June 8, 2015
Saskatchewan residents and visitors to the province are encouraged to cast a line and try their hand at fishing this July 11 and 12, as we celebrate the annual Saskatchewan Free Fishing Weekend.
“The Free Fishing Weekend is an excellent chance for people to get out and enjoy fishing with friends and family on some of our province’s exceptional lakes and waterways,” says Darrell Crabbe, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation.
With nearly 100,000 lakes and rivers, Saskatchewan boasts some of the best freshwater fishing in the world. Close to 250,000 anglers participate in recreational fishing each year, including more than 40,000 out-of-province anglers. Almost 70 different species of fish inhabit the province’s lakes, rivers and streams. Northern pike and walleye are common species throughout the province, with an abundance of yellow perch in the south and central fishing zones. Northern lakes teem with walleye, Arctic grayling, northern pike and lake trout.
National Parks are not included in the Free Fishing Weekend opportunities, and anyone planning to take fish out of the province must purchase a licence. All other fishing regulations apply, including possession limits and reduced limits on some lakes and rivers. Be sure to reference the 2015 Anglers’ Guide for full details.
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation wants people to enjoy boating and angling on Saskatchewan’s lakes and reminds everyone to be safe in their recreational activities and to practice safe boating. And just like the Canadian Safe Boating Council says, wearing a lifejacket is even more important than wearing your ‘lucky fishing hat’. But they do share one trait – they both have to be worn to be effective.
More information about fishing in Saskatchewan can be found in the 2015 Anglers’ Guide, available wherever fishing licences are sold, or online at www.swf.sk.ca/resources/for-anglers and www.saskatchewan.ca/fishing.
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Darrell Crabbe
Executive Director
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
P: 306-694-8812
E: dcrabbe.swf@sasktel.net
Darby Briggs
Communications Coordinator
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
P: 306-694-8812
E: dbriggs.swf@sasktel.net