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Manitoba’s world-class fisheries are entering 2025 with significant regulatory updates designed to balance accessibility, conservation, and long-term sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or planning your first trip to Lake Winnipeg, understanding these changes is critical for compliance and protecting the province’s aquatic ecosystems.
Simplified Licensing System
Manitoba has completely overhauled its licensing framework to reduce complexity and improve accessibility:
- Single Annual License: The previous “regular” and “conservation” categories have been consolidated into one standardized license with tailored possession limits.
- One-Day License: Perfect for casual anglers, this new option costs $8.40 for residents and $19.95 for non-residents, valid for 24 hours.
- Seniors Exemption: Manitoba residents aged 65+ no longer need a fishing license but must still follow all size and season regulations.
- Digital Licensing: Paperless options are now available via smartphone, making it easier to purchase and display your license when needed.
Licenses for the 2025 season became available for purchase on April 1, 2025, and are valid starting May 1, 2025. The 2024 annual licenses remain valid until April 30, 2025.
Stricter Possession Limits and Size Restrictions
To protect spawning stocks and trophy-sized fish, Manitoba has implemented science-based limits for key species:
| Species | Possession Limit | Size Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye/Sauger | 4 | None over 55 cm |
| Northern Pike | 4 | None over 75 cm |
| Lake Trout | 1 | None over 65 cm |
| Smallmouth Bass | 4 | None over 45 cm |
| Yellow Perch | 10 | None over 30 cm (Big Bobs Lake) |
Notable area-specific adjustments include:
- Dauphin Lake: All walleye over 48 cm must be released, including in portions of Mossy River to municipal road 107 west and all inflowing tributaries.
- Big Bobs Lake: Walleye limit is 2 and all walleye over 45 cm must be released. Yellow perch limit is 10 and all yellow perch over 30 cm must be released.
Seasonal Regulations and Closures
Understanding when you can fish for different species is crucial for conservation efforts and avoiding penalties:
Key Dates for Walleye and Sauger:
- Southern Division season ends: April 7, 2025
- Northwest/North Central Divisions season ends: May 1, 2025
- Southern Division season begins: May 10, 2025 (with exceptions)
- Lake Winnipeg and Northwest/North Central Divisions season begins: May 17, 2025
Complete Fishing Closures:
From April 7 to May 10, 2025, several areas will be completely closed to fishing:
- Red River between Lockport Dam and Lake Winnipeg
- Dauphin Lake and its tributaries (except Vermilion Reservoir)
- Assiniboine River from the Portage Diversion to Provincial Road 240
Significantly Increased Penalties for Violations
Manitoba has dramatically increased fines for fishing violations in 2025, reflecting a serious commitment to conservation:
| Violation | 2024 Fine | 2025 Fine | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing with barbed hooks | $52 | $220 | 323% |
| Exceeding catch limits | $102 | $390 | 282% |
| Bringing live bait into province | $200 | $433 | 117% |
| Unattended fishing line | $52 | $220 | 323% |
| Possession of crayfish | $200 | $433 | 117% |
These substantial increases send a clear message to anglers: know the rules and follow them-or face significantly steeper penalties.
Aquatic Invasive Species Control Measures
Manitoba continues to strengthen its defense against aquatic invasive species with enhanced regulations:
- Live Bait Restrictions: Strict controls on transporting live bait between water bodies to prevent spread of invasive species.
- Equipment Cleaning Requirements: All fishing gear must be thoroughly cleaned, drained, and dried for at least 48 hours between uses in different water bodies.
- Prohibited Species: The regulations list specific species that are completely prohibited from possession or transport in Manitoba.
The Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations help protect Canadian waterbodies by preventing the spread and introduction of harmful species and managing them once introduced.
Indigenous Fishing Rights
Manitoba recognizes the traditional rights of Indigenous peoples to fish for subsistence:
- Status Indians: Exempt from licenses and seasons when fishing for subsistence but must adhere to conservation rules.
- Métis Harvesters: Have rights to subsistence fishing within designated areas.
The provincial Minister ensures that permits issued to those with treaty or aboriginal fishing rights authorize fishing in accordance with those rights while respecting their priority to exercise these rights.
Competitive Fishing Events
Organizers of competitive fishing events (CFEs) with 25 or more participants must now:
- Obtain a Free Permit: Apply at least four weeks in advance of the event.
- Follow Catch-Photo-Release Rules: For many species including walleye, sauger, trout, bass, and catfish.
- Adhere to Specific Event Guidelines: Including requirements for fish handling and reporting.
These regulations ensure that competitive events don’t negatively impact fish populations or their habitats.
Conservation Initiatives
Manitoba is investing in conservation through several programs:
- Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF): $958,000 approved for 17 new projects in 2025, focusing on habitat enhancement, protection, research, and education.
- 30×30 Conservation Goal: Working toward protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030.
- Sustainable Management Practices: Science-based approaches to ensure long-term viability of fish populations.
The FWEF supports conservation of critical fish and wildlife habitat through projects recommended by Manitoba recreational anglers, hunters, and trappers.
Resources for Anglers
To ensure compliance with all regulations, anglers should utilize these official resources:
- 2025 Manitoba Angler’s Guide: The comprehensive official guide to all fishing regulations.
- Manitoba eLicensing: Purchase licenses online quickly and conveniently.
- Manitoba Fisheries Website: Up-to-date information on regulations and conservation efforts.
For more detailed information about fishing in Manitoba, visit TeenFish.com where you’ll find resources specifically designed to help anglers of all ages navigate the regulations.
Conclusion
Manitoba’s 2025 fishing regulations reflect a commitment to balancing recreational opportunities with conservation needs. By simplifying licensing, implementing science-based limits, increasing penalties for violations, and investing in conservation initiatives, the province is working to ensure its world-class fisheries remain vibrant and sustainable for generations to come.
Anglers play a crucial role in this conservation effort by staying informed about regulations, practicing responsible fishing techniques, and reporting violations. With these collective efforts, Manitoba’s waters will continue to offer some of North America’s best fishing experiences.
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Tight lines and responsible fishing in 2025!
