Is Ice Fishing Allowed in Manitoba?

Manitoba is renowned for its popular pastime of ice fishing, where anglers brave the wintry weather to catch native species in its cold waters. The province permits ice fishing and regulates it through the Department of Sustainable Development.

In order to safely and legally ice fish in Manitoba, anglers need to be aware of the rules and regulations set out by the Department of Sustainable Development. These regulations include licensing, safety equipment, and restrictions on where fishing can take place on certain waterbodies.

All anglers aged 16 or older are required to have a valid Manitoba Fishing Licence. This can be obtained from tackle shops or online from the Department of Sustainable Development website. It is also important for anglers to make sure they are using proper safety equipment when ice fishing, such as a life-jacket or flotation suit, to ensure their safety while on the ice.

In addition to licensing and safety requirements, there are certain restrictions in place for certain waterbodies that limit where and when ice fishing may take place. For example, all provincial parks restrict ice fishing activities to designated areas only; however, some parks may allow for year-round ice fishing depending on conditions. Anglers should also be aware that some waterways may have further restrictions in place during certain times of year due to spawning seasons or other reasons.

Conclusion: Ice fishing is allowed in Manitoba with proper licensing and safety measures taken into consideration as well as being aware of any restrictions that may be in place for certain waterbodies. The Department of Sustainable Development has the most up-to-date information available for anglers looking to safely enjoy this popular winter activity.

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Lindsay Collins