WAT E R B O DY STRETCH EXCEPTION
from the CN Railway Bridge at Nauwigewauk upstream to Fly fishing only beginning
McGonagle Brook July 15
Hammond River
from CN Railway Bridge at Nauwigewauk upstream to the
Closed prior to May 1
bridge in French Village
from the bridge on the Bloomfield Station road upstream to Fly fishing only beginning
the bridge at Goshen July 1
Trout daily bag limit: 0
Kennebecasis River Artificial lures and flies
from the road bridge at McCully Station (grid reference only from
11737051) upstream to Ketchums Brook Apr 15 - June 30
Fly fishing only beginning
July 1
from the Route 105 bridge upstream to the CN railway Fly fishing only beginning
Keswick River
bridge at Barton July 1
Trout daily bag limit: 5
(may include only 1 brook
not including North and South branches
trout over 25 cm and 1
brown trout over 35 cm)
Meduxnekeag River from the old bridge abutments located 160 m upstream of
Unbaited lures and flies
the bridge crossing in Belleville to the junction of the North
only
and South Branches
Fly fishing only
North and South Branches
Trout daily bag limit: 0
Closed to angling after
Big Basin Pool (grid reference 4962899)
June 15
from the Highway 107 Bridge in Nashwaak Bridge,
downstream to a straight line drawn across the river from
a point on the left side of the river (46° 14’ 17.68” N, 66° 36’
Closed to angling after
45.31” W) to a point on the right side of the river (46° 14’
June 15
Nashwaak River 17.47” N, 66° 36’ 41.44” W) including the waters of Young’s
Brook (McKenzie Brook) downstream from the Sentinel Trail
bridge crossing
from a point 150 m downstream of Porters Brook to a point Closed to angling after
30 m upstream of Porters Brook June 15
upstream from the highway bridge at Penniac to the East Fly fishing only beginning
Branch Nashwaak River July 1
from the Hammond River upstream to the Stock Farm Road Trout daily bag limit: 0
Palmer Brook Closed to angling after
from the Hammond River upstream 200 m
June 30
from the Mactaquac dam downstream to a line drawn
across the river from the mouth of Springhill Brook (Hartt
Saint John River Island Campground) to the western Fredericton city limit on Closed to angling
the north side of the river (near Clements Drive and Carlisle
Road)

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 45
Southwest
R E C R E AT I O N A L F I S H E RY A R E A

Boundary description:
All lakes, rivers, and streams draining into the Bay of Fundy westward from the Saint John
Harbour Bridge to the international border between the Province of New Brunswick and
the State of Maine.
Attention anglers:
• Refer to “Exceptions and special — waters with extended seasons
regulations” listed below for water as identified in “exceptions and
specific regulations. special regulations”.
• The angling season in the Southwest • There is no open season for Atlantic
RFA closes Sept 15 on all inland salmon.
waters except: • Landlocked salmon angling is closed
— smallmouth bass managed in all waters other than those listed
waters, in the “Landlocked Salmon” table
— waters open to landlocked below.
salmon angling,

SEASON MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS (TL)

D A I LY
BOUNDARY BAG AND
TROUT NON-
WAT E R S
BOUNDARY POSSESSION BROOK BROWN TROUT, LAKE
BETWEEN NB LIMIT TROUT RAINBOW TROUT TROUT
WAT E R S
AND MAINE

Rivers, brooks
Apr 15 - Sept 15
and streams
Apr 15 - Sept 30 5* † 15 cm 45 cm
Lakes, ponds
May 1 - Sept 15
and reservoirs
*
No more than two lake trout and/or two brown trout
†
Minimum size limit for brook trout (TL): 10 cm on non-boundary waters and 15 cm on boundary waters between NB and Maine

Photo: Ronald Buckley

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 46
 D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (FL)
BAG AND
LANDLOCKED SALMON SEASON
POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT

Boundary waters between New Brunswick and Maine

• East Grand Lake

• Spednic Lake
• Grand Falls Flowage
• St. Croix River Apr 15 - Sept 30 2 35 cm 63 cm
• North Lake
• Woodland Flowage
• Palfrey Lake

Non-boundary waters
• Lake Anthony Brook • Palfrey Stream Apr 15 - Sept 30
• Lake Anthony
• Big Indian Lake • Moose Lake
(Musquash
• Chamcook Lake drainage)
• Clear Lake • Ogden Lake
• Cranberry Lake • Queens Lake
• Crystal Lake • Robin Hood Lake
• Deer Lake • Rocky Lake
• Digdeguash Lake (Lepreau drainage)
• Eagle Lake • Round Lake
• East Branch Reservoir May 1 - Sept 30 2 35 cm 63 cm
• Shadow Lake
• East Long Lake • Sherwood Lake
• Gibson Lake • Skiff Lake
• Harvey Lake • Sparks Lake
• La Coote Lake • Spectacle Lake
• Little Chamcook Lake • St. Patricks Lake
• Little John Lake • Trout Lake
• Little Magaguadavic • Lake Utopia
Lake • West Long Lake
• Loch Alva Reservoir • Wheaton Lake
• Magaguadavic Lake

D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (TL)

SMALLMOUTH BASS BAG AND
SEASON
(GENERAL)* POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT
Boundary waters between New Brunswick and Maine
Rivers, brooks and streams
Apr 15 - Sept 30 2 25 cm N/A
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs

Non-boundary waters
Rivers, brooks and streams Apr 15 - Sept 15
5 10 cm 60 cm
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs May 1 - Sept 15
*
See exceptions for smallmouth bass managed waters below.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 47
 D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (TL)
SMALLMOUTH BASS BAG AND
SEASON
( M A N AG E D WAT E R S ) POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT

Lakes
• Bolton Lake • Mill Lake
• Craig Lake • Modsley Lake May 1 - June 30 0
• Digdeguash Lake • Moores Mills
• East Branch Lake
Reservoir • Potters Lake
• East Brook Lake July 1 - Sept 15 2
• Second Harvey
• First Lake Lake 30 cm 60 cm
• Foster Lake • Skiff Lake
• Harvey Lake • Trout Lake
• Little Magaguadavic • Lake Utopia
Sept 16 - Oct 15 0
Lake • Wauklahegan
• Magaguadavic Lake Lake
• McDougall Lake • Wheaton Lake

Exceptions
Diggity Stream Apr 15 - Oct 15 0 N/A N/A

Grand Falls Flowage Apr 15 - Sept 30 0 N/A N/A

Apr 15 - June 30 0
Magaguadavic River, downstream of
July 1 - Sept 15 2 30 cm 60 cm
Second Falls, including the Canal
Sept 16 - Oct 15 0

Palfrey Lake May 1 - Oct 15 0 N/A N/A

Spednic Lake Apr 15 - Sept 30 0 N/A N/A

St. Croix River, from Grand Falls to the Apr 15 - Sept 30 2

25 cm N/A
Milltown Bridge Oct 1 - Oct 31 0

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 48
 SEASON D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (TL)
BAG AND
NON-SPORT FISH* POSSESSION
NON-TIDAL TIDAL LIMIT MIN M AX

Burbot Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 10 10 cm 100 cm

Chain pickerel Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 10 10 cm 100 cm
Eel Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 31 10 35 cm N/A
Gaspereau Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 31 20 N/A N/A
Dip net: Dip net:
Rainbow smelt Closed after May 31 Apr 1 - May 31
60 N/A N/A
(non-boundary waters) Angling: Angling:
Closed after Sept 30 Aug 1 - May 31
Rainbow smelt
(boundary waters Open sport fish season 60 N/A N/A
between NB and Maine)
Shad Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 31 5 N/A N/A
Striped bass Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 29 1 68 cm 150 cm
May only be angled by artificial fly or baited barbless hook with a single point
Sturgeon Closed June 1 –
Closed June 1 - June 30 unlimited 130 cm N/A
June 30

Whitefish Opens with sport

Closed after Sept 15 fish season Closed 8 10 cm 70 cm
(non-boundary waters) after Sept 15
Whitefish
(boundary waters Open sport fish season 3 N/A N/A
between NB and Maine)
White perch
Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 25 10 cm 50 cm
(non-boundary waters)
White perch
(boundary waters Open sport fish season 25 10 cm N/A
between NB and Maine)
Yellow perch Open sport fish season Jan 1 - Dec 30 100 10 cm 50 cm
*
No bag or length restrictions exist for any other non-sport fish found in this RFA.

EXC E PT I O N S A N D S PE C I A L R E G U L AT I O N S — EXCLUDES ALL

T R I B UTA R I E S U N L E S S N OT E D OT H E R WI S E
Note: All fly fishing only waters are restricted to angling with a barbless artificial fly.
WAT E R B O DY STRETCH EXCEPTION
tributaries to East Grand lake Closed to smelt fishing
East Grand Lake
entire waterbody Lake trout daily bag limit: 1
Brown trout minimum length limit (TL):
East Musquash Reservoir entire waterbody
35 cm
Trout angling season is from Apr
Grand Manan Island all waters
15 - Sept 15
Lake Utopia including tributaries Closed to smelt fishing
Skiff Lake including tributaries Closed to smelt fishing
from the old Union Mills Bridge remnants
upstream to the power house dam at Fly fishing only beginning Apr 15
St. Croix River Milltown
from Grand Falls downstream to the Unbaited lures and artificial flies only
Milltown Bridge Oct 1 - 31

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 49
Upper Saint John
R E C R E AT I O N A L F I S H E RY A R E A

Boundary description:
All lakes, rivers, and streams of the Saint John River drainage, upstream from the
Covered Bridge at Hartland.
Attention anglers:
• Refer to “Exceptions and special • There is no open season for Atlantic
regulations” listed below for water salmon or striped bass.
specific regulations. • Landlocked salmon angling is closed
• The angling season in the Upper in all waters other than those listed
Saint John RFA closes Sept 15 on all in the “Landlocked Salmon” table
inland waters except: below.
— smallmouth bass managed • Anglers fishing Quebec portions of
waters, boundary waters require a Quebec
— waters open to landlocked licence and need to follow Quebec’s
salmon angling, regulations.
— waters with extended seasons
as identified in “exceptions and
special regulations”.
B O U N DA RY WAT E R S
NON-BOUNDARY MINIMUM SIZE LIMITS
BETWEEN NB AND
WAT E R S (TL)
MAINE
TROUT
D A I LY B A G D A I LY B A G
AND AND BROOK BROWN TROUT, LAKE
SEASON SEASON
POSSESSION POSSESSION TROUT RAINBOW TROUT TROUT
LIMIT LIMIT

Rivers,brooks
May 1 - Sept 15 10*
and streams
Lakes, ponds Apr 15 - Sept 30 5* † 15 cm 45 cm
and May 15 - Sept 15 5*
reservoirs
*
No more than two lake trout
†
Minimum size limit (TL) for brook trout: 10 cm on non-boundary waters and 15 cm on boundary waters between NB and Maine

D A I LY B A G SIZE LIMITS (FL)

LANDLOCKED SALMON AND
SEASON
(continues on next page) POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT

Boundary waters between New Brunswick and Maine

• Glasier Lake
• Saint John River Apr 15 - Sept 30 2 35 cm 63 cm
• St. Francis River, including ponds

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 50
 D A I LY B A G SIZE LIMITS (FL)
LANDLOCKED SALMON SEASON AND
POSSESSION
LIMIT MIN M AX

Inland Waters

• First Lake (Green River) • Sisson Branch

• Lac Unique Reservoir
• Long Lake (Victoria County) • Third Lake May 15 - Sept 30 2 35 cm 63 cm
• Second Lake (Green River) (Green River)
• Serpentine Lake • Trousers Lake

Exceptions
Lac Baker May 15 - Sept 15 2 35 cm 63 cm
Green River May 15 - Sept 30 2 50 cm 63 cm
Nictau Lake May 15 - Sept 30 1 35 cm 63 cm

D A I LY B A G A N D S I Z E L I M I T S ( T L )
SMALLMOUTH BASS
SEASON POSSESSION
(GENERAL)* MIN M AX
LIMIT

Boundary waters between New Brunswick and Maine

Rivers, brooks and streams
Apr 15 - Sept 30 2 25 cm N/A
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs

Non-boundary waters
Rivers, brooks and streams May 1 - Sept 15
5 10 cm 60 cm
Lakes, ponds and reservoirs May 15 - Sept 15
*
See exceptions for smallmouth bass managed waters below.

D A I LY SIZE LIMITS (TL)

SMALLMOUTH BASS BAG AND
SEASON
( M A N AG E D WAT E R S ) POSSESSION MIN M AX
LIMIT
May 1 - June 30 0
• Aroostook River, downstream of Tinker dam
• Saint John River, from Grand Falls to the July 1 - Sept 15 2
covered bridge in Hartland 30 cm 60 cm
Sept 16 - Oct 15 0

Tobique River, downstream of Tobique dam May 1 - June 30 0

SEASON D A I LY B A G A N D S I Z E L I M I T S ( T L )
NON-SPORT FISH* POSSESSION
NON-TIDAL LIMIT MIN M AX

Burbot Open sport fish season 10 10 cm 100 cm

Chain pickerel Open sport fish season 10 10 cm 100 cm

Eel Open sport fish season 10 35 cm N/A

Gaspereau Open sport fish season 20 N/A N/A

Muskellunge Open sport fish season 5 10 cm 170 cm

Rainbow smelt Dip net: Closed after May 31

60 N/A N/A
(non-boundary waters) Angling: Closed after Sept 30

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 51
 SEASON D A I LY B A G A N D S I Z E L I M I T S ( T L )
NON-SPORT FISH* POSSESSION
NON-TIDAL LIMIT MIN M AX
Rainbow smelt
(boundary waters Open sport fish season 60 N/A N/A
between NB and Maine)
Shad Open sport fish season 5 N/A N/A

Whitefish
Closed after Sept 15 8 10 cm 70 cm
(non-boundary waters)
Whitefish
(boundary waters Open sport fish season 3 N/A N/A
between NB and Maine)
White perch
Open sport fish season 25 10 cm 50 cm
(non-boundary waters)

White perch
(Boundary waters Open sport fish season 25 10 cm N/A
between NB and Maine)

Yellow perch Open sport fish season 100 10 cm 50 cm

*
No bag or length restrictions exist for any other non-sport fish found in this RFA.

EXC E PT I O N S A N D S PE C I A L R E G U L AT I O N S — EXCLUDES ALL

T R I B UTA R I E S U N L E S S N OT E D OT H E R WI S E
Note: All fly fishing only waters are restricted to angling with a barbless artificial fly.
WAT E R B O DY STRETCH EXCEPTION
from the railway bridge upstream to the Maine-NB
Aroostook River Fly fishing only beginning July 1
border
Becaguimec Stream from its mouth upstream to Route 105 bridge Closed to angling after June 30
Big Presque Isle
from its mouth upstream to Route 103 bridge Closed to angling after June 30
Stream
First Lake (Green
entire waterbody Trout bag limit after Aug 31: 0
River)
from Sisson Branch upstream to Nictau Lake Fly fishing only beginning July 1
Little Tobique River
from Sisson Branch downstream to the Tobique River Closed to angling after June 30
Mamozekel River entire waterbody Fly fishing only beginning July 1
Monquart Stream upstream to Route 105 bridge Closed to angling after June 30
from its confluence with the Saint John River upstream
Muniac Stream to a line drawn across the river: 46°37’16.15”N Closed to angling after June 30
67°41’58.22”W to 46°37’15.22”N 67°41’56.50”W
Landlocked salmon bag limit: 1
Brook trout minimum length
Nictau Lake entire waterbody
limit (TL): 25cm
Brook trout daily bag limit: 2
Nictau Lake
all brooks flowing into Nictau Lake Closed to angling
tributaries
Right Hand Branch entire waterbody Fly fishing only beginning July 1
Tobique River from Mamozekel River upstream to the mouth of Tom
Closed after May 31
(Campbell River) Pole Brook
Open angling season for trout:
Roulston Lake entire waterbody June 15 - Aug 31
Brook trout daily bag limit: 2

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 52
WAT E R B O DY STRETCH EXCEPTION
from the Grand Falls dam downstream to Brooks
Fly fishing only beginning July 1
Bridge at Limestone

from the Beechwood Dam to a point 800 m

Closed to angling
downstream

from a point 800 m downstream of the Beechwood

Fly fishing only beginning July 1
dam to the covered bridge at Hartland

from 50 m downstream of the Upper Guisiguit Brook to Closed to angling

50 m upstream of the Upper Guisiguit Brook after June 30

from a line straight across the river 800 m below the

mouth of Monquart Stream to a line straight across the
Closed to angling after June 30
river 50 m above the mouth of Monquart Stream (N 46°
30. 811, W 067° 36.101)

from a line straight across the river 500 m below the

Saint John River
mouth of Shikatehawk Stream to a line straight across
Closed to angling after June 30
the river 50 m above the mouth of Shikatehawk Stream
(N 46° 28. 823, W 067° 34)

from a line straight across the river 500 m below the

mouth of Big Presque Isle Stream to a line straight
Closed to angling after June 30
across the river 50 m above the mouth of Big Presque
Isle Stream (N 46° 23. 961, W 067° 36.405)

from a line straight across the river 100 m downstream

of the mouth of Muniac Stream to a line straight across
Closed to angling after June 30
the river 100 m upstream of the mouth of Muniac
Stream (46° 37’14.03”N 67° 42’12.10”W)

from the Covered Bridge at Hartland to a line straight

across the river 50 m above the mouth of Becaguimec Closed to angling after June 30
Stream (N 46° 18.139, W 067° 31. 753)

Salmon River, Victoria from its mouth upstream to the junction with
Fly fishing only beginning July 1
County Sutherland Brook

from its mouth upstream to the mouth of Salmon Hole

Serpentine River Fly fishing only beginning July 1
Brook

Shikatehawk Stream from its mouth upstream to Route 105 bridge Closed to angling after June 30

from its mouth upstream to the highway bridge on

Stickney Brook Fly fishing only beginning July 1
Route 105

from a line drawn across the river 200 m downstream

of Trout Brook to a line drawn across the Right Hand
Closed to angling after June 30
Branch of the Tobique River at the confluence of the
Mamozekel River
Tobique River from 1.5 km downstream of the Tobique River Power
Dam to 500 m upstream of the Tobique River Power
Dam (N 46° 46.08, W 67° 42.26 to N 46° 46.03, W 67° Closed to angling after June 30
41.99 upstream to N 46° 47.09, W 67° 41.55 to N 46°
47.06, W 67° 41.43)

Lac Unique entire waterbody Trout bag limit after Aug 31: 0

Whitemarsh Creek from its mouth upstream to the Route 130 bridge Fly fishing only beginning July 1

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 53
Measuring a returning salmon to the Upper Salmon River in Fundy National Park

New Brunswick: A Beacon of Hope

for Wild Atlantic Salmon
CONSERVING AND PROTECTING FOR THE FUTURE
Endangered Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon are naturally returning, and young
wild-hatched salmon are thriving, in the watersheds of Fundy National Park and the
Petitcodiac River after decades of little to no salmon. These places demonstrate how this
icon of New Brunswick can have a better future through collaborative action.
A wild Atlantic salmon recovery collaboration is underway in New Brunswick and seeing
success at a time when many rivers face alarming declines. This success is the result
of the innovative Fundy Salmon Recovery collaboration involving Parks Canada, Cooke
Aquaculture, Fort Folly First Nation, the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association,
the University of New Brunswick, and the Province of New Brunswick. Together with
volunteers, caring landowners, and local communities, they are restoring not only
salmon, but the associated benefits to the environment, community and culture that
create a legacy of stewardship to inspire generations to come.
The Atlantic Salmon Law Enforcement Coalition is a key part of this collaboration and
is working to protect this success. Through education, monitoring, and enforcement,
the coalition—comprising Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public
Safety, and New Brunswick Crime Stoppers—is ensuring these wild endangered fish are
safeguarded for the future.

You can help protect this legacy. If you see or suspect salmon-related crimes anywhere,
call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Together, we can revive a symbol of our heritage and prove that when people unite,
incredible things can happen.

FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT I O N
Visit fundysalmonrecovery.ca to learn more about
how you can be part of this inspiring journey.
New Brunswick Crime Stoppers: info@crimenb.ca

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 54
 The Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon

CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS

The FCAS is a non-profit organization established through a grant from the Government of
Canada. Income generated by this trust fund supports projects and activities contributing to
conservation of wild Atlantic salmon and salmon habitat.
The Foundation helps achieve healthy and sustainable wild Atlantic salmon stocks in Atlantic
Canada and Québec through active working partnerships among volunteer conservation groups,
Indigenous organizations, governments, and others.

Photo: Fort Folly Habitat Recovery

New Brunswick projects funded by the FCAS in 2024 were led by:

Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Miramichi Salmon Association Inc. $20,000
Saint John Inc. $5,000
Nepisiguit Salmon Association (2 projects) $20,000
Belleisle Watershed Coalition Inc. $10,000
Oromocto River Watershed
Chaleur Bay Watershed Group $17,000 Association Inc. $12,000
Fort Folly Habitat Recovery $36,000 Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance Inc. $15,000
Greater Kouchibouguac Watershed
Association (2 projects) $35,986 Restigouche River Watershed
Management Council Inc. (2 projects) $25,000
Hammond River Angling Association $14,500
Shediac Bay Watershed Association $23,000
Kennebecasis Watershed
Restoration Committee $17,500 The Nashwaak Watershed
Miramichi River Environmental Association (5 projects) $58,000
Assessment Committee $15,000 University of New Brunswick Fredericton $50,000

For more information, including details of these projects, please visit our website:
www.salmonconservation.ca
F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 55
New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund
List of Projects Approved in 2024
New Brunswick Wildlife Federation Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc.
Adopt A Stream.........................................$4,500. Assessing and Restoring Fish Passage in the Upper
Nashwaak Watershed................................$8,500.
Nepisiguit Salmon Association
Nepisiguit River Salmon Population and Habitat Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc.
Assessment Project .................................$12,000. Monitoring the Health of the Nashwaak
Watershed................................................$5,000.
Comité de Gestion Environnementale de la Rivière
Pokemouche Oromocto River Watershed Association Inc.
Inventory of the South Branch and the Head of the Point Sampling for Indicator Fish
Pokemouche River (Phase III) ..................$10,000. Species..................................................$12,000.

Miramichi Salmon Association Oromocto River Watershed Association Inc.

2024 Cold Water Habitat Maintenance......$10,000. Urban Restoration of Community
Resources ..............................................$12,000.
Miramichi Salmon Association
Juvenile Atlantic Salmon Assessment on the Hammond River Angling Association Inc.
Miramichi River 2024 .............................$15,000. Accountable Angling: Responsible Fishing Practices
for Wildlife Conservation ............................$8,000.
Miramichi Salmon Association
Improving Adult Salmon Migration for Spawning Samuel Andrews, Acadia University
2024.......................................................$7,500. The History and Distribution of Lake Whitefish
Coregonus clupeaformis (Mitchell, 1818) in Nova
Friends of the Kouchibouguacis Scotia and New Brunswick ........................$8,800.
Habitat Evaluation and Enhancement within the
Kouchibouguac and Kouchibouguacis Miramichi Fisheries Management
Watersheds ............................................$15,000. Comparing fry stocking methods to wild fry
production for Atlantic salmon restoration in the
Friends of the Kouchibouguacis Miramichi River ......................................$11,000.
Wild Atlantic Salmon Population Monitoring –
Kouchibouguac and Kouchibouguacis Heather Perry, University of New Brunswick
Rivers ....................................................$12,000. Radio Telemetry Study on Atlantic salmon Parr
During High Temperature Events .................$9,000.
Shediac Bay Watershed Association
Supporting Atlantic Salmon in the Shediac Bay The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance (PWA) Inc.
Watershed through Integrated Watershed Broken Brooks – Restoring Fish Passage and
Management Planning and Restoration .......$7,500. Habitat in the Petitcodiac Watershed ........$12,000.

Belleisle Watershed Coalition Inc. Hammond River Angling Association

Belleisle Trees for Fish ...............................$8,000. Redds & Beds: Riparian Restoration for Atlantic
Salmon Redds and Freshwater
Belleisle Watershed Coalition Inc. Mussel Beds ............................................$6,750.
Assessing Barriers to Fish Passage in the Lower
Belleisle Watershed ...................................$6,000. Matthew Warner, Acadia University
Identifying suitable habitat and spawning
Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee locations of native Lake Trout in
Enhancing Riparian Zones along East Grand Lake, NB/ME .........................$12,000.
Wards Creek...........................................$10,000.
Fort Folly Habitat Recovery
Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee Fort Folly First Nation recovering Inner Bay of
McLeod Brook Enhancement Project – Fundy Atlantic Salmon in the Petitcodiac
Phase 1.................................................$12,000. Watershed..............................................$22,000.
Fort Folly Habitat Recovery Wolastoq Salmon Recovery Inc
Conserving Endangered inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Provide Atlantic Salmon Eggs for Aroostook
Salmon on the Big Salmon River ..............$25,000. River 2024-2025 .....................................$4,000.
Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Saint John Inc Matthew K. Litvak, Mount Allison University
Improving Fish Habitat Access in Tributaries of the Sex ratio of shortnose sturgeon in the Saint John
Lower Wolastoq........................................$9,000. River Part II ............................................$17,000.

Tel: 506.453.6655
PO Box 30030 Fax: 506.462.5054
NB Wildlife
Fonds en f Fredericton, NB e-mail: wildcoun@nbnet.nb.ca
d Trust Fund
du Nouveau-Br Canada E3B 0H8 Web Site: www.nbwtf.ca

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 56
Winter Fishing

The New Brunswick winter fishing season runs annually from January 1 to March 31.
Winter fishing is included as part of your previous years angling licence.

Under the Clean Environment Act, owners of ice shelters must:

• Mount shelters on skids or runners to allow for easy removal;
• Post their name and address clearly on the outside of the shelter in print at least
5 cm in height; and
• Not leave garbage behind.
Removal dates for ice shelters are announced each year by the New Brunswick
Department of Environment and Local Government:
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/elg.html

Under the Watershed Protected Area Designation Order:

For Gibson Lake (Charlotte County), Belvidere Lake (Kings County) and Nelson Lake
(Saint John County):
• Gas powered vehicles and equipment (e.g. snowmobiles, ATVs, ice augers) are
notpermitted; and
• Only portable ice fishing shelters are permitted and must not be left overnight.

Even in winter, invasive species can be spread from one

body of water to another. Don’t forget to Clean Drain Dry
your winter fishing gear (ice auger, fishing equipment, etc.).
For more details, see Page 22.

OTHER D E S I G N AT E D D E S I G N AT E D D E S I G N AT E D OTHER
GENERAL
INLAND INLAND I N T E R N AT I O N A L TIDAL TIDAL
R E G U L AT I O N S
WAT E R S WAT E R S WAT E R S WAT E R S WAT E R S
January 1 to January 1 to January 1 to Open (see
Season January 1 to March 31
March 31 March 31 March 31 Exceptions)
NB Season NB Season
NB Season Not
Licence required (Angling or (Angling or Not required
(Angling or Salmon) required
Salmon) Salmon)

2 hours
30 minutes before
before 30 minutes before
sunrise to 30 24 hours /
Fishing times sunrise to 2 sunrise to 30 minutes 24 hours / day
minutes after day
hours after after sunset
sunset
sunset
1) Man-made
1) Man-made hole
hole in ice
Winter Fishing in ice
Not 2) Natural Not
permitted 2) Natural opening Man-made hole only
restricted opening in ice restricted
through in ice if angling
if angling from
from shore
shore

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 57
 OTHER D E S I G N AT E D D E S I G N AT E D D E S I G N AT E D OTHER
GENERAL
INLAND INLAND I N T E R N AT I O N A L TIDAL TIDAL
R E G U L AT I O N S
WAT E R S WAT E R S WAT E R S WAT E R S WAT E R S

Number of set 0 5 5 5 0
lines* permitted

Number of
angling lines** 1 1 1 1*** 1***
permitted

The following species may not be used as live or dead bait: bass, bullhead, chain pickerel, goldfish
and other carp species, sunfish, yellow perch, white perch and other spiny-rayed fish

Dead fish Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed

Bait Allowed,
Allowed, only if
Allowed, only if only if
Live fish Not allowed Not allowed captured from the
captured in NB captured
water being fished
in NB

* Set lines are restricted to 1 hook with a single point and must be visible to the angler at all times
** An angling line may have up to 3 hooks with no more than 3 points per hook and must be held in the hand or closely attended
*** If angling in tidal water for non-sport fish, up to 5 angling lines may be used and each line may have up to 6 hooks with no more than
3 points per hook

D A I LY B A G A N D D E S I G N AT E D
OTHER INLAND D E S I G N AT E D D E S I G N AT E D OTHER TIDAL
POSSESSION WAT E R S I N L A N D WAT E R S
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
T I DA L WAT E R S WAT E R S
LIMITS WAT E R S

LENGTH
D A I LY MINIMUM D A I LY MINIMUM D A I LY MINIMUM D A I LY MINIMUM D A I LY
SPORT FISH LIMIT LENGTH LIMIT LENGTH LIMIT LENGTH LIMIT LENGTH LIMIT
RANGE/MIN.
LENGTH

Brook trout
Rainbow trout 5* 15 cm 5** 15 cm 5 15 cm 5** 15 cm 0 N/A
Arctic char

Brown trout 2* 35 cm 2** 35 cm 2 15 cm 2** 35 cm 0 N/A

Lake trout 2* 45 cm 2** 45 cm 2 45 cm 2** 45 cm 0 N/A
35 cm 35 cm 35 cm 35 cm
Landlocked
2 fork 2** fork 2 fork 2** fork 0 N/A
salmon
length length length length
Smallmouth bass 5 30 cm 5** 30 cm 2 25 cm 5** 30 cm 0 N/A

LENGTH
NON-SPORT D A I LY MINIMUM D A I LY MINIMUM D A I LY MINIMUM D A I LY MINIMUM D A I LY
RANGE/MIN.
FISH LIMIT LENGTH LIMIT LENGTH LIMIT LENGTH LIMIT LENGTH LIMIT
LENGTH

Burbot 10 10 cm No limit No limit No limit 10 10 to 75 cm

Chain pickerel 10 10 cm No limit No limit No limit 10 10 to 75 cm
10 to 150
Muskellunge 5 10 cm No limit No limit No limit 5
cm
Smelt 60 N/A 60 N/A 60 N/A No limit 60 N/A
Waters
flowing
68 to
to the 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 1
Striped 150 cm
Bay of
bass
Fundy
All other
0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A
waters
Whitefish 8 10 cm 5 N/A 3 N/A 5 N/A 0 N/A
White perch 25 10 cm No limit 25 10 cm No limit 25 10 cm min.
Yellow perch 100 10 cm No limit No limit No limit 100 10 to 45 cm

*A total of 5 trout per day (not exceeding each species’ daily limits)
**A total of 5 sport fish per day (not exceeding each species’ daily limits)

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 58
EXC E PT I O N S A N D S PE C I A L R E G U L AT I O N S

No person shall:
• angle for sturgeon in the tidal waters of New Brunswick that flow into the Bay of
Fundy by any method other than artificial fly and baited, barbless hook with a single
Sturgeon
point;
• catch and retain or possess any sturgeon that is less than 130 cm in length measured
from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail.
Big Nictau Lake is open to winter fishing; however, the thoroughfare and Little Nictau
Lake are closed
• 2 lines are permitted: one set line and one angling line
Big Nictau Lake • No live or dead fish are permitted as bait
• A total of 3 sport fish may be retained. Only 1 may be a landlocked salmon. Retained
landlocked salmon must be between 35 cm and 63 cm fork length.
• Retained trout must be at least 25 cm total length

Lac Baker Open Saturdays and Sundays only

Tabusintac River Tidal waters of the Tabusintac River and Bartibog River upstream of the Route 11
Bartibog River bridge are closed to spear fishing for smelt and tomcod from Sept 16 to April 30

Tidal waters* of • Restricted to artificial fly only from Sept 16 to April 30

• Closed to spear fishing for smelt and tomcod from Sept 16 to April 30
*Applies to the following tidal areas:

Bass River • Bass River upstream from grid reference 342592 5156026 to grid reference 342485
5156031. (Refer to map Rogersville 21/I 11). (North American Datum 1927).

Big Tracadie River • Big Tracadie River, including Portage River, Leech River and Comeau River
upstream from a line drawn joining the following coordinates (NAD83): 47°28’30.2»N
x 64°55’42.2»W, 47°27’46.2»N x 64°56’01.9»W, 47°28’26.5»N x 64°55’50.5»W,
47°27’25.5»N x 64°55’23.7»W, 47°28’11.6»N x 64°55’56.9»W.

Chockpish River • Chockpish River upstream of the bridge of Chockpish River at Côte Sainte-Anne
Road.

Etienne River • Étienne River upstream of the bridge at Baie du Village on the Bas-de-l’Allée Road at
Richibouctou Village.

Kouchibouguac River • Kouchibouguac River upstream from grid reference 344393 5183829 to grid
reference 344397 5183988. (Refer to map Kouchibouguac 21/I 14) (North American
Datum 1927).

Kouchibouguacis River • Kouchibouguacis River upstream of the bridge of Route 11.

Little Tracadie River • Little Tracadie River upstream from a line drawn joining the following coordinates
(NAD83) : 47°31’41.3»N x 64°56’02.7»W / 47°31’52.5»N x 64°56’00.3»W.

Molus River • Molus River upstream of the bridge at Main River Creek.

Nicholas River • Nicholas River upstream of Route 470 at Mundleville.

Petite Aldouane River • Petite Aldouane River upstream of the bridge of Route 134 at Petite Aldouane.

Pokemouche River • Pokemouche River upstream of the Route 113 bridge.

Richibucto River • Richibucto River upstream of Route 490 at Brown’s Yard.

Saint-Charles River • Saint-Charles River at the power line upstream from grid reference 351611
5174262(North Side) to grid reference 351739 5174082(South Side). Refer to map
Moncton 21/I) (North American Datum 1983).

Beatties Creek • Beatties Creek upstream of the bridge of Route 505 at Rexton.

Child’s Creek • Child’s Creek upstream of the bridge of Route 495 at Rexton.

Gaspereau Creek • Gaspereau Creek upstream of the bridge of Route 505 at Peters Mill.

Mill Creek • Mill Creek upstream from grid reference 353420 5165635 to grid reference 353186
5165390. (Refer to map Richibouctou 21/I 10). (North American Datum 1927)

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 59
WAT E R S O PE N TO WI N T E R F I S H I N G

OT H E R I N L A N D WAT E R S

Albert County Madawaska County Sunbury County

• New Horton Lake • Étang Deuxième-Sault • Peltoma Lake
Carleton County • Lac Unique Victoria County
• Greens Lake Northumberland County • Sisson Branch Reservoir
• Nashwaak Lake • Blind Lake York County
Charlotte County • Estey Lake • Amelia Lake
• Big Kedron Lake • McKendrick Lake • Big Duck Lake
• Boone Lake • Mullin Stream Lake • Clear Lake (45°47’ x 67°16’)
• Cranberry Lake (45°18’ x 67°18’) • North Lake (46°56’ x 66°26’) • Davidson Lake
• Cundy Lake • Peabody Lake • Deer Lake (45°49’ x 67°24’)
• Digdeguash Lake • Serpentine Lake • East Brook Lake
• Gibson Lake • Second Bear Lake (46°56’ x • First Lake
• Goldsmiths Lake 66°29’) • Indian Lake (46°12’ x 67°15’)
• Little Long Lake • Third Bear Lake (46°56’ x 66°29’) • Killarney Lake
• Little McDougall Lake • Upsalquitch Lake • Kilburn Lake
• McDougall Lake • Whitney Pond • Lake George
• Ormond Lake Queens County • Lily Lake
• Red Rock Lake • Lower Lake • Little Lake
• Sparks Lake • Trout Lake • Little Magaguadavic Lake
• Stein Lake Restigouche County • Magaguadavic Lake
• Trout Lake • First Portage Lake • McAdam Pond
• Victoria Lake • Island Lake (47°37’ x 66°24’) • Mud Lake (45°50’ x 67°11’)
• Wheaton Lake Saint John County • Napadogan Lake
Gloucester County • Arnold Lake • Second Eel Lake
• Bass River Lake • Bradley Lakes (South) • Second Harvey Lake
• Lac Saint-Coeur • Dolan Lake • Shogomoc Lake
Kings County • Nelson Lake • Skiff Lake
• Bates Lake • Perch Lake • Taffy Lake (East)
• Belvidere Lake • Quinn Lake • Third Eel Lake
• Cassidy Lake • Round Lake
• Clark Lake • Taylor Lake
• Jenkins Lake • Theobald Lake
• Mechanic Lake • Treadwell Lake
• Oram Lake
• Pickett Lake
• Ritchie Lake
• Waltons Lake
• Williams Lake
D E S I G N AT E D I N L A N D WAT E R S

Carleton County Northumberland County Victoria County

• Kilmarnock Deadwater • Chatham Reservoir • Tobique Headpond (Quaker Brook to a
• Mactaquac Lake (from the dam • Crocker Lake point marked by DFO at Gladwyn)
upstream to Grafton Bridge) • Macs Lake • Trousers Lake
• Williamstown Lake • North Little River Lake Westmorland County
Charlotte County • Shaddick Lake • Morice Pond
• Foster Lake • South Little River Lake • Poucette Lake
• Middle Lake Queens County • Square Lake
• Mill Lake • Designated surface mine ponds York County
• Moores Mills Lake • Lake Stream Lake • Bolton Lake
• Potters Lake • Douglas Lake • Fifth Lake
Gloucester County Restigouche County • First Eel Lake
• Pabineau Lake • Big Nictau Lake • Foster Lake
• Teagues Lake • Lower Tetagouche Lake • Lower Nashwaak Lake
Kent County • Middle Tetagouche Lake • Mactaquac Lake (from the dam
• Round Lake • Upper Tetagouche Lake upstream to Grafton Bridge)
Kings County • Windermere Pond • Miramichi Lake
• McManus Lake Saint John County • Modsley Lake
• Mud Lake • Fisher Lakes • Oromocto Lake
Madawaska County • Hanson Stream Reservoir • Pocowagamis Lake
• Lac Baker (Saturday and Sunday Sunbury County • Scotch Lake
only) • Designated surface mine ponds • Sixth Lake
• Gaspereau Lake • Thompsons Lake
• Swan Lake • Tuttle Lake
• Wauklahegan Lake (McAdam)
F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 60
 D E S I G N AT E D I N T E R N AT I O N A L WAT E R S

Charlotte County York County

• Grand Falls Flowage • East Grand Lake
• Woodland Flowage • Mud Lake
Madawaska County • North Lake
• Glasier Lake • Palfrey Lake
• Two ponds at the outlet of • Spednic Lake
Glasier and Grew and McPherson • Thoroughfare between North Lake and East Grand Lake
Ponds at the head of the lake
• Grand Falls head pond (from
Route 2 bridge to the Route 17
bridge in St. Leonard)
D E S I G N AT E D T I DA L WAT E R S

Queens County
• Coy Lake
• Hart’s Lake
• Washademoak Lake
• Grand Lake
Sunbury County
• French Lake (Burton Parish)
• French Lake (Sheffield Parish)
• Indian Lake
• Maquapit Lake
• Grand Lake
OT H E R T I DA L WAT E R S

• Tidal waters are all waters downstream from an inland water boundary – often referred to as head of tide.
Boundaries for our main waterways are listed on our web site https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/
departments/erd/fish-and-wildlife/content/go-fishing/content/TidalWaters.html.

Photo: John Massey

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 61
ICE IS NEVER 100% SAFE

• The province does not measure ice move across the ice. Clear blue ice
thickness for recreational purposes. is the strongest; white or opaque ice
Your safety is your responsibility! is much weaker; grey ice indicates
• Let others know where you’re weak spots.
planning to fish and when you plan • The only way to be certain is to
to return. Wear appropriate clothing measure ice thickness
and carry safety equipment. • Remember that local weather
• Before you venture out, check local conditions, winds and currents
ice conditions. make coastal ice unstable and
• Watch for changes in colour as you unpredictable!

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 62
Crown Reserve Waters
General information
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/
• New Brunswick’s Crown Reserve
gnb/en/departments/erd/fish-and-
system is a limited entry recreational
wildlife/content/go-fishing/content/
fishery, whereby angling
CrownReserveStretches.html
opportunities on prime salmon
and brook trout angling waters are • Crown Reserve Waters are not
assigned on a rod-per-day basis. open to fishing before or after the
Crown Reserve season dates. (see
• The following persons may apply for
Restigouche and Miramichi RFAs for
or obtain a Crown Reserve angling
exceptions)
licence:
• Crown Reserve Licences do not
— persons whose principal place of
guarantee exclusive stretch use.
residence is New Brunswick, and
• All Atlantic salmon hooked on Crown
— current members of the Royal
Reserve waters must be live released.
Canadian Mounted Police or
The bag limit for Atlantic salmon
Canadian Forces who were born (grilse or mature fish) is zero (0).
in New Brunswick but who are
• Anglers may live release up to a
stationed outside of the province.
maximum of two Atlantic salmon
• Crown Reserve anglers require an per calendar day. Once two Atlantic
Outdoors Card number to apply salmon have been live released the
for or book Crown Reserve angling angler must cease angling for that day.
opportunities. If you do not already
• On Crown Reserve waters a “fishing
have your Outdoors Card, you can
day” is the 24-hour period extending
obtain one by registering online
from 2:00 pm on the first day
at gnb.ca/fishwildlife (click Buy
until 2:00 pm on the second day.
a licence / Apply for a draw / Get
(Exception: Patapedia and Lower
an Outdoors Card) a participating
Patapedia stretches are based on a
vendor, or SNB centre.
full calendar day - see Page 70 and
• There are three types of Crown Page 71.)
Reserve Waters:
• Licence fees are per angler per day,
1. Regular Crown Reserve taxes not included.
2. Daily Crown Reserve • All Crown Reserve Waters are fly
3. Live Release Crown Reserve fishing only. Barbless flies are
• Locations of Crown Reserve required on all waters except
waters can be found here: Crown Reserve lakes (not including
California Lake) and the Nepisiguit
F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y
River stretch. 63
 • Crown Reserve stretches without a
Accommodations
camp may feature camping facilities
• Camps are available to Crown such as a tenting area, picnic table,
Reserve anglers on 24 of 40 Crown etc. Refer to the Stretch Description
Reserve stretches. Their use, where documents for further information:
available, is included with the https://www2.gnb.ca/content/
purchase of a Crown Reserve angling gnb/en/departments/erd/fish-
licence. (Note: An exception is the and-wildlife/content/go-fishing/
Patapedia Crown Reserve where content/CrownReserveStretches.
accommodations are booked on a html
fee basis through the Corporation
de Gestion des Rivières Matapédia Youth on Crown Reserve
et Patapédia located in Matapédia Waters
Quebec; phone: 418-865-2080)
Youth under the age of 16 may participate
• Camp descriptions are provided in in Crown Reserve angling without being
the “Stretch Description” documents required to hold a licence or be a Crown
available from the DNRED web site Reserve party member.
and included with Crown Reserve
If a youth is angling on Crown Reserve
licence information packages.
Waters and is not a party member:
Crown Reserve camps include basic
amenities such as a stove, table, • He/she must be accompanied* by a
chairs, etc. Crown Reserve anglers are licensed Crown Reserve angler.
responsible for all other incidentals • The licensed Crown Reserve angler
such as firewood, food, and drinking and the youth may not angle at the
water. same time.
• Firewood is not provided. It is • The youth’s catch must be included
recommended that only kiln-dried in the live release limit of the licensed
firewood be brought to Crown Crown Reserve angler.
Reserve to minimize the risk of • The adult licensed Crown Reserve
spreading invasive insects and angler is legally responsible to
disease. If using firewood that has ensure that the youth complies with
not been kiln-dried, buy it locally (as all regulations.
close to your destination as possible),
If a youth under the age of 16 is a party
burn it all on site and do not bring
member:
any remaining firewood home.
Information on best practices and • The youth must possess the
regulations related to the movement appropriate Crown Reserve Licence
of firewood is available at the for the stretch being angled.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency • On Atlantic salmon Crown Reserve
website at: https://inspection. Stretches:
canada.ca/plant-health/forestry/
— If the youth is 10 - 15 years of age
hazards-of-moving-firewood/eng
and possesses a Class 8 salmon
/1500309474824/1500309544561.
angling licence, they may angle
alone and they have their own
live release limit;

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 64
 — If the youth does not possess
Regular Crown Reserve
the appropriate salmon angling
licence required on the stretch Twenty of these salmon angling waters
being angled, they must be are located in the Miramichi and
accompanied* by a licensed Restigouche river systems - see Page 70.
Fishing rights are awarded annually by
Crown Reserve angler and their
computer draw. The season extends
catch must be included with that
from June 10 - Sept 15. These waters
other party member’s live release
are closed before and after the Regular
limit. This also includes all youth
Crown Reserve season with the exception
under the age of 10 who are not
of three Restigouche River stretches (Red
eligible to purchase a salmon
Bank, Three Sisters, and Devil’s Half Acre)
angling licence. which are open from Apr 15 - June 1 for
• On Brook Trout Crown Reserve all angling. All stretches except Patapedia
Stretches: are valid for a 48-hour period, beginning
— Youth under 16 years of age do at 2:00 pm on the first day and ending at
not require a Class 7, 8, 9, or 10 2:00 pm on the third day. The Patapedia
angling licence, but do require a stretch is valid for three consecutive
calendar days.
Crown Reserve Licence.
* Accompanied is defined as within Application and payment procedures
visual and/or auditory contact of
Applicants may apply online at gnb.ca/
each other without the aid of artificial
fishwildlife (click Go Fishing), at the Fish
devices except medically-prescribed
and Wildlife Branch in Fredericton, or at
eyeglasses or hearing aids.
any DNRED District office. An application
Crown Reserve Creel Surveys fee of $7.00 per angler must be paid at the
time of the application.
Party chiefs are encouraged to submit
• Applicants are restricted to one
creel census data related to their Crown
application to the Regular Crown
Reserve angling trip(s). Your information
Reserve draw per year.
is important in the management of this
recreational fishery and helps improve • Once the draw is held, the successful
the quality of a Crown Reserve angling applicants will be notified in writing
experience for all anglers. or by e-mail of the payment deadline.
Creel data and stretch comments can be • Payment must be made online at
submitted online via a link provided in the gnb.ca/fishwildlife (click Go Fishing)
Crown Reserve licence package e-mail. or at the Fish and Wildlife Branch in
A paper form option is also available; Fredericton. No payments will be
however anglers are encouraged to accepted at DNRED district offices
submit their information online if possible. or after the deadline. Total cost per
Further information on the Crown Reserve angler is $46.00 per day for angling
Creel census process is available at dates from June 10 - Aug 31 and
gnb.ca/fishwildlife (click Go Fishing). $31.00 per day per angler for angling
dates from Sept 1 - 15.
• In addition to a Regular Crown
Reserve Angling Licence, each angler
must have a Class 7 or 8 salmon
F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 65
 angling licence. For exception, see unsuccessful draw applicants
above “Youth on Crown Reserve”. will be accepted online and
• Further information will be provided at designated DNRED offices
in successful applicants’ licence beginning 8:30 am, Monday,
packages. May 12.
— Only anglers who were
Unclaimed stretches
unsuccessful in the Regular
• Angling opportunities that are Crown Reserve draw may book
unclaimed during the Regular Crown a stretch date during this period.
Reserve draw will be reoffered to
— Ineligible persons include
anglers on a first-come first-served
successful Regular Crown
booking basis.
Reserve applicants regardless of
• Unclaimed stretch listings are whether they actually paid for
available online at gnb.ca/ their stretch or not, unsuccessful
fishwildlife (click Go Fishing) or by
applicants who substituted
contacting any DNRED district office.
into an angling party that was
• Crown Reserve anglers are successful in the draw, and any
encouraged to book stretches person who did not apply to the
unclaimed in the Regular Crown draw.
Reserve draw online at gnb.ca/
— A limit of one stretch date per
fishwildlife (click Go Fishing).
Persons without Internet access will angler applies.
be able to book unclaimed stretches — Bookings do not have to be
by contacting one of the following based on the original party
designated DNRED district offices: membership. A four person
1. Miramichi River stretches party, for example, could book a
DNRED Miramichi: 506-627-4050 stretch date during this period as
2. Restigouche River stretches two separate two-person parties.
DNRED Campbellton: — Party size must correspond to the
506-789-2336 size limit for that stretch.
3. North Branch Kedgwick stretch — Immediate licence payment at
DNRED Saint-Quentin: the time of booking is required.
506-235-6040
2. Open booking period:
• There is no fee to book unclaimed
— Begins the first Monday of
Regular Crown Reserve stretches.
June and lasts until the end of the
• Booking periods for unclaimed Regular Crown Reserve angling
Regular Crown Reserve stretch dates season. In 2025, bookings for
include: this period will be accepted
1. Unsuccessful applicant booking online and at designated
period: DNRED district offices beginning
— Begins the second Monday of 8:30 am, Monday, June 2.
May and lasts two consecutive
weeks. In 2025, bookings by

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 66
 — Any angler whose principal place between 8:30 am and 11:00 am on
of residence is New Brunswick the draw date.
may book stretch dates during • Draws are held on weekdays seven
this period regardless of whether days in advance of the angling date.
they participated in the Regular If the angling date is a Saturday or
Crown Reserve draw or not. Sunday, the draw is held on the
— There are no limits as to the Monday of the week immediately
number of available stretches preceding the angling date, or on
that may be booked. Tuesday in the event that Monday is
a holiday.
— Party size must correspond to the
• An application fee of $7.00 per
size limit for that stretch.
angler must be paid at the time of
— Immediate licence payment at the application unless the angler
the time of booking is required. has previously applied to a Crown
3. Bookings within 48 hours of an Reserve draw during the current
angling date: year.
— Any stretch that has not been • Successful applicants will be
booked within 48 hours of its contacted by phone or e-mail after
angling date can be booked the draw is conducted at 11:00 am.
by individuals or parties. The Immediate payment is required.
number of persons who book Step B: Party booking
the stretch may be less than the • If no applications are received
stretch limit. by 11:00 am on the draw date,
— Bookings within 48 hours of unclaimed stretches may be booked
angling dates that occur on a on a first-come first-served basis by
Saturday, Sunday, or Monday will proper party size, up to 48 hours
begin at 8:30 am on the previous before the angling date.
Thursday. • To book, visit gnb.ca/fishwildlife
(click Go Fishing) or call the
Daily Crown Reserve appropriate designated office
These 15 salmon and trout fishing waters beginning at 1:30 pm on the stretch
provide excellent angling on a day-by-day draw date.
basis - see Page 71. The season extends • There is no fee to book unclaimed
from June 1 - Sept 15. These waters are stretches under Step B.
closed before and after the Daily Crown Step C: Individual or party booking
Reserve season. Exception: Restigouche
• Within 48 hours of the fishing
River Daily Crown Reserve (Grog Island) is
date bookings are accepted from
open from Apr 15 - June 1 for all angling.
individuals or parties. The total
Application and payment procedures number of anglers is not permitted
to exceed the stretch limit and
Step A: Random draw licence fees apply only to the number
of persons who actually take the
• Apply online at gnb.ca/fishwildlife
stretch.
(click Go Fishing) or by calling the
appropriate DNRED district office • There is no application fee to book
F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 67
 unclaimed stretches under Step C. • The cost per angler per day on
• To book, visit gnb.ca/fishwildlife Daily Crown Reserve brook trout
(click Go Fishing) or call the stretches is $20.00 for angling dates
appropriate DNRED office after from June 1 - Aug 31 and $13.00 for
8:30 am beginning two business angling dates from Sept 1 - 15.
days immediately prior to the angling • At the time of payment, all party
date. members’ Outdoors Card numbers
or their information must be
General information on Daily Crown provided for the issuance of the
Reserves licences (name, address, date
• In addition to a Daily Crown Reserve of birth, telephone number and
licence, anglers on Daily Crown identification).
Reserves must have a valid Class
7 or 8 salmon angling licence for Live Release Crown Reserve
salmon stretches, or a valid Class Only fly fishing with single barbless or
9 or 10 licence for trout stretches. pinched hooks is permitted and all fish
(Exception: see “Youth on Crown species must be live released.
Reserve”, Page 64 and Page 65.)
There are five of these reserves in the
• Licences are not transferable. Miramichi drainage and stretches are
• Anglers are limited to two days available on a single fishing day basis
per month for any specific stretch except for the Palisades and Sinclair
of Daily Crown Reserve Water stretches which are available for two
obtained through Step A Random consecutive fishing days - see Page 72.
Draw and those periods shall not The season extends from June 1 - Sept
be consecutive over month’s end. 15 and waters are closed before and
Vacant water booked under Steps B after the Live Release Crown Reserve
and C does not count towards this season. Exception: The Lower and Upper
limit. Cains River Crown Reserve stretches are
available from June 1 to August 31 and are
• Anglers must purchase the full period
open for angling before and after these
of vacant water. Partial purchase is
dates subject to regulations described in
not allowed.
the Miramichi Recreational Fishery Area in
• When the successful party is notified, this summary.
payment must be made immediately
by credit card, Interac, cash, cheque Application and payment procedures
or money order (by phone or in
• Same procedures as Steps A, B and C
person). There are no exceptions.
for Daily Crown Reserve.
• The cost per angler per day on Daily
• An application fee of $7.00 per
Crown Reserve salmon stretches
angler must be paid at the time of
is $46.00 for angling dates from
the application unless the angler
June 1 - Aug 31 and $31.00 per day
has previously applied to a Crown
per angler for angling dates between
Reserve draw during the current year.
Sept 1 - 15. (Exception: the Lower
Patapedia stretch is $20.00 for
angling dates from June 3 - Aug 31.)

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 68
• Anglers are limited to two days • In addition to a Live Release Crown
per month for each stretch of Live Reserve Licence, each angler must
Release Crown Reserve Water have a valid Class 7 or 8 salmon
obtained through Step A Random angling licence. (Exception: see
Draw and those periods shall not “Youth on Crown Reserve”, Page 64
be consecutive over month’s end. and Page 65.)
Stretches booked under Steps B and • If angling on the Cains River, each
C do not count towards this limit. angler must have a valid Class 7, 8,
• The cost per angler per day on Live 9 or 10 licence in addition to a Live
Release Crown Reserve stretches Release Crown Reserve Licence.
is $33.00 for angling dates from (Exception: see “Youth on Crown
June 1 - Aug 31 and $22.00 for angling Reserve”, Page 64 and Page 65.)
dates from Sept 1 - 15. (Exception:
the Upper and Lower Cains stretches
are $20.00 for angling dates from
June 1 to Aug 31.

RED BANK

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 69
R E G U L A R C R OWN R E S E R VE WAT E R S
Cost per angler per day is $46.00 for angling dates from June 10 - Aug 31 and $31.00 per
day per angler for angling dates from Sept 1 - 15.

RESTIGOUCHE DRAINAGE
PA R T Y
RIVER STRETCH CAMP ACCESS
SIZE
Kedgwick North Branch Kedgwick 2 Yes Canoe or wading
Patapedia Patapediaa 2 Yesb Canoe
Restigouche Devil’s Half Acre 4 Yes Canoe
Restigouche Red Bank 4 Yes Canoe
Restigouche Three Sisters 4 Yes Canoe
Upsalquitch Crooked Rapids 2 or 4 No Canoe
Upsalquitch Upsalquitch Forks Pool 2 Yes Canoe
NW Upsalquitch Craven Gulch 2 No Canoe
NW Upsalquitch Northwest Upsalquitch 2 or 4 No Canoe
SE Upsalquitch Southeast Upsalquitch 2 Yes Canoe or wading

Patapedia licences are valid for three consecutive calendar days. The last available stretch start date is Aug 29.
a 

Accommodations for the Patapedia stretch are available from the Corporation de Gestion des Rivières Matapédia et Patapédia,
b 

Matapedia, Quebec (Tel: 1-418-865-2080).

Bag limit: The bag limit for Atlantic salmon (grilse or mature fish) on the Restigouche Regular Crown Reserve is 0. Live release only.
Live release limit: A maximum of 2 Atlantic salmon may be live released per day.

MIRAMICHI DRAINAGE
RIVER STRETCH PA R T Y S I Z E CAMP ACCESS
LSW Miramichi Charlies Rock 4 Yes Wading
Lr North Branch,
Adams Poola 4 Yes Wading
LSW Miramichi
NW Miramichi Crawford 4 Yes Wading
NW Miramichi Depot 4 Yes Wading
NW Miramichi Elbow 4 Yes Wading
NW Miramichi Stoney Brook 4 Yes Wading
NW Miramichi Sullivan 2 Yes Wading
North Sevogle Groundhog Landing 4 Yes Wading
North Sevogle Squirrel Falls 4 Yes Wading
North Sevogle Narrows 4 Yes Wading

Anglers must release all brook trout caught on the Adams Pool stretch on the Lower North Branch Little Southwest Miramichi River.
a 

Bag limit: The bag limit for Atlantic salmon (grilse or mature fish) on the Miramichi Regular Crown Reserve is 0. Live release only.
Live release limit: A maximum of 2 Atlantic salmon may be live released per day.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 70
D A I LY C R O W N R E S E R V E W A T E R S

AT L A N T I C S A L M O N
Cost per angler per day is $46.00 for angling dates from June 1 - Aug 31 and $31.00
per day per angler for angling dates from Sept 1 - 15. (Exception: the Lower Patapedia
stretch is $20.00 for angling dates from June 3 - Aug 31.)
PA R T Y DNRED
STRETCH WAT E R SEASON CAMP TELEPHONE
SIZE OFFICE
Berry Brook Upsalquitch June 1 - Sept 15 2 or 4 No Campbellton 506-789-2336
Cruickshank North Branch June 10 - Sept 15 2 Yes Miramichi 506-627-4050
Sevogle
Grog Island Restigouche June 1 - Sept 15 2 No Campbellton 506-789-2336
Jardine Brook Little Main June 1 - Sept 15 2 or 4 Yes Saint-Quentin 506-235-6040
Restigouche
Kedgwick Forks Kedgwick June 1 - Sept 15 2 Yes Saint-Quentin 506-235-6040
Lower Kedgwick Kedgwick June 1 - Sept 15 2, 4 or 6a Yes Saint-Quentin 506-235-6040
Lower Patapedia June 3 - Aug 31b 2 Yesc Campbellton 506-789-2336
Patapedia

Lower Kedgwick stretch accommodates six anglers until July 10 inclusive; four anglers beginning on July 11.
a 

b 
Lower Patapedia licences valid for two consecutive calendar days. Start dates are June 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27; July 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29;
Aug 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30.
Accommodations for the Lower Patapedia stretch are available from the Corporation de Gestion des Rivières Matapédia et Patapédia,
c 

Matapédia, Quebec (Tel: 1-418-865-2080).

Bag limit: The bag limit for Atlantic salmon (grilse or mature fish) on Daily Crown Reserve waters is 0. Live release only.
Live release limit: A maximum of 2 Atlantic salmon may be live released per day.

BROOK TROUT
Cost per angler per day is $20.00 for angling dates from June 1 - Aug 31 and $13.00 for
angling dates from Sept 1 - 15.
TRIP BAG
PA R T Y DNRED
STRETCH SEASON CAMPd LIMIT PER TELEPHONE
SIZE OFFICE
PERSON
California June 1 - Aug 31 2 or 4 No 5 Bathurst 506-547-2080
Lakea
Caribou Lake June 1 - Sept 15 2 No 5 Bathurst 506-547-2080
Goodwin Lakeb June 1 - Sept 15 2 No 2 Miramichi 506-627-4050
Island Lake June 1 - Sept 15 2 No 2 Doaktown 506-365-2001
Kenny Lake June 1 - Sept 15 2 No 2 Miramichi 506-627-4050
Nepisiguit July 15 - Aug 15 2 No 2 Bathurst 506-547-2080
River
Peaked June 1 - Sept 15 2 or 4 No 2 Doaktown 506-365-2001
Mountain
Lakesc
Valentine Lake June 1 - Sept 15 2 No 2 Doaktown 506-365-2001

a
Artificial lures and bait prohibited to be in an anglers possession while angling on California Lake.
b
Access to Goodwin Lake requires a canoe portage.
c
Access to the Peaked Mountain Lakes requires 4x4 truck and a canoe portage.
d 
Daily Crown Reserve brook stretches generally feature camping facilities rather than roofed accommodations.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 71
L I VE R E L E A S E C R OWN R E S E R VE WAT E R S
Cost per angler per day is $33.00 for angling dates from June 1 - Aug 31 and $22.00 for
angling dates from Sept 1 - 15. (Exception: Upper and Lower Cains stretches are $20.00).
PA R T Y DNRED
STRETCH RIVER SEASON CAMP TELEPHONE
SIZE OFFICE
Cains Lower Cains June 1 - Aug 31 2 or 4 No Doaktown 506-365-2001
Cains Upper Cains June 1 - Aug 31 2 or 4 No Doaktown 506-365-2001
Lr North Branch LSW Miramichi June 1 - Sept 15 4 No Miramichi 506-627-4050
Palisadesa North Pole July 1 - Sept 15 4 Yes Doaktown 506-365-2001
Stream
Sinclairb North Pole July 1 - Sept 15 4 Yes Doaktown 506-365-2001
Stream

The Palisades and Sinclair stretches are available for two consecutive fishing days. Start dates begin July 1.
a,b 

Bag limit: The bag limit for all fish species on Live Release waters is 0. Live release only.
Live release limit: A maximum of 2 Atlantic salmon may be live released per day.

Photo: Kevin Connor

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 72
FOREST ROADS ON CROWN LAND
Not all forest roads on Crown land are maintained for vehicle use. Users must use
caution and be aware that travel is at their own risk.
Generally the main access routes are passable by car or light truck and other branch
roads are maintained when required.
For personal safety, and to protect property and the environment, anglers are
encouraged to use the following practices:
• When possible, avoid access roads used for industrial activities
• Follow all warning signs and drive defensively
• Avoid travel during seasonal times when certain roads are at risk for damage from
vehicles
• Use all-terrain vehicles on managed trails (signage by the New Brunswick All-Terrain
Vehicle Federation) or on roads without high vehicle usage
• Report road and watercourse crossing issues to the nearest DNRED District Office
or contact the department at 506-453-3826 or dnr_mrnweb@gnb.ca
Authorization to upgrade or repair forest roads on Crown land (including tree cutting) may
be obtained by applying to the Land Use Application Service Centre at 888-312-5600 or
gnb.ca/crownlands.

fish when used according to label

conditions. Features including water
bodies, residential areas, and public
water supplies are identified in
PROTECTING OUR FORESTS advance of treatment and excluded.
Spruce budworm populations are high Additionally, we work to notify residents
in Quebec and causing defoliation. within 500 metres of treatment areas.
The outbreak has been growing and We test samples of water collected near
moving towards New Brunswick. municipal intakes following treatment
The Healthy Forest Partnership is a and make the results available.
research initiative dedicated to keeping Spruce budworm treatments typically
our forests green and healthy by occur in the early mornings and
protecting them against spruce budworm. evenings in late-May and June. While
low flying aircraft can be disruptive if
T R E AT M E N T A R E A S passing or turning near homes, roads or
Our goal is to slow the outbreak. waterways, they are not actively spraying
Beginning in 2014, hotspots of spruce during this time. We work hard to
budworm in northern New Brunswick minimize disruption to anglers and others
have been treated using aircraft working as much as possible.
at low altitudes. To view a map of the current
Treatments have included Tebufenozide treatment area and to see status
and Btk; all are approved by Health Canada updates of the treatment blocks, visit
and pose minimal environmental HealthyForestPartnership.ca, email
risk and are not harmful to humans info@healthyforestpartnership.ca, or
or other mammals, bees, birds, or leave a message at 1-844-216-3040.

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 73
F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 74
NOTES

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 75
NOTES

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NOTES

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 77
NOTES

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 78
NOTES

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 79
NOTES

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 80
NOTES

F I S H R E G U L AT I O N S S U M M A R Y 81