If you’re not getting any bites when fishing, it might not be due to your lack of skill. The reason could be that fewer fish are being stocked in your local fishing area.
The Nova Scotia stocking program involves taking fish, primarily brook and rainbow trout, from three provincial hatcheries, raising them for a year or two, and then releasing them into lakes. This practice supports native fish populations and boosts tourism through recreational fishing.
However, last year’s drought had a significant impact. Stephen Thibodeau, a manager at the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, revealed that due to water conservation measures, the program is not stocking rainbow trout at all, and there will be a reduced availability of brook trout for stocking this spring.
Thibodeau explained that water conservation efforts led to a decrease in the number of operational ponds at the hatcheries. This forced them to release fish earlier than usual to cope with reduced water capacity.
As a result, approximately 130,000 brook trout are available for spring stocking, which is around 60% lower than in typical years.
The hatcheries typically follow a year-long cycle, starting a new batch of fry each spring, growing them into yearlings, and releasing them a year later. Some fish are grown for up to two years. But due to the early release of fish in 2025 because of the drought, the 2026 cohort has been reduced.
Mike Christmas, an enthusiastic angler and owner of Mike’s Rigs N’ Jigs, expressed concern that the decrease in stocked fish may discourage novice anglers. Christmas operates his business from his Dartmouth home, overlooking Albro Lake, a popular fishing spot that receives annual spring stocking.
Christmas highlighted that Albro Lake is known for its accessibility, proximity to the city, and abundance of fish. However, the diminished fish stocking could change the experience for anglers.
“The most frustrating part about fishing is not spotting any fish,” he remarked.
Impacts of Future Droughts
Thibodeau mentioned that the effects of the drought are expected to only impact this year’s stock, with a return to normalcy anticipated by 2027. He reassured that the current lakes housing trout and other sought-after species for anglers can sustain fishing pressure without stocked trout.
He also emphasized that his team is exploring strategies to better adapt to more severe and frequent weather events like the 2025 drought.
“In my 24 years working in inland fisheries, that was the most severe drought I’ve witnessed,” Thibodeau recalled.
Enjoying Fishing Despite Challenges
Christmas pointed out that fishing remains a wonderful outdoor activity regardless of the catch size or type. Victor Lewicki, accompanied by a friend with a boat at Albro Lake, remained optimistic about catching fish, mentioning the presence of trout and bass in the lake.</p
