Minister of Fisheries and Environment, the Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam has announced the opening of the 1998 winter fishery for rainbow trout. The season will open Saturday, January 3, 1998 and run until sunset, Sunday, March 29, 1998. Fishing is restricted to Glenfinnan and O'Keefe Lakes. "These lakes have again been stocked with rainbow trout and all signs point to anglers having an excellent opportunity to enjoy their sport this winter," noted Mr. MacAdam.
Fishing is allowed on any day of the week from sunrise to sunset, and the bag limit is five rainbow trout per day. Anglers may not fish more than one set line. "Regulations are also in place designed to protect the environment and public safety, " said Mr. MacAdam. "No shacks will be allowed on the ice and all shelter material and litter must be removed. Holes in the ice must be clearly marked with a tree branch." All pertinent angling regulations also apply to the winter fishery.
Wishing anglers a good season, Minister MacAdam also encourages a safe approach to the sport. "With more than 200 licenses sold annually, the interest in the winter fishery is obviously growing. I wish everyone a good season and encourage them to follow safety procedures in and around shorelines and ice surfaces."
Licenses cost $5 and are required by all anglers over the age of sixteen. They are available from P.E.I. Conservation Officers, Regional Services Centres and the Department of Fisheries and Environment, 11 Kent Street, Charlottetown. Licenses will also be available at the following locations: Koughan's Irving Service Centre, Mt. Albion; the Community Market, North Rustico; D&J Tackle, Charlottetown; Island Rod & Flies, Charlottetown; Poole's Corner Irving, Roseneath; Gordie's Irving, Summerside; Davey's Grocery, Baldwins Road and MacPhees Home Hardware, Souris.
For more information about the winter fishery contact the Fish and Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries and Environment at 368-4683.