New Brunswick Fishing Licence: Who Needs One, and How to Get It

In New Brunswick, anyone fishing in inland freshwater requires a valid licence unless they qualify for a specific exemption.

Here’s a complete breakdown:

1. New Brunswick Residents

Residents aged 16 and older must carry a valid angling licence to fish in freshwater.

• Residents under 16: No licence required, but they must follow all rules and catch limits.

• Residents 65+: Must still obtain a licence, though fees are reduced.

Special note:
Some licences are bundled with deer hunting licences (Fish & Game), but most anglers simply choose a regular angling licence.

2. Canadian Non-Residents

Visitors from other provinces or territories must purchase a non-resident angling licence.

• Under 16: No licence needed.

• 16 and older: Licence required.

3. Foreign Non-Residents

International visitors, including U.S. anglers, must obtain a Non-Resident Licence for freshwater fishing.

• Under 16: Exempt.

• 16 and older: Licence required.

4. Indigenous Rights Holders

Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) peoples in New Brunswick may fish without a recreational licence for:

• Food

• Social purposes

• Ceremonial activities

However, these rights do not cover recreational sportfishing or commercial harvesting without proper authorization.

5. Free Fishing Weekend Exemption

New Brunswick hosts Free Fishing Weekend twice yearly, usually in:

• February (winter fishing)

• June (summer fishing)

During these weekends, no licence is required, but:

• All catch limits still apply

• Mandatory gear rules remain in effect

• Species restrictions still apply (especially salmon)

Saltwater Fishing: Licence Not Required

Recreational saltwater fishing in NB—such as mackerel or striped bass from beaches, piers, or boats—does not require a general licence.

However:

• Striped bass has strict slot limits and seasons

• Tuna, shark, and other pelagic species may require federal permits

Freshwater licences are not valid in tidal waters unless specifically stated.

Types of Fishing Licences in New Brunswick

New Brunswick offers multiple licence types for different species and fishing styles. The biggest distinction is between General Angling Licences and Atlantic Salmon Licences.

1. General Angling Licence

Covers most freshwater species, including:

• Brook trout

• Rainbow trout

• Lake trout

• Smallmouth bass

• Chain pickerel

• Panfish (perch, sunfish)

Available in:

• Seasonal licence

• Three-day or seven-day licence (non-resident)

• Family licence (resident only)

2. Salmon Licence (Special and Strict)

Atlantic salmon regulations in New Brunswick are some of the strictest in Canada due to conservation needs.

A separate salmon licence is required for:

• Retaining salmon

• Fishing in designated salmon waters

• Fishing in salmon-only pools

Two main types exist:

1. Salmon – Retention Licence

2. Salmon – Catch and Release Only Licence

Many rivers are catch-and-release only for Atlantic salmon.

3. Family Fishing Licence (Residents Only)

A convenient option for households, typically covering:

• Two adults

• Children under 16

One licence allows the whole family to fish together within regulations.

4. Senior Licences

Residents aged 65+ receive reduced-fee licences.

5. Temporary or Short-Term Licences

For visitors or casual anglers, NB offers:

• 3-day licences

• 7-day licences

These are ideal for tourists or weekend trips.

Fishing Seasons in New Brunswick

Fishing seasons vary significantly by species and region. New Brunswick is divided into several Inland Fisheries Zones, each with unique rules.

General timeframes:

Trout Season

• April to September in most zones

• Some waters open later due to cold conditions

Smallmouth Bass

• Generally opens in late spring, with variations

• Some lakes allow early or extended seasons

Chain Pickerel

• Often open year-round

Atlantic Salmon

Highly regulated seasons, differing by river:

• Some open in June

• Some close early for conservation

• Many are catch-and-release only

Always check the New Brunswick Fish Guide, updated yearly.

Catch Limits and Possession Rules

New Brunswick uses catch limits to maintain healthy fish stocks.

Brook Trout

• Daily limit usually 5, depending on zone

Rainbow Trout

• Often 2–5 per day

Smallmouth Bass

• Daily limit often 2, depending on lake

Pickerel

• High limits (10 or more) due to their widespread abundance

Salmon

• Often zero retention

• Retention allowed only in limited rivers and dates

Possession limits are generally equal to two days’ limits, though some exceptions exist.

Gear Restrictions and Fishing Methods

New Brunswick enforces several rules to support conservation:

Barbless Hooks

Mandatory when fishing for Atlantic salmon and in some special trout waters.

Bait Restrictions

Some rivers require:

• Artificial flies only

• Single barbless hook

• No worms or natural bait

Lead Restrictions

Lead may be prohibited in certain protected waters.

Night Fishing

Restricted in most areas, especially trout and salmon streams.

Two-Line Rule

Anglers may use one line unless ice-fishing regulations permit more.

How to Get a New Brunswick Fishing Licence

New Brunswick makes buying a fishing licence incredibly simple.

1. Buy Online (Fastest Method)

Use the New Brunswick Fish & Wildlife Licensing Portal.

Steps:

1. Create an account or log in.

2. Choose “Recreational Fishing.”

3. Select your residency (resident, Canadian non-resident, foreign non-resident).

4. Choose licence type (angling, salmon, short-term, family, etc.).

5. Pay with a credit card.

6. Print your licence or save a digital copy to your phone.

Digital licences are accepted by enforcement officers.

2. Buy In Person

Licences are sold at:

• Service New Brunswick (SNB) centres

• Outdoor stores

• Some hardware stores

• Many local outfitters and lodges

3. Through Guides & Outfitters

Many salmon camps and fishing lodges can help you obtain the proper licences before your trip.

This is especially helpful for visitors unfamiliar with salmon regulations.