EDITORS NOTE: The deep freeze continues across the prairies as anglers struggle to deal with mother nature. The good news is that Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan are offering a free fishing weekend!
MANITOBA
Yes, it is that time once again. If you haven’t tried ice fishing before you can head out this weekend for free even without a license. Anglers must follow all possession limits and size restrictions during this weekend including regulations for specific individual waters.
For more information about all provincial angling regulations, refer to the Manitoba Anglers’ Guide at: https://gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/fish/index.html.
AGGRESSIVE STOCKING PROGRAM
I don’t think anglers realize the myriad of lakes that are stocked in this province. Many have seen little or no pressure in recent years . If you know how to use the information available to you, there is hidden treasure to be found. One great tool is the Manitoba Lake information website in which you can fine tune your search by species and also ones that have been stocked. Here is the website information.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/2557cda82dcc4a348fbb71304cedcf6d/page/Stocking/
Daryl Gilbert, who guides out of Bakers Narrows Lodge near Flin Flon decided to try one of those backwater hidden gems recently. He and some friends catch some amazing stocked trout!
Anglers continue to stream on to Lake Winnipeg from far and wide. American anglers are enjoying the exchange rate along with some great fishing. According to one guide, the bite has depended on weather stability. We have seen that over the last week and the bite has been pretty consistent. Most of the anglers are starting at the mouth in the morning on the flats then heading out to 12 to 14 feet midday.
When the fish are a bit off, the key is to downsize your baits.
SASKATCHEWAN
Calling all anglers! Free Fishing Weekend is coming up over the Family Day weekend. From February 15-17, Saskatchewan residents and visitors can fish provincial Crown waters that have an open sport fishing season without buying a fishing licence. This excludes federal waters, e.g., Prince Albert National Park.
For more information about fishing in Saskatchewan, check the Anglers Guide. All other fishing regulations remain in effect, including possession limits and reduced limits on some waterbodies. Anyone planning to transport fish out of province must have a valid Saskatchewan angling licence.
ALBERTA – WES DAVID, FISHING THE WILD WEST TV
The word on the hard water is the walleye bite is heating up on Alberta’s southern reservoirs. The most common depth anglers are finding active feeding walleye 11 to 14 feet of water out from points or shoreline drop-offs. Jigs tipped with a frozen minnow are working but the PK Ridge Glider 5/8oz has been the stare of the southern reservoirs.
Family Fishing Weekend
February 15-17 is both Family Day Weekend and Family Fishing Weekend. During the Family Day Weekend, anglers can fish within the province of Alberta on these three days without an Alberta fishing licence. However, all Alberta fishing regulations still apply. If you are new to ice-fishing or have never tried ice-fishing, this is your chance to try ice-fishing for free with family and friends.
Cold Lake Ice Fishing Derby
The Cold Lake Ice Fishing Derby will begin on February 14 and run through February 16, 2025. Anglers from across the prairie provinces, BC, and even from the northern U.S. states will flock to Cold Lake to try and catch and release a lake trout that will net them the $10,000 first prize. There are thousands of dollars in cash and prizes at the Cold Lake Ice Fishing Derby just waiting to be won.
This is a Catch, Photo, Record, Release event for lake trout-only fishing tournament. No other species will be permitted.
Calgary Boat & Outdoor Show
The doors will open to the Calgary BMO Center and the 2025 Calgary Boat & Outdoor Show on Friday, February 21, at 12:00 pm. Calgary Boat & Outdoor Show is over 50 years old and will run from February 21-23. I spoke with the show managers last week and they said the show floor is completely sold out. There are several features at this year’s show, including the Kids Trout Pond, the Fly-Casting Pond, and the Wild TV Outdoor Stage with leading exports talking about gun dog training, hunting, fishing, and wild game cooking. Blaine Calkins, the Shadow Minister for Hunting, Fishing, & Conservation, will be speaking on stage on Saturday at 1:30 pm. Not to mention the countless booths filled with hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventure.