The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Well it's time to break out the old rod and reel and hit the lakes and rivers for some of the best fishing in the world. The fishing season has opened across the province. "Anglers should remember that it is mandatory to use barbless hooks when fishing on Catch and Release Waters," says Tanya Johnston, Saskatchewan Environment Sport Fishery Specialist. "People should also note that the limits on Catch and Release waters are lower than the provincial angling limits. Information about those limits can be found on pages seven through nine of the 2005 Anglers' Guide." Spring is the time when the majority of Saskatchewan's fish, including game fish such as perch, northern pike and walleye, gather to spawn and general season dates are set to protect the bulk of the spawning fish. However, on some northern lakes the fish stay in groups well into June so longer spawning closures are now in effect on Pinehouse and Dore Lake. Information on these closures can be found on page two of the 2005 Anglers' Guide. "If fishing were allowed during this time there is a chance too many fish would be taken," says Environment's Johnston. "That would reduce the number of eggs that are laid which would put extra pressure on the fish populations. Many people see a fishery as a renewable resource however, for a fishery to be a renewable resource there must be enough fish left to reproduce. The natural renewal process is not as high as many people often assume. For example, it takes six years for a female walleye to reach maturity and reproduce for the first time. Ninety-nine per cent of the 600,000 eggs she lays will not survive. Although nature cannot be changed the fishery can be managed in a way that allows it to renew itself." Although the majority of Saskatchewan's fish stocks are still strong, both recreational and commercial fishing are putting increasing pressure on these stocks. During the 2003-2004 fishing season, there were 182,374 licensed anglers and roughly 63,000 children under 16 who fished Saskatchewan waters. Every five years, Saskatchewan takes part in a national survey on sport fishing. Next January or February a survey will be mailed to randomly selected anglers asking for information about their angling activity from January 1 to December 31, 2005. "If you receive a survey please fill it out and return it," says Environment's Johnston. "This survey is the only consistent source of data that is collected on angling and is very important in helping document angler participation and attitudes in Saskatchewan. It also helps us design programs that will help us to effectively manage the fishery now and into the future." Saskatchewan Environment hopes everyone has safe and enjoyable fishing trips during the 2005-20006 fishing season
