We have done our best to address the most common questions we receive. These answers are subject to change without notice and we cannot be held responsible for decisions made with this information. If you have a suggestion for this list please contact us.
At all times please first review and adhere to the following resource: Nova Scotia Anglers Handbook
All water in Nova Scotia is public water unless it belongs to a restricted watershed area, these are often fenced off. Always respect property rights and employ curtesy at every opportunity. For example it’s a good idea to approach a land owner and request permission if at all possible.
The following items may also be helpful:
- Fish with a friend with local river knowledge
- Use our contact us form to reach out to us directly
- You can cross any uncultivated land
- Consider reviewing our river maps
- Hire a guide
- A good starting spot is behind the Antigonish Mall
At all times please first review and adhere to the following resource: Nova Scotia Anglers Handbook
If you a fishing a scheduled salmon river you need a salmon license.
Not really. While there is not a dedicated fly shop the following locations have a limited supply of flies and general tackle:
- Leaves and Limbs
- Canadian Tire
- Walmart
- Bluefin Tuna fishing is available by charter only
- The season spans from Aug 15th until the end of October
- You can find a few charters here, but there are more options:
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g154971-Activities-c61-t217-Antigonish_Nova_Scotia.html
- https://www.facebook.com/Bluefin.Tuna.Charters/
- https://www.facebook.com/macdougallbluefintunacharters/
- Capt. Josh Temple – Prime Time Adventures: 1-250-266-1987 | captjosh@mac.com
At all times please first review and adhere to the following resource: Nova Scotia Anglers Handbook
Our rivers are primarily fall run rivers. Patterns that contain orange, pink, reds and yellows are highly desirable.
Here is a suggested list of specific flies
- General Practitioner
- Black Bear Green Butt
- Undertaker
- Blue Charm
- Muddler (orange, brown, black, white)
- Lester The Lobster
- Mickey Finn
- Hot Scotty
- Shrimp Patterns
- Marabou (canary, black and blue, green slime)
At all times please first review and adhere to the following resource: Nova Scotia Anglers Handbook
- A single handed rod, 9ft, 8wt or 7/8 switch, or a 7/8 spey rod.
- Chest waders
- Salmon flies
- Salmon license
- 8-10 tippet (leader)
- Rain Gear
- Hat
- Polarized Glasses
- Bug Spray
- Patience
- River snacks
- Warm clothing (when appropriate)
At all times please first review and adhere to the following resource: Nova Scotia Anglers Handbook
Spring Fishing (April, May, June)
- Brown Trout
- Sea Trout
- Resident Brook Trout
- Gaspereau
Summer Fishing (July & August)
- River fishing in the summer is variable due to low water and high river temperatures. Fish are vulnerable at this time. Responsible fishers will consider environmental effects on the mortality of fish caught. Consider lake fishing and salt water fishing during these times. Stripers are abundant along our broad expanse of coastline in Antigonish.
Fall Fishing (September & October)
- Both the south and the west river are scheduled salmon rivers from Sept. 1 to Oct 31st.
- You need a salmon license to fish for salmon
- You need a general license to fish for anything else
- There may be some exceptions, please refer to the Nova Scotia Anglers Handbook.
Winter (November, December, January, February, March)
- Cameron and Gillis Lakes are open all year round (Pinevale, Antigonish County)
- There is winter ice fishing opportunities within Antigonish Harbour
At all times please first review and adhere to the following resource: Nova Scotia Anglers Handbook
Two hours before sunrise and two hours after sunset.
At all times please first review and adhere to the following resource: Nova Scotia Anglers Handbook
- We have a River Maps section on our website that should help
“Our success is the result of our membership and the community that supports them.”
“Our success is the result of our membership and the community that supports them.”
The history of our organization is the story of a small group of concerned citizens working for a better tomorrow.
We Accept Donations.
The ARA is a non-profit organization but does not have charitable status. Anyone interested in donating money to the organization that wishes to receive a tax receipt can make a donation on the NSSA web site. Please indicate that you would like the money to be used for work by the ARA.
Fishing Regulation and Season Information.
One of the key roles of our organization is education. To help your quickly connect with the most essential information we have prepared a page with all the most critical links on regulations and seasons.
