Fishing season opens in the Battlefords and Meadow Lake May 5.(Photo 111275183 © Justinhoffmanoutdoors | Dreamstime.com)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Go Fishing

2024-25 Anglers Guide now available; Southern Zone opens May 5

Apr 1, 2024 | 5:00 PM

As the weather starts to get warmer and the rivers and lakes start to open up, the dream of casting and reeling in a big one gets closer to reality.

In preparation for this year’s fishing season, the official 2024-25 Anglers’ Guide is officially out and this year there are some new rules to follow when out on the water.

“It’s really kind of the guiding beacon of what’s not allowed and what is allowed when it comes to angling in Saskatchewan,” said Cory Bertrand, fisheries management biologist with the Ministry of Environment.

According to the guide, there are a few changes this year as to how many fish can be taken. In the Southern Zone, which opens on May 5 and includes the Battlefords and Meadow Lake regions, in Ministikwan Lake, there is a two Walleye limit and only one can be over 55 cm, Northern Pike are limited to three with one over 75 cm and in Pierce Lake, only one Lake Trout between 65-70cm may be taken.

“Lake trout take a significant amount of time to mature,” said Bertrand.

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“They’re really susceptible to increased pressure and over harvest.”

He explained that is the goal of the protective slots and by limiting how many fish anglers can take, it’ll give them the time they need to reach a healthy maturity and able to reproduce successfully.

In a news release, Environment Minister Christine Tell said the province is home to some of Canada’s best freshwater fishing and encourage people to familiarize themselves with this year’s guide.

“We look forward to a safe and enjoyable fishing season for all anglers in Saskatchewan.”

The Southern Zone doesn’t have any catch and release lakes listed, though there are stocked trout lakes including Biggar Pond, Olson Lake and Loch Leven – the latter of which has restrictions. According to Bertrand, it was important for people to know the regulations for the areas they fish in as they may be different from others as are the different zone opening dates – Central Zone is May 15 and Northern Zone is May 25.

“When it comes to angling and fishing throughout the province there might be less trips overall, but people’ll still find a way to get out to their favourite lake to fish,” he said.

The biologist said because of the lack of snow fall this winter, they are expecting a dryer spring and summer and that generally means it’ll be more difficult for fish to produce.

“It might be a bit slower fishing this summer overall,” he said, noting they’re hoping for a wet spring.

Meanwhile, to be in compliance with regulations in Saskatchewan waters, anyone 16 to 64 must be licensed and seniors who are residents of the province, honourably discharged veterans are eligible for free licensing.

For more information or to buy a license, visit: saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com