SASKATOON – National Fishing Week kicks off on July 6 and anglers can test their reels on lakes and rivers in Saskatchewan for free this weekend.
This Saturday and Sunday are Saskatchewan’s free fishing weekend and the province is offering everyone a chance to brave the waters in search of that big catch or just to relax.
“The annual free fishing weekend encourages more people to experience the simple joy of spending time with friends and family on Saskatchewan’s many bodies of water, reeling in that catch of the day,” said Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff.
Regular angling limits apply and all sport fishing laws remain in effect. Any anglers planning on heading up north to Lac La Ronge must also acquire an endorsement.
Licenses are still required in national parks and/or for anyone planning to take fish out of province.
If you require a license at anytime, enthusiasts can sign into the new online Hunting, Trapping and Angling Licence (HAL) system. The system is up and running via the internet, enabling people to buy and print licences from home.
Anglers can also purchase licences through private issuers, the ministry of environment, select provincial park offices or by calling 1-855-848-4773.
Licence vendors were given some leeway to transition into the HAL system and can still sell paper licences until 2014.
Saskatchewan has over 50,000 fish-bearing lakes and streams, according to the Ministry of Environment.
Anglers responding to a 2010 sport fishing survey said they fished the Diefenbaker, Last Mountain, Rafferty, Tobin and Candle Lakes the most.
Officials say drowning and boat safety should be kept in mind while at the lake and remember to wear lifejackets.
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