Key Changes to 2025 Manitoba Fishing Regulations
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. Below, we break down everything you need to know about licences, possession limits, seasonal adjustments, and new conservation measures.
1. Simplified Licensing System
Manitoba has overhauled its licensing framework to reduce complexity and improve accessibility:
- Single Annual Licence: Replaces the former “regular” and “conservation” categories. All anglers now use one standardized licence with possession limits tailored to promote sustainability.
- One-Day Licence: Introduced for casual anglers ($8.40 for residents, $19.95 for non-residents), valid for 24 hours.
- Seniors Exemption: Manitobans aged 65+ no longer need a licence but must follow all size and season rules.
- Digital Licences: Paperless options available via smartphone.
Why it matters: These changes aim to reduce barriers to entry while maintaining responsible harvesting practices.
2. Stricter Possession Limits and Size Restrictions
To protect spawning stocks and trophy 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) |
Key adjustments:
- Dauphin Lake: All walleye over 48 cm must be released.
- Cold Lake (Saskatchewan boundary): Lake trout limited to one fish between 65–70 cm.
Impact on tournaments: Competitive events must adopt catch-photo-release formats for larger fish. Traditional weigh-ins are prohibited for species with size restrictions.
3. Extended Seasons and New Closures
Year-Round Fishing:
- Open for non-protected species like perch, catfish, and burbot.
- Exceptions apply for walleye, lake trout, and sturgeon during spawning periods.
Critical Closures:
- Ganaraska River Fish Sanctuary: Closed September 1–October 14 to protect spawning Atlantic salmon.
- Red River Tributaries: Walleye fishing prohibited April 1–May 15.
Special Zones:
- Lake Winnipeg: Live bait permitted until 2027 under a pilot program.
- AIS Control Zones: Live bait banned in waters with invasive species risks (e.g., zebra mussel-infested areas).
4. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Enforcement
New penalties target actions that threaten Manitoba’s waters:
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Transporting live bait | $486 |
| Possessing zebra mussels | $1,296 |
| Failing to drain bilge/gear | $672 |
Prevention Tips:
- Dry gear for 48 hours between waterbodies.
- Use only certified bait dealers.
5. Indigenous Fishing Rights
- Status Indians: Exempt from licences and seasons when fishing for subsistence but must adhere to conservation rules.
- Métis Harvesters: Allowed unlimited subsistence fishing within designated areas.
6. Competitive Fishing Events (CFEs)
New Requirements:
- Catch-Photo-Release Mandate: All walleye, sauger, trout, bass, and catfish must be released immediately.
- Licence Compliance: CFEs with 25+ participants must apply for a free permit four weeks in advance.
Conservation Impact: While challenging for traditional tournaments, these rules protect breeding-sized fish and align with global sustainability trends.
7. Ice Fishing and Shelter Regulations
- Shelter Removal Deadlines:
- Red River: March 9, 2025
- Southern Division (Area B): March 15
- Northwest/Northeast: April 15.
- Identification: Shelters must display the owner’s name, ID number, and phone number.
8. Commercial Fishing Updates
- Gear Marking: Gill nets must display fisher numbers for traceability.
- Lake Sturgeon Protection: All accidentally caught sturgeon must be released; dead specimens reported immediately.
- Sustainability Certifications: Manitoba aims for eco-certification of key fisheries (e.g., Lake Winnipeg) to access premium markets.
9. Economic and Ecological Context
Manitoba’s $1.75B recreational fishing industry relies on sustainable practices. Key initiatives include:
- 30×30 Conservation Goal: Protecting 30% of lands/waters by 2030.
- FWEF Funding: $1M+ allocated to 35 habitat conservation projects in 2024.
Eric Labaupa, a competitive angler, summarizes: “These rules are a win for conservation—even if tournaments need to adapt”.
10. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Common violations and associated fines:
| Offense | Fine |
|---|---|
| Fishing without a licence | $298 |
| Overlimit | $102+ |
| Unattended line | $52 |
| Littering | $204 |
Reporting Violations: Call 1-877-847-7667 or use the Manitoba TIP Program.
Final Tips for 2025
- Download the 2025 Manitoba Angler’s Guide: Available at [manitobafisheries.com].
- Use eLicensing: Purchase/renew permits instantly via [manitobaelicensing.ca].
- Stay Updated: Check for mid-season adjustments to AIS rules and localized closures.
Conclusion
Manitoba’s 2025 fishing regulations reflect a bold balance between angler access and ecological stewardship. By adhering to size limits, embracing digital licensing, and supporting invasive species prevention, anglers play a direct role in preserving the province’s legendary fisheries. As Minister Graydon Smith notes, “These waters are a global treasure—we’re ensuring they remain vibrant for generations”.
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Tight lines and responsible fishing in 2025!
