Released on February 6, 2015
February 14 to 16 marks another free fishing weekend in Saskatchewan – the first in winter – to promote the province’s many ice fishing opportunities. This means everyone, including visitors from outside the province, can fish in Saskatchewan on Family Day weekend without having to purchase a licence.“Ice fishing is a popular activity for many Saskatchewan anglers,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said. “The Family Day weekend is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to learn about and enjoy the sport of ice fishing, and to recognize the province’s diverse angling opportunities.”
Caution and common sense are key to safe and enjoyable ice fishing. Test the ice thickness before you travel on it. A minimum of 10 cm of good ice is required for walking and 30 cm for light vehicle travel.
Anglers are reminded that all other fishing regulations, including possession limits and reduced limits on some lakes and rivers, remain in effect for free fishing weekend. Many of the rules that apply to angling remain the same for ice fishing; however, anglers should consult the Anglers’ Guide to become familiar with rules that are specific to ice fishing before heading out.
Free fishing weekend does not apply in national parks and anyone planning to take fish out of the province must purchase a licence. Anglers on Lac La Ronge must have a free endorsement licence, available through the Ministry of Environment’s automated licence system. This endorsement helps to conserve and enhance the lake trout population and to gather data on angling pressure and harvest on Lac La Ronge.
More information about fishing in Saskatchewan can be found in the 2014 Anglers’ Guide, available wherever fishing licences are sold, or online at saskatchewan.ca/fishing
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For more information, contact:
Darby Semeniuk
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0143
Email: darby.semeniuk@gov.sk.ca