The Best Fishing Spots in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador offers excellent recreational fishing across its rugged coastline and clear inland rivers and lakes. Saltwater anglers commonly target Atlantic cod, haddock, pollock, halibut and seasonal mackerel from boats or the shore, while freshwater anglers pursue Atlantic salmon, brook trout, Arctic char and lake trout. Popular techniques include fly fishing for salmon and trout, jigging for groundfish, and a mix of boat and shore fishing, with some inland areas offering ice fishing in winter. The region is known for strong runs and the chance of trophy fish throughout the open-water seasons.
Top Cities For Fishing
Sea Fishing
Bay Roberts
(1 km to coast)
Bay St. George South
(0 km to coast)
Bonavista
(2 km to coast)
Botwood
(2 km to coast)
Burgeo
(1 km to coast)
Carbonear
(2 km to coast)
Catalina
(5 km to coast)
Channel-Port aux Basques
(2 km to coast)
Clarenville
(3 km to coast)
Clarenville-Shoal Harbour
(3 km to coast)
Conception Bay South
(1 km to coast)
Corner Brook
(3 km to coast)
Dildo
(0 km to coast)
Fogo Island
(2 km to coast)
Gambo
(2 km to coast)
Gander Bay North
(2 km to coast)
Goulds
(10 km to coast)
Grand Bank
(1 km to coast)
Green's Harbour
(2 km to coast)
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
(3 km to coast)
Harbour Breton
(1 km to coast)
Harbour Main-Chapel's Cove-Lakeview
(3 km to coast)
Hare Bay
(2 km to coast)
Heart's Delight-Islington
(1 km to coast)
Hopedale
(1 km to coast)
LaScie
(4 km to coast)
Lewisporte
(2 km to coast)
Marystown
(1 km to coast)
Mount Pearl
(12 km to coast)
Nain
(2 km to coast)
New-Wes-Valley
(2 km to coast)
Paradise
(6 km to coast)
Springdale
(1 km to coast)
St. Anthony
(3 km to coast)
Stephenville
(1 km to coast)
Stephenville Crossing
(0 km to coast)
St. John's
(3 km to coast)
Torbay
(2 km to coast)
Trinity Bay North
(4 km to coast)
Twillingate
(9 km to coast)
Upper Island Cove
(2 km to coast)
Wabana
(2 km to coast)
Top Saltwater Fishing Spots
Bay of Islands
Framed by the Blomidon Mountains near Corner Brook , the Bay of Islands provides scenic inshore fishing for cod, mackerel, and summer pollock. Work tide lines and rocky points by boat or cast from community wharves in arms like Humber Arm for steady action.
Conception Bay
Close to St. John’s , Conception Bay features accessible wharves and beaches from Bay Roberts to Portugal Cove where schools of mackerel and summertime cod draw steady crowds. Small boats work nearshore structure and drop-offs, while shore casters score with shiny jigs and plugs.
Forteau Bay
On the Labrador Straits near L’Anse-au-Loup and Forteau , Forteau Bay sees summer runs of mackerel and inshore cod along kelp beds and points. Shore casters work metals from beaches and wharves, while small boats jig around reefs and tide rips.
Notre Dame Bay
With countless islands from Lewisporte to Twillingate , Notre Dame Bay offers sheltered routes to jig cod, chase mackerel, and intercept summer capelin runs. Boaters target reefs and saddles, while shore anglers fish wharves and beaches near channels where bait funnels.
Placentia Bay
Sweeping from Argentia to Marystown , Placentia Bay is known for broad, productive grounds that attract cod, mackerel, and occasional halibut on deeper edges. Calm days see boats jigging over reefs while shore anglers cast metals to roaming schools along sheltered coves.
St. Mary's Bay
Accessible from communities like St. Vincent’s-St. Stephen’s-Peter’s River and Admirals Beach , St. Mary’s Bay sees summer pulses of mackerel and inshore cod. Anglers cast jigs from points and wharves, or slow-troll spoons and teasers along current-swept shorelines.
Trinity Bay
The broad waters of Trinity Bay, dotted with communities like Trinity and Old Perlican , offer summer action for Atlantic mackerel, inshore cod, and capelin-chasing predators close to shore. Anglers cast metals from wharves or troll by boat along headlands and current seams for fast bites.
Top Freshwater Fishing Spots
Deer Lake
Set beside the town of Deer Lake , this large lake holds landlocked salmon, brook trout, and lake trout. Trollers run spoons and flatfish along drop-offs, while shore anglers cast spinners from points and river mouths connected to the Humber River .
Eagle River
Flowing into Sandwich Bay in Labrador, the Eagle River is a legendary venue for large Atlantic salmon and native brook trout. Clear runs and long pools reward careful presentations with traditional dry flies and swung bombers during the peak summer migration.
Exploits River
One of Newfoundland’s longest rivers, the Exploits near Grand Falls-Windsor delivers reliable Atlantic salmon action with numerous developed pools and easy access. Shore anglers and boaters target holding water with flies and spoons from June through August as fresh fish push upstream.
Gander Lake
A deep, clear waterbody along the Trans-Canada Highway , Gander Lake produces quality lake trout with bonus landlocked salmon and brook trout. Downriggers and deep-diving presentations excel over drop-offs, while shore anglers work accessible points near Gander .
Gander River
Winding from Gander Lake to Gander Bay , the Gander River is a classic destination for Atlantic salmon and brook trout. Expect a mix of wading and boat drifts over long riffles and pools, with prime fishing on summer high tides that cue fresh salmon movement.
Grand Lake
The island’s largest lake, Grand Lake near Howley and Pasadena offers room to explore for lake trout, landlocked salmon, and brook trout. Focus on steep breaks, inlets, and shoals by boat, or fish connected creeks and beaches during evening bites.
Harrys River
Emptying into St. George's Bay near Stephenville , Harrys River is a West Coast staple for Atlantic salmon and lively sea trout. Anglers wade or drift to cover long runs, swinging streamers and working nymphs along current seams during summer peaks.
Humber River
Flowing through Corner Brook into the Bay of Islands , the Humber River is famed for strong runs of Atlantic salmon and plentiful sea-run trout. Anglers work pools from shore or drift by boat, swinging streamers and wet flies in summer and early fall for hard-fighting fish in clear water.
Pinware River
Near Pinware on the Labrador Straits, the Pinware River offers classic salmon pools within striking distance of the coast. Anglers target bright Atlantic salmon and sea-run brook trout with wet flies and nymphs, wading riffles or drifting through deep glides.
Quidi Vidi Lake
In the heart of St. John’s , Quidi Vidi Lake is a convenient option for urban anglers targeting stocked and wild brook trout. Walk the lakeside path and cast small spinners or flies along inflows and shaded edges for quick, accessible sessions.
Terra Nova River
Crossing the Trans-Canada Highway near Glovertown , the Terra Nova River is a favorite for Atlantic salmon and brook trout with well-known pools and easy approaches. Summer fly fishing shines, from classic wet patterns to hitching small dries over travelling fish.
Western Brook Pond
Set within Gros Morne National Park , Western Brook Pond is a dramatic fjord-lake holding wild brook trout and occasional arctic char. Anglers focus on inlets, shoals, and cliffline seams, with boat access opening more water beyond limited shoreline spots.
Top Saltwater & Freshwater Spots
Lake Melville
This vast brackish inlet near Happy Valley-Goose Bay fishes like a protected sea, with opportunities for sea-run brook trout, seasonal arctic char, and inshore cod on connecting channels. Boats probe edges and river mouths, while shore anglers target current seams and beaches.