CANADIAN residents can fish without buying a fishing licence this Family Day Weekend, which runs Feb. 14-16.

These are a few of the ice-fishing events that families can enjoy this weekend:

• The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Family Ice Fishing Day on Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Rotary Park on Chemong Lake, Ennismore
• The Dryden Winter Festival Ice Fishing Derby on Feb. 16, noon to 5 p.m.

Before venturing out:

• Check ice conditions with local ice hut operators or other anglers.
• Let others know where you’re planning to fish and when you plan to return.
• Appropriate clothing and equipment are critical to safety and comfort. Many anglers wear floatation suits and carry a set of ice picks.

So get outside and enjoy some fresh air this weekend in communities across the province.

QUICK FACTS

• Approximately 1.3 million licensed anglers fish in Ontario each year and spend $2.5 billion in the province annually.
• This year, Canadian residents can fish without a licence in Ontario from Feb. 14-16 and again this summer from July 4-12.
• Anglers are reminded to follow rules in the 2015 Fishing Regulations Summary.