Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Nova Scotia (Complete Guide)

Nova Scotia 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 Nova Scotia are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in Nova Scotia.

Month	Nova Scotia Fishing Location
January	The Bay of Fundy’s Digby Gut, known for its strong tidal currents and abundance of haddock and pollock, offers thrilling winter angling opportunities.
February	Head to the waters surrounding Cape Sable Island for excellent ice fishing conditions, targeting species like smelt, hake, and mackerel.
March	The rugged coastline of Halifax Harbour is a prime spot this time of year, where anglers can enjoy catching Atlantic cod and winter flounder.
April	The scenic Bras d’Or Lake in Cape Breton provides fantastic trout fishing, with its calm waters and beautiful surroundings enhancing the angling experience.
May	As spring arrives, the Margaree River in Cape Breton becomes a renowned destination for Atlantic salmon fishing.
June	The shores of the Northumberland Strait near Pictou County present prime conditions for catching striped bass.
July	Explore the productive waters of the St. Marys Bay, off the southwestern coast, renowned for its abundant haddock, cod, and pollock populations.
August	Explore the productive waters of the St. Marys Bay, off the southwestern coast, renowned for its abundant populations of haddock, cod, and pollock.
September	The LaHave River in Lunenburg County becomes a popular destination for anglers targeting sea trout and Atlantic salmon during their fall migration.
October	Visit the tidal estuary of the Annapolis River near Bridgetown, where anglers can experience exceptional fishing for striped bass and sea trout.
November	The Yarmouth Harbour and surrounding areas provide exceptional opportunities for catching winter flounder and Atlantic cod during this time of year.
December	The sheltered waters of St. Margaret’s Bay become a winter haven for anglers, who can enjoy targeting species like smelt, hake, and mackerel.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Nova Scotia. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis. Check out this comprehensive fishing guide to the best times to fish in Canada for freshwater and saltwater fish.

Best Times: Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Nova Scotia

Margaree River (Southwest NS): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

St. Mary’s River (Guysborough County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

Medway River (South Shore): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Brook trout.

LaHave River (South Shore): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

West River (Pictou County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

East River (Pictou County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

Sackville River (Halifax Regional Municipality): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Brook trout.

Petite Rivière (South Shore): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Brook trout.

Middle River (Victoria County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

East River (Inverness County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

Indian River (Antigonish County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

Southwest Miramichi River (Cumberland County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

Chéticamp River (Inverness County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

Middle River (Cape Breton Island): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

Margaree River (Northwest NS): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

North River (Victoria County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

Clyburn River (Lunenburg County): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Brook trout.

Chedabucto River (Guysborough County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

East River (Cape Breton Island): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

West River (Antigonish County): Best months – June to September, Target fish – Atlantic salmon.

Best Times: Sections of Coast to Fish in Nova Scotia

Louisbourg (Cape Breton Island): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and cod.

Peggy’s Cove (Halifax Regional Municipality): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and cod.

Lunenburg (South Shore): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and cod.

Shelburne Harbour (Southwest NS): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and cod.

Digby Gut (Bay of Fundy): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and haddock.

Guysborough Harbour (Eastern Shore): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and flounder.

Antigonish Harbour (Northumberland Strait): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and cod.

Yarmouth Harbour (Southwest NS): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and flounder.

Pictou Harbour (Northumberland Strait): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and cod.

Canso Causeway (Eastern Shore): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and flounder.

Ingonish Harbour (Cape Breton Island): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and cod.

Halifax Harbour (Halifax Regional Municipality): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and flounder.

Grand Pré (Minas Basin): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and haddock.

Liscomb Harbour (Eastern Shore): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and cod.

Lockeport (Southwest NS): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and flounder.

Pugwash Harbour (Northumberland Strait): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and cod.

Bear River (Bay of Fundy): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and haddock.

Sheet Harbour (Eastern Shore): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and flounder.

Liverpool (South Shore): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and cod.

Chéticamp (Cape Breton Island): Best months – May to October, Target fish – Striped bass, mackerel, and flounder.

Check out this helpful guide for picking the best times and seasons to fish in Ontario. You may also like this article on the best times to fish in Prince Edward Island throughout the year.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Striped Bass

Striped bass fishing in Nova Scotia is most productive in summer and fall. The best time to fish for striped bass is typically from June to October. They are often caught during early morning or late evening when they are more active. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing striped bass include the Minas Basin, St. Mary’s Bay, Annapolis River, and Bras d’Or Lake.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna fishing in Nova Scotia is most productive in summer and fall. The best time to target bluefin tuna is typically from July to October. Tuna fishing is often done during the early morning or late afternoon when they are more active. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing bluefin tuna include the waters off Cape Breton Island, the Northumberland Strait, the Bay of Fundy, and the southern coast of Nova Scotia.

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon fishing in Nova Scotia is typically most productive during the summer and fall. The best time of day to fish for Atlantic salmon is during early morning or late evening when they are more active. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing Atlantic salmon include the Margaree River, St. Mary’s River, LaHave River, and Medway River.

Atlantic Cod

Atlantic cod fishing in Nova Scotia is most successful in summer and fall. The best time of day to fish for cod is usually during early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing Atlantic cod include the Bay of Fundy, Georges Bank, Sable Island Bank, and the Scotian Shelf.

Haddock

Haddock fishing in Nova Scotia is typically productive year-round, but the best time to target them is spring and fall. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are more fruitful. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing haddock include the Bay of Fundy, Georges Bank, Sable Island Bank, and the Scotian Shelf.

Winter Flounder

Winter flounder can be targeted year-round in Nova Scotia but are most commonly caught in spring and fall. They are often found in shallow coastal waters. The best time of day to catch winter flounder is during low light conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing winter flounder include St. Mary’s Bay, Canso Causeway, Chedabucto Bay, and Lunenburg Bay.

Lobster

Lobster fishing in Nova Scotia primarily occurs during spring, summer, and fall. The fishing season varies yearly and is regulated to ensure sustainable harvesting. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for lobster fishing include the Bay of Fundy, Northumberland Strait, Cape Breton Island, and the South Shore.

Quahogs

Quahogs can be harvested year-round in Nova Scotia, but the best time is typically during low tide. Low tide occurs twice a day, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing Quahogs include St. Mary’s Bay, Digby Gut, St. Margaret’s Bay, and Chedabucto Bay. Remember to check local regulations and obtain the necessary permits before harvesting Quahogs.

Rainbow Trout

The best time to fish for rainbow trout in Nova Scotia is spring and fall. They are more active during these times. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch rainbow trout as they tend to be more active during those periods. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing rainbow trout include Nine Mile River, Black River, West River Sheet Harbour, and Middle River.

Brown Trout

The best time to fish for brown trout in Nova Scotia is spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler. They are more active during these times. Early morning and late evening are the best times of day to catch brown trout as they are most active during low-light conditions. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing brown trout include St. Mary’s, Margaree, Medway, and LaHave.

Brook Trout

The best time to fish for brook trout in Nova Scotia is during spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. They are more active during these times. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times of day to catch brook trout as they tend to feed near the surface. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing brook trout include Middle, Sackville, Gaspereau, and Ingram.

Largemouth Bass

The best time to fish for largemouth bass in Nova Scotia is during the summer months, from June to August. They are more active in warmer water temperatures. Largemouth bass are often caught during early morning and late evening feeding. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing largemouth bass include Lake George, Aylesford Lake, Sherbrooke Lake, and Panuke Lake.

Smallmouth Bass

The best time to fish for smallmouth bass in Nova Scotia is during the summer months, from June to September. Smallmouth bass are more active in warmer water temperatures. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch smallmouth bass as they tend to be more active during those times. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing smallmouth bass include Bras d’Or Lake, Lake Charlotte, Mira River, and Sissiboo River.

Yellow Perch

The best time to fish for yellow perch in Nova Scotia is spring and fall. In spring, they are active as they prepare to spawn, while in fall, they feed heavily before the winter. The best time of day to catch yellow perch is early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing yellow perch include Ponhook Lake, Porters Lake, Lake Mush-a-Mush, and Molega Lake.

Northern Pike

The best time to fish for pike in Nova Scotia is during the warmer months of spring and early summer when the water temperatures rise. They are more active during this time. Early morning and evening are the best times to catch pike as they tend to be more active during low-light conditions. Some of the best locations in Nova Scotia for fishing pike include Shubenacadie River, Lake Ainslie, Bras d’Or Lake, and Grand Lake.

Best Fishing in Nova Scotia on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Bras d’Or Lake: During the winter, Bras d’Or Lake is a popular spot for ice fishing.
Northumberland Strait: In the winter months, the Northumberland Strait offers excellent ice fishing opportunities for species like smelt and haddock.
Lake Charlotte: Located in the Musquodoboit Valley, Lake Charlotte is a popular destination for ice fishing in Nova Scotia.
Shubenacadie Grand Lake: Shubenacadie Grand Lake is another great location for winter fishing in Nova Scotia.

Spring

Medway River: In the spring, the Medway River in Nova Scotia is a great spot to fish for brook trout.
Annapolis River: The Annapolis River is a popular location in the spring for catching striped bass.
Bras d’Or Lake: Spring is a great time to fish for smallmouth bass in Bras d’Or Lake.
Margaree River: The Margaree River is well-known for its Atlantic salmon runs in the spring.

Summer

Hubbards Beach: During the summer, Hubbards Beach in Nova Scotia is a great spot to catch mackerel.
Liscomb River: The Liscomb River is a prime location for catching Atlantic salmon during the summer months.
Lunenburg Bay: In the summer, Lunenburg Bay is known for its excellent fishing for haddock.
Bayswater Beach: Bayswater Beach is a popular destination for summer fishing in Nova Scotia.

Fall

Kejimkujik National Park: In the fall, Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia is a great place to fish for brook trout.
Margaree River: During the fall months, the Margaree River is known for its abundant runs of Atlantic salmon.
Bras d’Or Lake: Fall is an excellent time to fish for smallmouth bass in Bras d’Or Lake. The cooler water temperatures make the bass more active, providing an exciting opportunity for anglers.
Annapolis River: In the fall, the Annapolis River is a popular spot to catch striped bass.