Free Family Fishing Weekend Alberta Feb 2023

Bring the family out fishing this Family Day weekend! February 18-20 2023

February is Ice Fishing season and is a fantastic way to introduce the kids (and adults) to fishing while enjoying other activities on the ice as well.

Keep the kids busy with other ideas throughout the day. Ice Fishing is great, sometimes a little slow, so be prepared to do some other activities while out on the ice with the kids to keep them entertained. Maybe with some ice skates, snacks, hot chocolate, build a snowman, bird watch, find the shapes in the clouds, go ice tubing behind your Quad, the opportunities are endless to keep everyone having fun for the day on the ice whether you're catching fish or not.

Remember to dress warm and in layers, bring extra items in case anyone gets a little wet. Kids are known to get wet boots once in awhile while ice fishing. Their little feet fit in the holes well. Be careful and keep a close eye on small children around ice fishing holes. You can purchase hole covers at many outdoor stores if that makes you more comfortable.

If you don't have an ice auger to get through the ice, that's ok! Find an ice shack to rent, or find a group already out fishing and politely ask if someone could drill you a hole. You don't need all the gear to get out and enjoy the weekend, fisherman are friendly and happy to help most of the time! Grab your rod, tackle and some useful gear (some ideas listed below) and find where everyone is! Join the party! Many individual towns, cities, lakes will have their own Family Fishing events. Check your local area to see where you could join in easily!

Fishing is a fun way for friends and family to make memories while connecting with some of Alberta’s greatest natural resources - our lakes, rivers, streams and the fish that live in them.

During Family Fishing Weekend, Albertans and visitors are encouraged to give fishing a try on waterbodies with open fishing seasons without having to purchase a sportfishing licence. If you are using a Special Harvest Licence (Walleye tag), the purchase of a sportfishing licence is still required.

Keep in mind fishing regulations still apply. Alberta's sportfishing regulations apply all year to anglers of all ages and residences, including during the Family Fishing Weekends.

You can check out the fishing regulations/rules here at
https://open.alberta.ca/publications/alberta-guide-to-sportfishing-regulations

With every cast, you have the opportunity to help keep our fish populations healthy for future generations to enjoy.

Tips for success

Practice identifying sport fish for the waterbody you are fishing. Know how to identify sport fish and aquatic invasive species.

Reduce the time you fight and handle fish before releasing them; the shorter the time, the better!

Keep fish wet; do not expose the fish to air unless it meets the regulations and you want to keep it.

Items to support proper fish handling (soft cloth glove, pliers, rubber net, nail clippers for cutting the line, lip grips)

Items to help follow regulations (measuring tape or bump board, fishing regulations)
Items to help you land your catch (extra tackle, knot tying guides, lip grips)

Items to keep you safe (polarized sun glasses, brimmed hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, depth sounder, first aid kit, ice picks, ice cleats)

Brush up on some Ice Safety prior to heading out. Always be aware of your surroundings.

Important Note!

Alberta is struggling with Whirling Disease in many bodies of water.
Check if you are going to be fishing in a Whirling Disease positive area to ensure you report any fish displaying symptoms.

Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases by cleaning, draining and drying your gear.

Rinse and clean your boots, waders, tackle if you're switching bodies of water throughout the day.

Never move fish from one waterbody to another. This is illegal, and can directly affect the health of the fishery and the aquatic ecosystems these fish live in.

Tight lines Alberta!