Casting a Line in Nova Scotia: BRMB's Top 10 Fishing Hot Spots

Featuring over 7,600 km of ocean coastline, 6,700 lakes and over 100 rivers, sportfishers in Nova Scotia have a wide array of angling options to choose from indeed. Striped bass, sea-run salmon and trout are the most common species you will encounter in these waterways but there are many others as well, as we have described below. Since fishing holes are so abundant in this Maritime province, we have put together a list of top 10 Nova Scotia fishing hot spots to get you started on your Atlantic Canadian fishing adventure.

Shubenacadie Grand Lake

Located just a 30 minute drive from Halifax, Shubenacadie Grand Lake is known for its incredible bass fishing. In fact, many anglers will tell you that this the best place to target smallmouth and striped bass in all of Nova Scotia. The big lake holds some equally big fish – in 2016, a 109 cm (43 in), 13 kg (29 lb) striper was caught here. Although you probably won't be reeling in a bass quite that large out of Shubenacadie Grand Lake, you never know! Grand Lake also contains chain pickerel, particularly in its north end, along with speckled trout, landlocked salmon and rainbow smelt. Spend some time around the many streams and shallows and you may be surprised with what you're able to hook. As far as Nova Scotia fishing hot spots go, this is one you have to sample, particularly if you find yourself in the Halifax area.

Margaree River

While the Margaree River contains gaspereau, brook trout, brown trout and striped bass, it is most famous for its salmon fishing. Atlantic Salmon run the river each summer and fall, attracting anglers from all over the world, and the river has been a fabled salmon fishing destination for hundreds of years. While an average salmon catch on the river will weigh in at about 4.5 kg (10 lb), 9 kg (20 lb) fish are not uncommon, and there has even been a 24 kg (52 lb) beast pulled out of the river on one occasion. The river itself is long and forks into several branches, so hiring a guide is recommended (but not required, like in other provinces) to help you narrow down your search for that Nova Scotia fishing hot spot. With the right gear and guidance, and a bit of luck, you may just reel in a trophy fish of your own.

Bras D'Or Lakes

While technically an inland sea, there is minimal flow between the ocean and the Bras D'or Lakes. With little tidal movement and several inflowing rivers, this waterbody does behave more like a lake than a sea, although it still hosts 22 species of marine fish including lobster, flounder, pollock and cod. However, most anglers come here to fish brook, brown and rainbow trout, along with Atlantic Salmon. With over 1,000 km (620 mi) of shoreline, and close to 1,100 km² (425 mi²) of surface area, there is no shortage of places to drop a line in Bras D'Or Lakes. The lakes also enjoy a booming striped bass fishery, with the provincial record striper having been pulled from here back in 2008, weighing a whopping 27 kg (59 lb).

Annapolis River

The Annapolis River holds a special place in Nova Scotian angler's hearts for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is one of only five rivers in Canada that has a self-sustaining striped bass population. Secondly, it is internationally renowned as one of the best places to catch American shad anywhere. Considered the poor-man's salmon, these sea-run fish enter the Annapolis River by the thousands during spawning season. Averaging 1-3.5 kg (2-8 lb), these fish can put up a good fight but are so plentiful in season that they can be caught by anyone. If you are in the right place at the right time, it's not uncommon to have a fifty fish day at this Nova Scotia fishing hot spot.

Stewiacke River

The Stewiacke used to be one of the three top salmon rivers in the province. Though the numbers of salmon in the river have dropped drastically, it is now known as a premiere Nova Scotia striped bass fishing destination. The river is most productive early in the season, particularly between the East Stewiacke Bridge and the river's confluence with the Shubenacadie. Between May and July, it is not uncommon to have 20+ fish days during this time. There is also an annual run of American shad in June, as well as an abundant brown trout population, making the Stewiacke River a top Nova Scotia fishing hot spot.

Lake O'Law (First, Second and Third)

Found along the world-famous Cabot Trail, these three lakes are surrounded by magnificent scenery and offer equally impressive fishing for brown trout (also known as speckled trout). The lakes are lined by lush forest and sit beneath the beautiful Three Sisters mountain range, making for a worthwhile paddle in a canoe or kayak even if you don't drop a line. But with good numbers of both lake-bound and much larger sea-run trout, not casting in this lake would be a waste. The fishing is best in May and June, and a fish stocking program ensures a healthy number of trout.

Lewis Lake and Round Lake

These connected lakes are found in Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park, just west of Halifax. The lakes are wheelchair accessible, and Round Lake offers one of the best disabled-access fishing wharfs in Nova Scotia. A short, scenic trail runs between the two lakes, and Round Lake is stocked with both rainbow and brook trout. Spring and fall are when these fish are most active, but both lakes are popular ice fishing destinations as well. As far as easy-access Nova Scotia fishing hot spots go, Lewis and Round Lakes are a sure bet.

North River

With easy access from North River Provincial Park, this traditional salmon river is one of the few in Nova Scotia that still hosts a self-sustaining, healthy, early-run salmon stock. These fish love the gravel spawning beds, deep pools and generally cooler waters that the North River offers. The locals have been fishing here for generations, and a well-developed system of trails takes you along this scenic waterway with all of its small waterfalls and canyons. The North River should be at the top of any angler's list for a serene and authentic Nova Scotia fishing experience.

Minas Basin

Well-known as the home of the world's highest tides, the eastern part of the Bay of Fundy also supports a remarkable striped bass fishery, particularly on its northern shore. Shore fishing for bass between 2.5 and 18 kg (5-40 lb) is possible around the mouths of the Economy River and the Portapique River, as well as the Five Islands. On the incoming tide, you can drop a line into 6-9 metres (20-30 ft) of water, and then walk over the same area six hours later. Flounder, American shad and sea-run trout can also be caught here, making this one of Nova Scotia's premiere ocean fishing hot spots.

Tusket River

From this river's mouth in the Gulf of Maine to its headwaters in the Tobeatic Wilderness Area, the Tusket offers anglers one of the most diverse fish habitats in Nova Scotia. In its lower reaches, fly-fishing for salmon and sea-run trout is excellent. Near the river's outflow into the Atlantic, striped bass are abundant, with the provincial record 26 kg (57 lb) striper having been caught here back in 1979. As you move inland, trout become the target of choice, and this river's upper reaches were named one of the top 10 trout fishing spots in the world in 2006. There is also a river herring fishery on the Tusket, along with record-sized pickerel and even freshwater sharks. No wonder why the Tusket River is regarded as one of Nova Scotia's top river fishing hot spots. Did we miss your favourite Nova Scotia fishing hot spot? Let us know in the comments below or share your fishing adventures with us on Instagram using #brmblife for a chance to be featured on our feed and win prizes.