Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Newfoundland & Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador offers some of the best fishing in Canada. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Newfoundland & Labrador are generally during the summer months (June through September), with salmon fishing season typically peaking in July and August, while sea fishing for species like cod can be best from May through October.

Month	Newfoundland & Labrador Fishing Location
January	Big Lake, St. Anthony for Lake Trout.
February	Grand Lake for Northern Pike.
March	Lake Gander for Brook Trout.
April	Southwest Pond, Bonavista for Northern Pike.
May	Terra Nova National Park, Salmon River for Atlantic Salmon.
June	Humber River, Corner Brook for Atlantic Salmon.
July	Exploits River, Grand Falls-Windsor for Atlantic Salmon.
August	Bay of Islands, Corner Brook for Atlantic Cod.
September	Conne River, South Coast for Atlantic Salmon.
October	Bay de Verde for Atlantic Cod.
November	The estuaries around Placentia Bay for American Plaice.
December	Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove for Atlantic Cod.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Newfoundland & Labrador. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis. Click here to know the top fishing seasons throughout Canada in this helpful guide.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Newfoundland & Labrador

Exploits River, Bishop’s Falls: This section of the river is renowned for Atlantic salmon fly fishing, especially during the peak months of July and August.

Humber River, Corner Brook: A haven for fly fishing enthusiasts, this section is ideal for targeting Atlantic salmon in June and July.

Gander River, Appleton: Renowned for its large Atlantic salmon, it’s best fished from July to September.

Terra Nova River, Terra Nova National Park: This location offers excellent fly fishing for Atlantic salmon, with peak months being May through July.

Conne River, South Coast: Best visited in September, this river is ideal for catching Atlantic salmon on the fly.

Main River, Sop’s Arm: An outstanding location for fly fishing Atlantic salmon, the best time is from June to August.

Eagle River, Labrador: A remote and pristine river with a strong run of Atlantic salmon, it’s best fished in July and August.

Codroy River, Codroy Valley: Known for its Atlantic salmon and sea trout, the best time for fly fishing is in July.

Harry’s River, Stephenville Crossing: Fly fish for Atlantic salmon during July and August at this location.

Lomond River, Gros Morne National Park: A great place to fly fish for Atlantic salmon, particularly in the peak of the run in July.

Torrent River, Hawke’s Bay: Known for Atlantic salmon, it’s best to fish from June to August.

Campbellton River, Campbellton: Known for Atlantic salmon, fly fishing is most successful from June to September.

Western Arm Brook, L’Anse aux Meadows: Try your luck fly fishing for Atlantic salmon here from June to August.

Salmon Brook, Glenwood: A popular location for Atlantic salmon, July and August are the best months.

Portland Creek, Portland Creek: This location offers great fly fishing opportunities for Atlantic salmon during June and July.

St. George’s River, St. George’s: Known for its Atlantic salmon, it’s best to visit during the months of June and July.

Robinsons River, Robinsons: This is a good spot for Atlantic salmon with peak months from June to August.

Rocky River, South Coast: Fly fish for Atlantic salmon here during the peak months of June and July.

Southwest Brook, Port aux Basques: Known for Atlantic salmon, it’s best fished in June and July.

Middle Brook, Gambo: A prime spot for Atlantic salmon, it’s best fished from May through July.

Best Times: Lakes to Fish in Newfoundland & Labrador

Grand Lake, Deer Lake: The largest lake in Newfoundland, it’s best for Northern Pike fly fishing, especially in the ice-free months from June to September.

Sandy Lake, Howley: Fly fish for Brook Trout in this lake, with peak times being May and June.

Red Indian Lake, Millertown: Known for its Atlantic Salmon, it’s best to fish from June through September.

Gander Lake, Gander: Offers great fly fishing for Brown Trout, especially during the summer months from June to August.

Adies Lake, Labrador: This is a prime location for Arctic Char, best fished in July and August.

Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest Reserve, Gander: This reserve has small lakes with abundant Brown Trout, best fished from May to July.

Lake Melville, Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Known for Atlantic Salmon, it’s best to fish during the months of June and July.

Tuckamore Lodge, Main Brook: The lodge’s private lakes offer great Brook Trout fly fishing opportunities from May through July.

Blue Hill Pond, Terra Nova National Park: Fly fish for Atlantic Salmon in this location during the peak months of June and July.

Northeast Arm, Bay d’Espoir: Offers excellent fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon, especially during the months of June and July.

Smallwood Reservoir, Labrador: This large reservoir is known for Lake Trout, with the best fishing months being June and July.

Igloo Lake, Labrador: Known for its large Brook Trout, the best months for fly fishing are from late May to mid-September.

Flowers River, Labrador: The upper lake section of this river is good for Arctic Char fly fishing, with peak times in July and August.

Annieopsquotch Mountains, Burgeo: The lakes in this area are perfect for Brook Trout, and the best times to fish are during June and July.

South Lake, Codroy Valley: Fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon is popular here, especially during the months of June and July.

Check out this helpful guide for picking the best times and seasons to fish in New Brunswick year-round.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Newfoundland & Labrador

Conception Bay, Bell Island: Known for Atlantic Cod fishing, especially in July and August.

Bay de Verde Peninsula: A great spot for Atlantic Cod, best fished from June through October.

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove: A prime spot for Atlantic Cod fishing, especially from May to October.

Twillingate Island: Known for its Mackerel and Cod, the best fishing months are July and August.

Witless Bay: Offers excellent Atlantic Cod and Herring fishing during the summer months of June to August.

Bonavista Bay, Dover: This area is known for Atlantic Salmon fishing, especially in the months of May and June.

St. Lewis Inlet, Labrador: Excellent for fishing Atlantic Salmon, with the best months being July and August.

Trepassey Bay: Known for its Atlantic Mackerel and Cod, it’s best to fish from July through September.

Quirpon Island, Straits of Belle Isle: Offers fishing for Atlantic Cod and Herring, best from June to September.

Notre Dame Bay, Twillingate: A haven for Atlantic Cod and Herring fishing, especially from July to September.

Pistolet Bay Provincial Park, Pistolet Bay: This area offers great Atlantic Cod and Herring fishing, with peak times in June and July.

The Beaches, St. John’s East End: Known for Capelin, a small but important baitfish, during their spawning in June and July.

Nippers Harbour, Baie Verte Peninsula: Offers excellent fishing for Atlantic Cod, best from July to September.

Lumsden North, Straight Shore: This area is known for its Mackerel and Herring fishing, particularly in July and August.

Placentia Bay, near the town of Placentia: Known for American Plaice, the best months for fishing are November and December.

Bay Roberts: Offers Atlantic Cod and Herring fishing, especially during the summer months of July and August.

Bell Island Wreck Sites: Wreck fishing here can yield Atlantic Cod, Pollock, and Ling, particularly from June to September.

Cape Spear, near St. John’s: The most easterly point in North America, this is a spot for Atlantic Cod, particularly in July and August.

Port aux Basques: Known for its Mackerel and Herring fishing, the best time to fish here is from July to September.

Fogo Island: A great spot for Atlantic Cod, best fished from June through October.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Newfoundland

These Newfoundland-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Four Seasons Tours	Cox’s Cove, NL

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Bluefin Tuna

For Bluefin Tuna fishing in Newfoundland & Labrador, the prime season is late summer to fall, specifically August to October. Tuna can be caught throughout the day. Some of the best spots to find Bluefin Tuna include the waters off the coast of St. John’s, Conception Bay, and near Twillingate.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout fishing in Newfoundland & Labrador is best from May to July. Try fishing in the early morning or late evening. Great spots to catch Sea Trout include the coastal waters around St. John’s, the rivers flowing into Bonavista Bay, and the waters around Placentia Bay.

Atlantic Mackerel

To catch Atlantic Mackerel in Newfoundland & Labrador, try fishing in the summer and early fall, especially July to September. Mackerel can be caught throughout the day. Top spots for Mackerel are Twillingate Island, the coastal waters near St. John’s, and Port aux Basques.

Northern Wolffish

Fishing for Northern Wolffish in Newfoundland & Labrador is best during the warmer months, from June to August. The best time to fish is during the day. Some good places to find Northern Wolffish are the coastal waters around St. John’s, the waters off Twillingate Island, and near Fogo Island.

White Hake

For White Hake in Newfoundland & Labrador, the best fishing months are from June to August. You’ll have the most luck during the day. Top spots for White Hake include the waters around St. John’s, the coastline near Bay Roberts, and the waters off Fogo Island.

Greenland Halibut

To catch Greenland Halibut in Newfoundland & Labrador, try fishing in the summer and fall, specifically from July to October. Daytime is usually the best time to fish. The waters off the coast of St. John’s, the waters around Twillingate Island, and the coastline near Bay Roberts are good spots for Greenland Halibut.

Atlantic Halibut

For Atlantic Halibut in Newfoundland & Labrador, the best time to fish is during the summer and fall, specifically from June to September. Daytime is generally the most productive. Top locations for Atlantic Halibut include the waters off the coast of St. John’s, the coastline near Twillingate Island, and the waters around Fogo Island.

Atlantic Cod

The best time to fish for Atlantic Cod in Newfoundland & Labrador is during the summer, from June to October. Cod are usually caught during the day. Top fishing places for Atlantic Cod include Conception Bay near Bell Island, the waters around Twillingate Island, and the coastal waters near Bonavista Bay.

Yellowtail Flounder

To catch yellowtail flounder in Newfoundland & Labrador, try fishing in the summer, from June to August. The best fishing times are during the day. Some top spots for yellowtail flounder are the coastal waters around St. John’s, the coastline near Bay Roberts, and the coastal areas near Twillingate Island.

Atlantic Salmon

In Newfoundland & Labrador, the best time to fish for Atlantic Salmon is during the summer, from June to September. Try fishing in the early morning or late evening. Top locations for Atlantic Salmon include Humber River in Corner Brook, Exploits River in Bishop’s Falls, and Conne River on the South Coast.

Landlocked Salmon

If you’re after Landlocked Salmon in Newfoundland & Labrador, the best fishing months are May through July. Try fishing in the early morning or late evening when Salmon are most active. Prime spots for Landlocked Salmon include Red Indian Lake in Millertown, Lake Melville in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Gander Lake in Gander.

Brown Trout

For Brown Trout fishing in Newfoundland & Labrador, aim for the summer months, particularly June to August. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish. Lake Gander, Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest Reserve in Gander, and the waters around St. John’s city are great places to find Brown Trout.

Rainbow Trout

In Newfoundland & Labrador, you can find Rainbow Trout mostly in the summer, from June to August. They’re most active in the early morning and late evening. You might catch Rainbow Trout in Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest Reserve in Gander, Lake Gander, and Little Red Indian Lake near Millertown.

Lake Trout

The best time to fish for Lake Trout in Newfoundland & Labrador is in the summer, from June to September. Aim for early morning or late evening when Lake Trout are more active. Top places to find Lake Trout are Big Lake in St. Anthony, Grand Lake near Deer Lake, and Smallwood Reservoir in Labrador.

Brook Trout

To catch Brook Trout in Newfoundland & Labrador, try fishing in the spring and early summer, especially in May and June. Brook Trout are most active in the early morning and late evening. Great places to find Brook Trout include Sandy Lake in Howley, the lakes at Tuckamore Lodge in Main Brook, and Lake Gander.

Arctic Char

If you want to fish for Arctic char in Newfoundland & Labrador, the best time is in the summer, usually from July to August. Arctic char feed in the morning or evening when the light is low. Adies Lake, Flowers River in Labrador, and the Annieopsquotch Mountains area are great spots to catch Char.

Northern Pike

The best time to fish for Northern Pike in Newfoundland & Labrador is in the summer, from June to September, especially early morning or late evening. The top places to catch Pike are Grand Lake, Southwest Pond in Bonavista, and Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest Reserve in Gander. Remember, Pike are most active when the sun is low, so try to plan your fishing trip around sunrise or sunset.

Best Fishing in Newfoundland & Labrador on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Big Lake for Lake Trout: In winter, Big Lake is a top spot to catch Lake Trout.
Grand Lake for Northern Pike: During the winter months, Grand Lake is a great location for ice fishing Northern Pike.
Terra Nova National Park for Brook Trout: Even in winter, Terra Nova National Park provides opportunities to catch Brook Trout.
Bay de Verde for Atlantic Cod: Bay de Verde offers winter fishing for Atlantic Cod.

Spring

Exploits River for Atlantic Salmon: In the spring, the Exploits River is a top destination for catching Atlantic Salmon.
Gander Lake for Brown Trout: During the spring, Gander Lake offers great opportunities to catch Brown Trout.
Terra Nova National Park for Rainbow Trout: In the spring, anglers can visit Terra Nova National Park to target Rainbow Trout.
Bonavista Bay for Sea Trout: Bonavista Bay is a popular spot in spring for fishing Sea Trout.

Summer

Humber River for Atlantic Salmon: In the summer, the Humber River is a prime spot to catch Atlantic Salmon.
Conception Bay for Mackerel: During the summer, anglers can head to Conception Bay to catch Atlantic Mackerel.
Terra Nova National Park for Brook Trout: In summer, Terra Nova National Park offers great opportunities to catch Brook Trout.
Twillingate Island for Cod: Twillingate Island is an excellent location to fish for Atlantic Cod during the summer months.

Fall

Gander River for Atlantic Salmon: In the fall, Gander River is an excellent spot to catch Atlantic Salmon, a prized sportfish in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Bonavista Bay for Cod: Bonavista Bay offers fantastic opportunities to catch Atlantic Cod, a popular species in the region, during the fall season.
Terra Nova National Park for Lake Trout: During the fall, anglers can visit Terra Nova National Park to target Lake Trout.
Exploits River for Northern Pike: The Exploits River is a great location in the fall for fishing Northern Pike.