Saskatchewan’s fishing season is in full swing, and that is keeping conservation officers like Sgt. Dan Robinson rather busy ensuring that anglers are following the rules and regulations that help preserve one of the most popular summer activities in the province.
He explained that while the majority of anglers he encounters stay up to date on the regulations outlined in the Saskatchewan Angler’s Guide, there are always exceptions.
“Occasionally we do come across individuals that are—either intentionally or unintentionally—bending the rules,” said Robinson.
The more common infractions encountered by Robinson and his fellow officers here in the Moose Jaw area involve exceeding catch limits for northern pike and walleye, which are by far the most common species in the region. He noted that due to the higher daily limits, overfishing on perch is far less common.
In Saskatchewan, one of the issues that lands anglers in hot water and facing hefty fines is the failure to measure large fish, especially for northern pike and walleye. The general limit for northern pike is five fish, with only one measuring over 75 cm. Whereas for walleye, the limit is four with only one over 55 cm.
We do encounter a lot of anglers that aren't measuring their fish for whatever reason, and we try to encourage them to,” said Robinson.
“The fine amounts do go up drastically per fish when it comes to over limits of upper sized fish.”
Violations tend to vary on a seasonal basis. During the summer Robinson and his fellow officers tend to encounter more over-limit infractions, due to favourable weather and increased fish activity. By contrast, infractions revolving around too many fishing lines or fishing without a valid license are more common. He did note that the summer sees more activity overall, especially with boat and shore anglers out in larger numbers.
Robinson reminds anglers to stay on top of the regulations specific to the body of water they’re visiting as some lakes have special rules, such as reduced limits and slot limits.
Aside from certain times of the year, anyone over the age of 16 is required to have a valid Saskatchewan fishing license, except residents over the age of 65, who must carry ID verifying their age and residence. He added that it has never been easier to acquire a license before heading out.
“Nowadays licenses can be purchased at the nearest Conservation Officer Service Office, and they can be purchased online quite easily,” said Robinson.
“(It is more convenient), especially if you live in a rural area or you're not very close to a city office.”
Robinson reminds anglers that if you do happen to see something suspicious, there are several methods that can be used to report it, including calling the local conservation office directly, or when applicable, contacting local officers directly.
“The best method would be to call up the Turn In Poachers and Polluters line (TIPP),” explained Robinson.
“(You can) call 24/7, there’s a toll-free number and the dispatch operator will get ahold of the nearest officer to respond to that call.”
He added that all calls are followed up on and that calls made to the TIPP line are anonymous.
“(You) don’t have to leave your name or contact information if you don’t want to... it will be responded to either way.”
If you’re looking to find out more about fishing in Saskatchewan, click here to view the online version of the 2025 Saskatchewan Angler’s Guide. If you are interested in fishing, click here for links to purchase a Saskatchewan fishing license.