Photo : Maksim Sokolov (maxergon.com), CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nova Scotia / Nouvelle-Écosse
Province, Canada. Authority : Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture - Inland Fisheries Division (Atlantic salmon seasons set by Fisheries and Oceans Canada).
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
- Licence
- CA$156.08Salmon Fishing Licence - seasonal, non-residents 18+
- Next opening
- —
- Minimum sizes
- 68 cmStriped bass (Maritimes Region)
Useful gear for this area
Chosen from the species and size limits regulated in this area.
Responsible gearBacklit Digital Hanging Scale 50 kgTo check the minimum size: Largemouth bass 68 cm here.
€32.90£28.90Not shipped to the United States
Jointed Loach Imitation Lures 10 cm, Pack of 5For : northern pike, zander, walleye · crankbait and hard-lure fishing
€32.90£18.90Not shipped to the United States
101-Piece Lure and Tackle BoxFor : northern pike, zander, walleye · spoon and spinner fishing
€41.90£23.90Not shipped to the United States
2026 season calendar
province-wide general season; no brook trout retained and no natural bait Sept 1-30; many RFA exceptions
catch and release only (Sherbrooke Lake, Dollar Lake)
mandatory retention east of the line
catch and release only; Margaree River June 1 - Oct 15/31
Solid bars: fishing allowed. Yellow line: today.
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–70 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Landlocked salmon (open waters only)4 minimum fork length; all over 63 cm (24.8 in) released | 35 cm | |
| Striped bass (Maritimes Region)4 bag 1, 68-150 cm | 68 cm |
To check the minimum size: Largemouth bass 68 cm here. Backlit Digital Hanging Scale 50 kg €32.90£28.90Not shipped to the United States
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Trout (brook, brown, rainbow combined)4 general; many waters lower (1-3) | 5 per day |
| Atlantic salmon3 catch-and-release only, retain limit zero; daily release limit 4 (SFA 18) or 2 (SFA 19); barbless artificial flies only | 0 per day |
| Chain pickerel4 mandatory retention province-wide (invasive) | not published |
| Yellow perch / white perch4 yellow perch 25; white perch 10 (new 2026); lake whitefish 2 | 25 per day |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| General Fishing Licence - seasonal, residents 18-64 (all species except salmon)1 | seasonal (April 1 - March 31) | CA$27.41 |
| General Fishing Licence - seasonal, residents 18-641 | annual | CA$27.41 |
| General Fishing Licence - seasonal, residents 65+1 | annual | CA$6.74 |
| General Fishing Licence - seasonal, non-residents 18+1 | annual | CA$34.55 |
| General Fishing Licence - 1-day, residents and non-residents 18+1 | 1-day | CA$13.04 |
| General Fishing Licence - residents and non-residents 16-171 | annual | CA$0 |
| Salmon Fishing Licence - seasonal, residents 18+ (valid June 1 - Oct 31, 2026)2 | season | CA$41.68 |
| Salmon Fishing Licence - seasonal, non-residents 18+2 | season | CA$156.08 |
| Salmon Fishing Licence - 7-day, non-residents 18+2 | 7-day | CA$63.15 |
| Salmon Fishing Licence - 1-day, residents and non-residents 18+2 | 1-day | CA$29.79 |
Buy the licence on novascotia.ca
- Ages and exemptions1
- No licence needed at 15 or younger; ages 16-17 (residents and non-residents) get general or salmon licences at no cost. Anglers 18+ with a disability may qualify for a free licence. No licence needed in tidal/salt water or legal private ponds. Report card must be returned within 7 days of season end.
Water categories
Recreational Fishing Areas (RFA 1-6) with waterbody exceptions; Special Management Areas.
Good to know
Two separate licences: General Fishing Licence (all species except salmon) and Salmon Fishing Licence (Atlantic salmon only). Atlantic salmon fishing in NS is catch-and-release only with barbless artificial flies; non-residents do not need a guide for salmon. No walleye or northern pike entries in the handbook's general season tables; chain pickerel and smallmouth bass (east) must be retained as invasive species.
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- General Fishing Licence fee page does not print the year
- Non-resident 1-day general licence priced same as resident (single 1-day category)
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in Nova Scotia / Nouvelle-Écosse in 2026?
The “Salmon Fishing Licence - seasonal, non-residents 18+” licence costs CA$156.08 (season). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for largemouth bass in Nova Scotia / Nouvelle-Écosse?
Largemouth bass: 68 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- Apply for a General Fishing Licence (sportfishing) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- Apply for a Salmon Fishing Licence (sportfishing) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- 2026 Salmon Fishing Regulations Overview (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- Anglers' Handbook 2026 (accessed on 23 September 2026)
Last checked : 23 September 2026.