New Brunswick Fishing Licence (2026)
Complete guide to New Brunswick fishing licences in 2026. Learn about the 10-class licence system, NB Outdoors Card, salmon regulations, and current prices.
Quick Answer
A New Brunswick fishing licence costs $36.00 for residents. NB residents under 16 do not require a fishing licence. Youth aged 10-15 who wish their own catch limit for salmon must purchase a Class 8 licence ($20) and are subject to a guide requirement. Purchase online at NB Fish & Wildlife Licensing.
Overview
New Brunswick is one of Canada's premier Atlantic salmon destinations, home to the world-famous Miramichi River. The province uses a unique 10-class licensing system that separates salmon fishing from general angling, with different classes for residents and non-residents. An NB Outdoors Card (free) is required before purchasing any licence. Mandatory hook and release is in effect for sea-run Atlantic salmon on all NB waters.
Licence Prices
Current prices for New Brunswick fishing licences (April 1 to March 31).
| Licence Type | Resident (16-64) | Resident (65+ or 10-15) | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon Season (Class 1/7) | $36.00 CAD | $20.00 CAD | $173.00 CAD |
| Salmon 7-Day (Class 2) | — | — | $100.00 CAD |
| Salmon 3-Day (Class 3) | — | — | $53.00 CAD |
| General Season (Class 4/9) | $23.00 CAD | — | $64.00 CAD |
| General Season (65+, Class 10) | — | $15.00 CAD | — |
| General 7-Day (Class 5) | — | — | $41.00 CAD |
| General 3-Day (Class 6) | — | — | $30.00 CAD |
Prices include fish stocking fee and NB Wildlife Trust Fund conservation fee. Tax not included. Classes 1-3: non-resident salmon. Classes 4-6: non-resident general. Class 7: resident salmon (16-64). Class 8: resident salmon (65+ or 10-15). Class 9: resident general. Class 10: resident general (65+).
Prerequisites
Cost: $0.00 | Validity: Permanent | Free permanent ID card required for all licence purchases. Register online, at authorized vendors, or at Service New Brunswick. Outdoors Card number needed to purchase, but physical card not required to carry while fishing.
Age Exemptions
Youth (Under 16)
NB residents under 16 do not require a fishing licence. Youth aged 10-15 who wish their own catch limit for salmon must purchase a Class 8 licence ($20) and are subject to a guide requirement.
Seniors (65+)
NB residents 65+ qualify for reduced-rate Class 8 Salmon ($20) or Class 10 General ($15) licences.
How to Get Your New Brunswick Fishing Licence
Get NB Outdoors Card
Register for a free NB Outdoors Card online, at any authorized vendor, or at Service New Brunswick. Your Outdoors Card number is required to purchase any licence.
Choose Your Class
NB uses a 10-class system. Residents: Class 7 Salmon ($36), Class 8 Salmon youth/senior ($20), Class 9 General ($23), Class 10 General 65+ ($15). Non-residents: Class 1-3 Salmon, Class 4-6 General.
Purchase Online
Visit the NB Fish & Wildlife Licensing portal and complete your purchase.
Check River Regulations
Mandatory hook and release is in effect for sea-run Atlantic salmon on all NB waters. Check closure dates and specific regulations for your chosen river.
The NB Salmon Class System Explained
New Brunswick uses a unique 10-class licensing system. Classes 1-3 are for non-resident salmon fishing (season $173, 7-day $100, 3-day $53). Classes 4-6 cover non-resident general fishing (season $64, 7-day $41, 3-day $30). Class 7 is for resident salmon fishing ($36, ages 16-64). Class 8 is for resident salmon seniors 65+ and youth 10-15 ($20). Class 9 is for resident general fishing ($23). Class 10 is for resident general fishing for seniors 65+ ($15). A salmon licence includes the right to fish for all other species.
Atlantic Salmon: Mandatory Catch and Release
A mandatory hook and release requirement is in effect for sea-run Atlantic salmon on all waters of New Brunswick. Anglers may still fish for salmon (with the appropriate class licence) but must release all sea-run Atlantic salmon alive. Note: a salmon licence is not required to fish for or retain landlocked salmon.
2026 Regulation Updates
- 2025/2026 NB Fishing Regulations in effect.
- Mandatory hook and release for sea-run Atlantic salmon on all NB waters.
- Miramichi River salmon regulations updated.
- NB Outdoors Card registration available online, at vendors, and Service NB.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a New Brunswick fishing licence cost?
For residents: Class 7 Salmon (season) $36, Class 8 Salmon (youth/senior) $20, Class 9 General (season) $23, Class 10 General (65+) $15. For non-residents: Class 1 Salmon (season) $173, Class 4 General (season) $64. Prices include conservation fees but not tax.
What is the NB fishing licence class system?
New Brunswick uses 10 licence classes: Classes 1-3 for non-resident salmon (season/7-day/3-day), Classes 4-6 for non-resident general, Class 7 for resident salmon (16-64), Class 8 for resident salmon (youth 10-15 and 65+), Class 9 for resident general, and Class 10 for resident general (65+).
Can I keep salmon in New Brunswick?
No. Mandatory hook and release is in effect for sea-run Atlantic salmon on all NB waters. You may still angle for salmon with the appropriate class licence, but all sea-run Atlantic salmon must be released alive. Landlocked salmon do not require a salmon licence.
What is the NB Outdoors Card?
The NB Outdoors Card is a free, permanent identification card required before purchasing any fishing or hunting licence. Register online, at authorized vendors, or at Service New Brunswick. Your card number is needed to purchase, but you don't have to carry the physical card while fishing.
What rivers are famous for salmon in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick is renowned for Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi River (one of the world's top salmon rivers), the Restigouche River, and the Saint John River system.