Free Sportfishing Weekend Feb. 19-20

NOTE: A list of waterways open for winter sportfishing and restrictions follows this release.

No general fishing licence? No problem.

Anglers can fish lakes and rivers from Yarmouth to Cape Breton without a licence during the winter sportfishing weekend, Feb. 19-20.

Residents and non-residents can fish for rainbow trout, white and yellow perch and chain pickerel in specified lakes and rivers in 17 of the province's 18 counties. All bag limits and other regulations apply.

"Anyone wanting to find out what the sport has to offer should take part in the free sportfishing weekend," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Winter sportfishing is popular among anglers of all ages and skill levels. It promotes family togetherness and healthy, outdoor living. I'm pleased anglers have the opportunity to fish a number of our lakes and rivers during this annual event."

Mr. Belliveau urged all anglers to put safety first when fishing in the winter months.

"Beginners and seasoned anglers alike can enjoy a great and unique outdoor experience, but I want to ensure everyone uses caution so they may enjoy it safely," said Mr. Belliveau.

The winter sportfishing season, which opened Jan. 1, closes March 31.

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

The following is a list of waterways open for winter sportfishing and restrictions for fishing Jan. 1 to March 31, unless otherwise noted:

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.

Brook trout Bag limit of 10 trout, only two of which may be greater than 25.4 cm (10 inches) in length.

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

Rainbow trout Bag limit of 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
• Digby County: Everitts Lake
• Guysborough County: Goose Harbour Lake
• Halifax Regional Municipality: Albro Lake, Round Lake, Lewis Lake, Maynard Lake, Oathill Lake and Penhorn Lake
• 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 of 25 fish per day per 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
• Digby County: Meteghan River, including all lakes and tributaries