While many people have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the Island’s winter ice fishing season this Saturday, it looks like they will have to wait a little longer. Officials from the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry are concerned about ice conditions and have issued a safety advisory.
The winter fishery is restricted to Glenfinnan Lake in Glenfinnan and O’Keefe Lake in Avondale. Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem said the department’s freshwater fisheries biologist Bob Thompson checked conditions at the lakes Wednesday and the ice thickness was only 10 centimetres or less.
“With more warm weather predicted over the next few days, the ice will likely become more unstable, so we are asking people to either stay off the ice or use the utmost caution when fishing on these lakes over the next few weeks,” the Minister said.
Even if the weather turns colder, Minister Ballem said anglers should always check current ice conditions before going out to fish on either lake. Ice should be at least 15 centimetres (six inches) thick for individuals or small groups and at least 25 centimetres where ATVs, trucks or snowmobiles are being used. To ensure a safe ice fishing season, anglers are also advised to fish with a friend, and ensure children on the ice are supervised. The proper clothing, a personal floatation device, and rescue rope are also recommended for those fishing on or near an ice surface.
The ice fishing season was established several years ago to promote outdoor recreational activities during the winter months. It runs from the first Saturday in January to the last Saturday in March. Several hundred Islanders participate each year.
Anglers who have a 2006 trout licence are free to participate in the fishery, while those who do not have a trout licence can purchase a special winter ice fishing permit for only $5. Anglers are also required to be in possession of a valid Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF) permit. A WCF permit for the year 2006 is valid for the winter fishery. Youngsters under age 16 do not require a licence to participate in the winter fishery.
Islanders are reminded that a public advisory remains in effect for trout caught from O’Keefe Lake. Regular monitoring has indicated that mercury levels in some fish can be in excess of recommended guidelines. The Department of Health advises that women in the child bearing years and children eight years of age and younger should avoid eating trout from the lake. The advisory is provided as a precaution since toxic effects from mercury at the levels found in O’Keefe Lake do not occur unless the fish is eaten frequently.
For more information on the 2007 winter ice fishing season, contact the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division at (902) 368-4683.