Anglers will be able to cast their rods in Manitoba's lakes and rivers starting Saturday.

With warm temperatures in the forecast, you’ll want to be near water to stay cool. As you’re packing your fishing rods and lures, here’s what you need to know about the 2021 Fishing Season in Southern Manitoba.

There are 100,000 lakes in Manitoba, and Lake Winnipeg is the tenth-largest freshwater lake in the world. However, only the Southern regions of the province are opening up this weekend, including the Whiteshell area. All other areas of Manitoba will open for the season on May 22.

Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen says "recreational angling is a fantastic way to spend time with family while enjoying the outdoors," in his announcement Wednesday. “Manitobans are fortunate to have an abundance of trophy fisheries located throughout the province."

The minister notes, some fish may still be spawning during the start of the angling season. Anglers are asked to protect fish stocks by releasing fish who are discharging eggs back into the water. By proactively releasing spawning fish, anglers will help protect fish stocks and sustain Manitoba’s fisheries.

All anglers are required to obtain an angling license to fish in Manitoba, unless exempt. Angling licenses are now available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be immediately purchased and printed at home. For more information and to purchase an angling license, visit their website. 

There are new fishing restrictions including:

• Marge Lake – walleye limit is two and all walleye shorter than 35cm must be released
• Bradley Lake – provincial smallmouth bass limits and size restriction
• Mirror Lake – trout limit is one and closed to all fishing from Sept.15 to and including Oct. 31
• Summerhill Lake – walleye limit is four.

Manitobans with boats are being reminded that zebra mussels and spiny water flea have been spotted in our province's waters. Both are aquatic invasive species (AIS). Anyone transporting a powerboat, canoe, Jet Ski or another type of watercraft over land, must stop at the inspection stations when they are open. The set fine for failing to stop at a watercraft inspection station is $672.

"Surface water-users are reminded of the requirements when entering and exiting all water bodies in Manitoba. Additional decontamination and bait requirements are needed within AIS control zones," the department says in a statement.

For more information on all provincial fishing regulations, refer to the 2021 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide 

Manitobans are reminded that when outside, it is still important to practice social distancing according to current COVID-19 public health guidelines. For