Manitobans and visitors to the province are invited to drop a line in the water today and, in most places, a fishing license won’t be needed. This announcement was made by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff.
“Adventure, excitement and a chance to enjoy the many lakes and rivers await anyone who has ever wanted to catch a fish,” said Minister Nevakshonoff. “I hope everyone will take advantage of the opportunity, as once again we’re making it free this weekend through no-charge admission to provincial parks and no requirement for a fishing licence.”
Summer family fishing weekends have been offered since 1992. On June 13 and 14, anglers will be able to fish without a licence provincewide, except in national parks where a federal licence is still required. General admission fees will also be waived at all provincial parks from June 12 to 14.
Anglers fishing without a licence this weekend will be allowed to keep a conservation limit of fish, which varies by species. All other rules and regulations will apply, as outlined in the 2015 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide.
People can join interpretive staff at Marshs Lake in Spruce Woods Provincial Park on Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to noon to learn about the fish in the lake and pick up some fishing tips, or tour the Whiteshell Fish Hatchery from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 to learn about Manitoba’s fish stocking program.
“This wonderful initiative could not have come at a better time,” said Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux. “With thousands of tourists here for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, having a free fishing weekend will once again show that Manitoba is in fact where Canada’s heart beats.”
The Manitoba Wildlife Federation is once again hosting an amateur photo contest to promote fishing as a fun family leisure activity. Photos can be emailed to the Manitoba Wildlife Federation at info@mwf.mb.ca by June 30. Three winners will be randomly selected to receive family gift packs.
To obtain a copy of the 2015 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide, visit www.manitobafisheries.com.
