Nova Scotia’s anglers now have more winter sportfishing options available.

Four additional lakes have been added to the growing number of winter fishing possibilities. They are Hutt Lake and Beck Lake in Lunenburg County, Dryden Lake in Pictou County and Beaver Dam Lake in Shelburne County. They are open to brook and rainbow trout fishing. There are now 63 bodies of water open for winter fishing.

“Sportfishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Nova Scotia, worth almost $56 million in revenue,” said Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Freshwater lakes open for winter fishing give our province’s anglers a chance to fish for brook, brown or rainbow trout, white or yellow perch and chain pickerel.”

A 2015 general fishing licence, valid until March 31, is required to winter fish and can be purchased at Department of Natural Resources offices.

Anglers may also purchase one-day licences at a reduced rate or participate in the annual open winter sportfishing weekend, held from Feb. 13 to 15, without a general fishing licence.

“I urge all anglers to exercise caution when fishing during the winter whether fishing in open water or through the ice,” said Mr. Colwell.

For a list of open waterways, size and bag limits and restrictions for winter sportfishing visit http://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing/ .

Nova Scotia’s winter sportfishing season runs from Jan. 1 to March 31, unless otherwise noted.

Source: Release