Saints Pond, Newfoundland and Labrador: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Newfoundland and Labrador, Saints Pond falls inside St. Bernard's-Jacques Fontaine. Tidal water begins 0.5 km from here. At roughly 6 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. For a base, Marystown sits 40 km out. After that come Burin at 50 km and Harbour Breton at 64 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Saints Pond

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. County-wide records name Atlantic cod, Atlantic salmon, brook trout and Atlantic herring. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. At Saints Pond the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -6°C in February to roughly 16°C in August. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late April. On average, late April opens the water and mid December closes it again. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Saints Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Failing this one, try West Long Shore Gull Pond, 1.5 km away. Rules at Saints Pond are worth checking on the day.