Latest news with #FreeFishingWeekend
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Saskatchewan's Free Fishing Weekend to allow anglers to cast a line without a licence
WATCH: On July 12 and 13, Saskatchewan residents can fish without a licence. Brittany Poitras gives us the details. WATCH: On July 12 and 13, Saskatchewan residents can fish without a licence. Brittany Poitras gives us the details. From July 12–13, anglers of all ages across Saskatchewan can cast a line without paying a fee during the province's 36th annual Free Fishing Weekend. The Ministry of Environment started this initiative in 1989, to offer Saskatchewan residents and visitors the option to fish on public waters without a licence and to increase awareness of angling opportunities in the province. While the licence requirement is waived for the weekend, all other fishing regulations like possession limits, size restrictions, and area-specific rules still apply. In addition, fishing within national parks or transporting your catch out of province still requires a licence. Maxime LeGal, a fisheries biologist with the Ministry of Environment, said that while having fun is important, so is the care of the rules and wildlife. 'If you're practicing catch and release, handle fish gently,' he said. 'Avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and gills. And make sure to read the Anglers Guide so you know the rules for the body of water you're visiting,' LeGal advised. 'Catching fish is always a bonus - but the real joy is just getting outside, spending time together, and connecting with the land.' Jason Matity, a lifelong fisherman and operator of says the weekend isn't just a chance to reel in walleye or pike—it's a time to reconnect with nature and yourself. 'When you're younger, it's kind of something to do,' he said. 'As time goes on, I do it for mental wellness… to get out in nature, see the birds, and hopefully have a chance to catch a fish.' He adds that fishing isn't just relaxing—it's also nutritious. 'We also do it to catch a meal. There's a real satisfaction in battling nature and bringing something home to the table,' he said. Families and first timers are expected to head down to local docks and lakes this weekend. The Saskatchewan Fish Hatchery in Fort Qu'Appelle is offering a special program to help beginners get started. 'We've got seven rods and tackle boxes available to borrow for free,' said Rachel Birns, Program Support Officer at the Hatchery. 'All you have to do is check in with our fishing technician on site, bring your own bait, and enjoy the day.' The gear was donated by the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, with the goal of making fishing accessible to everyone—especially those who might not want to invest in equipment just yet. 'It's a really good opportunity for those who have never tried it before,' Birns added. 'If they like it, maybe they'll purchase a licence and keep going. If not, they haven't spent a dime.' The Ministry of Environment's initial goal of promoting outdoor activity and encouraging more people to explore Saskatchewan's world-class fish and lakes is still in full-effect 36 years later. For more information on fishing regulations, visit the provincial government's website, or download the Anglers Guide.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MDC invites young anglers to Kids' Fishing Day on June 7 near Branson
BRANSON, Mo. – In conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend, young anglers will have opportunities to go fishing at the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Kids' Fishing Day on June 7. The event will from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bella Donna Education Pond at MDC's Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery near Branson. The event is open to anglers ages 15 and under. Sunfish and channel catfish will be what anglers will be trying to catch at the pond, which is east of the main hatchery complex. Signs will direct people to the event. A few loaner fishing poles will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment. MDC staff will provide worms for bait, but participants can bring their own, too. No registration is required for this event. For more information, call 417-334-4865, ext. 0. Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery is located at 483 Hatchery Road in Branson. This event is being held in conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend, the annual event in June through which fishing permits are not required at any state-managed fishing location. All other fishing regulations (length limits, possession limits, etc.) still apply for Free Fishing Weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Free fishing weekend in Louisiana allows catch without license
LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS) — The Annual Louisiana Free Fishing Weekend returns on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, Jun 8. Northwestern State University expanding club sports programs to meet student requests Free Fishing Weekend allows residents and visitors to fish without a fishing license. All other normal restrictions (size, season, catch limits, and gear) will still apply. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Tyler Bosworth explained, 'Each year, we designate a weekend of fishing with no need to purchase a fishing license as an incentive for families and friends to enjoy one of our state's most beloved pastimes.' LDWF will also offer events on June 7 to teach basic fishing skills. These include the things you need to know while preparing to catch fish, such as bait choice, tackle setup, casting, and knot tying, and fishing mechanics, such as techniques, landing, handling, and taking the fish off the hook. I-10 Park in Jennings, LA, will host a Get Out & Fish event from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers and LDWF biologists will provide instruction and assistance while guests fish a stocked pond. Equipment and bait will be provided while supplies last. LSUS Fishing connecting with community through seminars at senior care facilities LDWF will host two Intro to Fishing courses. The first will be at the Gretna City Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The second will be in New Orleans at Joe Brown Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Both events will teach rigging, bait, and gear selection to new and out-of-practice anglers, followed by an hour of fishing with LDWF staff. The event is free, but requires registration. For Intro to Fishing, participants 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 18 and older must have a valid fishing license. Shreveport Aquarium, Caddo Lake Institute to release more Paddlefish on March 2 Zemurray Park in Hammond will host a youth fishing rodeo with fishing, prizes, and resource booths for ages 5-15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. An offshore landing permit is still required when possessing tuna, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish, and gray triggerfish, but it is free for the weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sunday Boredom Busters: May 18th
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) — This is the final day to take advantage of the Free Fishing Weekend at all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. No fishing licenses are required, but regulations and limits still apply. Entrance fees are also waived for the day. Camping fees still apply. Good Earth State Park's Summer Concert Series features Kevin Ryan. The free concert goes from 4-6 p.m. More than 60 new homes in Sioux Falls and surrounding areas are opening their doors to the public today as part of the Spring Parade of Homes. There's a $5 fee to see the two feature homes, otherwise all the other homes are free to see. The hours are 1-5 p.m. VFW Post 628 in Sioux Falls is hosting its monthly All-You-Can Eat Pancake Breakfast. Serving time is 8:30 a.m. to noon at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance. The cost is $8 for adults, $2 for children. Fun & Friends is hosting a sensory-friendly LEGO event for children 8-years and up. It's taking place at the Caille Library in Sioux Falls from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. All LEGOs will be provided. Buy, sell or swap coins, currency, stamps and sports cards at the Midwest Gold & Silver Coin Show. It's taking place at the Sioux Falls Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Movies playing at the historic State Theater in downtown Sioux Falls include The Aristocats, rated G, plus The Legend of Ochi, rated PG and The Count of Monte Cristo, rated PG-13. The Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium at the Washington Pavilion features T-Rex, Mars: The Ultimate Voyage and 3-2-1 Liftoff. New movie releases playing at a theater near you include Final Destination Bloodlines and Hurry Up Tomorrow, both rated R. The Canaries baseball team takes on the Chicago Dogs. First pitch at Sioux Falls Stadium is at 4:05 p.m. Enjoy a night of Sprint Car racing in at Huset's Speedway in Brandon. Gates open at 5 p.m. Hot laps are at 6:30 p.m. The races start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, $10 for students and free for ages 12 and under. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
