Trout angling season officially begins two hours before dawn April 15.

Richard Brown, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry announced today that the 2009 angling season will include several new measures aimed at preserving the long-term health of fish stock and of the sport fishery.

“Angling is a way for Islanders to see the natural beauty of their home province, to spend some quiet hours with family and friends or just to be alone with their thoughts and the sounds of water,” said Minister Brown.

“This year, we are making some changes to angling regulations in order to encourage new people to take part in the sport and in order to make sure the fishing stays good for future generations.”

For the 2009 season:

• The daily catch limit for trout is eight fish.

• There will be no retention of Atlantic salmon. The salmon fishery will be catch and release only, with barbless flies to be used.

• The Dunk River will be open only to catch and release fishing, with barbless flies.

• The east branch of the Tryon River will be closed to angling in 2009.

As a new initiative this season, the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry is offering a family fishing license for just $5 plus a $5 fee for the Wildlife Conservation Fund. This license allows the license holder’s spouse and dependents to fish for a period of five days.

“This is a great opportunity to introduce children and families to the sport of fishing,” said Minister Brown.

The Department’s 2009 Angling Summary is available online at www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/2009fishsum.pdf.

Angling licenses are available at numerous retailers but can also be purchased online at www.gov.pe.ca/envengfor/index.php3?number=1021616.