Nova Scotia Salmon Association

🌊🚫 STOP the spread of Invasive Species🚫🌊

Our natural biodiversity is under substantial threat. For many decades, smallmouth bass and chain pickerel have worked their way across our province - overwhelming watersheds once beloved for our native trout and wild salmon. The spread needs to stop.

The East River in Pictou County is now threatened by the discovery of Chain Pickerel in Hunters Lake. The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and FIsheries and Oceans Canada have implemented mandatory retention for all chain pickerel in the East River watershed. Other steps will continue to be taken and planned to contain and eradicate.

The Nova Scotia Salmon Association is committed to stopping the spread of Chain Pickerel and Smallmouth Bass, and protecting our native species and aquatic habitats. 🌲🐟 You can make a difference:
🚿 Clean your gear
🌱 Check your boat
🌾 Drain your live wells

Report any new or unexpected catches of Chain Pickerel. Document with photos, location, time and date.

Everyone needs to work together to stop the spread!

Created in New Brunswick by Bill Carter and later popularized by Bryant Freeman.

Bryant would often say, “Make it look ugly, neatness doesn’t count in a fly that catches fish”. The Carter’s Bug is incredibly effective for both Atlantic Salmon & Trout. In Bryant’s book, “All Things Fishing” he states, “Most look upon this as a fly to represent some sort of insect, but if one takes a close examination of the fly from under the water, a silhouette is cast which represents a shrimp”. Whatever this fly immitates is known only to the countless fish that eat it.

Bryant’s instructions on how to tie a Carter’s Bug:

Tail - “Grasp 10-13 deer body hairs from the same colour from the same patch you will use to spin the body, pull the hairs so they are uneven, do not stack. Holding them on the bend of the hook, tie them to the top of the shank. Do not let go, & do not let them spin”.

Body - “Take a lift of hair about the size of a cigarette (no larger or it will spin around the hook) Now lay this on top of the shank and hit it with the thread, let go when the thread is 3/4 way around the shank and the hair will spin out, make one turn back toward the bend to secure the hair and three towards the eye. Do this 4 times to make the body, do not push or pack the hair tight. To trim the body, use flat scissors, the first cut is to trim the bottom flat”. Next is Bryants “Up, Over, & Down” Don’t over trim, remember... ugly is the goal.

Hackle - Take two short hackles brown/ginger and secure at the hook eye, make 1-2 wraps around the hook eye, then on a 45 degree angle 3 wraps to the tail. Secure hackle by winding the thread back to the tail, trim the excess feathers and wrap your thread back up to the hook eye for added durability.

Grab yourself a copy of Bryant’s Book “All Things Fishing” written by Doug Underhill and be sure to add a few Freeman spec Carter’s Bugs to your box.

NOTICE TO ANGLERS - WARM WATER PROTOCOL Margaree River Sections 1 & 3 will close to all angling July 12th 2024 at 1600

Section 2 (NE Margaree River above Doyle’s Bridge will remain open.

What is the warm-water protocol ?
- It’s a legal mechanism consisting of management actions allowing sections of the Margaree to be closed to all angling when water temperatures reach critical thresholds.

Prior to the closure or implementation of the protocol DFO holds consultations with partners (Including Nova Scotia Salmon Association). DFO ultimately makes the final decision.

It is extremely important to be responsible when catching and releasing salmon and trout during the hot summer months. Although the Margaree warm-water protocol is a helpful tool in conservation, be responsible and check water temperatures frequently on every river you plan to fish!

Check out our post on why you should carry a thermometer and check water temperatures regularly. Salmon and trout depend on the dissolved oxygen in cold water to recover from a hook and release encounter. Water above 20C lacks the oxygen required for salmonids to rid themselves of the lactic acid produced from being hooked, making catch and release encounters at these temperatures risky.

Planning by to fish for salmon and trout this summer? Don’t forget to check the water temperatures frequently! A stream thermometer is an inexpensive and easy-to-use tool that can ensure a healthy release. Salmon & trout rely on dissolved oxygen in cold water to rid themselves of lactic acid generated from the physical exertion of being hooked and played. Water temperatures below 18.3 C are preferable for catch and release, while water temperatures above 20 C lack the dissolved oxygen required for recovery, these encounters can often be lethal for the fish. Salmon and trout need to be able to find water that is sub 20 C within 24hrs in order to recover to a resting state. It’s important to consider, just because it swims away, doesn’t mean it survived the encounter. 

Fish Smart

- Check water temperatures regularly, before, during, and after fishing.
- During periods of hot weather, restrict fishing to early mornings (evenings can often produce the warmest water temperatures, as the sun has had the ability to warm the ambient river environment throughout the day).
- Lower pools on a watershed tend to heat up faster, pools higher up river tend to be cooler.
- If you’re ever second guessing the water temperatures, use your time to scout new water for when conditions improve, or go hit the beach.

The Art Of The Release
Tips to consider when releasing Atlantic Salmon & Brook Trout

Knot-less rubber nets reduce playing time and stress, but reviving the fish correctly is equally important.

Keep fish wet and in water deep enough to be completely submerged.

Minimize air exposure, wet your hands, and avoid contact with dry surfaces.
Point fish upstream, but avoid heavy direct current.

DO NOT rock fish back and forth, the fish is able to pass water through its gills on its own.

Take the time to completely revive the fish, a fully revived fish will kick away hard and swim upstream. This usually happens after one or two half attempts to swim away. Salmon sometimes “burp” to rid themselves of trapped air from the capture. This is essential for them to regain their neutral buoyancy and remain upright after release.

Check out .fish.wet for more information and great tips!

Invasive species are a serious threat. Once a species like smallmouth bass and chain pickerel are introduced to a system, the natural balance of our Nova Scotian watersheds are almost impossible to restore. The spread has to stop, and responsible anglers are the front line for detection. If you think you’ve caught an invasive species in a watershed where they have previously not existed, please take a picture, log the date, time, and location, and report immediately to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture via email
[email protected] or by calling (902) 485-5056

Nova Scotia Salmon Association’s Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, June 25th
6-8PM

In Person - Courtyard Marriott Hotel
5120 Salter St
Halifax, NS
Virtual Meeting Link

https://meet.google.com/wvc-megj-zrt

Featured Presentation By
Dr. Martha Robertson, DFO Scientist & Coordinator Of The Environmental Studies Research Fund (ESRF) - Atlantic Salmon Project - Migration Of Salmon At Sea

Summer Essentials Giveaway

Salmon and trout need cool water with good oxygen flows to survive and thrive. Stress from recreational angling and proper handling is exaggerated when the water warms up and flows drop. Having a thermometer in your kit and checking the temperature regularly not only helps with angling success, it helps ensure you’re not fishing in conditions that cause harm to Salmon and Trout.

We’re giving away a Fishpond Digital Thermometer to one of our members - to win, tag two of your angling buddies and make sure you’ve joined the NSSA via our website. We’ll draw a winner on Monday, June 24th.

NSSA Staff Profile

Michael Martino, Acid Rain Mitigation Program Coordinator

Michael for the most part has lived a life dictated by fish, their biology, their behaviours, and the places they live. Having grown up in the heart of Montreal, he took every opportunity he could to get out of the city and into nature. This led him to pursue an education in environmental science and marine biology. Michael has worked with several native fish species, in some cutting edge aquaculture facilities. Before joining the NSSA team, Michael’s efforts were instrumental in the spawning, rearing, and care of the critically endangered Atlantic Whitefish at Dalhousie University’s Aquatron research facility. Raising fish for conservation inspired him to want to do more for our wild native fish populations, leading him to his current role as the NSSA Acid Rain Mitigation Program Coordinator. If you’re looking for Michael during his free time, you’ll most likely find him with rod in hand pursuing any fish willing to take a fly.

Travelling out, or around the province to fish is fun and exciting, but did you know you could be potentially spreading harmful aquatic invasive species!

HELP STOP THE SPREAD

CLEAN - If you’ve been fishing out of province, scrub your boots, waders, boat, and gear in warm water and dish soap

DRY - Hang your clean gear and allow to dry completely

Healthy Oceans & A Resilient Climate

Atlantic Salmon & Sea Trout spend many years in the ocean as part of their life-cycles - and we’re all fortunate to enjoy a province surrounded by dynamic salt water environments. The NSSA focuses efforts in fresh water, but support all efforts to ensure our wild , native fish can thrive in the marine environments - including responsible fishing, strict regulations for open net pen aquaculture, innovations in ocean tech, Coastal Protection Act, & Marine Protected Areas.

The White Knobber

The first fly tied on for many passes,
on many rivers by The Legend, and former NSSA President, Mike Crosby. This fly accounts for more of his salmon than any other, and is definitely deserving a spot in your box, and on the end of your “straight eight” leader.

“A fly that actually catches fish! I have used this fly pretty much everywhere I go and have had great success with it. It’s usually my go-to pattern” - Mike Crosby

Green Machine (Modified) AKA The White Knobber.
Tied by: Brian Sweeney

Hook: Mustad 3906, sizes 2-12
Tail: White calf tail with a few strands of fluorescent green Krystal flash
Butt: Fluorescent green ultra chenille
Body: Spun green deer hair
Hackle: Fiery Brown

The 2024 Nova Scotia Salmon Season is fast approaching. Licences are available online

https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-salmon-fishing-licence-sportfishing

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the regulations, stay safe, & have fun!

Do you love fishing for native Brook Trout & Salmon!
Become an NSSA member for free today. Join through our website - NSSALMON.CA
(Link In Bio)

The Nova Scotia Salmon Associations Adopt A Stream program is designed to encourage and assist community groups across Nova Scotia protect and restore their local waterways by providing technical support and project funding.

In 2023 the NSSA Adopt A Stream program and its affiliates contributed 4700 volunteer hours towards improving Nova Scotian waterways and aquatic habitat.

Salmon Smolt have left, or are leaving now…

Juvenile Atlantic Salmon live in the river for 2-6 years, transforming from alevin, fry, parr, and finally smolt. One of the biggest transitions is from parr to smolt and is called “smoltification”. As smolt, these juvenile salmon leave their natal rivers for the first time to grow and feed in the ocean. These fish remain at sea for 1-2 years before returning to spawn in their home rivers.

Every spring the NSSA uses “smolt wheels” or rotary screw traps to capture and count out migrating smolt as they leave their natal rivers heading towards the ocean. This data allows the NSSA to assess the impacts of our restoration activities such as the lime dosers, helicopter liming, and habitat restoration.

The NSSA has been using smolt wheels on the West River Sheet Harbour since 2007.

Just like Atlantic Salmon returning to rivers, there is strength in numbers when you join the Nova Scotia Salmon Association. No obligations & no cost - just an opportunity to support the work being done to help wild trout and salmon thrive in our rivers, streams and lakes.

We have a great team. A strong board. Passionate members. Dedicated affiliates taking care of their local watersheds clear across the province. And partners including First Nations groups, NGO’s and Government that help shape our priorities and provide the energy and effort to do important work. When all of those people rally around the conditions that our wild trout and salmon need to thrive, great things happen. Including being recognized for Excellence in Sportfish Conservation by our provincial government partner. Thanks to Minister Kent Smith for the award - it’s a tremendous honour. We’ll use it as motivation to keep the pedal down as the caretakers of Nova Scotia’s watersheds.

The Award:

Minister’s Award of Excellence: Sportfish Conservation

Presented to:

Nova Scotia Salmon Association

In honour of Nova Scotia Salmon Association’s outstanding efforts toward sportfish conservation in Nova Scotia.

The Nova Scotia Salmon Association exhibits outstanding leadership in developing watershed plans under the W.A.T.E.R Project and longstanding contributions to habitat protection and restoration by leading the Adopt a Stream program and the West River Sheet Harbour Acid Mitigation Project. This award recognizes the Nova Scotia Salmon Association for the development of eight priority watershed plans to guide restoration efforts to help improve aquatic habitat and identifying that acid mitigation ranks as the most impactful restoration action for Atlantic salmon, Brook trout and species at risk. As Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and on behalf of the province of Nova Scotia, I award this certificate of excellence and congratulations and gratitude to the Nova Scotia Salmon Association for their dedication to sportfish conservation.

Honourable Kent Smith, E.C.N.S
Minister
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Pheasant Tail nymph was originally created by Frank Sawyer in 1958. Due to its effectiveness, this English pattern quickly became a go to mayfly imitation in both Europe and North America. It can be tied in endless variations, weighted, unweighted, flashback, etc. We especially like Erik’s version for our home waters here in Nova Scotia and highly recommended you add a few to your fly box this season!

It’s an exciting time on our Nova Scotian rivers!
Wild Atlantic salmon eggs have hatched, or are hatching now..

Atlantic Salmon begin their lives in riverbeds, where they hatch out of eggs in the early spring. These 2cm-long hatchlings are called alevin. They live and hide in the gravel, receiving nutrients from their attached yolk-sacs and eventually absorbing it to become slightly larger fry.

Our habitat restoration and other watercourse alterations begin in early June. This helps to avoid harming the fragile fry.

As a general rule, be careful walking in streams and rivers this time of year, avoid disturbing gravel in known spawning areas. Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there.

Earth Day, every day. Our hats are off to all of those who join us in protecting, restoring and enhancing our single most precious and shared resource. 🌎🌲🌊✌️

The land bordering lakes, ponds, streams & rivers is classified as the “Riparian zone”.

This transitional boundary between land and aquatic habitat provides vegetation that is extremely important for a healthy high functioning watershed. Trees and vegetation provide a “buffer”, creating bank stabilization, erosion protection, create natural flood resiliency (dispersing water in high flows & retaining water in droughts), provide foraging cover, and create shade that cools the water throughout the warmer months.

Several more Nova Scotian rivers open today. This time of year, as salmon kelts and smolt begin to migrate out of the rivers, it’s important to be able to distinguish the differences between salmon and brown trout. Both should be handled carefully and whenever in doubt released. These beautiful illustrations by are found in your Anglers Handbook and highlight how to identify the key differences of each species. Make sure to consult the handbook for this info, along with the regulations in the areas you plan to fish!

As anglers we all love the opportunity to peek into the depths of another fisher’s fly box. Flies and fly patterns can lead even an experienced angler down a rabbit hole of myth and mystery. Here at the NSSA we want to share the tried, tested, and true patterns in a new series, “From the Vice”. Over the next year, we will drawing on the wealth of knowledge and decades of experience of our members and sharing our very favorite patterns for both Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon. Follow along for the Nova Scotia Salmon Associations, Flybox Favorites!

With the first big Mayfly hatch of the year quickly approaching we chose the “Black Gnat Parachute” to kick off the series. Although called the “Black Gnat”, this deadly pattern is an effective mayfly imitation, and an absolute must have in sizes 14-16. The white post gives this pattern exceptional visibility when lots of flies are present on the water. The parachute design gives a realistic profile while adding great stability ensuring a proper presentation.

The name “Musquodoboit” is derived from Mi’kmaq for “beautiful water”. And this signature river needs more help.

The Musquodoboit River Watershed Society, in collaboration with the NSSA will be hosting a virtual information session on Thursday, April 11th at 6:30pm with the hopes of attracting new membership and volunteers to help initiate river restoration and watershed stewardship activities throughout the Musquodoboit. NSSA will be providing information on restoration and conservation work that has been completed to date and an overview of potential habitat work that can be completed in the future.

If you are interested in supporting this fine river and attending this virtual session, please email Nicholas MacInnis, NSSA Restoration Manager ([email protected])

Hatch charts are an incredible resource to any fly angler. They’re a regional guide to the life cycles and hatches of the insects that trout feed on throughout the year. These charts can help shed light on what and when you should be fishing a specific pattern and size. This is an ode to Pat Donoghue and his Nova Scotia hatch chart.

The start to the 2024 fishing season is fast approaching! With the amount of precipitation and runoff we’ve been receiving it’s important to be safe around lakes, rivers, and streams. Spring water can be dangerously cold and running high. Wading safety tips to make sure you fish another day.

Most fish prefer slower moving water in high conditions, don’t risk crossing dangerous conditions to find fish that are most likely not there.

2024 Nova Scotia General Fishing Licenses are now available online!

https://sportfishing.novascotia.ca

Did You Know…

When you purchase your NS General Fishing License online you can now choose to increase your donation to the Sport Fish Habitat Fund. Through this donation you’re providing funding directed to the NSSA’s Adopt a Stream program and their working partners to protect and restore fish habitat across Nova Scotia. This work includes liming for acid rain mitigation, improving fish passage, & creating more climate resilient watersheds.

From our Managing Director to our friends on the river banks, the NSSA is proud of the impact women make on salmon and trout conservation in Nova Scotia.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Come visit us at the Halifax Sports & RV Show
March 8-10 @ The Halifax Ex
NSSA booth located at D51/52

Sign Up For A Free Membership
Learn about NSSA Projects

Enter Our Show Raffle To WinTFO 7’ 4/5 Wt Fly Rod Fly Box & Flies NSSA Hat

Come Work With Us, We’re Hiring!
Assistant Fisheries Technician

Supported by the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program. The Assistant Fisheries Technician is open to individuals aged 15-30.

Reports to: NSSA Acid Rain Mitigation Coordinator
Job location: Sheet Harbour
Wage: $17.50/hour
Hours: 35 hours per week (15 week internship)
Start Date: Expected May 13th, 2024

Apply Through Clean Foundation Website https://cleanfoundation.ca/job/assistant-fisheries-technician-2/