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Regional Report for the East Coast - Don Maclean
Originally Published in
August / October 2007 Issue
For most
anglers in Eastern Canada the most popular sportfish is the
brook trout and the majority of angling effort is spent
pursuing it. The Province of Nova Scotia recently recognized
the important role brook trout play in the life of the
province by declaring it the provincial fish of Nova Scotia.
While brook trout will continue to be the species of choice
for East Coast anglers, there is another trout species which
is growing in popularity, especially among fly anglers. That
fish is the brown trout.
Brown trout, are not native to Eastern Canada
but were first introduced to Newfoundland back in 1884. Later
introductions followed in New Brunswick in 1921 and Nova
Scotia in 1923. The fish used in this stocking program came
from two sources, Germany and Scotland. Consequently,
throughout their range in Eastern Canada, you often hear them
referred to as either German browns or Loch Leven trout. In
the early years following their introduction, many anglers had
a low opinion of brown trout as they were often viewed as
predators of more popular sportfish such as brook trout and
Atlantic salmon. In recent years, however, opinion has
changed, and anglers have learned to value brown trout,
especially the sea run populations, for the worthy sport fish
they are.
Well known writer, the late Ernie Schwiebert,
once wrote a story about fishing for brown trout in Germany.
When Schwiebert showed up at the river ready to fish the
elderly guide who he had hired refused to let them fish
because he wasn’t wearing a tie." The Brown trout", explained
the guide," is a gentleman, and you must conduct yourself as a
gentleman when you fish him". While it is unlikely that many
of us will put on a necktie when we go after brown trout,
there is no question that this trout is a worthy adversary for
any angler
Brown trout grow rapidly, and can reach some
impressive sizes. In Europe fish up to 68 pounds have b, which
was caught on a tiny black gnat in Tor Bay, Newfoundland in
1968. This spring, an 18.7 pound brown was angled from Cape
Breton’s Mira River, a new Nova Scotia record. Browns remain
well established on the Avalon Peninsula in Eastern
Newfoundland and this area offers the best opportunity to
catch a trophy. New Brunswick also offers sportfishing
opportunities for browns on the St. John River system while
the rivers running into Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Strait
offer great sportfishing for sea-run specimens.
Brown trout are generally found in the same
habitats as brook trout, but, due to their larger size and
their ability to tolerate higher water temperatures, they
often displace brook trout from their range. Angling for
browns is always a challenge. Early in the season large
streamers can be very successful, as browns are hungry
following the winter. Later on in the summer, when the water
levels drop, they can be very selective. The exception is in
the evening, or at night, when large browns go on the prowl. A
big muddler minnow or mouse imitation fished on the surface
can trigger some violent strikes. A friend once told me of
seeing a brown trout in Nova Scotia’s River Philip leap into
the air after a blue jay sitting on a tree branch over the
river. I don’t know if the story is true or not, but it might
not hurt to include some blue jay imitations in your fly box
next time you head out after brown trout.
The release of a new book on sportfishing in
Eastern Canada is always welcome news and St. John’s author
Donald Hustins has done anglers a great service in his recent
book, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout: A Journey into
Newfoundland Waters. Don’s book, chronicles the
history of the introduction of rainbow trout and brown trout
to Newfoundland. It is a great read, and I highly recommend it
for anglers contemplating a fishing trip to Newfoundland for
browns and rainbows, or for anyone interested in Canadian
sportfishing history. For information on obtaining a copy of
his book, which retails for $20, plus shipping and handling,
contact Don at
donaldhustins@hotmail.com
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