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Fishing season underway, anglers waiting for northern ice to melt

Despite ice lingering on lakes in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, fishing season is now open in both provinces. Both provinces’ fishing seasons opened earlier this month.
fishing

Despite ice lingering on lakes in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, fishing season is now open in both provinces.

Both provinces’ fishing seasons opened earlier this month. In Manitoba, Flin Flon and the surrounding area is part of the northwest region, with the fishing season having begun May 16. On the other side of the border, all of the surrounding area is included in Saskatchewan’s central zone, where the season opened May 15.

New for this season in Saskatchewan is a ban on any use of crayfish as bait, meant to prevent any invasive species spread.

Both provinces are making changes based on the COVID-19 pandemic. Fishing licenses are now available for purchase online in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the first time they have been available as such in Manitoba.

Northern travel restrictions are in effect in both provinces, restricting waters to local residents only. The restriction, along with rules on mass gatherings and social distancing, means competitive fishing events this summer are unlikely to move forward.

Alannah Skot is the owner of Rubi’s Outdoors and is hoping social distancing will cause more people to pick up a rod and reel this season.

“Get a rod and reel and a small little tackle kit. You can put everything in and you're on your way.” Skot said.

“You can put everything in and you're on your way.”

Skot had tips for inexperienced anglers.

“Just be patient and don't give up,” she said.

“Fishing is all about just getting out in the wilderness and relaxing and hoping to catch something. Start out small and you can always grow from there. The fishing world is endless.”

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