Catch, Release and No Bait in September

Anglers are reminded to catch-and-release speckled brook trout, and restrict the use of bait when angling in freshwater for brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and landlocked salmon in September.

"These efforts go a long way in protecting brook trout," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "They are particularly vulnerable to angling at this time of year when they school near the mouths of streams prior to spawning."

Anglers are permitted to keep a total of five rainbow trout and brown trout. This total can be of one species or any combination of these species.

The no bait regulation is designed to protect trout during the catch-and-release season as fish caught using bait have a higher mortality than those hooked on lures.

"Trout catches have been in decline in Nova Scotia for several years so the catch-and-release practices in September for brook trout, along with the no bait regulation, are important steps in reversing this decline," said Mr. Fage.

Anglers are urged to return their fishing licence stubs at the end of the season unless they plan to participate in the winter sportfishing season. The stubs are an important source of information for biologists.

For additional information, anglers may visit the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture website at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/ or call the inland fisheries division at 902-485-5056.