Manitobans and visitors will be able to embrace winter and try ice fishing for free throughout the province during this year’s Winter Family Fishing Weekend.
“This is a great opportunity to experience ice fishing as an enjoyable recreational activity and we are fortunate to have endless quality opportunities across Manitoba to drop a line in the water,” said Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses. “This winter has been milder than usual and while cooler temperatures have returned to Manitoba, we encourage everyone to check ice and weather conditions before travelling onto the ice.”
From Feb. 17 to Feb. 19, anglers may fish without a licence in the province, except in national parks where a federal angling licence is still required.
Anglers must follow all possession limits and size restrictions during this weekend including regulations for specific individual waters.
To ensure ice fishing is safe and enjoyable, anglers should always check ice conditions before travelling onto ice, wear weather-appropriate clothing and tell someone where they will be fishing, noted the minister.
In addition to the Winter Family Fishing Weekend, the Manitoba government is also offering free entry into provincial parks during the month of February. Vehicle permits are not required but Snopasses are still required for snowmobiles using groomed trails in the parks.
Anglers are also reminded to clean, drain and dry their ice-fishing gear to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
