Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada

Fishing

You can admire some spectacular scenery as you fish.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park presently offers recreational fishing opportunities, in season, on its many lakes and streams. The most sought after species is the native brook or speckled trout. Atlantic salmon are also found in some park waters. Generally, the seasons run from April 15th through September 30th, with catch and release during the month of September. Some of the waters within the park like the Clyburn Brook, the Cheticamp River and the Aspy River are scheduled for fly fishing only. Catch and possession limits are 5 for trout and 0 for Salmon.

Angling within the park is presently under review as part of the required management planning process. A comprehensive Salmonid Management Plan is being developed. The park is required under national guiding principles and operating policies to ensure the highest degree of ecological integrity. Angling is permitted only under strict guidelines to ensure self-sustaining populations. During the coming year, a number of regulations may be implemented in the park which could increase the number of catch and release areas and close others because of protection requirements.

Enjoy a peaceful evening fishing along the rivers and streams of Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / P. Doyle

Before fishing in the National Park, anglers should call ahead and confirm season dates and catch limits. There is a permit and licence fee applied, along with equipment restrictions. Regulations differ in most cases from those for fishing in provincial waters outside the park. Visitors can get updated information from Parks Canada at one of the warden offices in Ingonish Beach (902-285-2542) and Cheticamp (902-224-3798).

For provincial regulations contact the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources at
(902-295-2554) in Baddeck and (902-756-2298) in Whycocomagh, or go to the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website to view a PDF version of the summary of regulations.