Port Nelson

Saltwater
Bay

Port Nelson

Saltwater
Bay

Sq. miles: 123
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 2

Port Nelson is an abandoned port facility situated on the western shore of Hudson Bay in Nunavut, Canada, at the mouth of the Nelson River. The location is historically significant, having been used for fur trading and briefly developed as a potential grain shipping terminus in the early 20th century. Today, it is a completely deserted, non-operational site. The surrounding marine environment is part of the vast Hudson Bay system, characterized by its Arctic conditions, significant seasonal ice cover, and powerful tidal influences from the adjoining rivers. This remote, undeveloped coastline offers a raw and challenging saltwater angling experience in a truly wild setting.

Nu licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Port Nelson and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Arctic Char

Salvelinus alpinus

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Port Nelson. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

The most prominent man-made structure is the remnants of the old main wharf and steel bridge, which may attract bait and provide ambush points for predators. The primary natural fishing spots are the dynamic zones where the Nelson River and Hayes River empty into Hudson Bay. Focus on the edges of the main river channels, points of land that deflect current, and any deeper holes or drop-offs located near the river mouths. The silt deposits carried by the river create shifting underwater structure that fish use.

Know where you can legally fish on Port Nelson

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Nu licenses and regulations

Nunavut Boating Regulations

This page explains what a Pleasure Craft License is, who needs one, how to apply for one, and how to keep your information up to date.

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Nunavut Fishing License

Government of Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide — the authoritative source for who needs a sport fishing licence (resident, Canadian-resident, non-resident categories, age and Nunavut Agreement beneficiary exemptions) and where to obtain one. Licences are sold at lodges, sporting-goods and convenience stores, and some RCMP offices.

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Nunavut Fishing Regulations

DFO's recreational fishing regulations hub, with a dedicated Nunavut section linking the Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide. Nunavut sport fishing is currently regulated federally under the Northwest Territories Fishery Regulations; current catch limits, seasons and gear rules are in the Government of Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide.

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Nunavut Stream Access Laws

Angler access in Nunavut is governed by the Nunavut Agreement land claim, which controls access to Inuit-Owned Lands and waters with Inuit harvesting rights; the Government of Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide is the closest official angler-facing resource on access.

Learn more

Take Port Nelson with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Port Nelson to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Port Nelson to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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