Surrounded by the Labrador Sea and home to a large network of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, Canada’s most easterly province is a mecca for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Trophy sized brook trout and lake trout, world-class Atlantic salmon runs, and sportfish such as northern pike and arctic char draw anglers from across eastern Canada and beyond, and the cold waters of the Labrador Sea are packed with cod, Atlantic salmon, haddock, halibut, and even bluefin tuna.
With the angling season starting in mid to late June for most of the regulated rivers and lakes, it is time to get your fishing gear out of storage and start planning your next Newfoundland and Labrador fishing adventure. Packed with fishing hot spots and detailed descriptions including fish species, access, regulations, and fishing tips and tricks, the brand-new 2nd Edition Newfoundland and Labrador Backroad Mapbook is the perfect trip planning and adventure guide for any fishing adventure across this wonderful province.
Below, we list some of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most popular and unique fishing hot spots, from small ponds filled with trout to world-class Atlantic salmon rivers. This is just a taste of the countless trophy fishing lakes, world-class rivers and streams, and ocean fishing hot spots that can be found in the 2nd Edition Newfoundland and Labrador Backroad Mapbook, which is available in both print and digital format.
1. Fish for Atlantic Salmon in the Gander River
Considered a world-class fishery for Atlantic salmon, the Gander River boasts returns of up to 25,000 Atlantic salmon each spring. The Gander River flows for 177 km (110 mi) north past Gander Lake on the island of Newfoundland, eventually entering the Atlantic Ocean at Gander Bay, with some of the best fishing being found at the estuary near where the river meets the ocean. There are several fishing lodges along the Gander River, allowing anglers to reach some of the more remote parts of the river. The regular salmon angling season runs from late June until the first week of September, and from the first week of September to early October it is catch and release only.
2. Experience Some of the Best Brook Trout Fishing on the Planet
Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its trophy brook trout fishing, and some of the best brook trout fishing in the province can be found on Andre Lake, which connects to the Quartzite, Comeback, and McKenzie Rivers. Located on the remote mainland of Labrador near the Smallwood Reservoir, brook trout are relatively unpressured here and congregate in the cool, crystal-clear waters of the lake and surrounding rivers. In fact, Labrador is one of the last places in the world that anglers can land trophy brook trout, with some being over 10 pounds.
3. Spend a Day or a Week Fishing the Avalon Peninsula
Making up the southeast portion of the island of Newfoundland, the Avalon Peninsula is home to both excellent saltwater and freshwater fishing. Species that pass through the peninsula rivers include sea-run brown trout, sea-run rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon, while out on the ocean, anglers will find cod, halibut, haddock, and the occasional bluefin tuna. Fishing hotspots include the areas around Bauline, Chapel Arm, Portugal Cove, Placentia Bay, St. Mary’s Bay, Trinity Bay, and Witless Bay.
4. Bring a Rod to Gros Morne National Park
Known for the stunning mountains and cliffs towering high above the sparking waters of rivers and inlets, Gros Morne National Park is a diverse landscape of beaches, bogs, forests, and barren cliffs. When visiting this popular park, be sure to bring your fishing rod, as the many rivers, inlets, and lakes of Gros Morne National Park are abundant fisheries. Most anglers head to the Lomond River, the East Branch Lomond River, Deer Arm Brook, Woody Point, Norris Point, and the Rocky Harbour to fish for arctic char, Atlantic salmon, and trout. Please note that a Gros Morne Fishing Permit and Gros Morne Atlantic salmon license are required to fish in this beautiful area of untouched wilderness.
5. Take a Stop Along the Pinware River
One of the premier river systems in southern Labrador and one of the only vehicle-accessible fishing streams on the mainland, the Pinware River features great fishing for Atlantic salmon and sea-run and resident brook trout. The river system, along with its tributaries, offers over 580 km (360 mi) of river to fish. Along the main river, Atlantic salmon and sea-run trout can be found almost to the headwaters, while resident brook trout can be found past obstructions that block their sea-running cousins.
6. Cast a Lure at Lobstick Lake
Found in western Labrador and part of the Smallwood Reservoir, Lobstick Lake holds the provincial record for landlocked salmon at just over 10 kg (22 lbs), and is also known for its lake trout, which run between 2-18 kg (5-40 lbs). To target landlocked salmon, try streamer patterns such as the Muddler Minnow, Grey or Black Ghost, or any New England style feather-winged streamer. Anglers that want to target the huge lake trout should try large green, orange, and yellow spoons while working the areas near the dams. Because of the remote location, any non-resident anglers must employ the use of a guide to fish this lake.
7. Explore the Exploits River
Boasting over 320 km (200 mi) of fishable waters and one of the largest Atlantic salmon runs on the island of Newfoundland, it is not uncommon to land fish up to 30 pounds on the Exploits River. Hot spots include the Great Rattling Brook, which branches off the Exploits east of Grand Falls-Windsor, at Jumper’s Brook, and in the lower reaches of the river. The salmon season runs from June to September, with a catch and release only season from the first week of September to early October.
8. Fish for Trout in Three Arm Pond
Located south of St. John’s, this fishing hot spot offers easy access and great fishing in an urban setting, close to comfortable amenities, restaurants, and lodging options. The main species targeted in this pond are brook trout, brown trout, and ouananiche, which are landlocked salmon. Found just off Route 2, Three Arm Pond is popular with anglers from ice-off to September.
9. Check out the Hopeall River and Hopeall Bay
The Hopeall River drains the Cummingers Pond and makes a short run to the Atlantic between New Harbour and Hopeall, and impressively sized brown trout can be caught along its length. Hopeall Bay, particularly around the river mouth, consistently produces double digit, sea-run brown trout that put up a great fight. The best time to fish the river and bay is in the early spring.
10. Try Your Luck Fishing for Cod in Battle Harbour
Known for the huge cod that brought settlers to this region in the first place, the waters off the east coast of Labrador are a prosperous fishery for cod, arctic char, Atlantic herring, capelin, and haddock. Battle Harbour is a National Heritage Site, and fishing near the restored centuries-old houses of the old fishing village is a truly once in a lifetime experience. There are plenty of fishing charters that will take anglers out on the waters of the Labrador Sea near Battle Harbour. Visit battleharbour.com for more information.
Now that you have a taste of some of the world-class fishing opportunities across Newfoundland and Labrador, it is time to start planning your next fishing adventure with the brand-new 2nd Edition of the Newfoundland and Labrador Backroad Mapbook, which is available in both print and digital formats. For all this information and more right at your fingertips, try out the Backroad Maps App or Web Map, which can be downloaded straight to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. And, be sure to tag us on social media at @backroadmaps or #BRMBLIFE on all your favourite Newfoundland and Labrador fishing adventure photos!