Sask. anglers ready to cast this long weekend

With people gearing up for summer activities, anglers are checking their lines and baiting their hooks in anticipation for the first big fishing weekend.

The May long weekend is an exciting time of year, said Fishin’ Hole manager Brian Dygdala, whose Saskatoon store has been busy with people getting their fishing licences and stocking up on bait.

“(It’s) more of the excitement of just getting out and casting the new rod and reel they got for Christmas,” Dygdala said.

Dygdala said while anglers will be flocking to lakes across the province, most won’t be having a fish fry this weekend. That’s because May isn’t exactly great fishing.

“Right now, your fish are going to be a little bit lethargic because they’ve been sitting in cold water for a while,” he said. “From year to year, that success has not really changed. It has always been slow fishing.”

He added that anglers should cast into shallow water, eight feet or less, where fish will be more active.

Dygdala said many northern lakes still have ice on them at this time of year, so caution is needed before getting on the water.

The recreational fishing season opened May 5 in the southern half of the province, and on Wednesday for the northern half.

Information and tips on Saskatchewan fishing regulations are available here.