The sportfishing season opened Monday, April 1, a tradition on lakes and rivers throughout Nova Scotia enjoyed by both established anglers and those discovering this activity for the first time.

“Being outside with rod and reel in hand is a fun way to explore our province,” said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Through barrier-free fishing sites, Nova Scotians with mobility issues or other disabilities have an opportunity to experience sportfishing with friends and family members.”

Nova Scotia has 22 barrier-free sportfishing sites across the province. Sites have various supports such as seats and rails, flat fishing pads and accessible parking.

Sportfishing licences may be purchased online and are also available from vendors across Nova Scotia.

Anglers must follow bag limits and all other regulations, which include trout management areas where there may be a delayed opening to the season. People are encouraged to practise catch and release to support healthy fish populations and make sure future generations enjoy the sport.

While sportfishing, people are asked to report invasive species to help stop their spread to other lakes and rivers. This will support the health of native species and protect biodiversity.

Quick Facts:
– more than 70,000 people enjoy sportfishing in Nova Scotia each year- three provincial fish hatcheries stock more than 400 lakes with trout annually
– general fishing licences are valid for all freshwater fish species except Atlantic salmon

– sportfishing adds about $70 million to the Nova Scotia economy

Additional Resources:
Sportfishing licence and other information: https://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing/

Barrier-free fishing sites: https://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing/site-mapping-tool/

Anglers’ Handbook and 2024 Summary of Regulations: https://beta.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/documents/1-2412/anglers-handbook-en.pdf

Report an invasive species: https://nsinvasives.ca/report-an-invasive-species/

Via Provincial Release