Province urges safety during winter sportfishing season

Anglers can catch brook and rainbow trout, white and yellow perch, smallmouth bass and chain pickerel on lakes across the province

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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The province is urging safety with winter sportfishing season now open in Nova Scotia.

Anglers can catch brook and rainbow trout, white and yellow perch, smallmouth bass and chain pickerel on lakes across the province.

“Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture hatcheries stock many lakes with trout each winter to ensure anglers enjoy a good sportfishing experience,” the province said in a news release.

However the department’s minster, Steve Craig, says safety should be a top priority for both experienced anglers and those looking to try winter sportfishing for the first time.

Some safety tips include:

• monitoring weather conditions
• dressing in layers
• checking ice thickness before fishing
• wearing a flotation device when appropriate (for example, if fishing from a boat); and
• anglers should also tell someone where they will be fishing and when they plan to be back.

“Sportfishing is a great way to get outside during the winter months – on your own, with friends, or as a family,” Craig added.

A general licence is required to fish in fresh water. You can apply for one online.