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Fishing
and Fiddling on the Margaree River
Some of the best Atlantic
salmon fishing in North Americańthat¨s
the reputation that flavours the
history, economy and character of
the Margaree River Valley in the
heart of Nova Scotia¨s Cape Breton
Highlands. The Margaree-Lake Ainselle
river system, the largest in Cape
Breton, combines the wilder Northeast
Margaree, flowing swiftly through
the steep-sided Aspy Fault, and
the more sedate Southwest Margaree,
flowing northerly through a tidal
estuary to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The Margaree,
a designated Canadian Heritage River
since 1991, is also a legendary
sport fishing river. In the 19th
and early 20th centuries, anglers
came from far and wide to test exotic
fish flies, try fancy new reels
and catch salmon so big there was
no need to brag. Today, recreational
fishing remains a popular and vital
part of the local economy, though
spring run catches are now limited
to first-year return salmon ("grilseî),
up to 60 centimetres in length.
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Margaree Harbour Cannery:
Despite its reputation
for sport angling, the
Margaree is not entirely
without a commercial
fishing history. In
1886, when the Pacific
salmon canning industry
was taking root on the
opposite coast, Alfred
Taylor won first place
in an international
exhibition for salmon
canned at his Margaree
Harbour cannery. |
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During fly fishing
salmon season, which runs from June
to October, anglers courteously
rotate their way around pools with
names such as Black Angus, Boarsback,
Hatchery, Thornbush and Big McDaniel.
Wooded hillsides,
shaded fields and deep pools are
the geographical backdrop to the
Margaree¨s recreational fishery,
while its lively Acadian, Irish
and Scottish populations provide
its cultural heritage. No matter
which Margaree community you visitńMargaree
Forks, East Margaree, North East
Margaree, Margaree Harbour, Margaree
Valley and South West Margaree you're
sure to find colourful characters
with stories to tell, poems to recite
and fiddle music to set your toes
a- tapping. A popular display of
salmon poaching gear at the Margaree
Salmon Museum hints at the mischief
and tall tales of days gone by.
The Margaree
Salmon Museum
At North East Margaree, Nova Scotia,
on the famous Cabot Trail, you can
learn more about one of the world¨s
most famous salmon fishing rivers.
View exhibits that include the life
cycle and history of the Atlantic
salmon, the heritage of Margaree
River fishing and the conservation
of Atlantic salmon and brook trout
stocks. Marvel at the range of hand-tied
fish flies and vintage rods and
reels; see the faces of famous anglers,
and the memorabilia of their sport.
This unique facility also features
collectable artwork, a local history
library, contemporary publications,
and practical information about
Nova Scotia fishing regulations,
local season dates and Atlantic
Salmon Federation ěCatch and Releaseî
guidelines.
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