City of Fredericton, New Brunswick

What's biting

• Smallmouth Bass

  Where: Saint John River main channel and rocky shallows; Mactaquac Lake; Oromocto River confluence areas.

  Early fall is prime—fish are feeding heavily before water cools. Target rocky points and drop-offs 2–4 m (6–13 ft) deep with small crankbaits, soft plastics, or live shiners; dawn and dusk are best.

  Caution: Confirm current season and size/catch limits with NB Natural Resources before fishing.

• Walleye

  Where: Saint John River deeper pools and channels; Mactaquac Lake; Oromocto Lake.

  September cooling triggers active feeding. Fish live minnows or jigs on bottom structure in 3–6 m (10–20 ft) of water; low-light periods (dawn, dusk, overcast) are most productive.

  Caution: Confirm current season and size/catch limits with NB Natural Resources before fishing.

• Brook Trout

  Where: Cold tributary streams feeding the Saint John River; Mactaquac Lake inlet streams.

  Fall water temps (now 15°C at 6 cm) favour trout. Fish small spinners, wet flies, or live insects in fast water and undercut banks; stream mouths are reliable.

  Caution: Confirm current season and size/catch limits with NB Natural Resources before fishing.

• Yellow Perch

  Where: Mactaquac Lake and Oromocto Lake shallows; weedy bays of the Saint John River.

  Abundant and eager in fall. Use small jigs tipped with minnow or worm in 1–3 m (3–10 ft); schools form in deeper water as temps drop.

  Caution: Confirm current season and size/catch limits with NB Natural Resources before fishing.

• American Shad

  Where: Saint John River main stem, particularly near Fredericton and downstream; tidal sections.

  Late summer/early fall run is active. Fish small shad lures or spoons in current breaks and deeper pools; dawn fishing is most productive.

  Caution: Confirm current season and size/catch limits with NB Natural Resources before fishing.