The Origins of Smallmouth Bass in Nova Scotia

"Where did the Smallmouth Bass in Nova Scotia come from ?", is one of the more common questions I get asked via email from this site.

I didn't know the answer until my brother, Warren, told me some of the history recently. Here is the story.

-

Before the 1870's Nova Scotia was renowned for its Trout and Salmon but the only bass were Striped Bass, which ran annually along the coast.

-

Smallmouth Bass were introduced into a private pond in Maine somewhere around 1870.

-

Whether by flood or finding other escape routes through brooks or streams, the Smallmouth Bass in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia today are thought to be descendants of that original planting.

-

They made their own way into New Brunswick but our Bass were officially planted in 1942 in Bunker Lake, Yarmouth County.

-

There were other government sponsored stocking efforts in the mid 60's in King's County and again in the 70's in Digby County but I suspect that by far most of the spread of Smallmouth Bass in Nova Scotia was done by private citizens trying to stock their favourite ponds and lakes with something fish'able as Trout became more and more difficult to find due to the ravages of acid rain in the 70's.

-

Whatever the case, we got 'em now and I spend a lot of time during the dog-days of summer flicking bugs and poppers at them. They are a game fighter and can be as easy to catch as Perch or as fussy and sullen as any Trout that swims.

-

I can't say I don't long for the old days of pristine Trout waters but Heck, I've always figured if a fish, no matter what kind, is willing to take a fly - I'll oblige by throwing one at it.