July 11 and 12 is free fishing weekend in Saskatchewan, where all residents and visitors can fish with no license required. (Government of Saskatchewan/Twitter)

By Trevor Redden

Free Fishing

Local outdoor experts share tips ahead of free fishing weekend

Jul 10, 2020 | 8:00 AM

Saskatchewan’s free fishing weekend is this Saturday and Sunday, when residents and visitors can fish in any of Saskatchewan’s public waters open to sport fishing, no license required.

It’s an opportunity for any resident, young or old, to discover or re-discover the joy of the sport.

Doug Erickson, President of the Prince Albert Wildlife Federation, said you don’t need a boat to enjoy fishing as there are countless places to cast from shore in the region.

“A lot of people just equate fishing to being on a boat,” he said. “You don’t need a boat to go fishing, you can go fishing on the river [right by the city]. You see lots of people down by the Shell River and all the way down by the airport.”

Erickson said he sees people fishing from shore or off public docks at lakes like Emma, Christopher, and Anglin all the time.

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As for what you need to cast a line, there isn’t much required.

“You don’t really need a lot, you need a fishing rod and a couple of hooks,” Erickson said. “[Most avid sport fishers] have all this money tied up in tackle but you use the same thing every time.”

He said you can purchase a rod and reel combo at local retail stores for as low as $20 or $25.

“You don’t need to break the bank to go invest in something that you can spend some quality family time doing… this is a good opportunity to get out and experiment and enjoy some of the natural resources that we have in the area,” Erickson said.

In the local region, all public waters except for those in the Prince Albert National Park are available under the free fishing initiative.

Jarret Nelson works with the Prince Albert Grand Council land-based resource program, and has been an avid fisher and trapper his entire life. For him, fishing all starts with the basics.

“Learn how to safely cast with your preferred rod and reel combo and use the right knot for your line. With braided line the best knot is a palomar knot. With fluorocarbon and mono line use an improved cinch knot.”

Nelson said different lures work for different targeted fish species, and bait on the hook should mimic what the fish are eating. He encourages using lures and baits that look like and are the same size as the naturally found forage.

As for locations, it never hurts to ask those who know.

“Trust the locals. Always ask locals what the fish are biting, what type of bait to use and location,” Nelson said.

Once you get the hang of casting and reeling, Nelson said beginners often work too quickly. It’s important to reel in the line slow, and take your time picking your chosen fishing area apart before moving.

Most importantly, a day spent by the water or on the water requires preparation for whatever may come your way.

“Be prepared. The most important tip I can give anyone is be prepared for anything such as weather, reefs, current, mechanical failures, boat size for the body of water, emergencies and always telling family or friends where you are going and the time you plan on returning from your fishing trip,” Nelson said.

Lastly, he said the biggest thing is to have fun and enjoy your time outside.

During free fishing weekend, all other fishing regulations including catch limits remain in effect. Anglers must also respect current public health orders and guidance to help prevent further spread of COVID-19.

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trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden