2025 Fishing Regulations

• Posted on 31 March 2025
• By Jenna Poirier
• 0

Regulations are effective from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026

Fish Regulations Book: https://albertaregulations.ca/pdfs/fishing-regs/Important-Information.pdf 

Alberta Fish and Wildlife has developed a map based application to view sportfishing regulations from mobile devices or desktop computers. This web-based app is not downloaded to your phone; it is accessed while you are in cell service. If you are leaving cell service, know the regulations before you go, download the PDF of the Guide, or take a printed copy of the Guide with you. https://geospatial.alberta.ca/afr/.

Important Information

This section provides general information. Regulations are listed in each Watershed Unit in the Management Zones starting on page 30.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.
• 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.

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.