The Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation is announcing the return of its seasonal fish fry this March.
The meal will take place on two separate dates – March 22 and 23 – and each respective date will have two sittings available to accommodate an historically large turnout. On each of the dates, one sitting will begin at 5 p.m. followed by a second intake at 7 p.m.
“The goal of it is basically to get people out and experience a shore lunch,” explained Todd Smith, president of the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation.
The annual fish fry roughly marks the transition between ice and open water fishing seasons.
“It’s before the close of the ice season, but it’s getting people thinking about the open water season, and maybe getting out on the lake and doing some fishing with family, friends, and maybe getting out for an adventure.”
The open water fishing season traditionally begins on the first Saturday in May, and this year’s date is scheduled for Saturday, May 4.
Everything at the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation is done with the help of volunteers from both within and outside the organization. The federation’s board members typically help with cooking, and several other volunteers help with any duties that are required to make the event possible.
For the upcoming meal, freshly sourced fish will be fried on site, and all meals come with a complementary side dish that includes beans, coleslaw, and freshly baked buns.
“It is all boneless Pike fillets,” Smith confirmed. The Pike will be sourced from within the province in northern Saskatchewan.
“We’re always looking to promote the responsible use of our wildlife and fisheries resources,” he added.
“Pike is often seen as a nuisance fish by a lot of anglers. They don’t really enjoy catching it, and (they) enjoy (eating it less). It’s kind of a showcase to be able to change some minds about the palatability… of the Pike.”
Proceeds from the fish fry help fund programming at the wildlife federation. These include fishing schools, Pheasants in the Classroom programs, and the upcoming youth and family ice fishing tournament on March 9.
The Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation also runs a habitat project at the Hamilton Flats, and proceeds help the organization with the cost of upkeep.
To provide further conservation work in the area, fundraising events such as this allow the federation to purchase habitat in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation through initiatives like the Habitat Trust Program.
To help support the non-profit and enjoy a good meal while doing so, tickets are now available for purchase. Smith advises any interested parties to purchase their tickets well in advance.
“Usually it’s a very packed house, and tickets tend to go fast,” he said. “I’m anticipating that by the end of the month they (tickets) will all be gone.”
The take-out option introduced in 2023 will be available again this year after a successful trial run. If you wish to have your meal to go, you can simply state that you want it “to go” at the time of ticket purchasing.
All take-out orders will be prepped for pick-up at the start of either the 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. sitting.
“It’s all you can eat, so if you go away hungry, it’s kind of your own fault,” said Smith.
Tickets are going for $30 each and this includes either the eat-in or take-out option. To purchase your tickets, call Sandra at 306-692-8848 or Doreen at 306-692-4148.
The fish fry will be held at the Wildlife Centre at 1396 Third Avenue Northeast, located right behind the Town ‘N’ Country Mall.
For more information about the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation and its conservation efforts, visit the federation’s Facebook page, ‘Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation,’ or its website at MJWildlife.ca.
