2016 Anglers' Guide
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Saskatchewan Anglers’ Guide 2016 saskatchewan.ca/fishing Free Fishing Weekends July 9 and 10, 2016 February 18, 19 and 20, 2017 Minister’s Message I am pleased to present the sport fishing guide for Saskatchewan's 2016 angling season. The guide outlines fisheries regulations and information to make your angling more successful and enjoyable. Saskatchewan is one of North America's premiere fishing destinations. As stewards of our important resource, anglers play a valuable role in ensuring the sustainability of our provincial fisheries. Fishing in Saskatchewan is second to none and I hope everyone Herb Cox takes the opportunity to experience fishing in our Minister of province. For Saskatchewan residents, the two Free Environment Fishing Weekends are a great way for those new to the sport to experience our world-class fishing first hand. The sustainable fishing practices discussed in this guide will help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the sport of angling well into the future. Our government has made it a priority to work closely with boaters, tourists and other jurisdictions to keep aquatic invasive species out of our waters. Saskatchewan's water bodies remain free from the presence of invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels; however, these small but destructive mussels have been discovered in some neighbouring provinces and states, and residents should take steps to prevent their spread into Saskatchewan. Boaters are asked to clean, drain and dry watercrafts and all related equipment to help ensure they are free of invasive species before transporting from one body of water to another. On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, have a safe and enjoyable fishing season. Cover Photo: Fishing on Lake Diefenbaker Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/ Paul Austring Photography Printed in Canada/100,000 Table of Contents How to Use this Guide...................................................................................1 What's New for 2016.....................................................................................2 Proposed Changes for 2017 ............................................................................2 Automated Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence (HAL) System ...................3 Licensing Fees and Requirements ...................................................................4 Season Dates and General Limits....................................................................5 Summary of Saskatchewan’s Fishing Regulations · General Prohibitions ...............................................................................6 · Fishing with Bait ....................................................................................7 · Ice Fishing .............................................................................................7 · Bow Fishing ...........................................................................................7 · Underwater Spear Fishing .......................................................................8 · Don’t Transfer Live Fish..........................................................................8 · Angling Infractions .................................................................................8 Definitions....................................................................................................9 Package/Transport Information.....................................................................10 Management Zones and Special Regulations · Using Zone Information.........................................................................12 · Catch and Release Waters ......................................................................12 · Southern Zone ......................................................................................13 · Central Zone .........................................................................................17 · Northern Zone ......................................................................................26 Be an Ethical Angler ....................................................................................31 Catch and Release Fishing............................................................................32 Fisheries Information...................................................................................34 Weigh Your Fish with a Ruler .......................................................................36 Saskatchewan Angler Awards.......................................................................37 Winter Ice Safety.........................................................................................38 Boat Safety .................................................................................................39 Fish of Saskatchewan ..................................................................................40 Fish Identification Guide..............................................................................44 Contact Information .............................................................Inside Back Cover Stop Aquatic Invasive Species zebra mussels see page CLEAN + DRAIN + DRY 2 for more info YOUR BOAT Aquatic Invasive species such as zebra mussels and quagga mussels pose a serious threat to our waters and fish resources. Whether returning home from out of province, coming to visit or moving between waters within the province make sure to: CLEAN and inspect watercraft and gear. Remove all visible plants, animals and mud. Rinse using high pressure, hot tap water 500C (1200F). DRAIN all onboard water from watercraft including the motor, livewell, bilge and bait buckets and leave plugs out during transport and storage. DRY your watercraft and all related gear for at least five days in the hot sun if rinsing is not available. Dispose of unwanted leeches, crayfish and worms in the trash and dump bait bucket water on land. Live Wells Bilge Anchor Dock Lines Live Wells Motor Trailer Prop Axle Hull Ballast Tanks Rollers To report suspect invasive species, please contact the nearest Ministry of Environment office or call the TIP Line. saskatchewan.ca | 1-800-667-7561 | #5555 SaskTel Cell | environment.sk.ca/invasivespecies 1 How To Use This Guide How To Use This Guide 2016 Saskatchewan Anglers’ Guide The anglers' guide is available annually from the Ministry of Environment to provide an up-to-date synopsis of the limits, season dates, closed waters, regulations, new programs and other relevant information of interest to anglers. This synopsis is neither a legal document nor a complete summary of the current rules and regulations that pertain to sport fishing in Saskatchewan, and is intended to serve as a general reference only. Complete copies of acts and regulations are available in print and electronic form from the Saskatchewan Queen's Printer (see page 6). How to Use This Guide Before embarking on your fishing trip, review the contents of this guide to gain an understanding of the rules and regulations that pertain to sport fishing in this province. 1. What's new for 2016: Become familiar with all regulatory changes (page 2). 2. General regulations (and licensing requirements): These apply to the entire province and must be complied with at all times (pages 4 to 11). 3. Special (water-specific) regulations: Refer to pages 12 to 30 for the water you plan to fish, as special or water-specific regulations may apply. If the water you plan to fish is: · Listed in the special regulations tables, you must comply with the general regulations and any special regulations that are identified for that water. · Not listed in the special regulations tables, it is subject to general regulations only. 4. Please note that regulatory changes for 2016 appear in the guide in bolded red print with an asterisk (*) If you would like to submit a picture for consideration in our Photos photo gallery, please email in jpeg format to: [email protected]. Please note that photo considerations include the use of life jackets while in a boat and the proper handling of fish. 2 What’s New For 2016 New catch-and-release (CR) water – Central Zone: Iskwatikan Lake (CR1) Proposed Changes for 2017 There are no proposed changes for the 2017-18 angling season. Aquatic Invasive Species An invasive species is a plant or animal that is non-native to a particular area, whose introduction results in environmental or economic harm. Aquatic invasive species are typically spread by human activities and once established are very difficult to control or eradicate. Your help is vital in preventing the spread of invasive species. Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to our waters and fish resources. They can negatively impact ecosystems and native populations of flora and fauna. Invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels can also affect human recreation and infrastructure by littering beaches with their sharp shells, clogging water intakes and pipes, and fouling boat hulls and motors. Zebra mussels are of particular concern to our province as they have recently become established next door in North Dakota's Red River and Manitoba's Lake Winnipeg, and have since spread westward into Manitoba's Cedar Lake. These small mussels from Europe are prolific invaders that cost Canada and the United States billions of dollars each year. Boats, trailers and other fishing, boating and water sports equipment can spread aquatic invasive species from one water body to another unless properly cleaned, dried or disinfected after use. Under certain conditions, aquatic invasive species including