The province has announced that the annual free fishing weekend is coming up on Feb. 18, 19 and 20.
One weekend a year is designated annually to encourage participation in ice fishing. Residents and visitors may fish in any of Saskatchewan’s public waters with an open sport fishing season without purchasing a fishing licence.
However, national parks are excluded and anyone planning to take fish out of the province must purchase a licence first.
Also, anglers on Lac la Ronge must have a free endorsement and associated harvest ledger and these may be obtained through private issuers, the environment ministry or at select provincial park offices free of charge.
People taking part in the ice fishing this weekend are reminded that all other fishing regulations, including possession limits and reduced limits on some lakes and rivers, remain in effect.
Also, the province is reminding people to use caution and common sense by wearing good clothing and by testing the ice thickness before walking on it. A minimum 10 cm of good ice is required for walking and 30 cm is needed for light vehicle travel – important information as Saskatchewan expects to see milder weather conditions throughout this week.
“Fishing is one of Saskatchewan’s most popular activities, attracting more than 250,000 people each year,” said Environment Minister Scott Moe in a statement.
“This weekend is a great opportunity for people and their families to learn about and enjoy the sport of ice fishing and to recognize the value of this provincial resource.”
More information is available in the 2016 Anglers’ Guide (available wherever fishing licences are sold) or online at www.saskatchewan.ca/fishing.
