Love on the Ice
NOTE: A list of waterways open for winter sportfishing and any restrictions follows this release.
Looking for a cool way to romance your sweetheart this Valentine's Day? Want to do something which gives the two of you quality time together and fresh fish for a romantic meal?
Gear up and get out to one of the province's waterways for a free fishing weekend. On Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15, only, no licence is required for winter angling on waterways in 15 of the province's counties. The winter sportfishing season opened Jan. 1 and closes March 31.
"This is a terrific opportunity to get active outdoors and take advantage of a free fishing weekend," said Ron Chisholm, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Winter angling offers a unique outdoor experience, however, I encourage all anglers to use caution during the winter sportfishing weekend, whether they are fishing from shore, in boats or through the ice."
Gear is simple, inexpensive and easy to find, and is available at any store with fishing supplies. Anglers are encouraged to bring along a thermos of something hot and a blanket to share, and do not forget your camera for lasting memories of a romantic day outdoors.
"Although winter sportfishing may not have been first on your list for a romantic getaway, it is sure to provide a unique and enjoyable experience for you and your sweetheart," says Mark Hamilton, sportfishing development officer. "Quality time, fresh fish, and a great day outdoors await you this Valentine's weekend."
For more information, visit the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture website at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/sportfishing/angling/winterangling.shtml
The following is a list of waterways open for winter sportfishing, and any restrictions in place.
Rainbow trout, bag limit two fish per day:
- Antigonish County - Cameron Lake and Gillis Lake
- Cape Breton - Bras d'Or Lakes (see note), Levers Lake and No. 20 Dam
- Cumberland County - Angevine Lake (Dewars Lake)
- Digby County - Everitts Lake
- Guysborough County - Goose Harbour Lake
- Halifax Regional Municipality - Albro Lake, Oathill Lake, Maynard Lake and Penhorn Lake
- Hants County - Meadow Pond (Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 only)
- Kings County - Silver Lake and Sunken Lake (Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 only)
- Lunenburg County - Sucker Lake
- Pictou County - Gairloch Lake
- Queens County - Hidden Hills Lake
NOTE: Five areas of the Bras d'Or Lakes are closed to all angling to protect brook trout and Atlantic salmon. They include the areas above the Baddeck River Bridge on Highway 105 (including Cains Pond); inside the East Bay sandbar; above Crowdis Bridge in River Denys Basin; above Black River Bridge in Dundee; and above MacKenzie Brook bridge near the south side of River Denys.
Chain pickerel, bag limit of 25 fish per day:
- Colchester County - Shortts Lake
- Digby County - Meteghan River, including all lakes and tributaries
- Halifax Regional Municipality - Morris Lake, Russell Lake, Fish Lake and Kinsac Lake
- Hants County - Lily Lake (Cogamun Pond)
- Kings County - Lake George and Lake Paul
- Pictou County - Black Lake and West Branch Lake
- Queens County - Louis Lake
- Shelburne County - Walls Lake, Lake George, and the ponds in Port LaTour and Bakers Flats on Cape Sable Island
- Yarmouth County - Annis River and Kiack Brook (near Belleville South), including all lakes and tributaries
White and yellow perch, bag limit 25 fish per day:
- Annapolis County - Springfield Lake
- Antigonish County - Cameron Lake and Gillis Lake
- Colchester County - Shortts Lake
- Cumberland County - Angevine Lake (Dewars Lake)
- Halifax Regional Municipality - Albro Lake
- Hants County - Woodward Sanford Lake
- Kings County - Lake George and Lake Paul
- Shelburne County - Lake George
- Yarmouth County - Meteghan River, including all lakes and tributaries