Government of New Brunswick

Winter Fishing

icefishing_category

Did you know?

New Brunswick’s winter fishing season runs annually from January1st to March 31st and provides fishing opportunities on more than 150 designated inland, tidal and international waters. Several lakes open during the wintery fishery are stocked with brook trout and landlocked salmon.

NB’s winter fishing season is now included in your seasonal angling licence (valid from April 15thto March 31st.) Anyone can fish without a licence for Winter Fish NB days February 15-17, 2025.
 

Under the Clean Environment Act/Clean Water Act:

  • Owners of ice shelters must:
    • mount shelters on skids or runners to allow for easy removal;
    • post their name and address clearly on the outside of the shelter in print at least 5 cm in height; and
    • not leave garbage behind.
  • Removal dates for ice shelters are announced each year by the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government.
  • For Gibson Lake (Charlotte County), Belvidere Lake (Kings County), and Nelson Lake (Saint John County):
    • Gas powered vehicles and equipment (e.g. snowmobiles, ATVs, ice augers) are not permitted.  
    • Only portable ice fishing shelters are permitted and must not be left overnight.

More information is available here.

Safety

 

  • Ice is never 100% safe. The province does not measure ice thickness for recreational purposes. Your safety is your responsibility!
  • Let others know where you’re planning to fish and when you plan to return.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and carry safety equipment.
  • Before you venture out, check local ice conditions.
  • Watch for changes in colour as you move across the ice. Clear blue ice is the strongest; white or opaque ice is much weaker; grey ice indicates weak spots.
  • The only way to be certain is to measure ice thickness
  • Remember that local weather conditions, winds and currents make coastal ice unstable and unpredictable!