News release

Nova Scotians Enjoy Sportfishing Weekend

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Nova Scotians can head to the lakes and rivers to try sportfishing without a license during the annual sportfishing weekend being held on June 3-4.

"We are pleased to offer Nova Scotians the chance to fish on our many lakes and rivers during this twelfth annual event," said Ron Chisholm, Minister of Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Fishing is a lifelong activity that promotes family togetherness and healthy, outdoor living."

The sportfishing weekend allows Nova Scotia residents to fish for most species without a general sportfishing licence. However, all bag limits and other regulations apply and all licence requirements and regulations still apply for fishing Atlantic salmon.

The sportfishing industry is worth about $85 million a year to the province's economy. Close to 100,000 Nova Scotians sportfish each year while thousands more visit the province to fish.

More than 6700 lakes and over 100 rivers across the province are open to fishing without a general licence.

"This weekend is an excellent opportunity for people to discover and rediscover the joys of angling," said Mr. Chisholm.

For more information on Nova Scotia's sportfishery see the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/sportfishing or call the inland fisheries division of the department at 902-485-5056.