Atlantic Salmon Fly Fishing Guide

The rivers and the fly fishing>>

 

Atlantic salmon are known as the "king of freshwater game fish," an appropriate title for many reasons. Being an anadromous fish, they make a tremendous journey during their lifetime, migrating from the rivers of their birth to feeding grounds in the north Atlantic Ocean and back again to spawn.

They are powerful too, among the greatest fighters in the fly fishing world. Atlantic salmon are a symbol of clean, healthy rivers that run wild to the sea.

 

Salmon Fishing licenses and regulations

All Nova Scotia waters are open to the general public, with no private water. As well, fishing guides are not mandatory.

All scheduled Atlantic Salmon rivers in the province of Nova Scotia require a salmon license to fish.

The cost for a one day non-resident Salmon fishing license is $30.00.

A 7 day non resident salmon fishing license is $63.65. (Margaree River)

Since the Cheticamp River is within the National Park, a Park salmon license is required to fish the river at a cost of approximately $36 for the season, resident or non-resident. You do not need a Nova Scotia salmon license to fish the Cheticamp River.

We practice live release of all Atlantic Salmon!

Our fly fishing season

Our fly fishing season for Atlantic Salmon is from June 1st to October 31st and provides exciting angling opportunities throughout the whole season, with better or excellent fishing to be had when water levels and weather conditions are favorable. The average size salmon entering our rivers is 8 - 12 lbs. and we also have a summer run of grilse (3-5 lbs.) mixed in. As well, there is a percentage of repeat spawners reaching upwards to 20 and 30 lbs. in the mix.

The summer and fall fishing season is similar to the typical freshwater fly-fishing that is practiced throughout the world. All of our fishing is done by wading the rivers or streamside from the bank, normally using floating lines and a variety of traditional and modern Atlantic Salmon wet and dry fly patterns. Nothing equals the adrenaline rush of seeing an Atlantic Salmon rising to break the surface to engulf a dry fly!

We usually fish with 9-10 ft. one handed fly rods, using 7-9 wt. floating lines during normal conditions for most of the season.

As well, we fish with two handed, switch and Spey rods. Much can be said about the use of two handed fly rods and their advantages, however, the river is comfortably waded and fished using one handed fly rods.

Having said that, I am as comfortable teaching, one or two handed (switch and/or Spey) casting and fly fishing techniques, as I am teaching the uninitiated first timer who is just learning how to cast.

Our rivers

In our immediate area, we have the world famous Margaree River that has attracted much attention and hosted anglers from all over the world for many decades! 

 

As well, we have the Cheticamp River which is a smaller wilderness type stream within Cape Breton Highlands National Park that can produce well, especially in June and during spate conditions throughout the season. You need a separate fishing license to fish within the National Park.

​

In October, the fall season can see Atlantic Salmon entering other smaller streams in our area, the Middle River and the Baddeck are relatively close by. The North River is, at times, also worthy of a visit!