Opening Date Set for Sport Fishing Season

Sport fishing across most of the province will begin on April 1 this year.

For the first time in Nova Scotia, anglers will share one opening date with only a few exceptions.

"The move to a common opening date was requested by anglers throughout the province at our Recreational Fisheries Advisory Council meetings," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "While there are a few exceptions, this mutual date is a positive one for many anglers."

Certain rivers in the eastern part of the province will open April 15.

"These delayed openings will protect Atlantic salmon and sea-run trout stocks in this area, "said Mr. Fage. "They are particularly vulnerable at this time of year."

Other sport fishing changes include new regulations prohibiting the use of bait when fishing during the month of September. This regulation supports the efforts of the catch-and-release regulation for brook trout caught in September.

As well, sport fishing opportunities for rainbow trout will be expanded on the Bras d'Or Lakes in Cape Breton for a 12-month season.

Again this year, night fishing will be permitted for anglers on several lakes and rivers. Fishing for brown trout will be permitted on River John, Pictou County, from East Branch bridge downstream to Welsford bridge; Mersey River in Queens County from Lake Rossignol to the dam at Cowie falls; the Cornwallis River, Kings County, and on the Stewiacke River, Colchester County, from Lansdowne Bridge downstream to the East Pollack Bridge at Stewiacke East.

Smallmouth bass anglers will be able to night fish on Micmac and Banook Lakes in Halifax County; Ogden, Parr and Petes lakes, Yarmouth County; Mersey River, Queens County, downstream from Lake Rossignol to the dam at Cowie Falls; Black River and Little River Lake, Kings County, and Panuke Lake, Hants County.

The bag limit remains at five trout, five bass, and two landlocked salmon per day. As in the past, all brook trout caught in September must be released.

Fishing licences can be purchased through more than 650 vendors across the province.

More than 100,000 Nova Scotians enjoy sport fishing. This fishery contributes $82-million annually to the provincial economy.

An annual angling event, the Nova Scotia SportFishing Weekend June 3-4, offers residents the chance to fish without a general fishing licence.

"I encourage people to take advantage of this sport fishing event to discover the varied fishing opportunities available in the province," said Mr. Fage.

The minister urges anglers to have a safe and enjoyable sport fishing season. Additional information on angling can be found in the 2000 Summary of Regulations booklet available from the licence vendors.