Fishing Excursions — Discover Atlantic Canada
Fishing Excursions

Cast. Deep. Reel.

Atlantic Canada is one of the world's great fishing destinations — deep-sea tuna off Nova Scotia, salmon rivers in New Brunswick, lobster trapping in PEI, and cod jigging in Newfoundland waters.

4
Provinces
20+
Species to catch
100+
Charter operators
May–Oct
Peak Season

— Top Excursions —

Choose Your Adventure

Deep sea, freshwater, or traditional maritime — Atlantic Canada offers every style of fishing experience imaginable.

Deep Sea

Nova Scotia

Bluefin Tuna Charter

Atlantic bluefin tuna off NS are among the largest in the world. Catch-and-release or keep — a bucket-list experience for any angler.

Book Charter
Fly Fishing

New Brunswick

Atlantic Salmon Rivers

Guided wading trips with expert local guides through pristine river wilderness.

Book Charter
Traditional

Prince Edward Island

Lobster Trapping Experience

Head out with a working lobster fisherman at dawn, haul traps, and learn the traditional methods.

Book Experience

— What to Catch —

Atlantic Canada's Top Species

From world-record tuna to legendary salmon rivers — here's what anglers come from around the world to target.

  1. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

    Some of the largest in the world are caught off NS. Peak season August–October. Catch-and-release charters available.

    📅 Aug – Oct · Nova Scotia

  2. Atlantic Salmon

    The Miramichi River in NB is one of the most famous salmon rivers on earth. Fly fishing tradition runs deep here.

    📅 Jun – Sep · New Brunswick

  3. Atlantic Lobster

    PEI and NS lobster are world-renowned. Join a lobster boat at dawn for a hands-on experience during spring.

    📅 May – Jun · PEI & NS

  4. Atlantic Cod

    Jigging for cod off Newfoundland's coast is a cultural experience. Guided harbour tours available.

    📅 Jul – Sep · Newfoundland

  5. Striped Bass

    Striper fishing in NB's rivers and estuaries has exploded in popularity. Excellent for shore casting.

    📅 May – Oct · New Brunswick

What to Bring

Most charter operators provide rods and tackle — but here's what experienced anglers always pack.

Layered waterproof jacketOcean temperatures drop fast — even in summer, mornings on the water are cold.
Polarized sunglassesEssential for reading water and protecting eyes from glare and hooks.
Seasickness medicationDeep sea charters venture well offshore — take medication the night before.
Fishing licenceRequired for freshwater fishing in all provinces.
Waterproof dry bagProtect your phone, wallet, and camera from sea spray.

— Best Time to Fish —

Every Season Has Its Catch

Species, conditions, and experiences shift dramatically through the year — here's your guide to timing it right.

  • Dec – Mar

    Winter

    Ice fishing in inland lakes of NB and NS. Limited offshore activity. For the dedicated angler only.

  • Apr – May

    Spring

    Lobster season opens in PEI and NS. Striped bass runs begin. Salmon rivers start to wake up.

  • Peak Season

    Jun – Sep

    Summer

    All species available. Salmon rivers at their best, charters operational, and lobster experiences running daily.

  • Oct – Nov

    Autumn

    Tuna season peaks off NS. Fewer crowds on rivers. Dramatic fall foliage makes autumn fishing memorable.

— Before You Go —

Planning Your Fishing Trip

A few things to know before you hit the water — from licences to logistics.

  1. 01

    Get your licence early

    Freshwater fishing requires a provincial licence. Purchase online before you arrive.

  2. 02

    Book charters well ahead

    Top tuna and salmon guides fill up months before peak season.

  3. 03

    Check regulation changes

    Catch limits and open seasons can change year to year. Verify with provincial authorities.

  4. 04

    Rent a car for flexibility

    The best fishing spots are well outside city centres. A rental car is essential.

  5. 05

    Stay near your target water

    Riverside lodges and fishing camps are part of the experience. Worth the premium.

Province Quick Guide

What each province does best for anglers.

Nova ScotiaWorld-class bluefin tuna, striped bass, and mackerel. Deep-sea charter hub.
New BrunswickLegendary Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi. Best freshwater fly fishing.
Prince Edward IslandLobster trapping experiences and warm-water shore fishing. Beginner-friendly.
NewfoundlandCod jigging, remote fly-in trips, and iceberg-backdrop scenery like nowhere else.

— Book Your Trip —

Find a Guide Who Knows the Waters

Local fishing guides know the tides, the hotspots, and what's running when. Browse charters, guided river trips, and traditional maritime experiences below.

Browse FishingBooker Charters → Viator Fishing Tours → GetYourGuide →

— Common Questions —

Before You Cast Off

01Do I need a fishing licence in Atlantic Canada?

Yes — a provincial fishing licence is required for freshwater fishing in all four provinces. They can be purchased online or at local outfitters. Saltwater and offshore charter fishing generally does not require a personal licence as the charter operator holds one.

02What's the best province for fishing in Atlantic Canada?

It depends on your target. New Brunswick's Miramichi is legendary for Atlantic salmon fly fishing. Nova Scotia leads for deep-sea tuna. PEI is best for the lobster experience. Newfoundland offers unique cod jigging and remote fly-in lake trips.

03Can beginners join a fishing charter?

Absolutely. Most charter operators cater to all experience levels and provide all rods, tackle, and instruction. Just bring your seasickness medication and a waterproof layer — the rest is taken care of.

04Can I keep the fish I catch?

For most species, yes — subject to provincial regulations and daily limits. Many charter operators will clean and bag your catch. Bluefin tuna charters often operate catch-and-release only. Always confirm with your guide before booking.