Fishing in Prince Edward Island: Top Species and Best Spots

Prince Edward Island may be Canada's smallest province, but its fishing is anything but small. PEI's gentle rivers and streams are renowned for their quality brook trout fishing, while the surrounding waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence offer striped bass and some of the best bluefin tuna fishing in the world.

1. Morell River (Brook Trout & Rainbow Trout)

Best time: May through August

The Morell River in eastern PEI is one of the province's premier trout streams. The river's cold, clear water and excellent habitat produce healthy populations of brook trout and rainbow trout. Brook trout in the 10-14 inch range are common, with larger fish in the deeper pools. The Morell is managed as a quality fishery with special regulations. The river is easily accessible from the nearby town of Morell and offers several public access points. Fly fishing with small nymphs and dry flies is the standard approach.

2. West River (Brook Trout & Striped Bass)

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

The West River, flowing into the Hillsborough Bay near Charlottetown, offers excellent fishing for both brook trout and striped bass. The upper reaches hold good populations of brook trout in a classic Island stream setting. The lower, tidal reaches offer exciting striped bass fishing in spring and early summer. The West River is easily accessible and offers several public access points. This is a great option for anglers based in the Charlottetown area.

3. Dunk River (Brook Trout & Brown Trout)

Best time: May through August

The Dunk River, in central PEI, offers excellent fishing for brook trout and brown trout. The river's cold, spring-fed waters produce good populations of both species. Brown trout, while less common than brookies, can reach impressive sizes. The Dunk River is a popular destination for local anglers and offers several public access points. The river's smaller size makes it ideal for wading and fly fishing.

4. Hillsborough River (Brook Trout & Striped Bass)

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

The Hillsborough River, near Charlottetown, is one of PEI's most popular fishing destinations. The upper river offers good brook trout fishing, while the lower tidal reaches provide exciting striped bass fishing. Spring is the prime time for striped bass, with fish moving into the river to feed. The Hillsborough is easily accessible and offers several parks and access points within the Charlottetown area.

5. Valleyfield River (Brook Trout)

Best time: May through August

The Valleyfield River, in eastern PEI, is a designated quality brook trout stream. The river is carefully managed to produce larger-than-average brook trout, with fish in the 10-16 inch range. Special regulations including barbless hooks and restricted seasons apply. The Valleyfield is a beautiful, intimate stream that rewards careful presentation. This is a must-fish destination for serious brook trout anglers visiting PEI.

6. North Lake (Bluefin Tuna)

Best time: August through October

North Lake, on PEI's eastern tip, is famous as one of the best bluefin tuna fishing locations in the world. The waters off North Lake host giant bluefin tuna that can exceed 1,000 pounds. The tuna season runs from August through October, with peak fishing in September. Fishing is strictly regulated with a limited number of licenses. Multiple charter operators run out of North Lake, offering anglers the opportunity to battle these magnificent fish.

7. Gulf of St. Lawrence Shoreline (Mackerel & Striped Bass)

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

The Gulf of St. Lawrence shoreline of PEI offers excellent shore fishing for mackerel and striped bass. Mackerel are abundant in the summer months and provide excellent family fishing from piers, wharves, and beaches. Striped bass patrol the shoreline and estuaries in spring and early summer. Popular access points include the beaches and wharves along the north shore from Tignish to Elmira. Light spinning tackle is all that's needed for mackerel.

8. Boughton River (Brook Trout & White Perch)

Best time: May through August

The Boughton River, in eastern PEI, offers a mix of brook trout and white perch fishing. The upper reaches hold good populations of brook trout, while the lower tidal waters offer white perch. White perch provide excellent light-tackle fishing and are a popular target for family outings. The Boughton River is less pressured than some of PEI's more famous streams, offering a quieter fishing experience.

9. Cardigan River (Brook Trout & Striped Bass)

Best time: May through August

The Cardigan River, in eastern PEI, offers excellent fishing for brook trout in its upper reaches and striped bass in its tidal lower section. The river's diverse habitat supports healthy fish populations. The Cardigan area is also known for its oysters and mussels, making it a great destination for seafood lovers who also enjoy fishing.

10. Murray River (Brook Trout)

Best time: May through August

The Murray River, in southern PEI, offers quality brook trout fishing in a beautiful Island setting. The river's cold, clear water and good cover hold healthy brook trout populations. The Murray River is less developed than some of PEI's other streams, offering a more natural fishing experience. The nearby Murray Beach Provincial Park offers camping and access to the river.

Fishing Tips for Prince Edward Island

• Get a licence — All anglers 18+ need a PEI fishing licence. Buy online at princeedwardisland.ca/fishing. Non-residents require a separate licence.
• Fish the spring — PEI's brook trout fishing is best in May and June when water levels are higher and trout are more active. Summer low water can make fishing more challenging.
• Watch the tides — Striped bass fishing in PEI's tidal rivers is strongly influenced by the tide cycle. Incoming tides generally produce the best fishing.
• Book tuna early — Bluefin tuna charters at North Lake are in high demand and book months in advance. If you want to fish for tuna, plan ahead.
• Try mackerel fishing — Mackerel fishing from PEI's wharves and beaches is a beloved Island tradition. Simple, fun, and productive — perfect for families.

Published July 2026 by the CatchTales team.