Niverville, Manitoba families can try ice fishing without buying a licence during the province-wide Free Winter Family Fishing Weekend from February 14 to February 16, 2026. The Manitoba Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures department is waiving permit requirements for the weekend to make the sport more accessible to everyone. This event coincides with the February long weekend, giving residents a chance to enjoy the outdoors at no cost.
Local families can head to St. Malo Provincial Park, which is located about 30 minutes south of Niverville, to fish for species like perch, pike, and walleye. In addition to free fishing, vehicle permits are not required to enter any provincial parks this month as the government has removed those fees until April 30, 2026.
A major family event called the KidFish Ice Fishing Derby is also taking place on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Selkirk Park on the Red River. While the fishing licence is not needed, participants must still follow all standard rules regarding how many fish they can keep and what size they must be to ensure the health of local fish populations.
To help protect Manitoba waters, all anglers are required to clean, drain, and dry their fishing gear to prevent the spread of invasive species. Government officials recommend freezing equipment like augers, scoops, and lures as an easy and effective way to decontaminate them before moving between different lakes.
Safety remains a priority, and participants are encouraged to check ice thickness and local weather conditions before heading out on the ice. While most provincial sites are part of the free weekend, a federal licence is still required for anyone who chooses to fish within national parks.
