Free ice fishing set for February long weekend across Manitoba

An angler from Curve Lake First Nation brings in the dawn, ice fishing on Pigeon Lake in central Ontario's Kawartha Lakes, Sunday, January 24, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Thornhill

Anglers can cast a line without a licence across the province from Feb. 14 to 16 as part of the province’s Winter Family Fishing Weekend, giving Manitobans a chance to try ice fishing at no cost.

The province made the announcement Thursday, noting it is a great opportunity for families to discover the excitement of ice fishing.

“Manitoba offers some of the best ice fishing experiences and family fishing weekends make those experiences more accessible to Manitobans,” said Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie in a news release.

While licences are waived during the three-day event, all regular possession limits and size restrictions remain in effect. A federal angling licence is still required in national parks.

The province is encouraging anglers to check ice conditions before travelling onto the ice, wear weather appropriate clothing and let someone know their fishing plans ahead of time.

Manitobans are also reminded to clean, drain and dry their ice-fishing equipment to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

More information on all provincial angling regulations is available online.