Where do Outdoor Canada’s writers and photographers go fishing? At these 27 awesome hot spots, from coast to coast to coast

#21  MIRAMICHI RIVER, NEW BRUNSWICK

THE FISH: Striped bass

Renowned for its coveted Atlantic salmon, the fabled Miramichi also funnels upwards of one million big, hungry striped bass past its namesake city. Expect your electronics to turn black from top to bottom as massive schools move under your boat—the spring runs are so astonishing you can expect 200-fish days. You should also be prepared for powerful head shakes, with aggressive, 30-inch-plus inch fish striking almost anything you cast. —Chris Hockley

LEARN MORE: www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/fishing

#22  ANNAPOLIS RIVER, NOVA SCOTIA

THE FISH: American shad

Known locally as the “poor man’s salmon,” American shad give both fly and spin anglers a thrilling, acrobatic show. Arriving from the ocean to spawn in large schools from May through June, mature females can lay up to 600,000 eggs; the fry hatch about a week later, and grow rapidly before returning to the ocean. Reaching up to an impressive 30 inches in length, these hard-fighting fish also make for great table fare. —Chris Arnold

LEARN MORE: www.fishnovascotia.ca

#23  SHUBENACADIE GRAND LAKE

THE FISH: Chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, striped bass, white perch and yellow perch

Grand Lake, as locals call it, fishes well all year for a variety of species, but the striped bass that overwinter here attract the most attention. In early spring and late fall, packs of stripers under 20 inches—nicknamed “schoolies”—eagerly smash active baits, but also be prepared for bigger fish pushing 40 inches. Watch for surface activity to find the schools, then brace yourself for some of the most aggressive topwater strikes you’ll ever experience. —Ryan Anderson

LEARN MORE: www.sofguideservice.ca

#24  NORTH RUSTICO HARBOUR, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

THE FISH: Bluefin tuna, cod, cunner, flounder, mackerel, rainbow smelt and striped bass

The tidal waters here are a paradise for frugal anglers, since no fishing licence is required (although seasons and limits still apply). There’s also plenty to choose from. You can fish the wharves for flounder, small-but-scrappy cunners and rainbow smelt, or target striped bass off the beaches around the harbour mouth. Then once lobster season ends in early summer, the charter boats can take you offshore for mackerel, cod and bluefin tuna. —Zac Kurylyk

LEARN MORE: www.tourismpei.com