May 8, 2024
Walleye and Sauger Season Opens This Weekend
– – –Walleye and Sauger Season Opens May 11 in the Southern Division and May 18 in Lake Winnipeg, Northwest and North Central Divisions: Moses
The walleye and sauger fishing season officially opens on May 11 in Manitoba’s southern fishing division, with the season opening one week later on Lake Winnipeg and in the northwest and north central fishing divisions, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses announced today.
“As the weather gets warmer, Manitoba families have the chance to get out and enjoy our beautiful lakes and rivers, with fishing for walleye and sauger opening for the season,” said Moses. “Whether you call it pickerel or walleye, it’s no surprise Manitobans and visitors are excited to catch one of Manitoba’s most popular fish species.”
As some fish may still be spawning, anglers are asked to help protect fish stocks by immediately releasing fish that are discharging eggs. By proactively releasing spawning fish, anglers will help protect fish stocks and sustain Manitoba’s fisheries, noted the minister. Anglers are reminded to be aware of all provincial fishing regulations. For more information, refer to the Manitoba Anglers’ Guide 2024 at www.manitobafisheries.com.
Watercraft users are reminded to follow safe boating measures, wear life jackets, check water conditions and use caution.
Some provincial watercraft inspection stations will begin operating this weekend and others in the coming weeks. It is a legal requirement for all watercraft, including canoes, kayaks and jet skis, to stop at all watercraft inspection stations when they are open.
It is unlawful to possess, transport, release or import aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Manitoba. To prevent the introduction and spread of AIS such as zebra mussels, water-users are reminded of the AIS requirements when entering and exiting all water bodies in Manitoba. These include requirements to clean, drain and dry watercraft and water-related gear, and decontaminate watercraft and water-related gear that have been used in a waterbody from within a control zone.
For more information on AIS, requirements, control zones, and the locations and hours of watercraft inspection stations, visit www.gov.mb.ca/stopais/index.html.
- 30 -