2021 Anglers Handbook
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ANGLERS’ HANDBOOK and 2021 Summary of Regulations Table of Contents Minister’s Message 2 Special Management Areas 3 Regulation Changes for 2021 4 Proposed Changes for 2022 4 Catch and Release 5 Seasons, Bag Limits, and Size Limits 7 General Regulations 13 Licences 16 Nova Scotia Recreational Fishing Areas Map 20 Recreational Fishing Area 1 22 Recreational Fishing Area 2 28 Recreational Fishing Area 3 34 Recreational Fishing Area 4 40 Recreational Fishing Area 5 42 Recreational Fishing Area 6 46 Winter Fishing Opportunities in Nova Scotia 55 The Freshwater Fisheries Research Cooperative 58 Inland Fisheries Division Activities 60 Tagged Fish 67 Definitions 68 Please Take Note ANGLERS’ HANDBOOK This is a summary prepared for the and 2021 Summary of Regulations information and convenience of the anglers of Nova Scotia and has no legal force or effect. Consult the Wildlife Act, the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act, and the Federal Fisheries Act and regulations when interpreting and applying the law. These regulations can change at any time. On the Cover: The Dort family releasing an Atlantic salmon. Photo by: Mark Dort • 22 1 Message from Honourable Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020 was a challenging year for anglers in Nova Scotia. COVID-19 interfered with many things, including the opening of the 2020 fishing season. Nova Scotians have been making important sacrifices and following the advice of public health officials. I thank everyone for their patience last spring as we worked together to keep everyone safe. Despite a delay the in season opening and the cancellation of some school programs and derbies, 2020 was a good year for sportfishing in Nova Scotia. Over 75,000 General and Salmon Fishing Licences were sold. This level of participation is the highest in 35 years. We hope to continue this trend as more Nova Scotians discover the joys of sportfishing. In response to the challenge of in-person licence sales due to COVID-19, the Department implemented an on-line licensing system so anglers could purchase a licence at home, or on their mobile device. This system will be improved for 2021 and anglers will have the option to purchase a paper licence from a vendor or on-line. Sportfishing generates more than $66 million annually in Nova Scotia. A new Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada will be conducted at the end of the 2021 season. The survey provides us with important information, and I encourage you to take part if you are selected to participate. We continue to work with fishing guides, hotels, and tourism associations to create fishing packages and a new website that will showcase the fantastic fishing and outdoor activities we have to offer, once travel is possible. Anglers tell us they are concerned about aquatic invasive species. In 2020 my staff successfully eradicated illegally stocked smallmouth bass from a lake in the St. Mary’s River watershed—a project that sent a clear message that we will not tolerate these illegal introductions. Illegally introducing fish into the wild is a serious offence which can permanently devastate trout and salmon populations. Anyone convicted of this offence is subject to a fine of up to $100,000. By contributing to the Sportfishing Habitat Fund, anglers have helped to restore 1.2 million square metres of fish habitat and contributed to many worthy projects. We are excited to work with the Nova Scotia Salmon Association and other partners on a long- term restoration plan for trout and salmon on eight acidified rivers in Nova Scotia. I would like to thank the other volunteer organizations that have helped deliver promotional programs, stocked fish, collected broodstock, and helped with our trout management projects. Your contributions make a difference. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, I urge you to put safety first. Please use personal floatation devices when you are on the water and check the conditions before heading out. Please enjoy the season. 2 • 22 COVID-19 Nova Scotians need to follow current social distancing guidelines when fishing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This means limiting your contact with other people, staying 2 metres (6 feet) away from them, adhering to group gathering limits, and practising good hygiene. Anglers need to determine if they can go fishing within those guidelines. This information is provided as general guidance and is considered accurate as of March 2021. Changes to restrictions continue to evolve. Stay informed by visiting novascotia.ca/coronavirus for the most up-to-date public health information before you go fishing. This could also affect programs and services offered by the department. Check the Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture website https://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing for updates. Special Management Areas Special Management Areas have been fisheries seem to benefit most from used to reduce harvest and improve changes in regulations and the need angling opportunities for both trout and for a consistent approach in regulation smallmouth bass. Anglers have reported design has been requested by anglers. that some speckled trout fisheries have In response, the Inland Fisheries Division changed and overfishing is one of the has implemented some changes to sea factors believed to be responsible for run trout fisheries that are currently under declines in fisheries in some areas. Other special management. important factors include habitat loss and competition with aquatic invasive Anglers have identified potential locations species such as smallmouth bass and for Special Management Areas through chain pickerel. the Recreational Fishery Advisory Council process. Anglers who are interested in Studies in Nova Scotia and in other regulation changes or other issues related provinces and states indicate that special to management of fisheries are management regulations have been encouraged to participate in the successful in improving recreational Recreation Fishing Advisory Councils fisheries by increasing the number of (see page 20 for more info). larger fish caught by anglers. Since the establishment of the Special Management For additional information, please Area initiative, provincial catches, review the Trout Management Plan and catch and releases, and licence sales additional reports and publications have increased. Regulations in Special available on our website Management Areas may affect bag www.novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing limit, season length, length limit of fish or by contacting the Inland Fisheries retained, and gear type. Sea run trout Division, (902) 485-5056 • 22 3 Regulation Changes for 2021 The regulation changes for 2021 are primarily focused on standardizing and presenting a consistent approach to fisheries management. Included in this year’s changes are: Location, County Changes or additions West River, Antigonish Co. Fly fishing only - The Beaver River (West River System), downstream from the outlet of MacEacherns Lake to the Bridge at Addington Forks. Not including the Cameron Lakes. Mill Lake and Cox Flowage, Halifax Co. Open Season for Landlocked Salmon. (Apr 1-Sep 30) Lake (Grey) Trout - All locations Reduced bag limit for Lake (Grey) Trout to Zero (0) fish per day, province wide. Catch and Release, only. Dobson Lake, Guysborough Co. Closed to all angling for all species. Proposed Changes for 2022 The following regulation changes are being considered for 2022. Several were submitted by anglers and sportfishing organizations through the Recreational Fishing Advisory Councils (RFACs). See page 20 for more info on RFACs. Location, County Changes or additions Musquodoboit River, Halifax Co. Change of the upstream boundary of the Special Trout Management Area from the Highway 224 bridge to the confluence (joining) of the North and South Branches of the Musquodoboit River in Dean. Wallace River, Cumberland Co. Change of Special Trout Management Area boundaries and permitted gear type. Smallmouth Bass Management Review smallmouth bass regulations in western Nova Scotia. 4 • 22 Catch & Release Photo: Mark Dort Conservation minded anglers are becoming more aware of the increased pressures and stress on Nova Scotia’s fisheries resources. Studies have shown that adopting proper catch and release techniques, and careful handling helps to ensure fish health and survival. 1) Using artificial flies and lures increases 5) Do not lift the fish out of the water by the chances of survival. Live bait is often the tail. This can damage the spine of swallowed deeply which increases the the fish. risk of injury to the fish. Cut the line if a hook is swallowed deeply, the fish will 6) Avoid squeezing the fish between the work the hook out with time. pectoral (chest) fins, this is where the heart is situated. 2) Using circle hooks or barbless hooks can reduce harm to released fish. 7) Do not touch the gills and avoid placing fingers under the gill plate. 3) Do not play a fish until exhaustion. Use equipment heavy enough to play a 8) Take the time to revive the fish. fish rapidly. Support the fish by placing a hand under the belly and keep the fish underwater. 4) Keep air exposure to a minimum. If in moving water, face the fish into the Avoid beaching a fish as this will remove current while continuing to support it. the protective coating and can lead to Keep a relaxed grip on the tail and when it infection later. is ready, the fish will swim away. • 22 5 Nova Scotia’s Conservation Officer Service Our Vision The responsible use of fish, wildlife, natural environments and other resources for today and the future Our Mission To conserve, protect and promote our fish, wildlife, natural environments and other resources through safety, education and law enforcement Call 1-800-565-2224 to report illegal activity novascotia.ca/nse/conservation-enforcement Seasons, Bag Limits, and Size Limits For all species, the possession limit is the same as the bag limit, regardless of the number of days of fishing.