Posted on 05/13/2010, 1:09 pm, by mySteinbach

Manitobans and visitors will be able to take advantage of incredible opportunities to land walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, goldeye, white bass, lake trout and yellow perch as the angling season opens this month, Water Stewardship Minster Christine Melnick said today.

Fishing in southern division waters starts May 15, while opening day for the general angling season in the northwest and north-central divisions is May 22.

“Our licence fees will continue to support protection of the fisheries resource and I am pleased to announce this year, the weekend of June 12 and 13 is being designated as Family Fishing Weekend and features free fishing for all,” said Melnick.

Licence fees for the 2010 angling season are unchanged from 2009:

• resident, conservation licence – $13.94;

• resident, regular licence – $19.83;

• Canadian resident, conservation licence – $22.77;

• Canadian resident, regular licence – $42.40;

• non-resident, conservation licence – $32.59;

• non-resident, regular licence – $57.12; and

• senior resident, conservation licence – free.

Licence fees include GST.

Licences are available at hundreds of businesses throughout the province and Manitoba Conservation offices. Recreational fishing includes angling, spear fishing, bow fishing, dip netting, seining and minnow trapping.

Other upcoming angling-related events include:

• The Manitoba Recreational Fishing League, offered by the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF), Recreation Connections and Berkley Canada. Information is available by calling 204-633-5967 or at www.mwf.mb.ca/league.

• The Winnipeg Fish Festival, July 10, offered by the MWF, City Cats Guiding Service, City of Winnipeg Community Services Department and Manitoba Water Stewardship Fisheries Branch. For more information, call 204-945-6640.

• National Fishing Week, July 3 to 11. For more information visit www.nationalfishingweek.com.

• Winnipeg Urban Fall Fishing Derby, Sept. 18, offered by City Cats and Winnipeg’s Urban Angling Partnership. For more information, call 204-945-6640.

More details on recreational angling in Manitoba is available from Manitoba Water Stewardship fisheries offices or online at www.manitobafisheries.com.