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Fishing in Manitoba offers families a chance to bond amid the province’s legendary landscapes, from the vast waters of Lake Winnipeg to the serene rivers of Whiteshell Provincial Park. While Manitoba doesn’t offer pre-bundled family fishing licenses, this guide breaks down 2025 license costs, exemptions, and purchasing strategies tailored for families. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a seasonal adventure, you’ll learn how to legally and affordably enjoy Manitoba’s world-class fisheries.
Why Manitoba Requires Fishing Licenses
Fishing licenses are more than legal formalities—they’re vital tools for sustaining Manitoba’s aquatic ecosystems. The Manitoba Sustainable Development Department uses license fees to fund conservation programs, including fish stocking, habitat restoration, and invasive species control. For families, purchasing licenses ensures compliance with provincial laws while directly contributing to the health of local fisheries.
Key reasons licenses matter:
- Population Management: Licenses help track fishing activity to prevent overharvesting. For example, walleye limits in Lake Winnipeg are adjusted annually based on license sales and catch reports.
- Revenue Allocation: In 2024, Manitoba generated $3.2 million CAD from fishing licenses, with 80% allocated to habitat projects like shoreline stabilization.
- Legal Protection: Fishing without a license can result in fines up to $100,000 CAD for individuals and $500,000 CAD for corporations under the Fisheries Act (Manitoba).
2025 Manitoba Fishing License Costs for Families
Manitoba’s licensing system operates on an individual basis. Families must purchase separate licenses for each angler aged 16 or older. Below are the 2025 rates verified through the Manitoba eLicensing Portal.
| License Type | Resident Cost (CAD) | Other Canadian Cost (CAD) | Non-Resident Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Day License | $10.00 | $20.00 | $30.00 |
| Annual Season License | $25.00 | $50.00 | $75.00 |
| Senior Exemption | Free | Not Available | Not Available |
| Youth Exemption | Free | Free | Free |
Administration Fees: A $4.50 CAD processing fee applies to online or phone purchases.
Example Family Scenario:
A Manitoba-resident family of four (two adults, one 16-year-old, one 14-year-old) would pay:
- Two Annual Licenses: $25 x 2 = $50.00 CAD
- One-Day Trial for Teen: $10.00 CAD
- Total: $60.00 CAD + $4.50 fee = $64.50 CAD
How to Buy Family Fishing Licenses in Manitoba
Manitoba offers three convenient purchasing methods. All require a valid government ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) and proof of residency for discounted rates.
1. Online via the Manitoba eLicensing Portal
- Step 1: Visit Manitoba eLicensing and create an account.
- Step 2: Select “Sport Fishing License” and choose between One-Day or Annual options.
- Step 3: Enter each family member’s details separately. Youth under 16 are automatically exempt.
- Step 4: Pay with Visa, Mastercard, or Interac Online. Licenses are emailed instantly.
Pro Tip: Save digital copies on your phone and print physical backups. Conservation officers accept both formats.
2. By Phone
- Call: Manitoba’s Licensing Help Desk at 1-877-880-1203 (7:00 AM–10:00 PM CST).
- Prepare: Have credit card details, ID numbers, and residency proof ready.
3. In-Person Retailers
- Locations: Canadian Tire, Cabela’s, or local bait shops like The Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg.
- Bring: Physical ID and cash/debit/credit. Some rural vendors may not accept cards.
Note: For families planning multi-province trips, review our guide to Ontario Non-Resident Fishing Licenses.
Family Fishing Regulations to Know
Manitoba’s rules ensure sustainable fishing while maximizing family fun. Key regulations include:
Catch Limits
- Walleye/Sauger: 4 per day in most zones (6 in Northwestern Ontario Border Waters).
- Lake Trout: 3 per day, with a minimum size of 55 cm in stocked lakes.
- Northern Pike: 6 per day, none between 70–90 cm in the Interlake region.
Critical Tip: Download the 2025 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide for zone-specific maps.
Youth Exemption Rules
- Children under 16 can fish without a license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
- Adults are responsible for ensuring youth follow size and catch limits.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Compliance
- Clean, Drain, Dry: Remove mud/debris from gear before moving between waterbodies.
- Bait Restrictions: Live baitfish are banned in Whiteshell Provincial Park and Riding Mountain National Park.
Family Fishing Tips & Cost-Saving Strategies
Fishing in Manitoba can be affordable and rewarding for families with the right approach. Here’s how to maximize your experience while staying compliant with provincial rules.
1. Combine Licenses for Flexibility
Since Manitoba lacks bundled family packages, families can mix Annual and One-Day Licenses based on trip frequency. For example:
- A family of four (two adults, two teens aged 16+) fishing once monthly would save $50 CAD annually by purchasing two Annual Licenses ($25 x 2) and two One-Day Licenses ($10 x 2) for occasional trips.
- Use the Manitoba Anglers’ Guide to track seasonal fishing peaks and plan trips efficiently.
2. Gear Recommendations for Families
Manitoba’s diverse fish species require tailored equipment:
- Walleye: Medium-action rods (6’6”) paired with 8–12 lb line, using jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics like curly-tail grubs.
- Northern Pike: Heavy-action rods with steel leaders, casting spoons or large crankbaits.
- Kids’ Gear: Ultralight rods (4–6 lb line) for panfish like perch.
Budget Tip: Retailers like Canadian Tire and Cabela’s offer starter kits under $100 CAD, including rod, reel, and basic tackle.
3. Free Fishing Weekends & Youth Programs
Manitoba hosts Free Fishing Weekends (typically in February and July) where licenses are waived. Additionally, the province’s Learn to Fish Program provides free gear rentals and instruction at family-friendly spots like Assiniboine Park.
Environmental Responsibility & Penalties
Protecting Manitoba’s waterways is critical. Key rules include:
1. Invasive Species Prevention
- Zebra Mussels: Clean all gear before moving between waterbodies. Violations can result in fines up to $2,000 CAD.
- Bait Restrictions: Live baitfish are banned in protected zones like Riding Mountain National Park. Use artificial lures or frozen minnows instead.
2. Catch-and-Release Best Practices
- Use barbless hooks to minimize fish injury (mandatory province-wide).
- Handle fish with wet gloves and release undersized catches immediately.
3. Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Overfishing: Exceeding walleye limits (4/day) can lead to fines of $100–$500 CAD per fish.
- Unlicensed Fishing: Fines start at $298 CAD for adults and $149 CAD for minors.
Key Takeaways for Families
- Cost Transparency: Manitoba’s individual licensing system offers flexibility but requires careful planning. A typical family spends $60–$150 CAD annually depending on trip frequency.
- Regulatory Awareness: Always carry licenses, respect size/possession limits, and review the 2025 Anglers’ Guide for updates.
- Conservation Ethic: Teach children sustainable practices, like using barbless hooks and reporting invasive species.
For extended adventures, explore Manitoba’s Top 10 Shore Fishing Spots or plan a multi-province trip with our guide to Ontario Non-Resident Licenses.
