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Here Fishy Fishy

Fishing season opens in Southern Management Zone as snowmelt delays Northern, Central areas

May 8, 2026 | 12:25 PM

While many people in Northern Saskatchewan are waiting for the snow and ice to melt off of the lakes, others in the southern parts of the province are getting to enjoy some of the first days of the fishing season. 

Angling in the Southern Management Zone began on May 5, while fishing in the Central Zone will open on May 15 and in the Northern Zone on May 25. According to Maxime Legal, a fisheries biologist with the Ministry of Environment, it all has to do with the snowmelt. 

“As the weather warms, we’re kind of going from south to north as things tend to warm up a little bit faster in the south,” he explained. “The seasons are in place to ensure that our fishery resources remain sustainable and so that anglers can continue to enjoy the opportunities present year over year.” 

Each of the three zones extends from the Alberta to Manitoba provincial borders, while their length across the province is determined by land and road geography. The Southern Zone stretches from the US border to Highway 55; the Central Zone ranges from Highway 55 up to the 57th parallel; and the Northern Zone continues from that mark up to the border with the Northwest Territories.  

A map of the Southern, Central, and Northern Zones.
A map of the Southern, Central, and Northern Zones. (Image Credit: Government of Saskatchewan)

Legal continued that there are some new rules and regulations that anglers must follow this season. That includes a new fishery habitat certificate, which will cost $5 for one and three-day licenses, and $20 for annual angling licenses.  

“It’s going to provide funding for key fisheries priorities with the revenue deposited into the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund. And the funding will help with the modernization and expansion of the Saskatchewan Fish Hatchery, which is responsible for stocking all of the province’s public water bodies with fish.” 

Funds also go towards supporting the hatchery’s aquatic invasive species prevention programming. Those who purchase an annual angling license and a hunting license in the same year will only need to purchase one habitat certificate, while anglers under 16 and over 65 do not need one.  

Angling licenses are needed to legally fish in Saskatchewan and can be bought online through the Hunting and Angling Licensing (HAL) Portal, the SK Hunt & Fish app, or in person at select ministry field offices, provincial park offices, and private angling license issuers.  

With widespread flooding affecting much of the province, Legal said it’s something for anglers to be aware of as conditions can change fast. 

“Always stay aware of your surroundings and keep safety top of mind. There’s so many great opportunities for angling in the province, so use the tools that are available to help plan your trip and continue to discover the great opportunities that are available within the province.” 

He added that HABISask (Hunting, Angling and Biodiversity Information of Saskatchewan) is one of the ways to help plan your trip this summer and is also a useful tool to find some good fishing spots.  

“You can play around with an interactive map and plan your trip. We have most water bodies within the province listed there and you can get additional information such as stocking information, lake depth, depth maps and special regulations all through there.” 

More information about the 2026 fishing season can be found online via the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com