Many Manitobans will be headed to water this weekend for the opening of fishing season.

This Saturday, Manitobans can unpack their fishing rods and take to the waters with this season's openings.

May 9 is the official opening of the Southern Fishing Division, and May 16 for the rest of the province. The province says fishers that can purchases their licenses online with a new program that was launched in April.

Manitoban anglers are being reminded of a new restriction.

All walleye and sauger under 35 centimetres in length are required to be released when caught from the Red River, Winnipeg River below the Pine Falls Dam, and Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries up to its first impassable barrier.

“Recreational fishing is a great way to get outside, explore the outdoors and enjoy Manitoba’s wilderness,” Pedersen says.

Along with asking Manitobans to continue physical distancing practices, the Province is reminding boaters to be cautious of invasive species. Watercraft inspection stations are being enforced and those who do attempt to skip inspections will be charged $672 by the province.

A late spring also means fishers must be cautious of flowing water and deteriorating ice conditions when near waterways.