While the weather may be chilly this weekend you can grab your rod and reel and fish without a licence this weekend at any Alberta lake.

Free fishing weekends are offered biannually on Family Day weekend as well as National Fishing Week in July and are the perfect opportunity to test the waters before committing.

Besides seeing if you are interested in angling, it is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air as a family.

Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks, shares the weekend is a great opportunity to combine outdoor fun with education.

"Family Fishing Weekend helps anglers introduce children to Alberta’s diverse ecosystems and fish species, I encourage all Albertans to join in this wonderful experience."

Alberta's sportfishing regulations still apply during free fishing weekends and that information can be found HERE.

Last year 300,000 Albertans bought a fishing licence either online or at one of almost 300 retailers located throughout the province, generating more than 8.5 million in revenue.