Best Times & Seasons to Fish in New Brunswick (Full Guide)

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

The best times to fish in New Brunswick are during the summer (May to July), and fall (September to November) Atlantic salmon runs, particularly at dawn and dusk when fish are most active.

Month	New Brunswick Fishing Location
January	Mactaquac Dam – Ice fishing for yellow perch and pickerel.
February	Washademoak Lake – Ice fishing for perch and lake trout.
March	Hammond River – Early spring fishing for brook trout.
April	Miramichi River – Spring run of Atlantic salmon begins.
May	Tobique River – Prime time for Atlantic salmon fishing.
June	Saint John River – Striped bass season kicks off, excellent angling opportunities.
July	Restigouche River – Atlantic salmon fishing at its peak.
August	Grand Lake – Smallmouth bass action heats up.
September	Shediac Bay – Flounder and mackerel fishing excels.
October	Nepisiguit River – Fall-run Atlantic salmon reach their peak.
November	Bay of Fundy – Deep sea fishing for cod and haddock.
December	Fundy National Park – Fishing for lake trout and whitefish.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in New Brunswick. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis. Click here to learn the best fishing seasons throughout Canada in this helpful guide.

Best Times: Freshwater Fishing in New Brunswick

Miramichi River (May to September) – Atlantic salmon.

Restigouche River (June to September) – Atlantic salmon.

Tobique River (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, brook trout.

Nashwaak River (May to September) – Atlantic salmon, smallmouth bass.

Saint John River (May to October) – Smallmouth bass, striped bass.

Nepisiguit River (May to September) – Atlantic salmon, brook trout.

Southwest Miramichi River (May to September) – Atlantic salmon.

Upsalquitch River (May to September) – Atlantic salmon, brook trout.

Petitcodiac River (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, striped bass.

Hammond River (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, brook trout.

Salmon River (May to September) – Atlantic salmon, brook trout.

Kennebecasis River (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, brook trout.

Wolastoq (St. John) River (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, striped bass.

Miramichi Lake (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, chain pickerel.

Grand Lake (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, yellow perch.

Oromocto Lake (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, yellow perch.

Washademoak Lake (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, yellow perch.

Maquapit Lake (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, yellow perch.

Belleisle Bay (May to September) – Smallmouth bass, yellow perch.

Chamcook Lake (May to September) – Brook trout, rainbow trout.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in New Brunswick

Bay of Fundy (May to October) – Striped bass, Atlantic mackerel, flounder.

Shediac Bay (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Northumberland Strait (May to October) – Striped bass, Atlantic mackerel, cod.

Passamaquoddy Bay (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Grand Manan Island (May to September) – Cod, Atlantic mackerel, flounder.

St. Andrews By-The-Sea (May to September) – Cod, mackerel, flounder.

Fundy National Park (May to October) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Campobello Island (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Lamèque Island (May to October) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Miscou Island (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Caraquet Bay (May to October) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Chaleur Bay (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, cod.

Baie des Chaleurs (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, cod.

Miramichi Bay (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Northumberland Shore (May to October) – Striped bass, mackerel, cod.

Cocagne Bay (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Kouchibouguac Bay (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Richibucto Bay (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Bouctouche Bay (May to September) – Striped bass, mackerel, flounder.

Gulf of St. Lawrence (May to October) – Cod, mackerel, Atlantic salmon.

Check out this helpful guide for picking the best times and seasons to fish in Alberta. You may also like this article on the best times to fish in Newfoundland & Labrador.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Atlantic Salmon

The best time to fish for Atlantic salmon in New Brunswick is summer and fall, typically from June to September. Early morning and late evening are the prime times to catch them as they are more active during cooler parts of the day. Some of the best locations in New Brunswick for fishing Atlantic salmon include the Miramichi River, the Restigouche River, the Upsalquitch River, and the Tobique River.

Brown Trout

The best time to fish for brown trout in New Brunswick is spring and fall, particularly from April to June and September to October. Brown trout are more active during the early morning and late afternoon, so those are the ideal times to fish for them. Some of the best locations in New Brunswick for fishing brown trout include the Miramichi River, the Nepisiguit River, the Restigouche River, and the Tobique River.

Rainbow Trout

The best time to fish for rainbow trout in New Brunswick is usually during the spring and fall, specifically from April to June and September to October. Rainbow trout are more active during cooler parts of the day, so early morning and late afternoon are the recommended times to fish for them. Some of the best locations in New Brunswick for fishing rainbow trout include the Miramichi River, the Nepisiguit River, the Restigouche River, and the Tobique River.

Brook Trout

The best time to fish for brook trout in New Brunswick is spring and fall, particularly from April to June and September to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the recommended times of day to catch them as they are more active during those times. Some of the best locations in New Brunswick for fishing brook trout include the Nepisiguit River, the Miramichi River, the Upsalquitch River, and the Cains River.

Smallmouth Bass

The best time to fish for smallmouth bass in New Brunswick is typically from May to October, when the water is warmer. Early morning and late afternoon are the ideal times of day to catch them as they are more active during those periods. Some of the best locations in New Brunswick for fishing smallmouth bass include the Saint John River, the Miramichi River, the Tobique River, and the Grand Lake.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing in New Brunswick is best during the warmer months, specifically from May to September. Early morning and late evening are the prime times to catch them as they are more active during cooler parts of the day. Some top locations for fishing largemouth bass in New Brunswick include the Saint John River, the Tobique River, the Mactaquac Headpond, and the Maquapit Lake.

Yellow Perch

The best time to fish for yellow perch in New Brunswick is during the spring and fall seasons, particularly from April to June and September to November. Perch are active throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are more productive. Some of the best locations in New Brunswick for fishing yellow perch include Grand Lake, Washademoak Lake, and Oromocto Lake.

American Eel

The best time to fish for American eels in New Brunswick is summer, especially from June to August. Eels are more active at night, so evening or early morning fishing is recommended. Some of the best locations in New Brunswick for fishing American eels include the Saint John River, the Miramichi River, and the Shediac Bay area.

Striped Bass

The best time to fish for striped bass in New Brunswick is generally from May to October. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times, as the bass are more active during those periods. Some of the best locations for fishing striped bass in New Brunswick include the Miramichi River, the Saint John River, and the Bay of Fundy.

Bluefin Tuna

The best time for fishing Bluefin Tuna in New Brunswick is late summer and early fall, typically from August to October. These fish tend to be most active during the early morning and late evening. You can find great spots for tuna fishing in the waters off Grand Manan Island, the Bay of Fundy, St. Andrews, and Campobello Island.

Atlantic Mackerel

The prime time for fishing Atlantic Mackerel in New Brunswick is during the warm summer, particularly from June to September. These fish often bite the best in the early morning and late evening. Some of the top locations for mackerel fishing are the Bay of Fundy, the waters around Grand Manan Island, near St. Andrews, and off the coast of Campobello Island.

Atlantic Cod

The best time to fish for Atlantic Cod in New Brunswick is spring and fall, mainly from March to May and September to November. These fish are often more likely to bite in the early morning or late evening. Top spots to catch cod include the Bay of Fundy, Grand Manan Island, around St. Andrews, and the waters off Campobello Island.

Atlantic Halibut

Fishing for Atlantic Halibut in New Brunswick is best in the late spring to early summer, particularly from May to July. These fish are often more active during the early morning and late evening. Great places to catch halibut include the Bay of Fundy, Grand Manan Island, the waters near St. Andrews, and Campobello Island.

Atlantic Herring

The best time to fish for Atlantic Herring in New Brunswick is summer, especially from June to August. Fish are usually most active early in the morning or late in the evening. The best spots to fish for these creatures are the Bay of Fundy, the Miramichi River, the Saint John River, and the Restigouche River.

Atlantic Sturgeon

The best time to catch Atlantic Sturgeon in New Brunswick is late summer and early fall, typically from August to October. Sturgeon are often most active and easier to catch in the early morning and late evening. Popular places for sturgeon fishing include the Saint John River, Miramichi River, Kennebecasis River, and the Bay of Fundy.

Best Fishing in New Brunswick on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Fredericton Junction: Fredericton Junction is a great spot for ice fishing in the winter.
Belleisle Bay: Belleisle Bay is a popular destination for ice fishing during the winter months.
Oromocto Lake: Oromocto Lake is another fantastic location for winter fishing. It provides opportunities to catch various fish species, including yellow perch, chain pickerel, and black crappie.
Grand Lake: Grand Lake is known for its winter ice fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck at catching species such as yellow perch, smelt, and white perch while enjoying the peacefulness of the frozen lake.
Kennebecasis River: The Kennebecasis River is a great winter fishing spot for species like smelt and yellow perch.
Washademoak Lake: Washademoak Lake offers exciting ice fishing experiences in the winter. Anglers can target species like yellow perch, chain pickerel, and white perch, enjoying the thrill of fishing on the frozen lake.

Spring

Miramichi River: The Miramichi River is famous for its spring salmon run. During this time, you can try catching Atlantic salmon as they go upriver to spawn.
Nepisiguit River: The Nepisiguit River is another great spot for spring salmon fishing.
Shediac Bay: In the spring, Shediac Bay offers excellent opportunities for fishing for smelt.
St. Croix River: The St. Croix River is home to various fish species, including smallmouth bass. Spring is an ideal time to target these fish, as they become more active in the warmer water temperatures.
Chamcook Lake: Chamcook Lake is a beautiful location to fish for brook trout in the spring.
Salmon River: As the name suggests, the Salmon River is an excellent choice for spring fishing.

Summer

Parlee Beach: Parlee Beach is a popular summer destination where you can fish for striped bass.
Shediac Bay: Shediac Bay is known for its abundance of Atlantic mackerel during summer.
Kouchibouguac National Park: Kouchibouguac National Park offers excellent opportunities for summer fishing.
Hammond River: The Hammond River is a fantastic location for catching smallmouth bass in the summer.
Grand Manan Island: Grand Manan Island is surrounded by rich fishing grounds.
St. Andrews By-The-Sea: St. Andrews By-The-Sea is a charming coastal town known for its excellent summer fishing.

Fall

Mactaquac Provincial Park: In the fall, you can try fishing for smallmouth bass or brook trout at Mactaquac Provincial Park.
Nashwaak River: The Nashwaak River is known for its fall salmon run. It’s a great place to experience the excitement of catching Atlantic salmon as they go upriver to spawn.
Oromocto River: The Oromocto River is a good choice if you’re looking to catch some smallmouth bass or trout in the fall.
Grand Lake: Fall is a wonderful time to fish for lake trout in Grand Lake.
Saint John River: The Saint John River is home to a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass and muskellunge.
Tobique River: The Tobique River is another excellent spot to fish for fall-run Atlantic salmon.