Manitoba Anglers' Guide

manitobafisheries.com

2011

Front Cover Background: Kississing LakeForeground: Pam Spitula holding a goldeye.

As Manitobas Minister of Water Stewardship, I invite all anglers to experience our world-class fisheries and participate in the many programs that promote the benefits of recreational angling as a leisure activity.

My department is committed to partnering with anglers, stewardship groups, industry, and others with an interest in working to preserve angling as an important part of Manitobas heritage, now and into the future. Through these partnerships, Manitoba will continue to be one of the premier

recreational fishing destinations in North America.

The Fisheries Enhancement Fund continues to build and develop innovative fisheries programs throughout the province by supporting fisheries research and monitoring, by rehabilitating and enhancing important habitat, and by providing education to strengthen stewardship values. Through these initiatives, Manitoba continues to lead the nation in developing leading-edge programs that enhance, educate, and promote the benefits of having a healthy and diverse fisheries resource.

I encourage all Manitobans and guests to our province to take advantage of the many quality recreational angling opportunities offered throughout the province.

Have a safe and enjoyable fishing season!

Honourable Christine MelnickMinisterWater Stewardship

ContentsWhats New for 2011....................................................................... 2Pending & Possible Changes ......................................................... 2Licences .......................................................................................... 3 Fees ....................................................................................... 3 Exemptions ........................................................................... 3 Outlets .................................................................................. 3General Regulations ....................................................................... 3 Fishing Methods ................................................................... 3 Barbless Hooks ..................................................................... 3 Angling and Ice Fishing ........................................................ 3 Ice Fishing Shelters .............................................................. 3 Fish Remains ........................................................................ 4 Bait ........................................................................................ 4 Dip Netting, Seining, and Minnow Trapping ...................... 4 Spear Fishing ........................................................................ 4 Bow Fishing .......................................................................... 4 Holding and Releasing Fish ................................................. 4 Competitive Fishing Events ................................................. 4 Buying and Selling Fish ........................................................ 4 Fishways (Fish Ladders) ....................................................... 4 Handling, Transport and Storage ........................................ 4 Border Waters ....................................................................... 5Limits .............................................................................................. 5Fishing Divisions Map and Seasons ............................................. 8Southern Division Regulations ...................................................... 8Northwest Division Regulations .................................................. 13North Central Division Regulations .............................................14Northeast Division Regulations ...................................................14Status Indian Information ............................................................. 15Manitoba Water Stewardship Offices .......................................... 15Common Manitoba Fish Species ................................................ 16Master Angler Application ............................................................17 Regulations are also available online at www.manitobafisheries.com. New regulations are in bold type.

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Whats New For 2011The regulations in this book are in effect on April 1, 2011. The following regulations are new for 2011.

On Kenton Reservoir, walleye limit is 4 and all walleye shorter than 35 cm must be released.

Line Lake and Marge Lake, walleye limit is zero. On Pickerel Bay and Pickerel Bay Channel (Lake Athapapuskow), closed

to all fishing from May 1 to and including May 31. On Wekusko Lake, all walleye/sauger over 55 cm must be released. On Bear and Utik lakes in the Northeast Division, all nonresidents of

Manitoba who fish must be registered and staying with, and obtain a Special Angling Licence (free) from, a licensed Manitoba tourist operator with an allocation for these fisheries.

Pending ChangesThe following changes fall under the Fisheries Act of Canada and require federal approval prior to becoming law.

Lake 400 and Beautiful Lake will be added to the stocked trout waters list. On Antons Lake no motors, with the exception of electric motors,

may be used. Persee Lake will be added to the stocked trout waters list, no natural

bait and no motors, with the exception of electric motors, may be used.

Possible ChangesThe following proposed regulation changes are listed a year in advance to give anglers a chance to express their opinions. To comment on these possible changes, e-mail: fish@gov.mb.ca or call (204) 945-6640.

On Sandy Lake, walleye limit is 4. On Rocky Lake, remove closure on Goose Bay. On Grass River from the outlet on Wekusko Lake on a line from

the mouth of Rex Creek, southeast to the southwest corner of Campbell Island to the rapids downstream (including Missipisew and Wuskatasko Rivers), closed to all fishing from April 1 to and including June 30.

On Osborne Lake, Osborne Lake Creek and Wekusko Brook, closed to all fishing from April 1 to and including June 30.

On Herb Bay north of the hydro line on Wekusko Lake, closed to all fishing from April 1 to and including June 30.

The date for removal of ice fishing shelters on the Red River will be changed to the Sunday that falls on or between March 1 and March 7.

New and possible changes in italics are intended to simplify and reduce the number and complexity of regulations.

Angling Licences All persons, except those exempted below, who engage in angling, dip netting, seining, minnow trapping, spear fishing, and bow fishing, must have a Manitoba Angling Licence on their person.

Licences are valid from May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012. Licences must be signed to be valid, and are not transferrable or refundable. If a licence is lost another must be purchased. The time of licence validity has no impact on season dates. See page 8 for general season dates.

Manitoba Resident SeniorsA Manitoba Resident Seniors Conservation Licence is for seniors (65 and over) who have permanently resided in Manitoba for at least 6 months and is valid for a conservation limit of fish only. Manitoba seniors wanting a regular limit of fish must buy a regular resident licence.

Conservation LicenceA Conservation Licence entitles the holder to the same rights as a Regular Licence holder except for reduced limits for some species: 4 walleye/sauger, 4 pike, 1 lake trout, 1 channel catfish, 2 smallmouth bass and 2 stocked trout. Limits for other species remain the same.

Resident or Nonresident?A resident is a person who has lived in Manitoba for the immediate past six months. A Canadian resident is a person who has lived elsewhere in Canada for the immediate past six months. Any person who has not lived in Manitoba or Canada for the immediate past six months is a nonresident and must purchase a nonresident licence.

LICENCE EXEMPTIONSThe following people may angle without a licence:

Any youth under the age of 16 who has permanently resided in Manitoba for at least six months. Manitoba youth under the age of 16 have all the rights and privileges of those holding a Regular Licence, including their own regular limit of fish. All other regulations apply. Proof of age is required when checked by an Officer.

Any Canadian resident or nonresident youth under the age of 16. The person must fish with a licence holder, or someone exempt from holding a licence, and their catch must be applied to the limit of that person. A Canadian resident or nonresident youth under 16 who wishes to have a separate limit must buy a licence.

STATUS INDIANSStatus Indians do not require an angling licence. They are exempt from angling regulations including seasons, limits, and gear restrictions when fishing for food. Proof of status is required when checked by a Natural Resource Officer or RCMP Officer (see page 15).

NATIONAL PARKSA Manitoba Angling Licence is not valid for fishing in National Parks. Contact Parks Canada for details on fishing licences and regulations in National Parks. www.pc.gc.ca.

LICENCE OUTLETSLicences are sold at most hardware and sporting goods stores, fishing centres, and lodges. Not all vendors carry nonresident licences and many do not have licences during winter.

Licences may also be bought by Mastercard, Visa or by mail. Call 1-800-214-6497 or send a cheque or money order for the appropriate licence fee (payable to Minister of Finance) to The Cashier, Manitoba Conservation, 200 Saulteaux Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3J 3W3. Include first name, surname, and initials; full address; day, month, and year of birth; and sex of lic