Brown trout populations were introduced from Germany and Scotland to select watersheds in Nova Scotia in the 1920s and 30s. Those original introductions have adapted well to their new homes, with many self-reproducing populations established and thriving. And like the brook trout, where they have access to the sea, they will run to the salt and grow large. Fish up to ten pounds are not unknown in these rivers and fishing the estuaries can be particularly deadly for lunker sea-run browns.

Baitfish imitations such as Bucktails, Muddler Minnows and Matukas are good fly choices as well as leach patterns and soft hackle streamers. For smaller resident browns, standard trout nymph and dry flies are used. Recently Nova Scotia has opened a few select rivers for nighttime brown trout fishing - when the largest and most wary browns come out to feed. Although extra care & caution should be used when fishing at night, it can be worth the extra effort. Tossing large streamers and splashy dry flies, including small mouse imitations, can be heart-stoppingly effective at night. A note of caution - if you haven't done it before - be very careful fishing at night. Ideally you should scout out your chosen spot in daylight first and stick to it.

Brown trout watersheds worth trying include River Philip in Cumberland County, River John. Barneys River, and Sutherlands River in Pictou County, Mersey River in Queens County, Cornwallis River in Kings County, Waterloo Lake and Nictaux River in Annapolis County, Annis River in Yarmouth County, Salmon River in Digby County, Stewiacke River, French River & Waughs River in Colchester County, Salmon River and Millford Haven River in Guysborough County, West River in Antigonish County and the Mira River in Cape Breton County.