Bulletins

Please note that the Northwest River fishery follows Department of Fisheries and Oceans environmental protocols for fishery closures. 

Parks Canada requires anglers to have both a Newfoundland and Labrador Inland Salmon Licence and a National Park Salmon Licence to participate in the Northwest River recreational salmon fishery. The provincial licence must be purchased before obtaining the National Park Salmon Licence, which is free of charge and available at the seasonal Northwest River Kiosk. A full list of regulations will be provided to each angler.  

In 2001, salmon numbers in the Northwest River were alarmingly low, with only 153 fish recorded at the counting fence. In response, a coalition of stakeholders, including Parks Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and local citizens, formed the Northwest River Conservation Group. The group’s efforts have helped increase salmon numbers on the river and, since 2003, supported a limited annual recreational salmon fishery. Data from Parks Canada’s 2025 monitoring program recorded 906 salmon, illustrating the positive impact of efforts. Continued cooperation of recreational fishers remains essential to sustaining this fishery.

Parks Canada is a leader in conservation. Canada’s network of protected areas has an important role to play by protecting and restoring healthy, resilient ecosystems and contributing to the recovery of species at risk. In managing the Northwest River within Terra Nova National Park, Parks Canada’s primary concern is to ensure the protection of the river’s ecological integrity and the health and long-term sustainability of its salmon population.

For information and updates, please contact Terra Nova National Park at 709-533-2801 or the Northwest River Kiosk at 709-437-4587. Information is also provided on the Terra Nova National Park Facebook page as well as the Northwest River Conservation Group – Facebook page.