Fishing season

On Jun. 17, the recreational cod fishery dates were announced for the 2022 season, summer and fall. The announcement came a few weeks after the Atlantic salmon recreational angling season dates were announced on May 31.

The recreational cod fishery summer season opens Saturday, July 2. The recreational groundfish fishery will open again this season for 39 days, will be spread throughout the summer and fall, and will take place Saturday, Sunday and Monday each week from July 2 to Sept. 5, and from Sept. 24 to Oct. 2.

Individuals are allowed a daily limit of five groundfish and a maximum boat limit of 15 fish, which applies when three or more people are fishing per day, the same limits that were in place during previous years.

The Atlantic salmon recreational angling season opened on Jun. 1 and will close on Sept. 7 on the island portion of the province, and from Jun. 15 to Sept. 15 in Labrador.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada also announced management measures, including guidelines for hook and release and retention angling. These include not practicing intention hook and release in waters with temperatures over 18 degree Celsius, removing the salmon from the water, and avoiding handling the fish unless absolutely necessary using bare, wet hands.

Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture said the hook and release study is something all anglers should read.

“Recreational angling is treasured by residents and non-residents alike in Newfoundland and Labrador. I encourage all anglers to review the recent, comprehensive Hook and Release study completed by wildlife experts of our department before going out on the river. This study has provided valuable new information and scientific data that are helping guide our Atlantic salmon conservation efforts. All anglers should adhere to these three important recommendations: don’t intentionally hook and release in water over 18 degrees; don’t take the salmon out of the water; and do not handle the salmon if possible. The sustainable management of Atlantic salmon is critical to the future health of this precious resource.”

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