Know the differences between Atlantic salmon and brown trout when fishing recreationally

No matter where you are in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, it is illegal to keep Atlantic salmon when fishing recreationally. To learn about the regulations related to wild Atlantic salmon in your area, contact your local Conservation and Protection detachment.

Regulations to protect Atlantic salmon in the inner Bay of Fundy

The inner Bay of Fundy population of Atlantic salmon is listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as endangered. When a wildlife species is listed as endangered or threatened under SARA, the prohibitions in sections 32 and 33 of SARA automatically apply:

• it is prohibited to kill, harm, harass, capture or take an individual of that species;
• it is prohibited to possess, collect, buy, sell, or trade an individual of that species, or any part or derivative of such an individual; and
• it is prohibited to damage or destroy the residence of one or more individuals of that species.

In addition, it is prohibited to destroy any part of the critical habitat identified for this population of Atlantic salmon. More information can be found on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

The differences between Atlantic salmon and brown trout

It is important to know the differences between Atlantic salmon and brown trout to avoid accidentally catching and keeping an Atlantic salmon instead of trout.

For a summary of the fishing regulations for brown trout as they relate to licence requirements, season dates, gear restrictions, daily limits and size limits, visit the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia provincial government websites.