Murray Wood: Signs of spring appearing in Saskatchewan
Murray Wood says signs of spring were all over the place on the weekend, even though the forecast remains wintery for th...
It might be the perfect weekend to go ice fishing in Saskatchewan: it’s the Family Day long weekend, the weather is warm and — perhaps the best part — it’s free.
It’s the province’s annual winter free fishing weekend from Feb. 18-20, which means residents and visitors can ice fish in any of the province’s lakes without a fishing license.
“Fishing is one of Saskatchewan’s most popular activities, attracting more than 250,000 people each year,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said in a news release. “This weekend is a great opportunity for people and their families to learn about and enjoy the sport of ice fishing and to recognize the value of this provincial resource.”
The weather will permit even the most fair-weather fisherman to enjoy some time on the lake.
But it also raises the issue of safety and ice thickness.
The province said a minimum of 10 centimetres of good ice is required for walking and 30 centimetres to drive on it with a light vehicle. The province suggests more than 12 inches — or 30 cm — for bigger vehicles like pick-up trucks.
While people don’t need a fishing license this weekend, possession limits and all other fishing regulations are still in effect. Those who want to bring fish out of province are required to get a license.
