News release

Sportfishing Season Opens April 1

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Nova Scotians can enjoy sportfishing on one of the province’s many waterways when the 2022 season opens Friday, April 1.

“Sportfishing is a springtime tradition in our province – a very popular, healthy outdoor activity enjoyed by more Nova Scotians than ever before. Sportfishing also supports jobs and economic activity in our rural communities and is important to our tourism industries,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Steve Craig. “I remind anglers to think ‘safety first’ when enjoying time on the water. Please use appropriate catch and release techniques and limit harvests so this valuable sport remains sustainable.”

The sportfishing sector is steadily growing and currently generates about $85 million annually.

Sportfishing licences may be purchased at https://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing/ or in person at Department of Natural Resources and Renewables field offices and various retail vendors throughout the province.

Quotes:

“The Nova Scotia Salmon Association is excited about the opening of the upcoming 2022 sportfishing season. We encourage all sportfishers to practice sound conservation methods such as catch and release and, if you have a chance, please take a kid fishing. Teaching a child to fish encourages an appreciation for nature, promotes a healthy lifestyle and teaches patience.”

– Brent Locke, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Salmon Association

Quick Facts:

  • in 2021, more than 78,000 sportfishing licences were sold – the highest participation since 1985
  • the rules for the 2022 season are outlined in the Anglers’ Handbook and 2022 Summary of Regulations, which is supplied to purchasers of fishing licences and is also available online

Additional Resources:

The Anglers’ Handbook and 2022 Summary of Regulations: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/anglers-handbook

Department of Natural Resources and Renewables offices: https://novascotia.ca/natr/staffdir/offices.asp

Sportfishing licence vendors: https://beta.novascotia.ca/find-fishing-licence-sportfishing-vendor

Nova Scotia Salmon Association: https://www.nssalmon.ca/