Free Winter Sportfishing Weekend on Feb. 20-21

Nova Scotia anglers can take part in winter sportfishing opportunities without a licence during the annual winter weekend on Saturday, Feb. 20 and Sunday, Feb. 21.

"We are pleased to offer anglers an opportunity to fish on a number of our lakes and rivers during the winter," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Fishing is an activity that promotes family togetherness and healthy, outdoor living. Winter sportfishing has always been a popular activity in Nova Scotia and we hope this licence-free weekend will attract more anglers to the sport."

Residents and non-residents can fish for rainbow trout, white and yellow perch, and chain pickerel in a number of lakes and rivers in 17 of the province's 18 counties. Although a licence is not required, all bag limits and other regulations apply. The winter sportfishing season opened Jan. 1 and closes March 31.

"In addition to being a healthy outdoor activity, winter fishing offers some excellent opportunities for both experienced and beginner anglers," said Mr. Belliveau. "Winter angling offers a unique outdoor experience, but we want to ensure everyone enjoys it safely. I encourage all anglers to use caution during the winter sportfishing weekend."

For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/fish/sportfishing/angling/winterangling.shtml .

The following is a list of waterways open for winter sportfishing in 2010, and restrictions.

Brook trout 10 trout bag limit. Only two fish may be longer than 25.4 cm (10 in).

• Victoria County: Big Lake, Island Lake, Bell Lake, Snake Cat Lake and Trout 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.

Rainbow trout Bag limit of two fish per day

• Antigonish County: Cameron Lake and Gillis Lake
• Cape Breton County: Bras d'Or Lakes (see note), Levers Lake and No. 20 Dam
• Cumberland County: Angevine Lake
• Digby County: Everitts Lake
• Guysborough County: Goose Harbour Lake
• Halifax Regional Municipality: Albro Lake, Round Lake, Lewis Lake, Maynard Lake, Oathill Lake and Penhorn Lakes
• Hants County: Meadow Pond (Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 only)
• Kings County: Silver Lake and Sunken Lakes (Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 only)
• Lunenburg County: Sucker Lake
• Pictou County: Gairloch Lake
• Queens County: Hidden Hills Lake
• Richmond County: Eco Trail Pond on Isle Madame

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, 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, each species

• Annapolis County: Springfield Lake
• Antigonish County: Cameron Lake and Gillis Lake
• Colchester County: Shortts Lake
• Cumberland County: Angevine (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