Avid sport fishers in Prince Edward Island are gearing up for one of the province’s lesser known but most enjoyed winter activities.
Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem said the 2005 winter ice fishing season will open Saturday, January 7, and run through to March 31.
“Winter angling is a fun and inexpensive winter activity for families and a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” said Minister Ballem. “I encourage Islanders who enjoy fishing to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy this favourite pastime in what is traditionally the off-season.”
The winter fishery is restricted to Glenfinnan Lake in Glenfinnan and O’Keefe Lake in Avondale. Anglers who have a 2005 trout licence are free to participate in the fishery, while those who do not already have a 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 2005 is valid for the winter fishery. Youngsters under age 16 do not require a licence to participate in the winter fishery.
Winter angling 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. Holes in the ice must be clearly marked with a tree branch; no shacks are allowed on the ice; and all shelter material and litter must be removed. A charge of littering while angling results in an automatic one-year suspension of a fishing licence.
Winter ice fishing permits and Wildlife Conservation Fund permits are available at the following locations: the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, 11 Kent Street in Charlottetown; Buster's Irving in Cherry Valley, Davey's Store, 48 Road; Going Fishing in Charlottetown; and Access PEI sites. For more information on the winter fishery, contact the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division at (902) 368-4683.
Islanders are reminded that some trout caught from O’Keefe Lake last year were found to contain mercury above the national guideline level of 0.5 parts per million. 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.
Winter Fishing Tips
Given the fluctuations in temperatures this time of year, winter anglers are advised to check ice conditions before heading out and to follow these basic safety precautions: Ensure ice is at least 15 cm (six inches) deep to support small groups of people and 25 cm (10 inches) or more for snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles. Plan to fish with a friend and let people know where you are going and when you will return. Make sure children are supervised by an adult. Dress warmly – wear a hat, scarf and mitts. Wear a personal floatation device. Should you break through the ice, extend your arms flat on the ice surface and kick your feet. Try to squirm the upper part of your body onto the ice. Once out of the water, roll quickly to one side away from the edge. Once you reach safety, get to shore.