FAQs

Season

Start June 1 on most rivers and runs until September 4.
Lower Humber has a Fall catch and release fishery until October 8.
A couple of regional rivers open on June 15.

Newfoundland Fishing Regulations

Newfoundland's fishing regulations are strictly enforced. Fines average $1,000.00 and all gear used in illegal fishing can be confiscated. Fishermen caught illegally fishing can be also banned from fishing for up to 5 years.

Non-residents are required to have a valid salmon license to retain trout on scheduled salmon rivers.

Non-residents are required to have a valid trout license to fish all non scheduled waters.

Fishing Times

Fishermen may start fishing one hour before dawn and fish up to one hour after dusk.

Legal & Illegal Gear

Atlantic salmon may only be played on fly rods using a non-weighted artificial fly of single barbless hook design.

There are no regulations on the type of gear that can or can't be used to play trout.

Non-Resident Guide Requirement

Non Residents may not fish on any scheduled river unless accompanied by a licensed guide.

No Residents may fish unscheduled waters within eight meters of a provincial high way. Beyond that they must be accompanied by a licensed guide.

Bag Limits

All salmon over 63cm or 24.75 inches must be released.

Daily bag limits for salmon are as follows:

Two fish on Class I, II and III rivers.
No fish on Class IV rivers.

Daily Catch and Release limits are as follows:

Four fish on Class I, II and III rivers.

Field Possession Limits:

Twice the daily bag limit.

Season Retaining Limits

Class I Rivers:

Six fish per season, Tags 1 -6

Class II Rivers:

Four fish per season, Tags 1 -4

Class III Rivers:

Two fish per season, Tags 1-2

River Classification

Salmon rivers are rated on the following bases and factors:

Salmon Population
Spanner Returns
River Size
Angling Pressure
River Remoteness

Packing Check List

GEAR REQUIRED	CLOTHING REQUIRED	PERSONAL AFFECTS
Rain Gear Waders Casting Reel (Min. 150 Backing) Leader (8-5 lb. Test) Fly Rod (Min. 9 Ft.) Sun Hat Polarized Sun Glasses (UV Rated) Light Gloves Rubber Boots Sun Block (SPF 30) Lip Balm	Warm Pants Light Pants Sweaters Long Sleeve Shirts T-Shirts Thermal Underwear Underwear Socks	Camera Brush & Comb Tooth Brush Tooth Paste Deodorant Shaving Gear Eye Wear supplies Nail Clippers Insect Repellent

Click Here For Printable Check List (PDF Version)

You May Wonder

How many fish will I catch?

The catch rates vary depending on time of year and location but, under ideal conditions, we usually enjoy a consistent 1- 3 salmon a day.

How big are the fish?

Size varies from river to river and time of year. Most rivers have fish ranging from 3-6 lbs and on the Lower Humber in particular the average fish that caught is 10-15 lbs. With many fish in the 20 lbs range and a few caught every year in the 30-40 lbs range.

How many can I keep?

We here at Explore Salmon Fishing always encourage catch and release but an angler can legally retain two fish a day under 24 3/4" or 63 cm. and 6 total per season.

What is the Cost of a license?

Anyone booking an all inclusive fishing package with Explore Salmon Fishing, the license fees are included. In any other case, a non-resident pays around 80 dollars Canadian.

How are the rivers for wading?

Some areas are difficult for wading. On most of our rivers the wading is fair to easy.

Can I do other activities?

Explore Salmon Fishing is affiliated with Explore Newfoundland which is the largest outfitting company for outdoor adventure in Newfoundland and Labrador. (Link) any other activities that you would like to take part in can also be included in your fishing package.

Do I need back up gear?

At Explore Newfoundland Adventure we carry a full line of gear in our rental fleet that you can use at no extra charge.

Do I fish from a boat or shore?

That depends on where you wish to fish and were the fish are. We offer both wade and boat fishing.

How do I get to the fishing lays?

We have a large means of transport. Ranging from vans to ATV's on land and boat to rafts on the water. There is also the option of a helicopter with some of our packages.

Are the insects bad?

Early in the season flies are a nuisance in the woods but after June it is usually not too bad. When you are on the water you hardly see a fly.

Are the fishing lays crowded?

If a fishing lay is crowded we just go to another lay. There are so many places to fish that you will not be limited to one location.

Will I be sharing accommodations?

Most of our lodges have dual occupancy bed rooms with a private bath room and a community living space (living room & dining room).

What type of meals are served?

On remote trips, where the guides do all the cooking, your menu will consist of already prepared meals such as pasta, meat and vegetables, fish and rice. All our loges have a chef who can prepare just about anything with some notice.

Do Atlantic Salmon die after they spawn?

Atlantic Salmon do not die after they spawn. They return to the ocean and come back on an average every two years. That means every year there is a new group of salmon coming back between the newly spawned salmon and the returnees.

Do I need to bring safety gear?

Explore Newfoundland provides all it's clients with the safety gear required for a safe trip.