Anglers will be able to cast their rods in Manitoba's lakes and rivers starting this weekend.

Warm temperatures and news from the province is putting a smile on many recreational fisher's faces Wednesday. Starting Saturday, the southern division is open. This includes Lockport and the Whiteshell area.

Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen says "recreational angling is a fantastic way to spend time with family while enjoying the outdoors," in his announcement Wednesday.

All other areas of the province will open for the season the following week on May 22.

“Manitobans are fortunate to have an abundance of trophy fisheries located throughout the province."

There are 100,000 lakes in Manitoba, and Lake Winnipeg is the tenth-largest freshwater lake in the world. Maps and fish stock information can be found online.

Fishers will be expected to fish with a valid licence and follow all regulations

There are new fishing restrictions including:

• Marge Lake – walleye limit is two and all walleye shorter than 35 centimetres must be released;
• Bradley Lake – provincial smallmouth bass limits and size restriction;
• Mirror Lake – trout limit is one and closed to all fishing from Sept.15 to and including Oct. 31; and
• Summerhill Lake – walleye limit is four.

Manitobans with boats are being reminded zebra mussels and spiny waterflea have been spotted. Both are aquatic invasive species (AIS). 

"Surface water-users are reminded of the requirements when entering and exiting all water bodies in Manitoba. Additional decontamination and bait requirements are needed within AIS control zones," the department says in a statement.