Nova Scotia traditionally enjoys the longest Atlantic salmon season of any Canadian province. Beginning in early May, it extends right to the end of October. Scheduled spring, summer and fall run rivers open and close around the province to coincide with each river's peak run of fish. With a few notable exceptions, most Nova Scotian salmon rivers are not large- certainly not by western standards. But on this long peninsula surrounded by the sea, there is a tremendous variety of small to medium sized rivers, each with it's own unique characteristics and charm. From placid meadow runs to steep rocky gorges and secret back-woods pools, the salmon fishing scene is ever-changing.

As spring hits its stride in early May, fishermen hit the waters along the South Shore of mainland Nova Scotia. The largest and best known is the LaHave River, which attracts a big run of fisherman as well as fish. Both begin to show up in the lower pools around the second week in May and continue to come into early July, peaking around early June. Like most Nova Scotian rivers, the larger fish arrive first and are joined by grilse a few weeks later. The LaHave is one of the prettiest rivers in the province and well worth fishing in the spring season - but it is by no means the only game in town. For those who seek a less congested and more intimate experience there is plenty to choose from.

Along the South Shore rivers like the Gold, Clyde, Mushamush, Petite, Medway, East, Jordan & Mersey have good early runs of salmon as well as decent runs of sea trout in mid to late June. Of course, timing is critical for angling success as it is anywhere. The best fishing comes in the first few days after a good rainfall and then can slow down to a crawl until the next raise of water. But when you hit it right, a banner day may be at hand. And just because some river are small, don't underestimate their salmon. Most fish are grilse or 2 sea-winter fish, but the odd twenty pounder has been known to surprise a lucky angler from time to time. Recommended flies to carry on South Shore rivers include large streamers like the Mickey Finn, classic hairwings - particularly the Blue Charm & Jock Scott, the always-deadly salmon Bombers & Buck Bugs and most especially yellow winged versions of Ingall's Butterfly.

As the season progresses the scene shifts and the rivers of the Eastern Shore start to heat up. By mid June salmon begin to ascend these rivers in good number and continue in spurts through until the end of September with each raise of water. The big river along this section of the Atlantic coast is the world famous St. Mary's - where Babe Ruth used to come to fish and occasionally to fall out of a boat. The legendary fishing guide Dan Macintosh invented and popularized one of the early classics of salmon dry flies, named appropriately, the MacIntosh. It is still in use today and still as deadly as ever. Other killers along the Eastern Shore include the Jock Scott, Orange Blossom, Black Bear Green Butt, Green Machine and orange hackled Bombers.

And here too, there are plenty of side trips to be taken to smaller waters. Productive rivers include the Moser, Ecum Secum, Liscomb, Musquoidoboit, West Sheet Harbour and Salmon River. In Cape Breton the Margaree, Cheticamp and North River. Most of these have good runs of fat, sea-run brook trout in June to compliment the challenge of the salmon. A large sea trout, when it hits your fly, can be as strong as a grilse and just as exciting. Most run straight up to the headwaters but many take up residence in larger pools or drift in and out of the estuaries until the final fall run.

Fishing opportunities are diverse and memorable in Nova Scotia. You're never far from good food and lodging and there is always another new river nearby, waiting to be discovered.

For more information on the Margaree River - Click Here