Management Messages
Message from the Minister
Alberta has some of the most beautiful fishing spots in the world right here in our backyard. From mountain streams full of native trout to peaceful spring-fed creeks and our many lakes and reservoirs, there’s something for everyone here.
But with all our diverse fisheries, we also share a responsibility to take care of our landscapes, our bodies of water, and of the fish that call it home, so that our future generations can have the same opportunities to enjoy them that we do. Whether you’re a fan of dry-fly fishing or love ice fishing with your family, we all play an important part in keeping Alberta’s waters healthy for the future.
That’s why Alberta’s government wants to hear new ideas on how we manage our fisheries. We’ve heard from the Albertans asking for more opportunities to catch northern pike and walleye, and I’m proud to say we’ve worked hard to make that happen.
We’re investing in fish hatcheries and stocking programs across the province, so that anglers can find plenty of stocked trout and walleye in lakes across the province.
Our fisheries management focuses on maintaining healthy fish populations, keeping ecosystems in balance, and supporting recreational fishing. Moving forward, we’ll keep working to continue meeting your needs, all while making sure our waters stay healthy and full of life. Our goal is to make fishing accessible for everyone, no matter how much experience you have.
Fishing is an important part of Alberta’s history, and I’m proud to work with people as dedicated as I am to keeping this tradition alive.
Whether you’re just starting to fish, or you’ve been at it for years, Alberta’s stunning lakes, rivers, and streams will create memories that last a lifetime. Don’t forget to enjoy our free fishing weekends with family and friends, and always fish safely and responsibly.
Todd Loewen
Minister of Forestry and Parks .
Alberta's Fisheries Management System
The Fisheries Management System outlines the integrated approach to fisheries management in Alberta. Each step of the process is an important component to managing fish populations and fisheries in accordance with Alberta’s Fish Conservation and Management Strategy. Fisheries management is a shared responsibility between two Ministries - Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) and Forestry and Parks (FP).
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
Over 2.2 million trout were stocked at 244 lakes. See page 16-17 for more information on Alberta’s trout stocking.
The walleye stocking program collected eggs from 3 wild populations, stocked 10 lakes and reservoirs with 14 million fry. The goal of this program is to create angling and harvest opportunities in 4 to 5 years time.
In 2024, yellow perch were transferred into Frenchman Lake (NB1) with the help of volunteers.
Visit MyWildAlberta Stocking web page for more information
Measures are always taken to prevent disease transfer.
Sportfishing Guide
The 2024 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations were amended in-season with 27 regulations changes. These changes will remain highlighted blue in the 2025 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations.
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
● Effective in 2026, Class A and Class B licences will be removed from the Special Harvest Licence application and draw process.
● Anglers should use their priority points during the 2025 season to avoid losing priority points when the draw application process is removed in 2026. See page 19 for 2025 draw dates.
● 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 13).
● The electronic tag option (e-tag) will remain paused for the 2025 sportfishing season. Legislation specific to the inspection and use of personal electronic devices is under review.
● See AlbertaRELM or MyWildAlberta.ca Fishing Licences for more information.
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.
Information About Fisheries Management
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.