Open-season fishing is coming soon across Manitoba, and some changes are coming with it this year.
Size limits and amounts are the most notable changes that could land you some fines if you're caught exceeding them.
Walleye limits are capped at four, and no fish over 55 centimeters may be kept.
The pike limit is also four, with a 75-cm size limit. The smallmouth bass limit is now four, with a 45-cm size limit, and you may only keep one lake trout, which can be no larger than 65 cm.
The Manitoba Anglers guide lays out some clear guidelines as to what it might cost if you're caught breaking the rules:
- Using barbed hooks: $52
- Fishing without a license: $298
- Over limit: $102 plus
- Transport live fish away from the water: $486
- Unattended line: $52
- Failure to carry your license while fishing: $174
- Possession of crayfish: $102 plus
- Bringing into Manitoba live bait: $202
- Possession of AIS (e.g. zebra mussels): $1,296
- Failure to dispose of bait used in an AIS Control Zone: $672
- and Littering: $204
Some local restrictions are important to note as well.
Dauphin Lake, including that portion of the Mossy River to municipal road 107 west and all inflowing tributaries will require all walleye over 48 cm to be released.
Keeping these big fish in the lakes can help preserve populations, and knowing these limits and laws can keep you off the hook for some serious fines.
Be sure to check out the 2024 Angling Guide to stay informed, and avoid getting tangled up in these preventable issues.
