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Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish Fishery

The Department has established a summer Recreational Groundfish Fishery season in Newfoundland and Labrador from Memorial Day/Canada Day to Labour Day each year. An additional fall season has also been established from the second last weekend in September to the last weekend in September.

Following consideration of science advice, recognizing differences in the health of the three Atlantic cod stocks in adjacent waters and informed by survey results and stakeholder input, the fishery will be open on the dates detailed below. There is no requirement for licences or tags for the general public.

A map indicating the three primary Atlantic cod stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador waters, identified by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Division where they are found. Northern cod, located in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL extends from the eastern side of the Avalon Peninsula and along the northeast coast of the island all the way to the east coast of Labrador. Cod in NAFO Division 3Ps range from the south-western side of the Avalon Peninsula along much of the south coast of the island. Cod in NAFO Divisions 3Pn4R is known as Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence cod and is found from the tip of the Northern Peninsula south, all the way along the west coast of the island.
Figure 1. NAFO management areas for Atlantic cod stocks in waters adjacent to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Description

Figure 1 A map indicating the three primary Atlantic cod stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador waters, identified by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Division where they are found. Northern cod, located in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL extends from the eastern side of the Avalon Peninsula and along the northeast coast of the island all the way to the east coast of Labrador. Cod in NAFO Division 3Ps range from the south-western side of the Avalon Peninsula along much of the south coast of the island. Cod in NAFO Divisions 3Pn4R is known as Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence cod and is found from the tip of the Northern Peninsula south, all the way along the west coast of the island.

Species and area

The recreational groundfish fishery will occur in all NAFO areas/subareas around Newfoundland and Labrador, which include:

Three exceptions are the Eastport, Gilbert Bay and Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Areas (MPA) where recreational groundfish fishing is not permitted.

Open season dates by area:

2GHJ3KL (north and east coasts):

3Ps and 4R3Pn (south and west coasts) :

Summer season:

Fall season:

Retention limits

Recreational fishers are limited to 5 groundfish per day (including cod).

There is no maximum boat limit.

Management measures and regulations

The recreational fishery is open to both residents and non-residents.

Retention of Atlantic halibut, Spotted and Northern wolffish, and any species of shark is prohibited. Sculpins and cunners may be released. All other groundfish caught must be retained and are part of the daily bag limit.

High-grading of groundfish is not permitted and no fish are permitted to be wasted.

All fish caught must be retained in a readily identifiable state. Fish may be bled, gutted, and split while at sea, but further processing such as skinning, cutting into sections, packing or otherwise at sea is not permitted, as such further processing makes determination of species, number and size of the fish problematic.

Only angling gear and handlines with a maximum of three hooks are permitted. Handlines include artificial lures, baited hooks, and feathered hooks. Artificial lures with treble hooks weighing less than five ounces or 142 grams are acceptable. Traditional jiggers are not permitted unless they are modified and have only one single hook.

For safety reasons, fishing is only permitted from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.

The Department reminds recreational- fishery participants to practice safe boating and check the weather before heading out on the water. For more information on boating safety please refer to the Safe Boating Guide Safe Boating Guide. For specific information regarding Transport Canada rules and regulations or to request a pleasure craft courtesy check please contact the Office of Boating Safety at 1-800-230-3693 or obs-atl-bsn@tc.gc.ca.

Tour boat operators

The tour boat voluntary pilot program will continue for Transport Canada certified tour boat operators. This includes a tagging system that will allow retention of two fish per passenger per day, seven days a week with mandatory harvest reporting requirements. To apply for this licence, please contact DFO.ExperimentalLicensing-Experimental.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Disability designations

Provisions will continue that allow persons with a disability to designate a person to catch their daily limit of groundfish. First time applicants must complete the Disability Form and have their doctor/ophthalmologist complete the required section.

If you wish to apply for a Disability Designation for the recreational groundfish fishery in 2026, please:

  1. Download and print a copy of the form;
  2. Complete application as outlined in the Instructions on Page 1
  3. Submit the application, or send via email to NL-TN.Licensing@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Applications received via regular mail may result in delays to processing your application.

For more information: How to download and open a PDF form

Tag returns and tag rewards

DFO Science has ongoing tagging programs for Atlantic cod, Greenland halibut (Turbot), Witch flounder (Greysole), American plaice, and Yellowtail flounder. The data from these tags support research on fish movement, growth, and natural mortality. If you capture a tagged groundfish (Figure 2), please return the tag to claim your reward. The return address is:

Science Branch, Cod Tag Rewards
Dept of Fisheries and Oceans
PO Box 5667
St. John’s NL
A1C 5X1

To be eligible for a monetary reward, you only need to return the tag. However, any additional information you can provide greatly enhances the value of the data for scientific research and resource management. When mailing in the tag, please include as much of the following information as possible:

Please include a name and address for the reward cheque to be issued. If you have any questions or if you would like to request pre-addressed tag-return envelopes, please contact DFO.NLGroundfish-Poissondefond.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Several tagged fish; visible tags include yellow, pink, and white markers inserted near the dorsal fins, indicating individual identification for research or monitoring purposes
Figure 2. Several tagged fish; visible tags include yellow, pink, and white markers inserted near the dorsal fins, indicating individual identification for research or monitoring purposes
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