With Saskatchewan’s Family Day holiday fast approaching, residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in the annual winter free fishing weekend from February 16-18. Each year in conjunction with Family Day, people are encouraged to try ice fishing at no cost and enjoy Saskatchewan’s natural beauty in the winter.
Residents and visitors may fish in any waterbody that has an open sport fishing season without purchasing a fishing license.
“With Saskatchewan attracting more than 250,000 anglers annually, this is the perfect opportunity to try something new, enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends,” Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. “Free fishing weekend provides a chance for those who have never been ice fishing to give it a try without having to worry about the cost of a license.”
Anglers are reminded to use caution and common sense, and always put safety first when going out on the ice. This includes testing 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.
Anyone planning to take advantage of free fishing weekend is reminded that all other fishing regulations, including possession limits and reduced limits on some lakes and rivers, remain in effect.
Free fishing weekend does not apply in national parks and anyone planning to take fish out of the province must purchase a license.
More information about fishing in Saskatchewan can be found in the Anglers’ Guide, available wherever fishing licences are sold, or online at www.saskatchewan.ca/fishing.
