Sport fishers in Prince Edward Island are gearing up for one of the province's lesser known but most enjoyed winter activities.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan announced the 2002 winter fishery will open Saturday, January 5 and run through to March 31.
"While winter is traditionally the off-season for fishing, many anglers look forward to the ‘first ice' just as much as the first day of the spring season," the minister said.
"It provides a unique opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and perhaps even take home some delicious fresh trout for supper. The winter fishery is once again restricted to Glenfinnan Lake in Glenfinnan and O'Keefe Lake in Avondale. Both lakes are well stocked with rainbow trout and indications are the season will be a good one," said Minister Gillan.
Fishing is permitted seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Anglers may not fish more than one set line, and the daily catch limit is five fish. All pertinent angling regulations apply to the winter fishery, and additional regulations are in place to protect the environment and public safety. No shacks are allowed on the ice, and all shelter material and litter must be removed. As well, holes in the ice must be clearly marked with a tree branch.
Minister Gillan urged winter anglers to exercise caution when they venture out on the ice. "In particular, anglers should ensure the ice is thick enough to support them, and they should never go fishing alone. By following these basic rules, anglers will help ensure they have a fun and safe winter outing."
Minister Gillan encouraged young Islanders to take advantage of this special angling opportunity. Youngsters under age 16 do not require a licence to participate in the winter fishery.
Anglers who have a 2001/02 trout licence are free to participate in the fishery. Those who do not already have a licence can purchase a special winter angling permit for $5. Anglers are also required to be in possession of a valid Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF) permit which costs $13. A WCF permit for the year 2001 is valid for the winter fishery.
Both the licences and permits are available at Access PEI locations across the province, at the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at 11 Kent Street, Charlottetown, and from the following vendors: Buster's Service Station, Cherry Valley; Community Market, North Rustico; Island Rod & Flies, Charlottetown; Gordie's Irving, Summerside; Davey's Grocery, Baldwins Road; MacPhee's Home Hardware, Souris; and Sherwood Home Hardware, Charlottetown.
For more information on the winter fishery, contact the Fish and Wildlife Division at (902) 368-4683.