The 2022 salmon angling season for the island portion of the province opens June 1 and closes September 7. The season in Labrador begins June 15 and closes September 15. Salmon licences will be available at retail vendors such as gas stations, convenience stores, and major chain stores.

Management measures announced by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including guidelines for hook and release and retention angling, are available in the backgrounder below.

Anglers are strongly encouraged to review the results of a comprehensive three-year study undertaken by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture into the effects of hook and release angling on Atlantic salmon, completed in November 2021. The study measured Atlantic salmon survival after hook and release, and tracked many of the factors that affect survival, such as water temperature and release technique.

Anglers are reminded of these three important recommendations stemming from the report:

• Do not practice intentional hook and release in water temperatures over 18 degrees Celsius;
• Do not remove salmon from the water;
• Do not touch or handle salmon unless absolutely necessary, and use bare wet hands if needed. Use a knotless rubber net or sling.

The Hook and Release study, videos highlighting results of the study, and recommended angling practices can be viewed at links in the Learn More section below.For more information on the 2022 Atlantic salmon angling season, contact the Provincial Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025 or wildlifelicence@gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“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.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

– 30 –

Learn more
Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2022-23 Angler’s Guide

Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Salmon Hook and Release Study: Summary

Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Salmon Hook and Release Study: Full Report

Video 1 – Hook and Release Study Results

Video 2 – Hook and Release Best Practices

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2022 Atlantic Recreational Salmon Fishery Management Measures for Newfoundland and Labrador

Class 0 Rivers:

• No fish may be retained
• A valid inland fishery licence for salmon is required. (Two per day catch and release)

Class 2 Rivers:

• Tag 1 is valid
• One fish possession limit
• Three per day catch and release

Class 4, Class 6 and Unclassified Rivers:

• Tag 1 and 3 are valid
• Two fish possession limit
• Three per day catch and release

Non-scheduled Rivers:

• Retention of salmon in non-scheduled waters is not permitted.
• Catch and release limit of three fish per day.

For further explanation of river classes, please check the Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2022-23 Angler’s Guide.