Manitoba’s recreational angling season officially opens Saturday, May 14 in the southern region and Saturday, May 21 in the northwest and north central regions, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Scott Fielding announced today (May 13)
“Anglers will be able to enjoy Manitoba’s great outdoors with the start of the fishing season this weekend,” said Fielding. “This is an exciting time for Manitobans and visitors who have been waiting to cast a line in their favourite lake or river.”
Due to late spring conditions, some fish may still be spawning during the start of the angling season. Anglers are asked to protect fish stocks by releasing fish who are discharging eggs back into the water. By proactively releasing spawning fish, anglers will help protect fish stocks and sustain Manitoba’s fisheries, noted the minister.
The late spring Manitoba is experiencing may result in dangerous conditions including unstable ice, fast flowing currents and colder water temperatures. Anglers are reminded to follow boating safety measures, wear life jackets, check ice conditions and use caution when angling.
All anglers are required to obtain an angling licence to fish in Manitoba, unless exempt. Angling licences are available online and can be immediately purchased and printed at home. To purchase a Manitoba angling licence, visit www.manitobaelicensing.ca
Anglers are reminded to be aware of all provincial fishing regulations. For more information, refer to the 2022 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide at www.manitobafisheries.com.
Several provincial watercraft inspection stations will start operating this weekend. It is a legal requirement for all watercraft, including canoes, kayaks and jet skis, to stop at all watercraft inspection stations when they are open and operators should ensure to plan their travels accordingly. Visit www.manitoba.ca/stopais/ for station locations and operating times.
It is unlawful to possess, transport, release or import aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Manitoba. To prevent the introduction and spread of AIS such as zebra mussels, water-users are reminded of the AIS requirements when entering and exiting all water bodies in Manitoba. Due to the detection of zebra mussels in Lake Manitoba in 2021, watercraft used in this lake must be decontaminated prior to being placed into another water body.
For more information on AIS, visit www.manitoba.ca/stopais/
