In short. Tourism Nova Scotia names the Northumberland Strait rivers for salmon and trout but not by name, so this page maps the shore as one area. Fresh water here needs a Nova Scotia licence.
Rules change. Seasons, closures and limits change often and can change mid-season. We link to the official pages rather than repeat them, so check them before every trip.
Licences and rules
- Fresh water: managed by the Province. See Sportfishing licensing, the Anglers' Handbook and the page to apply for a salmon fishing licence.
- Atlantic salmon: Fisheries and Oceans Canada also publishes the Atlantic salmon recreational fishing notice for the Gulf Region, which names the Margaree River.
- Moving boats and gear: clean, drain and dry your boat and gear between waters, and check the province's rules on moving bait and fish.
Choose your fishing area
Fish named for this region: Salmon, Trout. Read the species guide.
Pictou, River John, Tatamagouche and Arisaig
- Northumberland Strait
- Atlantic salmon, brook trout and brown trout (named for the strait's rivers)
Tourism Nova Scotia says the rivers that run into the Northumberland Strait offer Atlantic salmon, brook trout and brown trout, without naming them. Our listings along this shore run from Pictou west past River John and Tatamagouche.
We list 8 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Arisaig.
Cranberry Campground
Private · near Arisaig
Harbour Light Campground
Private · Pictou
Oceanfront Seasonal RV Park
Private · Merigomish
Gear for this water
- River & fly-fishing kit. A rod/reel combination suited to the planned method. Search on Amazon
- Rain, sun & wet-weather gear. Rain layers that fit over your fishing clothing. Search on Amazon
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