Are You New to Fishing?

Looking for the best places to fish in New Brunswick? Want to catch a variety of species, from Atlantic salmon to largemouth bass? You’ve come to the right place!

Welcome to New Brunswick Fishing, your go-to spot for laid-back and beginner-friendly fishing adventures. Whether you’re new to the fishing scene or just enjoy casual weekends by the water, we’ve got simple, easy-to-follow tips to make your experience a catch!

Dive into our straightforward guides on local fish species like Atlantic salmon and largemouth bass, and get the lowdown on the best fishing spots in New Brunswick. Plus, we’ve got you covered on the essentials—fishing rules, gear recommendations, and how to fish responsibly for a sustainable future.

New Brunswick is abundant in water bodies, but it doesn’t quite measure up to provinces like Ontario when it comes to public water access. Although the capital city has limited and often poorly-maintained boat launches, they are still serviceable for small crafts such as canoes and kayaks. For those looking to make the most of fishing opportunities, getting on the water is essential, as bank fishing options are quite limited.

Safety Concerns

If you’re planning to paddle, exercise extra caution. The majority of popular waterways lack a police presence, creating a “Wild West” atmosphere for boaters. In narrow channels, it’s wise to hug the banks as boats often travel at high speeds with limited visibility. It’s particularly advisable to avoid the Oromocto River and channels between larger lakes, where some boaters have been known to disregard laws related to smaller crafts. For added safety in more remote areas, we strongly recommend travelling in groups.

Fishing Opportunities

Despite these drawbacks, New Brunswick is a haven for anglers, particularly those using smaller crafts. These vessels are well-suited for the province’s less-than-ideal boat launches. The Lower Saint John River system, stretching from Woodstock to Fredericton and down to Saint John, is the hotspot for most fishing activities.

While premium guided fishing trips targeting a few specific species can be on the expensive side, the majority of fishing in New Brunswick is both accessible and enjoyable, especially for newcomers to the sport. That said, there’s definite room for improvement in public water access and the upkeep of boat launches.

Explore our website today and start planning your next fishing adventure in beautiful New Brunswick.

New to Fishing…

Underwater image of salmon schooling in a fast moving stream with bubble moving past.

Salmon

Underwater image of schooling Striped Bass.

Striped Bass

Person holding a Musky after landing the fish.

Muskie

Underwater image of a Smallmouth Bass holding just above a sandy, rocky bottom.

Smallmouth Bass

Underwater image of Trout schooling just above a rocky bottom.

Trout

Largemouth bass just above the water with a spinnerbait lure in its mouth.

Largemouth Bass

Underwater photo of a Shortnose Sturgeon on a sandy bottom.

Shortnose Sturgeon

Person holding a Chain Pickerel.

Chain Pickerel

Person holding a Brown Bullhead catfish.

Brown Bullhead Catfish

Person holding a large White Perch.

White Perch

Child holding a yellow perch.

Yellow Perch

Picture of an American eal in a net.

American Eel

Picture of a person ice fishing, pulling out a fish.

Ice Fishing

Picture of a Burbot fish

Burbot

Picture of New Brunswick ocean coast with a lighthouse in the distance.

Saltwater Fishing