Fishing New Brunswick
Province Guide
Fishing New Brunswick
New Brunswick sits at the heart of Atlantic Canada's fishing scene. Tidal rivers, the Bay of Fundy, and hundreds of inland lakes and streams give anglers access to striped bass, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and more — much of it from shore. Part of our Atlantic Canada Fishing Guide and Canada Fishing Hub.
Key Species to Target
The most popular sport fish in NB. Tidal rivers like the Miramichi and Petitcodiac hold strong populations accessible from shore.
Striped Bass NB Guide →Best Lures for Striped Bass →
Best Lures for Striped Bass in New Brunswick →
Found in cold, clear streams throughout the province. Casting spoons and spinners work well in smaller rivers and beaver ponds.
Best Lures for Trout →Iconic to NB rivers. Most salmon rivers are fly-fishing only. Check DFO regulations carefully before fishing.
Excellent smallmouth fishing in the Saint John River system and many inland lakes. Aggressive fighters on light tackle.
Best Lures for Smallmouth Bass →Where to Fish in New Brunswick
World-famous for Atlantic salmon and one of the best striped bass rivers in Atlantic Canada. Multiple public access points along the tidal section.
Shaped by the Bay of Fundy's extreme tides. The tidal bore creates dynamic conditions for striped bass. Bore Park in Moncton is a popular access point.
The longest river in Atlantic Canada. Excellent smallmouth bass, walleye, and pike fishing throughout its length.
A productive striper river with less pressure than the Miramichi. Good shore access from the town of Richibucto.
Hundreds of brook trout streams and smallmouth lakes across the province. Crown land access is widely available.
Recommended Gear
Technique Guides
Built for Atlantic Canada
Shop NB Fishing Tackle
StickyLures hi-lo rigs and casting spoons are sized and rigged for Maritime species — ready to fish straight out of the package.
Browse StickyLures Tackle →Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick offers striped bass, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and pike. The province has both excellent tidal river fishing and inland lake and stream fishing.
Do I need a fishing licence in New Brunswick?
Yes. A valid New Brunswick fishing licence is required. Atlantic salmon requires an additional licence. Licences are available online through the NB government website.
When is the best time to fish in New Brunswick?
Striped bass are most active May through October, with the spring run (May–June) being the most productive. See our Spring Fishing guide for more. Brook trout season typically opens in April.
What is the best river for fishing in New Brunswick?
The Miramichi is the most famous — world-class for Atlantic salmon and excellent for striped bass. The Petitcodiac near Moncton is a top striper destination. The Saint John River offers great smallmouth bass and walleye fishing.
Can I fish from shore in New Brunswick?
Absolutely. Shore fishing is one of NB's strengths. The Miramichi, Petitcodiac, and Richibucto rivers all have excellent public shore access for striped bass. See our Crab Free Rig guide and Casting Egg guide to get started.