If you've wanted to spend a sunny day out fishing on the lake but haven't picked up your license yet, the weekend of July 10 and 11 is a bit of a gift from the province to you. The government of Saskatchewan announced that this upcoming weekend would be their annual free fishing weekend.

This means anyone, whether they're a resident or just visiting, can fish in any of Saskatchewan’s public waters open to sport fishing, no license required. 

"I am always amazed at the diverse angling opportunities we have here in Saskatchewan," Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said. "Whether it's largemouth bass at Boundary Dam or catfish in the Qu'Appelle River system or any of the many world-class fishing opportunities we have in our northern waterbodies, Free Fishing Weekend gives people the chance to try something new, enjoy time with family and friends, and maybe even explore the province. It is a good weekend to create some memories and enjoy the beauty of what our lakes, streams, and rivers have to offer."

Though licenses won't be required, the government stressed that other regulations (like limits) will still be in effect.

Free fishing weekend also does not apply in national parks, where a federal license is required, and anyone planning on taking fish out of the province must purchase a license.

According to the province, Saskatchewan held its first free fishing weekend in the summer of 1989. More recently, in 2015, they've added a free winter fishing weekend as well. Both of these are now annual events "to encourage people to try sport fishing and to highlight the variety of angling opportunities in the province."

More than a quarter-million people sport fish in Saskatchewan every year.