Daily catch limits, open seasons, and zone rules for Nova Scotia — all in one place, and all available offline in the TrueNorthAngler fishing app.
Planning a fishing trip in Nova Scotia? This page gives you the general limits and open seasons from the 2026 Nova Scotia Anglers' Handbook. For zone-by-zone rules, special regulations, and real-time updates, use the TrueNorthAngler app — every Nova Scotia zone's rules are stored offline on your phone.
These are the general limits and seasons from the 2026 Nova Scotia Anglers' Handbook. Zone-specific rules may apply — always confirm on the water with the TrueNorthAngler app, which keeps every zone's rules offline on your phone.
| Species | Daily limit | Open season |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Salmon | 0 | Apr 1 |
| Brook Trout | 5 | Apr 1 |
| Brown Trout | 5 | Apr 1 |
| Rainbow Trout | 5 | Apr 1 |
| Yellow Perch | 25 | Year-round |
| White Perch | 10 | Year-round |
| Chain Pickerel | 25 | Year-round |
| Striped Bass | 1 | Inland: longest sportfish season; Tidal: year-round |
| Rainbow Smelt | 60 | Inland: Apr 1–Sep 30; Tidal angling: Aug 1–May 31 |
| American Shad | 5 | Inland: coincides with sportfish season; Tidal: no closed season |
| Gaspereau (Alewife) | 20 | Inland: coincides with sportfish season; Tidal: no closed season |
| American Eel | 10 | Inland: coincides with sportfish season; Tidal: year-round |
| Smallmouth Bass | 5 | Apr 1 |
Learn to identify, find, and catch each species with our in-depth guides — including the best baits for every weather condition:
Yes — anyone 18 to 64 needs a recreational fishing licence to fish in Nova Scotia. Licences are issued by the NS Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 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.
Every Nova Scotia fishing zone's limits, seasons, and special regulations — searchable, offline, on your phone.
A 7-day bite forecast for your target species in Nova Scotia, powered by water temp, wind, pressure, and lunar data.
Store your Nova Scotia fishing licence in the app. Show it instantly to a conservation officer.
Download Nova Scotia fishing zone maps before you leave cell range — they keep working on remote waters.
Every regulation, every zone, every forecast — offline and in your pocket. Free for the 2026 season.