If you’re not having luck fishing, it might not be due to your fishing abilities.
Your local fishing spot may have fewer fish being stocked.
In Nova Scotia, fish, mainly brook and rainbow trout, are taken from three provincial hatcheries, raised for a year or two, and then released into lakes. This initiative supports native populations and promotes tourism through recreational fishing.
However, last year’s drought had an impact. Stephen Thibodeau, a manager at the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, mentioned that due to water conservation measures, rainbow trout are not being stocked, and there will be a reduced supply of brook trout for stocking this spring.
Thibodeau explained that the reduction in fish availability is due to the need to conserve water by reducing the number of operational ponds, which rely on local water sources such as rivers and lakes.
He stated, “As we were closing these ponds to save water, we had to stock fish earlier than usual because our capacity to hold them was decreasing.”
Thibodeau’s team currently has approximately 130,000 brook trout for spring stocking, a decrease of about 60% compared to normal years.
The stocking program is supported by three provincial hatcheries. Fraser’s Mills hatchery in Antigonish County is on the left, and McGowan Lake hatchery in Queens County is on the right. (Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture)
The standard cycle at the hatcheries usually takes a year, with new batches of fry started every spring, growing into yearlings and released a year later, sometimes after two years.
However, due to the 2025 drought forcing early fish releases, the 2026 cohort has been reduced.
Mike Christmas, a dedicated angler and owner of Mike’s Rigs N’ Jigs, expressed concerns that the decreased fish supply might discourage some novice anglers.
Christmas operates his business from his Dartmouth home, overlooking Albro Lake, a popular fishing spot known for its annual spring stocking that attracts beginners due to its accessibility and proximity to the city, as well as its reputation for easy catches. However, this could change without the usual amount of stocked trout.
“The most frustrating part of fishing is not seeing any fish,” Christmas remarked.
A female brook trout diligently building a nest. (Sean Landsman)
Anticipating Future Droughts
Thibodeau mentioned that the drought’s effects should only impact this year’s stock, with expectations of returning to normal by 2027.
He added that the current lakes housing trout and other popular angler species can endure fishing pressures without stocked trout.
Thibodeau also mentioned discussions within his division about adapting to more severe and frequent weather events like