Fishing advisories

Licence conditions and advisories that are not part of the annual regulation tables.

Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026
Apr 1, 2026 – present
Mandatory retention

Mandatory retention — Black Crappie

Restigouche Chaleur Miramichi Southeast Inner Bay of Fundy Lower Saint John Southwest Upper Saint John
Mandatory retention of Black Crappie is required under your fishing licence effective April 1, 2026. Black Crappie is listed as an invasive fish species in New Brunswick. When caught in the recreational fishery areas where this rule applies, you must retain the fish — catch and release is not permitted. Recreational fishery areas where mandatory retention applies: Chaleur, Inner Bay of Fundy, Lower Saint John, Miramichi, Restigouche, Southeast, Southwest, Upper Saint John. If you catch this species, report it to FishNB-PecheN-B@GNB.CA or 506-453-3826. Include the date, location, photos, and GPS coordinates when possible. You may keep the fish for consumption or turn it in frozen to your local Department of Natural Resources office. Euthanize the fish humanely if you are retaining it. Do not release invasive fish back into the water. Official source: https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/environment-resources/biodiversity-conservation/invasive-species/invasive-fish.html
Mandatory retention

Mandatory retention — Chain Pickerel

Restigouche Chaleur Miramichi Southeast Inner Bay of Fundy

Mandatory retention of Chain Pickerel is required under your fishing licence effective April 1, 2026. Chain Pickerel is listed as an invasive fish species in New Brunswick. When caught in the recreational fishery areas where this rule applies, you must retain the fish — catch and release is not permitted. Recreational fishery areas where mandatory retention applies: Restigouche, Chaleur, Miramichi, Southeast, Inner Bay of Fundy. If you catch this species, report it to FishNB-PecheN-B@GNB.CA or 506-453-3826. Include the date, location, photos, and GPS coordinates when possible. You may keep the fish for consumption or turn it in frozen to your local Department of Natural Resources office. Euthanize the fish humanely if you are retaining it. Do not release invasive fish back into the water. Official source: https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/environment-resources/biodiversity-conservation/invasive-species/invasive-fish.html

Mandatory retention

Mandatory retention — Largemouth Bass

Restigouche Chaleur Miramichi Southeast Inner Bay of Fundy Upper Saint John
Mandatory retention of Largemouth Bass is required under your fishing licence effective April 1, 2026. Largemouth Bass is listed as an invasive fish species in New Brunswick. When caught in the recreational fishery areas where this rule applies, you must retain the fish — catch and release is not permitted. Recreational fishery areas where mandatory retention applies: Restigouche, Chaleur, Miramichi, Southeast, Inner Bay of Fundy, Upper Saint John. If you catch this species, report it to FishNB-PecheN-B@GNB.CA or 506-453-3826. Include the date, location, photos, and GPS coordinates when possible. You may keep the fish for consumption or turn it in frozen to your local Department of Natural Resources office. Euthanize the fish humanely if you are retaining it. Do not release invasive fish back into the water. Official source: https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/environment-resources/biodiversity-conservation/invasive-species/invasive-fish.html
Mandatory retention

Mandatory retention — Muskellunge

Restigouche Chaleur Miramichi Southeast Inner Bay of Fundy Southwest
Mandatory retention of Muskellunge is required under your fishing licence effective April 1, 2026. Muskellunge is listed as an invasive fish species in New Brunswick. When caught in the recreational fishery areas where this rule applies, you must retain the fish — catch and release is not permitted. Recreational fishery areas where mandatory retention applies: Restigouche, Chaleur, Miramichi, Southeast, Inner Bay of Fundy, Southwest. If you catch this species, report it to FishNB-PecheN-B@GNB.CA or 506-453-3826. Include the date, location, photos, and GPS coordinates when possible. You may keep the fish for consumption or turn it in frozen to your local Department of Natural Resources office. Euthanize the fish humanely if you are retaining it. Do not release invasive fish back into the water. Official source: https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/environment-resources/biodiversity-conservation/invasive-species/invasive-fish.html
Mandatory retention

Mandatory retention — Smallmouth Bass

Restigouche Chaleur Miramichi Southeast
Mandatory retention of Smallmouth Bass is required under your fishing licence effective April 1, 2026. Smallmouth Bass is listed as an invasive fish species in New Brunswick. When caught in the recreational fishery areas where this rule applies, you must retain the fish — catch and release is not permitted. Recreational fishery areas where mandatory retention applies: Restigouche, Chaleur, Miramichi, Southeast. If you catch this species, report it to FishNB-PecheN-B@GNB.CA or 506-453-3826. Include the date, location, photos, and GPS coordinates when possible. You may keep the fish for consumption or turn it in frozen to your local Department of Natural Resources office. Euthanize the fish humanely if you are retaining it. Do not release invasive fish back into the water. Official source: https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/environment-resources/biodiversity-conservation/invasive-species/invasive-fish.html