This weekend is Free Fishing Weekend, a popular initiative coordinated with Family Day in the province.

It lasts from February 17th to the 19th. The weekend allows residents of the province, and visitors, to fish any provincial waters that have an open sport fishing season without a fishing license.

The Ministry of Environment reminds that with the warm temperatures across the province recently, keeping ice-thickness and safety top of mind is crucial.

Environment Minister Christine Tell says “Free Fishing Weekend is an excellent time to try winter fishing for the first time, or for experienced anglers to bring friends and family and show them the ropes – or reels, in this case.”

While those looking to head out for some ice fishing won’t require a license, all other regulations will remain in effect. This includes possession limits of fish caught. As well, anyone who is planning to transport fish outside of the province must have a valid angling license. The Free Fishing Weekend will only apply to provincial bodies of water and doesn’t apply in national parks.