With the ice in full retreat from streams and ponds, many Islanders are eager to enjoy a day fishing. Island waterways are renowned for their cool waters and excellent supply of trout. And for many, what could be better than to end the day by cooking up some of the freshest and tastiest fish found anywhere?
Angling season starts on April 15 for species such as trout, but the Atlantic Salmon season does not start until June 1. Brook trout are native to Prince Edward Island and they are plentiful in all Island streams and rivers reaching weights of up to 3 kg. Rainbow trout are an introduced species that is now found in many Island rivers and it can reach 4 kgs. Atlantic Salmon is a species of special concern, but catch-and-release options are available on a number of rivers if barbless flies are used.
This year, anglers are reminded of number catch limit restrictions and river closures and opening for 2013. The Trout River (Coleman) remains closed for the second straight year to allow fish stocks to recover from the 2011 and 2012 fish kills. The Big Pierre Jacques River (Glenwood) has reopened after the 2011 closure, but anglers are advised that the daily limit is reduced to three trout per day. The Mill River will have a daily limit of six trout per day. The Division encourages anglers to use barbless hooks to reduce injury and mortality when releasing fish.
In order to help people understand and comply with current fishing regulations, the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division prints an annual Angling Summary. This handy pocket-sized booklet contains a summary of Island angling regulations, restrictions, closures and limits, identifying different fish species, handling fish, and much more. It is available free of charge from government offices, at fishing licence vendors and online at www.gov.pe.ca/forestry/summary.
Special low-cost, five-day Family fishing licences are available and the Free Family Fishing Weekend will be held on May 17 - 20, 2013. During the Victoria Day long weekend, no licence will be required to fish but anglers must still comply with all fishing rules, regulations and restrictions.
In recent years, angling numbers have fallen on PEI. The reasons for this decline are many but are often linked to the increasing disconnect between our urban society and nature and the associated loss of traditional angling knowledge and skills. In order to help people get started, the Division also provides online resources through the PEI Angling Resource Centre at www.gov.pe.ca/forestry/fishingresources. This site contains online resources, tips and links to videos such as How To Start Fishing, Angling Safety, Selecting the Proper Hook Type, and Fly Fishing Tips. As more video resources become available, they will be placed on this site.
Fishing can be a fun and exciting activity, but anglers are also reminded to keep safety in mind at all times.