Lake Ainslie

Spring
Summer

Lake Ainslie is the largest natural freshwater lake in Nova Scotia and is the headwaters for the Southwest Margaree River. The lake spans over 20 km and has geological, cultural and recreational importance. The area was designated as a Canadian Heritage River in 1998. Lake Ainslie offers excellent Brook Trout fishing in the spring, boasts a significant population of White Perch throughout summer and is the primary breeding area for Gaspereau.  Boat launches can be accessed near Ainslie Village Campground and MacKinnons Campground.  The scenery is magnificent and anglers will surely encounter a bald eagle while on the water.

 

Guides

6 Nearby

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Accommodations

3 Nearby

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46.090656877196, -61.143073957871

Claverhouse NS B0E 1N0
Canada

Species

Brook trout engraving-style illustration
Brook Trout  |  Salvelinus fontinalis
Drawing of a Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass  |  Micropterus dolomieu
Drawing of a Perch
Perch  |  Perca

Stocked In:

Spring

Stocked By:

Margaree Fish Hatchery
Nova Scotia Fish Hatcheries

Regulations

This fishing area is enforced following general regulations, seasons, and bag limits. Please refer to the most recent Nova Scotia Anglers’ Handbook for details:

Anglers’ Handbook - Government of Nova Scotia

Please note that nearby Trout Brook is a Special Trout Management Area.

All Smallmouth Bass in RFA 1 region must be retained.

All Chain Pickerel (province wide) must be retained.

Guides

Image of David Hartlin with a large fish in a lake

David Hartlin

Species

Brook Trout
Atlantic Salmon
Smallmouth Bass
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Striped Bass
Chain Pickerel
Patrick Poirier in the water holding a fish

Patrick Poirier

Species

Brook Trout
Atlantic Salmon
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
man holding fish

Robert Chiasson

Species

Atlantic Salmon
Alex Breckenridge

Alex Breckenridge

Species

Atlantic Salmon
Blair wearing pdf smiling by the water

Blair Pardy

Species

Brook Trout
Atlantic Salmon
Brown Trout
Jed holding Rainbow Trout while on the water

Gerald (Jed) Woodill

Species

Brook Trout
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Striped Bass
Perch
Mackerel

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Accommodations

Picture of the entryway to The Normaway Inn

The Normaway Inn

"An allee of Scotch pines leads to a white shingled lodge with a sunny dining room. Tucked away on 250 acres of woodlands and fields are cabins with screened verandas and porch swings. The owner takes great pride in his food and lodgings. The chefs'…

Image of the fron to the Auberge Gisele's Country Inn

Auberge Gisele's Inn

Overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes and walking distance to most attractions. Offering the perfect blend of "home away from home" with comfort and convenience, personalized service over 30 years. 78 deluxe air-conditioned rooms, coffee machines, laundromat on…

Cabot Shores sunset image of the domes

Cabot Shores

Cabot Shores is a Wilderness Resort & Retreat Centre that offers lodgings, food, outdoor & cultural adventures, wellness services, meeting & conference facilities and various types of retreats in an eco-friendly environment.

We aren’t just a bunch of…

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the Tourism Nova Scotia website

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