In honour of Father’s Day on Sunday, the province is offering free fishing this weekend.
“Father’s Day weekend is a great time to get out on one of Ontario’s beautiful lakes or rivers and enjoy fishing,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources. “Fishing is a fun activity for everyone in the family and it’s a great way to spend time together, so I encourage you to cast a line June 15 and 16 to celebrate Father’s Day.”
Right now, you can fish for many species, including yellow perch, common carp, northern pike, lake trout and walleye in most of Ontario. Some waterbodies have exceptions; be sure to check the Fishing Regulations Summary before heading out so you are aware of all limits on how many fish you can keep.
Smith reminds that Father’s Day is one of four free fishing periods in Ontario throughout the year, the others being Family Day, the Mother’s Day Weekend and Family Fishing Week which runs June 29th to July 2nd.
If you are fishing for free during these periods, you need to carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing your name and date of birth.
Smith’s portfolio recently changed from Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry to Minister of Natural Resources, but he says he’ll still be responsible for overseeing the forestry sector. In that regard he’ll be working with Nolan Quinn who has been named Associate Minister of Forestry.
This coming weekend Smith is in Bracebridge on Saturday (June 15th), hosting a community BBQ in Annie Williams Park. Previous ones have been held in Huntsville and Seguin Township and he says they are going to keep the fun alive this summer too.
Saturday’s event happens between noon and 2 pm.