Fire up the auger, and dust off your ice fishing rod! Across Ontario, licence-free fishing opportunities are back for the Family Day long weekend, February 19-21, 2011, and the Ottawa Valley is the ideal destination to drop your line. With more than 900 lakes found throughout the region and 20 species of fresh water fish, the opportunities are endless!

 

Instead of watching outdoor adventure programs on television, families are invited to take part in their own ice fishing adventure. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the winter license-free weekend. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) who help to organize the weekend, anticipate that participation will double for 2011, with thousands of people expected to take to the ice.

Ontario Family Fishing Weekend events run twice a year, during the long weekend in February and for nine days in July. Families are encouraged to head out on their own or take part in one of the over 100 events being planned by outdoor clubs and community groups.

"Many people express interest in fishing, yet are faced by barriers. Ontario Family Fishing Weekend aims to break down these barriers by offering Canadian residents the opportunity to fish Ontario waters licence-free February 19-21," says Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Outreach Programs Coordinator Alesha Caldwell. "As a child, my first opportunity to pick up a rod and go fishing was with my family on Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. We hope to give many more children that chance this February 19-21."

Although Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 65 do not need a licence to fish Ontario waters during the specially designated weekend, all other regulations apply, including conservation fishing license catch limits. Check the Fishing Ontario 2011 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary for full details. The summary can be found online at www.ontario.ca/fishing and in print from ServiceOntario centres.

Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is an initiative of the Ministry of Natural Resources, brought to you by the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Steering Committee, which is comprised of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ministry of Natural Resources, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association.

 

Visit www.OttawaValley.travel for events taking place in the Ottawa Valley or www.familyfishingweekend.com for a complete list of community events across the province.