Manitobans are encouraged to get outdoors and try their hand at ice fishing for free this long weekend, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced.
“Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and take part in one of the many winter activities available on lakes and rivers around the province,” Minister Mackintosh said. “With free admission to our parks this month and free fishing over the Louis Riel Day long weekend, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of the beauty of a Manitoba winter.”
For this occasion, an angling licence is not required anywhere in the province but anglers must abide by conservation limits for anything they catch and a federal licence will still be required to fish in national parks. Summer family fishing weekends have been a popular tradition for more than two decades, but this is only the fourth winter family fishing weekend and its popularity is growing steadily, the minister said.
Anglers should ensure conditions are safe before venturing onto the ice. They are also reminded of the importance of letting someone know where they are fishing. Appropriate winter clothing is essential to making an ice-fishing experience enjoyable.
For the fourth year, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) is holding an amateur photo contest to promote ice fishing as a fun family activity.
“We encourage families to take photos of their ice-fishing experience and email them to info@mwf.mb.ca by Feb. 21,” said Brian Strauman, president of the MWF. “Three winners will be drawn at random to win some terrific prizes.”
For more information on the free winter family fishing weekend, call 204-945-6784 or view the 2013 Manitoba Angler’s Guide at www.manitobafisheries.com. Families that do not have fishing gear can borrow some from provincial park staff at two special locations this weekend. To follow up, contact Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship’s head of interpretation at 204-945-4375, email parkinterpretation@gov.mb.ca or visit www.manitobaparks.com.
The minister noted promoting winter recreation opportunities supports the implementation of Tomorrow Now – Manitoba’s Green Plan, the government’s eight-year strategic plan for protecting the environment while ensuring an environmentally conscious economy.
