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Thinking about casting a line in one of Manitoba’s 100,000 lakes? It’s an awesome way to get outdoors and experience some of the best fishing around. But before you and your family head out, you need to know the rules, especially when it comes to licenses for younger anglers. This guide breaks down everything you need to know for the 2025 season, making sure your trip is fun, legal, and hassle-free.
Let’s get straight to the most common question. For young anglers who are residents of Manitoba, the rule is simple and designed to get more people into the sport.
Resident youth under the age of 16 do not need to purchase a fishing license. That’s right—it’s completely free for resident kids and teens to fish! Even better, they are entitled to their own full, legal limit of fish, just like a licensed adult. To be considered a resident, you must have lived in the province for the last six months.
If you’re visiting Manitoba, the rules are a bit different:
Just because a license isn’t required doesn’t mean there are no rules. Teaching young anglers to respect regulations is a huge part of making them responsible and ethical fishers for life.
Even without a license, all youth must follow the regulations set out in the official Manitoba Anglers’ Guide. This includes:
The Manitoba Anglers’ Guide, which is updated every year, is your go-to source for all these details. It’s a good idea to have a digital or paper copy with you on your trip.
Manitoba does more than just offer free fishing; it has programs specifically designed to get kids hooked on the sport.
Run by Travel Manitoba, the L’il Angler program is perfect for first-timers. It’s a non-competitive way to celebrate a child’s very first catch. Open to kids 12 and under, all you have to do is submit a photo of them with their fish—any size, any species—and they’ll get a cool commemorative certificate and crest to mark the occasion.
For kids aged 9 to 15 who want a more structured experience, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) runs a fantastic Youth Recreational Fishing League. It operates like a sports league, with teams and coaches who fish together in events throughout the season, learning new skills and conservation principles in a fun, friendly environment.
Ready to hit the water? Here’s a simple checklist for parents and guardians:
By making it easy and free for resident youth to fish, Manitoba is building the next generation of anglers and conservationists. So grab your gear, get out there, and make some memories