Newfoundland and Labrador Fishing Regulations
Not legal advice. Compiled from official government summaries. Regulations change each year — always check the official source before relying.
General Rules (barbless hooks are the #1 cause of fines)
- ⚠ Barbless hooks must be used (per the Anglers' Guide). Scheduled salmon rivers: single barbless hook + artificial fly only.
Species Limits
| Species | Limit | Size / Season |
|---|---|---|
| Trout (speckled, brown, rainbow, ouananiche) | 12 fish or 2.25 kg + 1 fish daily; possession 24 or 4.5 kg + 1 | No rainbow/ouananiche under 20 cm may be retained |
| Arctic char (Insular NL) | 12 fish or 2.25 kg + 1 daily; possession 24 or 4.5 kg + 1 | |
| Arctic char (Labrador) | 2 daily / possession 4 | |
| Northern pike (Labrador) | 2 daily / possession 4 | |
| Smelt | No limit | |
| Whitefish (Labrador) | No limit |
Seasons
Salmon: scheduled rivers only; catch-and-release limits per river class. Trout season dates per region.
Licence Fees
Trout licence (resident ~$23, senior $14.95, family $23); salmon licence resident $23 / non-resident $80; other species licence non-resident $12 (all + $3 vendor fee + HST).
Edition: Anglers' Guide 2026-2027 · Effective: Apr 2026 - Mar 2027 · Source: NL Anglers' Guide (nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca / DFO)
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