Children in the Riverton area will have the opportunity to learn how to ice fish this winter.
Riverton-Bifrost Parks and Recreation Commission, in collaboration with the Sandy Bar Fishing Club, is holding an ice fishing program for youth aged 14 and under this season. This is the first year the community is offering something like this. Recreation and Community Development Coordinator Kyra Toderan said the commission is excited to see how it evolves in the coming years.
“Fishing is a big part of the local culture, and this program is a way to use the natural resources in the area for something fun, safe, and educational,” she said. “It’s also a great opportunity to encourage outdoor recreation and connect kids with traditions that are important to the community.”
The program won’t start until the lake has 18 inches of ice, but once it does, the group will meet at Sandy Bar Beach weekly to drill holes and get fishing. Toderan said that at each meeting, the registered youth will learn about ice safety, how to properly set up their gear, and hands-on fishing skills like proper jigging techniques and tools like tip-ups and flashers.
“They’ll have the chance to catch pickerel, perch, and mariah,” said Toderan. “As for their catch, they’ll be able to keep their fish as long as it’s within the regulations. We’ll teach them the proper way to handle their fish, whether they decide to keep or release them.”
There are restrictions on what anglers can catch and keep. For example, the walleye possession limit is four fish, with none of them exceeding 55 cm in size. The yellow perch limit is 25 fish, with no size restriction. To learn more about fishing restrictions in Manitoba, go to https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/fish/angling-guide.pdf.
The program costs $50 per person. That gets each fisher a rod, lessons, and the chance to partake in friendly competitions and wiener roasts on the ice.
Right now, Riverton-Bifrost Parks and Recreation Commission and the Sandy Bar Fishing Club are planning to run the program for six weeks, but they’re open to going longer if weather permits. As everything depends on the ice, the program will run for as long as possible.
Toderan said the goal is to make the ice fishing program an annual tradition. This first year will help them see what works and what doesn’t, and what the community wants most. From there, they’ll build on it and make it a yearly tradition.
“The program’s main goal is to teach kids the fundamentals of ice fishing while promoting outdoor activity and helping them connect with the community’s rich fishing heritage,” said Todern. “[It] is important because it provides kids with the chance to experience an activity that’s a deep-rooted part of the community’s culture. It helps kids build confidence, offers an opportunity to unplug and connect with nature, and teaches them valuable skills. It also helps create lasting memories and friendships as they spend time outdoors, away from screens and indoor distractions.”
Experienced anglers with the Sandy Bar Fishing Club and dedicated volunteers will guide the children through fishing and instruct them throughout the six weeks. Toderan said the fishing club has been “invaluable” in helping them shape the program.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received for this new program in the area,” she said. “It’s been exciting to introduce something fresh and meaningful for the community.”
Registration for the program is ongoing, and as interest for it is high, Toderan recommends registering now. To do so, or to learn more about the program, parents can email her at kyra.rbprc@bifriv.ca.
