The Family Day weekend will see free-fishing all around the province for all residents to take part in.
From February 13 to 15, anglers will be able to fish in water bodies that have an open sport fishing season without buying a fishing licence. While this is open to both visitors and residents alike, it’s not available in national parks.
People are reminded that all other fishing rules still apply, including those for possession limits and reduced limits on some lakes and rivers. If someone wants to take fish they’ve caught out of province, then they need a valid Saskatchewan angling licence this weekend.
Environment Minister Warren Kaeding says every year over a quarter-million people enjoy what Saskatchewan offers for fishing, and invites people, especially first-timers, to try ice-fishing this weekend.
While ice-fishing requires very little in terms of equipment setup, there are other precautions fishers should take before hitting the ice.
These include telling someone when and where they’ll be fishing, and when they plan to return. Dressing for the winter weather is also important, as frostbite can happen quickly.
People should check the ice thickness before going out, knowing that water doesn’t uniformly and is unpredictable. For walking, people need at least 10 cm of good ice, and at least 30 cm for light vehicle travel.
Precautions are urged around physical distancing restrictions as well. People can find details on fishing across the province, and licensing information as well in the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide.