Fishing in New Brunswick: Top Species and Best Spots

New Brunswick is Atlantic salmon country. The province's legendary rivers — the Miramichi, Restigouche, and Nepisiguit — draw anglers from around the world. But New Brunswick also offers excellent brook trout fishing, outstanding smallmouth bass in the Saint John River system, and some of the best striped bass fishing on the East Coast.

1. Miramichi River (Atlantic Salmon & Brook Trout)

Best time: June through September (salmon), May through June (brook trout)

The Miramichi River is arguably the most famous Atlantic salmon river in North America. The river's system of interconnected branches — the Southwest Miramichi, Northwest Miramichi, Little Southwest, and Cains rivers — offers hundreds of miles of world-class salmon water. Salmon in the 8-15 pound range are common, with larger fish available. The Miramichi also offers excellent brook trout fishing, particularly in the spring before the salmon run. The river is well-equipped with lodges, outfitters, and public access points.

2. Restigouche River (Atlantic Salmon)

Best time: June through August

The Restigouche River, forming the border between New Brunswick and Quebec, is one of the most prestigious Atlantic salmon rivers in the world. The river is known for its large, powerful salmon, with fish regularly exceeding 15 pounds and trophies over 30 pounds. The Restigouche is primarily a guided river, with fishing controlled by exclusive lodges and camps. The river's deep, clear pools and classic fly water provide an unforgettable fishing experience.

3. Saint John River (Smallmouth Bass & Striped Bass)

Best time: June through September (smallmouth bass), May through July (striped bass)

The Saint John River is the largest river system in New Brunswick and offers excellent fishing for smallmouth bass and striped bass. Smallmouth bass are abundant throughout the river, with fish in the 1-3 pound range common. The river's numerous islands, shoals, and backwaters provide ideal bass habitat. Striped bass run into the lower Saint John River in spring and early summer, providing exciting fishing in the tidal reaches. The river is easily accessible from Fredericton and several communities along its length.

4. Grand Lake (Smallmouth Bass & White Perch)

Best time: June through September

Grand Lake, near Fredericton, is the largest lake in New Brunswick and offers excellent fishing for smallmouth bass and white perch. The lake's shallow, productive waters and abundant structure hold healthy fish populations. Smallmouth bass in the 1-3 pound range are common. White perch are abundant and provide excellent family fishing. Grand Lake is a popular destination for weekend anglers, with several campgrounds, boat launches, and cottages along its shore.

5. Nepisiguit River (Atlantic Salmon & Brook Trout)

Best time: June through August

The Nepisiguit River, in northern New Brunswick, offers excellent Atlantic salmon fishing in a beautiful wilderness setting. The river's clear, cold water and classic pools provide ideal salmon habitat. Salmon in the 6-12 pound range are common. The river also offers excellent brook trout fishing, particularly in its upper reaches. The Nepisiguit is less developed than the Miramichi or Restigouche, offering a more remote fishing experience.

6. Tobique River (Atlantic Salmon)

Best time: June through August

The Tobique River, a major tributary of the Saint John River, offers excellent Atlantic salmon fishing. The river is known for its runs of bright, powerful salmon in the 6-12 pound range. The Tobique is a popular river for both guided and DIY anglers, with good public access in its lower reaches. The river's classic pool-riffle structure is well-suited to fly fishing. The Tobique also holds brook trout and smallmouth bass in its lower reaches.

7. Cains River (Brook Trout & Atlantic Salmon)

Best time: May through June (brook trout), July through September (salmon)

The Cains River, a tributary of the Miramichi, is one of New Brunswick's premier brook trout streams. The river's cold, clear water and abundant cover hold native brook trout that average 8-14 inches. The Cains also hosts a run of Atlantic salmon in the summer. The river is smaller and more intimate than the main Miramichi, offering a more personal fishing experience. The Cains is a popular destination for fly anglers seeking quality brook trout fishing.

8. St. Croix River (Smallmouth Bass & Striped Bass)

Best time: June through September

The St. Croix River, forming the border between New Brunswick and Maine, offers excellent fishing for smallmouth bass and striped bass. Smallmouth bass are abundant in the river's rocky sections, with fish in the 1-3 pound range. Striped bass run into the lower river in spring and early summer. The river's scenic beauty and good access make it a popular destination. The St. Croix is also known for its excellent paddling and camping opportunities.

9. Bay of Fundy (Striped Bass & Bluefin Tuna)

Best time: May through July (striped bass), August through October (tuna)

The Bay of Fundy offers unique fishing opportunities in the world's highest tides. Striped bass fishing in the bay and its estuaries is excellent, particularly in spring and early summer. The bay is also home to giant bluefin tuna, with fish exceeding 1,000 pounds caught every year. Tuna fishing is strictly regulated and is typically done through charter operators out of Saint John, St. Andrews, and other coastal communities. This is big-game fishing at its most exciting.

10. Kouchibouguac National Park (Brook Trout & Striped Bass)

Best time: May through September

Kouchibouguac National Park, on the province's east coast, offers excellent fishing for brook trout and striped bass. The park's numerous rivers and estuaries hold healthy populations of both species. The Kouchibouguac River and its tributaries are known for their quality brook trout fishing. Striped bass patrol the estuaries and coastal waters. The park offers excellent camping, hiking, and paddling opportunities in addition to fishing.

Fishing Tips for New Brunswick

• Get a licence — All anglers 18+ need a New Brunswick fishing licence. Buy online at gnb.ca/fishing. A separate salmon licence and tag are required.
• Book salmon water early — New Brunswick's best salmon rivers and pools are booked months in advance, especially on the Restigouche and upper Miramichi. Plan your trip early.
• Watch the tides — The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world. Fishing in tidal waters changes dramatically with the tide cycle. Always check tide tables.
• Try a guided trip — Many of New Brunswick's best salmon rivers are best fished with a licensed guide who knows the water and can provide equipment.
• Respect the resource — Atlantic salmon populations in New Brunswick face significant challenges. Most rivers are catch-and-release. Handle fish carefully and keep them in the water.

Published July 2026 by the CatchTales team.