Its fishing season

Beginning April 1, Pictou County anglers will have an excuse to tell their spouse they've "gone fishin'."
The sport fishing season opens April 1 in Nova Scotia. In Pictou County, inland waters are open, though some ice cover remains. Fishing on the East and West rivers will be delayed until May 15, however.
Tara Marshall, sportfish development officer with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Oceans, said she expects (brook) trout will be the most popular fish again this season. The ice that remains on some brooks could cause trouble for anglers, but Marshall said she's certain those who are anxious to get on the water will find a way to work around it.
"With the weather we've been having lately, the ice is starting to break up. Some of the brooks are open," she said. "It's going to be a bit of a challenge, but I think the keeners will be out there. The (ice) could present a bit of a challenge, but anglers will want to get their lines out some how."

The fishing season in Pictou County will be open in inland waters from April 1 to Sept. 30, with the following exceptions:

-- Barneys River, downstream from the Highway 104 bridge at Barneys River Station and downstream on West Branch Barneys River from the bridge at Avondale Station. April 15 to Sept. 30.

-- East River, downstream from the highway bridge in Springville to a line drawn from Dunbar Point to Pine Point. May 15 to Sept. 30.

-- French River, downstream from the confluence of the East and West branches. April 15 to Sept. 30.


-- Sutherlands River, downstream from Park Falls. April 15 to Sept. 30.

-- River John, downstream from the confluence of the East and West branches, including the Salmon Hole. April 15 to Sept. 30.

-- West River, downstream from the Highway 104 bridge. May 15 to Sept. 30.

-- Night Fishing for Brown Trout: Pictou County, from the West Branch Bridge downstream to the Welsford Bridge near Welsford. April 15 to Aug. 31.

-- Anglers 16 years old and older must have a general fishing licence that is valid until March 31, 2008. All licences come with a copy of the provincial angler's handbook and summary of regulations.