Sportfishing is free of charge this Heritage Day long weekend.

“Our free sportfishing weekends are a perfect time to get outside and do something fun with family or friends,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Steve Craig. “Thanks to the great work of our hatcheries, many of our winter lakes are stocked regularly with trout, which gives everyone – beginner or advanced angler – a chance to experience winter fishing at its best.”

63 lakes around the province will allow the sport without a general fishing license from February 18-20.

More than 70,000 participate in sportfishing each year in Nova Scotia, contributing about $85 million to the economy. June 3-4 there will be a second free sportfishing weekend.

Anglers can stay safe while sportfishing by:
— monitoring weather conditions
— dressing in layers
— checking ice thickness before fishing
— wearing a flotation device when appropriate; for example, if fishing from a boat
— ensuring they tell someone where they are going and how long they plan to be gone.

Fishing regulations and other rules still apply, such as the exclusion of fishing Atlantic salmon.

Information on sportfishing licences: https://beta.novascotia.ca/find-fishing-licence-sportfishing-vendor

Information on Nova Scotia Heritage Day, 2023 honouree Rita Joe and this year’s celebrations is available at: https://heritageday.novascotia.ca/