As the days begin to shorten and the evening air turns cool, the Canadian summer gives way to early fall and salmon fishermen in Nova Scotia turn their thoughts to the coming fall season. And when most other salmon fishing districts are shut down for the year, Nova Scotia's season is just peeking - from mid September until the end of October. It's a glorious time to be on the water… as the hardwood forests turn to gold and crimson and the fall spates bring home some of the biggest fish of the year. Its time to tie up some 1/0 flies and put away the 6lb test.

Nova Scotia's fall-run rivers, particularly those of the north shore along the Northumberland Strait, are widely believed to be some of the best in the province and attract anglers from near and far. Because these rivers are relatively short and without significant ponds, lakes or other deep water sanctuaries for the hot days of summer, they only see their salmon return during the cold water months of fall. But when they do come, the fishing is anything but cool. In fact it can be downright hot with 3, 4 and even 5-fish days not uncommon. Of course, 0-fish days are not uncommon either - this is salmon fishing after all. Timing, as always, is the critical factor. These rivers can rise and fall in a matter of a few days and when they do, the fish move upriver fast. Interception is the name of the game for these traveling fish.

On Nova Scotia's mainland, fall-run rivers of note include River Philip, the Wallace, Barney's, Sutherlands, Waughs, River John, East River, West River and South River. Although none are particularly large rivers, they all have good runs of fall salmon. And they are noted for producing some remarkably big fish - 20 plus pounders and the odd fish pushing 30 pounds are landed every season. Of course the majority of fish entering these rivers are not all that big… but the possibility of hooking up with one is always there. And it keeps you on your toes.

Favorite fall flies for the mainland include the General Practitioner, Grey Heron, Silver Satan, Copper Killer, Rusty Rat and a variety of bright, marabou-winged flies such as the Cardinelle or the Orange Muddler. Big flies are the rule of thumb at this time of the year, nothing below a #4 and, in high water, up to 2/0.

A little further east and across the Strait of Canso lies Cape Breton Island, a major Mecca for salmon fishermen throughout the season, but especially so in the fall. The beautiful Highland Mountains, part of which form Cape Breton Highlands National Park, are spectacular in the fall! People drive up from as far away as California to make the run around the world famous Cabot Trail and just look at the leaves. And it's here others come seeking more fascinating fall colors… namely silver and chrome.

Cape Breton's marquee river is, of course, the mighty Margaree, which has drawn visiting and local anglers to its waters for over a century. It is a beautiful river and it supports both a summer run and an even larger fall run of salmon.

The Margaree is the largest on the island and a must-fish river for any salmon angler, but is certainly not the only game in town in the fall. Smaller but equally challenging, the Aspy, Baddeck, Middle and Barachois Rivers are always worth a day's side trip. Each has its own charm, challenge and unique runs of fall salmon. Driving through the blazing woodland hills to one of these highland jewels is worth the price of admission alone. Finally, there is the dark and mysterious Indian Brook on the east coast of the island just south of the National Park. This river, despite its name, is actually quite large and has some remarkably deep pools. It is also known to have a late run of big fish. There are no roads or trails along its length so access is very difficult and not for the faint of heart. But for the more adventurous hiker/angler it can be a true wilderness experience and a chance to strike silver in a secret place.

Flies to carry on the Island include many of those mentioned for the mainland as well as local favorites, the Ross Special, Green Highlander, Cosseboom Special, Big Intervale Blue, Micky Finn, and the Canary.

Thanks to a longstanding act of legislation all waters in Nova Scotia are deemed to be public. Anglers are therefore free to hop from river to river as conditions and the time of the year dictate. There is also no mandatory guide requirement in Nova Scotia so the angler is free to explore on his or her own. That being said, a good local guide will always maximize your chances of being in the right place at the right time with the right fly on your line. And out here, that is the name of the game for salmon success. Ironically, because of the no-guide requirement, those that actually do take up the venerable old profession here have usually earned their chops and are some of the best you'll find anywhere. For recommendations try calling Fishing Fever Fly & Tackle Shop in Halifax (902-454-2244) or Strathdee's Fly Shop in Margaree (902-248-2076).

For more information on the Margaree River Click Here