Ontarians can fish without buying a licence this Family Day weekend, February 13-15, as part of Family Fishing Weekend.
Ice fishing events taking place throughout the province include:
Conservation Sudbury's fourth annual Friends and Family Ice Fishing Day on Feb. 14, noon to 4 p.m. at the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area Nature Chalet
Family Fun Day on Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville
Dryden Winter Festival Family Fishing Derby on Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Van Horne Landing, Dryden
Anglers are encouraged to stay safe on the ice when venturing out:
Check ice conditions with local ice hut operators or other anglers. At least 10 centimetres (four inches) of clear blue ice is required to walk on, 20 centimetres (eight inches) for snowmobiles and 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles. This thickness should be doubled if the ice is white or opaque.
Let others know where you're planning to fish and when you plan to return.
Appropriate clothing and equipment are critical to safety and comfort. Many anglers wear floatation suits and carry a set of ice picks.
So get outside and enjoy some fresh air this weekend in communities across the province.
Quick Facts
- In 2014, anglers bought approximately 1.1 million fishing licences in Ontario, generating about $36.6 million in revenue.
- This year, Canadian residents can fish without a licence in Ontario from Feb. 13-15 and from July 2-10.
- Anglers are reminded to follow rules, including conservation licence limits, in the 2016 Fishing Regulations Summary.
- All revenue from the sale of hunting and fishing licences in Ontario is used for wildlife and fisheries management.
