GET HOOKED ON ANGLING IN SASKATCHEWAN

Sometimes, the best things in life really are free. For example, the weekend of July 9th and 10th is Saskatchewan's annual Free Fishing Weekend. That means anyone, including people from outside the province, can fish in Saskatchewan without having to buy a licence.

"With our abundance of lakes and rivers, Saskatchewan has been blessed with a world-class sport fishery which attracts fishing enthusiasts by the thousands," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "This weekend is an excellent time to sample what this province has to offer, or to introduce someont to one of the province's most popular outdoor activities."

On average, more than 250,000 people fish in Saskatchewan each year, including more than 35,000 out-of-province anglers.

While anglers don't need a fishing licence during Free Fishing Weekend, all other regulations - including possession limits and reduced limits on some lakes and rivers - remain in effect. Free Fishing weekend does not apply in national parks and someone planning to take fish out of the province needs to buy a licence. Anglers on Lac La Ronge must have a free endorsement, available from local merchants, which helps monitor the number of anglers using the lake.

More information about angling in Saskatchewan can be found in the 2005 Saskatchewan Anglers' Guide, available wherever fishing licences are sold.

Free Fishing Weekend coincides with the beginning of Saskatchewan's Parks Week, July 10th-16th, inclusive, giving people another excellent reason to visit one of our many provincial parks.

Enter a contest and help celebrate our Centennial by voting for the fish species you would like to see designated as our provincial emblem. Voting closes on August 31st. On September 8th, 10 Saskatchewan residents will each win a 2006 fishing licence. For details and entry information, see page 12 of the 2005 Saskatchewan Anglers' Guide.

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For More Information, Contact:

Everett Dorma Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-6127