MANITOBA
As our rivers and lakes start to open up just a reminder that the new 2024 Manitoba Angling license comes into affect on May 1st. You can purchase your license online and the cost of the license for Manitoba residents is $22 for the year, a pretty darn good price compared to a lot of other jurisdictions. You can also purchase a one day license for $8. For seniors 65 and over, active military or veterans there is no license required.
With the new angling regulations coming into effect last year, there is no closed season for many species of fish. Many anglers are heading out the rivers that have some decent flow. In the west, though, most are pretty low due to lack of runoff. Friend Jim Price who loves to fish the Whitemud River and Lake Manitoba says there isn’t much flow in the river. With the walleye season not opening until May 11th, there is an opportunity to catch some freshwater drum. Wes David and I did a show on the river a few years back but it was in early June when more of the drum were in the system.
Here are the closures:
Southern Division Regulations
Species Seasons
Species Closed Season
Walleye/Sauger April 1, 2024 to and including May 10, 2024 May 11, 2024 to and including April 6, 2025
Lake Sturgeon May 1 to and including June 15 June 16 to and including April 30
Lake Trout September 15 to and including October 31 November 1 to and including September 14
All Other Species Open year-round
* Shall not fish for species during their closed season.
• Check the Waterbody Specific Regulations section on pages 19-20 for specific closures on Lake Winnipeg,
Red River, Dauphin Lake and Assiniboine River.
• Use of live bait fish is allowed in some areas of the Southern Division (see page 6).
Please make sure you go online to check out all the regulations at https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/fish/angling-guide.pdf
NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
Meantime in Northwestern Ontario the walleye season doesn’t open until the third weekend in May on the Saturday. As is the case in Manitoba, there are plenty of other species to chase including smallmouth and some large pike. Ice is mostly gone on most sections of Lake of the Woods and the Winnipeg River has been open for a while. Guide Jayden Symons filed this report on April 23rd.
SASKATCHEWAN
Better have done all the work on your tackle and the boat batteries charged as the season is just around the corner. The new season opens May 5 in the southern management zone, May 15 in the central management zone and May 25 in the northern management zone.
Anglers should be familiar with Saskatchewan’s fishing regulations before heading out. For all the angling regulations here is the link you want to click on. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/parks-culture-heritage-and-sport/hunting-trapping-and-angling/angling
ALBERTA
WES DAVID-FISHING THE WILD WEST!
Setting angling goals
April is a good month to get your boat and fair-weather fishing gear ready and set your summer fishing goals. Goals such as, do you want to fish more, catch and release a new personal best, fish for a new species, or learn a new fishing technique? All of these are great goals, especially fishing more. I always like to learn something new and fish for a new species. I’m currently talking with an African outfit that caters to anglers and if all works out, I will be fishing in Africa in February 2025. However, if you want to experience something new a little closer to home, try fishing for a new or different species in your home province or elsewhere.
Freshwater drum in Manitoba is a worthy opponent that is so often overlooked. Bow fishing carp in Saskatchewan is amazing in the spring of the year. Tiger trout in Alberta, are always willing to take an angler’s presentation. And jigging salmon with Buzz Bomb Tackle on the West Coast is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Whatever your goal(s) may be, set them now and make plans to catch them this season.