Fishing enthusiasts may notice a decrease in stocked fish at their local fishing spots, impacting their chances of a successful catch. The Nova Scotia stocking program, which raises brook and rainbow trout in three provincial hatcheries before releasing them into lakes, has been affected by last year’s drought. Stephen Thibodeau, a manager at the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, explained that due to water conservation measures during the drought, the program is not stocking rainbow trout and will have fewer brook trout available for stocking this spring.

The hatcheries typically follow a yearly cycle of raising fish from fry to yearlings, releasing them into lakes a year later. However, the 2026 fish cohort has been reduced due to the early release of fish in 2025 because of the drought. Mike Christmas, a local angler and business owner, expressed concerns that the decrease in stocked fish may discourage beginner anglers who frequent popular fishing spots.

Thibodeau reassured that the effects of the drought should only impact this year’s stock, and by 2027, the stocking levels are expected to return to normal. Despite the challenges posed by the drought, Thibodeau’s team is strategizing ways to adapt to future weather events. While the reduced fish stock may affect fishing experiences in the short term, Thibodeau remains optimistic about the program’s ability to recover and continue supporting recreational fishing in Nova Scotia.

Fishing enthusiasts like Victor Lewicki continue to enjoy their time on the water, undeterred by the decrease in stocked fish. The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture plans to prioritize the limited brook trout inventory for specific programs before using the remaining fish for spring stocking activities. Despite the current challenges, the fishing community remains resilient and looks forward to better fishing opportunities in the future.