Management Messages
Message from the Minister
Alberta has some of the greatest fishing in the world. From our ice-cold Rocky Mountain streams to our cool-water lakes, rivers and southern reservoirs, our fisheries are enjoyed by Albertans, Canadians from other provinces, and international visitors alike.
There are numerous ecological and economic benefits from sportfishing, and casting a line with family and friends remains an important social and cultural part of living in Alberta. Getting outside to your favourite fishing spot not only provides mental and physical health benefits but it remains a low-cost recreational activity that all Albertans can enjoy.
The 2024 fishing season has not been a typical year in terms of timelines. With a goal of making your feedback and ideas part of how we manage these resources, fisheries staff have been working hard behind the scenes to reshape how recreational fisheries are managed in the province.
While important, establishing these processes and consultation takes time. Choosing sound management approaches now means that we will continue to recognize the benefits of this work for generations.
I am pleased to report that we are making real progress toward determining potential changes. These proposed changes will be shared with Albertans in the coming months, ahead of the 2025 fishing season.
Our goal is to continue to protect and conserve fish populations while creating fishing and harvesting opportunities with a diversity of fishing opportunities. We will continue to promote the use of this renewable resource for all to enjoy.
Whether you take the opportunity to introduce a new angler to fishing during one of our free fishing weekends or you are a seasoned angler, I encourage you to get outside and enjoy the wonderful opportunities Alberta has to offer.
Todd Loewen
Minister of Forestry and Parks .
Alberta's Fisheries Management System
Alberta follows the Alberta’s Fish Conservation and Management Strategy. Alberta’s goal of sustainability for fish populations and fisheries is central to this commitment. The components of Alberta’s Fisheries Management System are Assessment, Status, Engagement, Management Objectives, and Regulations.
For more information on Alberta’s Fish Conservation and Management Strategy, please go to Alberta’s Fisheries Management website and click the link.
Important Information
This section provides general information. Regulations are listed in each Watershed Unit in the Management Zones.
Low Flows and High Water Temperatures
● To help conserve fish during drought conditions, Alberta Government will be monitoring water flows, levels, and temperatures in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
● In response to low flows and warmer water temperatures, time of day angling restrictions may be implemented.
● Please see My Wild Alberta web page for up to date information on Time of Day angling restrictions.
Know before you go!
● Know the sportfishing regulations before you go! Either download the PDF of the Guide, take a printed copy of the Guide with you, or use the Sportfishing Regulations App.
● The Sportfishing Regulations App is web- and map-based; designed to be easily used; you can search for a waterbody, search an area, or use your location.
● See https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/regulations/default.aspx
Stocking and Transfers
During the upgrades since 2017, trout stocking numbers were impacted but starting in 2025 the hatcheries will be back to stocking full numbers.
The walleye stocking program collected eggs from 3 wild populations, stocked 10 lakes and reservoirs with 14 million fry.
Visit MyWildAlberta Stocking web page for more information
Measures are always taken to prevent disease transfer.
Sportfishing Guide
The Sportfishing Guide is updated annually. Please enjoy this 2024-25 Guide!
Waterbodies,
● with regulation changes, corrections and updates are highlighted blue
● that are closed all year are highlighted grey
Download and Save the Guide
This sportfishing guide can be downloaded from albertaregulations.ca website. Touch the PDF symbol below the cover of the sportfishing regulations to open, then download and save the sportfishing regulations for your favourite watersheds (examples ES1, NB3, PP2) OR download and save the complete document.
Licensing
● Alberta resident Canadian Armed Forces Veterans are eligible for a free sportfishing licence. See Licencing page for more information.
● For convenience, download the AlbertaRELM App and keep your sportfishing licences and WiN handy.
● Remember you are required to produce your licence (paper or electronic via the AlbertaRELM App) when requested by an officer.
● Sign up to auto-renew your sportfishing licence.
● See albertarelm.com or AlbertaRELM App for additional details.
Special Harvest Licence Updates
● If successfully drawn, an SHL licensee is eligible for 2 walleye tags for either Class A (>50 cm) or Class B (43-50 cm).
● Purchase up to 5 Class C walleye licences (2 walleye <43 cm per licence) on a first-come first-served basis.
● If you were drawn for a Class A or B or purchased an
undersubscribed or Class C licence you are able to purchase additional licences (started May 14).
● See AlbertaRELM or MyWildAlberta.ca Fishing Licences for more information.
Pausing the Electronic Tag Pilot for Special Harvest Licences
● The electronic tag option (e-tag) is being paused during the 2024-25 sportfishing season. Legislation specific to the inspection and use of personal electronic devices is being reviewed
● There is no change to the draw process. Successful applicants will purchase their licence and use paper and wire tags.
● Walleye retained with a Special Harvest Licence must be immediately tagged as per conditions of licence with a paper and wire tag through the gill cavity and mouth.
● Please stay tuned; we will provide updates on the electronic tagging option.
Ice Fishing
Anglers must identify all ice fishing shelters left unattended on the ice for more than 24 hours. Label the outside of the shelter with your WiN number OR name and phone number using 2.5 cm or taller letters.
Owners of ice fishing shelters must remove their ice fishing shelters before March 15 in PP1 and before March 31 everywhere else, or when directed to do so by an officer.
Angling through ice is not permitted into beaver ponds or flowing waters in ES1 to ES4 management zones except the portion of the Lobstick River lying in 53, 54-9, 10-W5.
Aquatic Health
The impacts posed by aquatic invasive species, including fish disease, continue to threaten Alberta’s fisheries and can extend beyond reducing recreational fishing opportunities. We all play an important role in keeping Alberta’s fish healthy.
Everyone can help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species through prevention, by following,
● CATCH IT, KILL IT If you catch Prussian carp do not release them. Kill, dispose of them, or eat them.
● CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY YOUR GEAR Ensure no water, mud, fish or fish parts are moved from one waterbody to the next. This applies within Alberta as well as beyond our borders.
● PULL THE PLUG! All watercraft must have the drain plug pulled while being transported. It’s the Law!
● DON’T LET IT LOOSE Never release water, plants, dead or live fish or any other animals into waterbodies they didn’t originate from.
Call 1-855-336-BOAT 24/7 hotline for more information.
Do You Have a Suggestion or Comment?
Alberta Government conducts public engagement opportunities throughout the year. Open engagements related to fisheries management can be found by visiting www.alberta.ca/fisheries-engagements.aspx
Stay engaged by following our 'My Wild Alberta' Facebook page to learn more about angling, projects our staff are working on and any public engagements.
Have a question or comment? Send your email or letter to our Outreach Services team, who will forward it to the appropriate fisheries personnel.
Email: EPA.Outreach-Services@gov.ab.ca
Alberta Government
9920-108 Street
Edmonton
T6K-2M4