The event will take place throughout this Family Day weekend from Saturday, Feb. 13 through Monday, Feb. 15 at lakes throughout the province, with no licence required to take part in one of Saskatchewan’s most popular winter activities.
“Every year, more than a quarter of a million anglers enjoy Saskatchewan’s world-class fishery,” said Environment Minister Warren Kaeding. “Free fishing weekend is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and experience ice fishing, perhaps for the first time.”
Anyone who wants to take part can do so on any lake outside of national parks, those being Prince Albert National Park up north and Grasslands National Park in the southwest.
Other than that, lakes are open for business free of charge, including the wildly popular Buffalo Pound.
But don’t get too greedy out there -- all other regulations remain in place, including possession limits and reduced limits on some lakes and rivers. You can click here to check out the latest edition of the Saskatchewan Angler’s Guide and find all the limit numbers for your preferred species as well as your region.
The provincial government also reminds ice fishermen to observe all physical distancing regulations and to put safety first when heading out on the ice, including letting someone know where you’ll be fishing and when you plan to return.
One of the most important factors in winter fishing -- outside of dressing for the weather -- is knowing the thickness of the ice. For walking, that means at least 10 centimeters of good ice, and at least 30 cm for light vehicle travel including cars, and more than 30 cm if you plan to drive your half-ton out there.
For more information about fishing in Saskatchewan, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/fishing.
