Families in Morris, Manitoba, can try their hand at ice fishing without paying for a licence during the upcoming Louis Riel Day long weekend. From February 14 to February 16, 2026, the Manitoba government is waiving fishing fees across the province to help more people get outdoors and enjoy the winter season.
Ian Bushie, the minister for Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures, announced the Winter Family Fishing Weekend to make winter activities more affordable. While the licence requirement is removed for the weekend, anyone fishing must still follow all standard conservation rules, including limits on how many fish you can keep and specific size requirements.
Since the town of Morris is located right on the Red River, residents have easy access to a popular spot for catching walleye. This event is expected to bring more people to the river and local businesses like the Sun Valley Co-op, where anglers can pick up snacks, fuel, and supplies before heading onto the ice.
In addition to free fishing, the province has confirmed that vehicle access to provincial parks will remain free until April 30, 2026. This means families can drive into any provincial park without needing a vehicle permit for the rest of the winter season.
The free fishing weekend applies to all areas in the province, though it does not include national parks. More details on how to get started are available from Hunt Fish Manitoba.
