Over 1,000 years
ago glaciers retreated leaving behind over 100 lakes
and numerous streams making Annapolis and Digby
Counties an angler's paradise. Whether you enjoy
fishing from a canoe in the back country, fly-fishing
in one of the many streams or taking a charter to do
some deep-sea fishing we have it all. Many of the
fish in Nova Scotia can be found in both freshwater
and saltwater depending on the time of year. Fish,
such as Striped bass and salmon migrate from the
ocean to rivers and streams to spawn, while the
American eel migrates from freshwater streams to the
ocean to spawn.
Freshwater
We have a variety of trout, some native and some
introduced over time. Our streams are home to brown
trout, which were introduced in the 1920s and 1930s
and have solidly established themselves today. They
tend to weigh around 500 g (1lb) with sea-run fish
tending to be larger. We also have brook trout that
thrive in our cool rivers and streams and tend to be
slightly smaller than brown trout, again the sea run
fish will tend to be larger. Rainbow trout were
introduced to our waters in approximately 1899 and are larger
than both brown trout and brook trout.
Another favourite, the small mouth bass, considered to be "pound for pound the best game
fish around," was introduced to Nova Scotia's
waters around 1942. This aggressive fish thrives in
the clear waters of our glacier formed lakes. There
are both guides and lodges for those wishing to explore local hot spots. The most popular
rivers are: the Annapolis River, Nictaux River,
Salmon River, Meteghan River and Bear River. To fish
in the lakes and streams of Nova Scotia, you must
purchase a licence, resident or non-resident. To find
current seasons and licence rates, contact:
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources
Elliott Road. Lawrencetown NS
B0S 1M0
Tel: (902) 584-2229
Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater fishing can be done by bait casting or
spinning in tidal waters of rivers or from wharves, as
well as with one of the local deepsea fishing
companies. Our waters have pollock (Boston blue
fish), mackerel, striped bass (tidal waters of
rivers). While all these are fun to catch and make a
great meal, there is one fish sought after more than
any other, the blue fin tuna.
Due to the size of blue fin tuna, you must have a
specially equipped boat, with a fighting chair and
foot locks. Blue Fin Tuna average over 10 kg with the
largest on record in Nova Scotia weighing 680 kg. We
recommend booking one of the local charter companies.
Hunting
Hunting seasons vary from species to species and
the appropriate licence must be purchased. Some of
the favourite game in the area includes rabbit,
waterfowl, pheasant, deer and bear. For licence and
season information contact:
Department of Natural Resources
Elliott Road.
Lawrencetown, NS
B0S IM0
Tel: (902) 584-2229
PUBLICATIONS
& RESOURCES
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The books listed below are only a few of the hiking, biking and canoeing guides for Nova Scotia that have been published. If you are interested in purchasing these books, you may contact the source listed below or check with the Government bookstore which carries most of the titles listed here. The Government Bookstore and Land Registration & Information Service are also a good source for topographical maps.
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Land Registration & Information Service (Maps)
396 Main Street.
Lawrencetown, NS
B0S 1M0
Tel: (902)584-2266
Outfitters and Guides
Dept. Natural Resources
(Has a list of licensed guides)
PO Box 130
Lawrencetown, NS
B0S 1N0
Tel: (902) 584-2229
West Nova Hunting & Fishing Camps
PO Box 147 RR1
Weymouth, NS
B0W 3T0
Tel: (902) 837-7172
Fax: (902) 837-4944
Timberwind Cruises
(Deep sea fishing)
Freeport, NS
B0V 1H0
Tel: (902) 839-2683
Darlene Ricker
Certified CNS,
Flatwater Instructor
Bear River, NS
Tel: (902) 467-3096
Belliveau Cove Eco-Tours
RR1 PO Box 83
Church Point, NS
B0W 1M0
Tel: (902) 837-1056
Tel: (902) 839-2271
Tel: (902) 769-7899
Wade's Landing & Marina
RR1 Granville Ferry, NS
B0S 1K0
Tel: (902) 532-7280
Annapolis County Recreation Dept
P.O. Box 100
Annapolis Royal, NS
B0S 1A0
Tel: (902) 532-2331
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Nova Scotia Government Bookstore
1700 Granville St.
PO Box 637
Halifax, NS
B3J 2T3
Tel: (902) 424-7580
Online Catalogue
Nova Scotia Nature Map
Nova Scotia Museum
Summer Nature Notes
Merrit Gibson
Parsons Bros. Hunting & Fishing Camps
RR#1 Weymouth, NS
B0W 3T0
Tel: (902) 837-5644
Cape St. Mary Charters
(Deep sea fishing)
Cape St. Mary, NS
Tel: (902) 645-2519
Tel: (902) 649-2317
Milford House
PO Box 521
Annapolis Royal, NS
B0S 1A0
Tel: (902) 532-2671
Natural History of Nova Scotia
Vol 1 & 2
Nimbus/Nova Scotia Museum
Kejimkujik National Park
P.O. Box 236,
Maitland Bridge, NS
B0E 2W0
Tel: (902) 682-2772
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