Fish for free on February long weekend

Annapolis Valley residents can try their luck at winter fishing for free during the February long weekend.

Anglers across Nova Scotia are encouraged to give the sport a try from Feb. 17 to 19. No fishing licenses are needed during that period in specific lakes across the province.

Locally, anglers can fish for white or yellow perch at Springfield Lake in Annapolis County.

Lake George, Nicholas Lake, North River Lake and Lake Paul will be open for fishing in Kings County, where anglers can fish for chain pickerel, white perch or yellow perch.

In Hants County, anglers can head to Lily Lake/cogamun Pond for perch or pickerel, or Woodward Sanford Lake for perch only.

The daily bag limit is 25 of each species.

“You can introduce family, friends and visitors to this sport during the annual free winter fishing weekend,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell. “But, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, please put safety first.”

During the regular winter season, a fishing license is required for any sportfishing. Licenses can be purchased at Department of Natural Resources offices and are valid until March 31.

Go online: The Nova Scotia Anglers’ Handbook includes a summary of regulations and is available online at

https://novascotia.ca/fish/ documents/anglers-handbook-2017.pdf.

The full list of lakes open across the province, as well as fish species and catch limits, can be seen at https://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing/laws-regs/docs/winter-fishing-opportunities.pdf.