News Release Archive

NEWS RELEASE (CNS961) -->> FISHERIES--WINTER
SPORTFISHERY




FISHERIES--WINTER SPORTFISHERY
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Nova Scotian anglers can look forward to an increase in the
number of lakes open for ice fishing this year. 

"We saw good participation in winter sportfishing last year, and
we are pleased to offer Nova Scotians more opportunities this
year," said Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse.

Anglers in Colchester County can try their luck for the first
time fishing chain pickerel, and white and yellow perch at
Shortts Lake. The season will run from Jan. 1 to March 31,
without any bag limit.

Albro Lake, Dartmouth, will be open from Jan. 15 to March 15 for
rainbow trout, as well as white and yellow perch. Bag limit is
two trout per day, but there is no limit for perch.

Lac d'en Bas, as well as Ameros and Spectacle Lakes, near
Meteghan, Digby County, are new additions this year. Together
with Seth, Bonaventure and Eel lakes, which are scheduled to
reopen, a total of six lakes will be open for icefishing in the
region. Anglers will be permitted to fish chain pickerel, and
white and yellow perch from Jan. 15 to Feb. 28. There is no bag
limit on these species.

Cameron and Gillis Lakes in Pinevale, Antigonish County, will
reopen for rainbow trout, and white and yellow perch starting
Jan. 1 to March 31. A bag limit of two fish per day applies to
trout only. 

The Bras d'Or Lakes will be open for rainbow trout (bag limit of
two fish per day) from Jan. 1 to March 31, with a few exceptions.
To protect brook trout stocks, trout fishing will not be
permitted inside East Bay sandbar, above the Baddeck River
Highway Bridge on Highway 105 and above Crowdis Bridge on River
Denys. 

Mr. Barkhouse said that winter angling seasons were developed in
consultation with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans
and provincial Recreational Fishery Advisory Councils.

"Our federal counterpart, and local fishing organizations and
interested individuals are important partners in developing a
successful winter sportfishery. Their contribution helps to
ensure that anglers can enjoy their sport while protecting fish
stocks," said Mr. Barkhouse.

Stressing the importance of conservation, Mr. Barkhouse added
that the winter fishing program targets stocked rainbow trout and
underutilized species including chain pickerel, white and yellow
perch. Brook trout and smallmouth bass must be released, he said.

Mr. Barkhouse said that the winter fishery started as a pilot
project three years ago as a result of the growing popularity of
sportfishing. There are about 100,000 resident anglers, and the
number of visiting anglers continues to grow.

He said that sportfishing benefits Nova Scotians economically,
adding that the activity generates about $80 million a year
province-wide. "The province recognizes that the outdoor
experience is one of Nova Scotia's strongest selling points in
developing tourism, and we are working with federal and
provincial partners to optimize economic benefits from this
sector."

Mr. Barkhouse urged anglers to exercise caution while fishing and
ensure that ice conditions are safe.

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Contact: Diane Kenny  902-424-0308

         Don MacLean  902-485-7021

trp                       Dec. 18, 1996 - 9:25 a.m.