Ice fishing across Southern Manitoba has gotten of to a big start after all the warm temperature delays early in the season. The recent cold snap in late December and early January has finally made it possible for winter anglers to get out onto the ice safely. The warmer weather this year in November and December meant top fishing spots like the Red River did not start to have ice fully formed until mid December.

Now that the ice is thick enough in most areas, people are heading out in crowds onto local rivers with hundreds of anglers setting up shacks and portable shelters. The ice is fairly thick on most rivers making safe is safe for fishing, but still not safe enough for taking bigger vehicles out onto the ice. The note of caution does not only apply to rivers but lakes also. Smaller vehicles such as Snowmobiles or Quads have been seen on the ice which should be safe at this time.

Anglers face different rules when fishing in winter compared to summer. In winter, Anglers are allowed to use two rods with only two hooks or lures per line and must stay within fifty meters of the lines at all times. All Ice Fishing Shelters must be removed by March 13th, 2016, and on the Red River by March 31st unless requested to do so by a conservation officer due to unsafe ice conditions. All shelters must clearly state the name and address of the owner and need to be stored or disposed of away from the shore and on private property.

Katherine Ward Recreational Fishing Program Manager with Manitoba Conservation Wildlife and Fisheries spoke with reporter Rochelle Rawdon and this is what she had to share about this years Ice Fishing Season starting with the sudden boom in Winter Angler numbers.