Fishing waters gradually open to the average citizen as the sport becomes more popular.

rdinary New Brunswickers wanted to enjoy the sport of angling, and they began to demand access to prime fishing waters as soon as they achieved some leisure and extra income. A small step was taken in 1898 when several lakes near Saint John were opened to local anglers, who paid a rod day charge to fish trout and landlocked salmon.

The public first gained access to the northern Atlantic salmon waters in 1927, when a five-mile Crown Reserve was established on the Restigouche. Lucky anglers, chosen by lot, paid a substantial rod day fee. By the early 1950s, more than 100 lakes and over 450 miles of river had become Crown Reserve or unrestricted Crown Open Waters. The exclusive fishing clubs still held most of the best waters under Crown Lease, but ordinary people had become enthusiastic salmon anglers.