Features Forecast Regulations Fishing Forecast Fishing Licences Get the App →

New Brunswick Fishing Regulations 2026

Daily catch limits, open seasons, and zone rules for New Brunswick — all in one place, and all available offline in the TrueNorthAngler fishing app.

📲 Get the App — Free See All Features

Planning a fishing trip in New Brunswick? This page gives you the general limits and open seasons from the 2026-27 New Brunswick Fish Regulations. For zone-by-zone rules, special regulations, and real-time updates, use the TrueNorthAngler app — every New Brunswick zone's rules are stored offline on your phone.

Popular species in New Brunswick

Atlantic SalmonBrook TroutSmallmouth BassStriped BassRainbow SmeltYellow PerchChain PickerelLake Whitefish

Fishing waterbodies in New Brunswick

A directory of 10 popular lakes, rivers, and waters in New Brunswick — with bathymetric depth (where published), key fish species, and the most productive seasons. 3 of 10 have published depth data; depths for the rest are marked “—” until we add them.

Waterbody Max depth Area Key species Popular season
Tobique Reservoirwaterbody38 m / 125 ft28 km²Open-water season generally runs May–September, with ice fishing January–March on lakes that freeze safely. Confirm exact open/closed dates for your zone in the TrueNorthAngler app.
Mactaquac Reservoirwaterbody25 m / 82 ft97 km²Open-water season generally runs May–September, with ice fishing January–March on lakes that freeze safely. Confirm exact open/closed dates for your zone in the TrueNorthAngler app.
Grand Lakelake20 m / 66 ft174 km²
Chain PickerelLargemouth Bass
Open-water season generally runs May–September, with ice fishing January–March on lakes that freeze safely. Confirm exact open/closed dates for your zone in the TrueNorthAngler app.
Kedgwick RiverwaterbodyOpen-water season generally runs May–September, with ice fishing January–March on lakes that freeze safely. Confirm exact open/closed dates for your zone in the TrueNorthAngler app.
MactaquacwaterbodyOpen-water season generally runs May–September, with ice fishing January–March on lakes that freeze safely. Confirm exact open/closed dates for your zone in the TrueNorthAngler app.
Miramichi Riverriver
American EelAmerican ShadAtlantic Salmon+7 more
Atlantic salmon: June–September (spring run June–July; grilse run August–September). Striped bass run in May. Hire a guide for salmon — the traditions run deep.
Oromocto RiverwaterbodyOpen-water season generally runs May–September, with ice fishing January–March on lakes that freeze safely. Confirm exact open/closed dates for your zone in the TrueNorthAngler app.
Restigouche RiverwaterbodyOpen-water season generally runs May–September, with ice fishing January–March on lakes that freeze safely. Confirm exact open/closed dates for your zone in the TrueNorthAngler app.
Saint John RiverwaterbodyOpen-water season generally runs May–September, with ice fishing January–March on lakes that freeze safely. Confirm exact open/closed dates for your zone in the TrueNorthAngler app.
Tobique RiverwaterbodyOpen-water season generally runs May–September, with ice fishing January–March on lakes that freeze safely. Confirm exact open/closed dates for your zone in the TrueNorthAngler app.

Tap any column header to sort. Italicized seasons are general New Brunswick defaults — confirm exact open/closed dates for your zone in the app.

Spotlight: New Brunswick's flagship fisheries

Detailed write-ups for New Brunswick's most iconic waters — species you'll find, how the fishery changes through the year, and what makes each one special:

Miramichi River

Type: river

The Miramichi produces more Atlantic salmon than any river in North America — it's the spiritual home of Atlantic salmon fly fishing.

American EelAmerican ShadAtlantic SalmonBrook TroutGaspereau (Alewife)Rainbow SmeltSea-run Brook TroutShadStriped BassSturgeon
Atlantic salmon: June–September (spring run June–July; grilse run August–September). Striped bass run in May. Hire a guide for salmon — the traditions run deep.
Full Miramichi River fishing guide →

Daily catch limits & open seasons — New Brunswick

These are the general limits and seasons from the 2026-27 New Brunswick Fish Regulations. Zone-specific rules may apply — always confirm on the water with the TrueNorthAngler app, which keeps every zone's rules offline on your phone.

SpeciesDaily limitOpen season
Atlantic Salmon0Season varies by river
Brook Trout5Apr 15 (rivers) / May 1 (lakes)
Lake Trout2Apr 15 (rivers) / May 1 (lakes)
Smallmouth Bass5Apr 15 (rivers) / May 1 (lakes)
Largemouth BassnullOpen sport fish season
Muskellunge5Open sport fish season
WalleyenullOpen sport fish season
Northern PikenullOpen sport fish season
Striped Bass1Tidal: Jan 1 – Dec 29; non-tidal: closed after Oct 15
Chain Pickerel10Open sport fish season (tidal: Jan 1 – Dec 30)
Yellow Perch100Open sport fish season (tidal: Jan 1 – Dec 30)
American Shad5Open sport fish season (tidal: no closed season)
Gaspereau (Alewife)20Open sport fish season (tidal: no closed season)
American Eel10Open sport fish season (tidal: Jan 1 – Dec 31)
Rainbow Smelt60Angling tidal: Aug 1 – May 31; dip net tidal: Apr 1 – May 31

Species found in this province

Learn to identify, find, and catch each species with our in-depth guides — including the best baits for every weather condition:

⚠️ Regulations change. The limits and seasons above are general guides from the 2026-27 New Brunswick Fish Regulations. Many lakes, rivers, and zones have special regulations that are stricter (lower limits, catch-and-release only, or closed seasons). The TrueNorthAngler app shows you the exact rules for the zone you're standing in — always check before you keep a fish.

Do I need a fishing licence in New Brunswick?

Yes — anyone 18 to 64 needs a recreational fishing licence to fish in New Brunswick. Licences are issued by the Department of Natural Resources. You can carry your licence digitally in the TrueNorthAngler app's licence wallet — no more scrambling for paper when the warden shows up. See our full guide: Canadian fishing licences explained.

How TrueNorthAngler helps you fish New Brunswick

📋 Zone-specific rules

Every New Brunswick fishing zone's limits, seasons, and special regulations — searchable, offline, on your phone.

🤖 AI fishing forecast

A 7-day bite forecast for your target species in New Brunswick, powered by water temp, wind, pressure, and lunar data.

🪪 Digital licence wallet

Store your New Brunswick fishing licence in the app. Show it instantly to a conservation officer.

📍 Offline maps

Download New Brunswick fishing zone maps before you leave cell range — they keep working on remote waters.

Fishing regulations for other provinces

Fish New Brunswick with confidence

Every regulation, every zone, every forecast — offline and in your pocket. Free for the 2026 season.