Québec, Quebec - Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that the groundfish ice fishing season on the Saguenay Fjord will begin on January 9 and end on March 7, 2021.
Each person is allowed to catch and keep a maximum of five groundfish per day of any type, except Atlantic Halibut, Atlantic Wolffish, Northern Wolffish, Spotted Wolffish and Skate. Fish harvesters are required to release these species immediately and in a manner that causes the least amount of harm.
For the safety of those participating in ice fishing, DFO emphasizes that access to fishing sites is conditional on ice thickness and in accordance with municipal regulations.
Please note that Canadian Coast Guard spring icebreaking operations on the Saguenay River will begin on or around March 8, 2021. The Coast Guard strongly recommends that all hikers, fish harvesters and snowmobilers leave the ice during icebreaking activities, as shifting ice may create a danger for anyone in the area.
In order to limit the risks of spreading COVID-19, recreational fish harvesters are called upon to respect the public health measures implemented by the various levels of government. Sûreté du Québec officers could be called upon to intervene in the event of non-compliance with the rules of social distancing. Depending on the evolution of the situation, the rules in force for recreational fisheries could be modified in order to ensure compliance with government directives related to COVID-19.
