Alberta is home to world-class fishing spots. These waters range from native trout streams in the Rockies to quiet lakes and reservoirs. With such diverse fisheries, anglers share a critical responsibility. We must protect these resources for generations to come.
Understanding Alberta fishing license and regulations is key to compliance. This guide provides detailed, authoritative information for the 2025 sportfishing season. These regulations are effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Sportfishing includes angling, spearfishing, bowfishing, and collecting bait for personal use. Always consult the official Statutes for legal interpretation.
Essential Steps for Securing Your Alberta Fishing License and WiN Card
Starting your fishing journey requires two primary documents. You must have an active Wildlife Identification Number (WiN). You also need the appropriate Alberta Sportfishing Licence.
Understanding the Mandatory Wildlife Identification Number (WiN)
Every recreational angler must possess an active 10-digit WiN. This is mandatory before purchasing any licence or applying for draws.
New WiN clients pay a one-time activation fee of $8.00 plus GST. If you activate or renew your WiN card online, you get a $2.00 discount off this fee. Once purchased, the virtual WiN card never expires.
Who Needs an Alberta Sportfishing Licence?
The annual Alberta Sportfishing Licence is generally required for all persons sportfishing.
Some anglers are exempt from purchasing this licence. Youth under 16 years of age do not need a licence. Alberta residents aged 65 or older are also exempt from this requirement. Note that even when exempt, all individuals must still adhere to all provincial fishing regulations. Resident Canadian Armed Forces Veterans are eligible for a free licence. They must carry both the free licence and approved veteran identification (VSC, CAF 74, NDI 75, or CFOne “V”).
Alberta Sportfishing Licence Costs and Access
| Licence | Alberta Residents² | Non-resident Canadians³ | Non-residents Outside Canada⁴ |
| CAF Veterans Sportfishing Licence¹ | No Charge | Not Available | Not Available |
| Annual Sportfishing Licence (16-64 years) | $28.00 | $60.00 | $85.00 |
| Annual Sportfishing Licence (under 16 years) | No Licence Required | No Licence Required | No Licence Required |
| Annual Sportfishing Licence (65 years and over) | No Licence Required | $60.00 | $85.00 |
| 1-Day Sportfishing Licence | Not Available | $25.00 | $27.00 |
| 7-Day Sportfishing Licence | Not Available | $41.00 | $55.00 |
| Special Walleye Sportfishing Applications | $5.00 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Special Walleye Harvest Licence | $11.00 | Not Available | Not Available |
¹ A resident Canadian Armed Forces Veteran is an Alberta resident who is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, has successfully undergone basic training and has been honourably discharged.
² Alberta Resident is an individual who has their only or primary residence in Alberta and is a Canadian citizen or is admitted to permanent residence in Canada.
³ Non-resident (Canadian) is an individual who is not a Resident, but who makes their home and is ordinarily present in Canada, and who has lived in Canada for the 12-month period immediately preceding the relevant date.
⁴ Non-resident Outside of Canada is an individual who is neither a Resident nor a Non-resident.
Special Walleye Harvest Licence (SHL) costs and applications have set fees.
| Licence Type | Fee (plus GST) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WiN Card Activation (One-time fee) | $8.00 | Fee discounted by $2.00 if purchased online. |
| SHL Draw Application | $5.00 | Non-refundable and non-transferable. |
| Special Walleye Harvest Licence (SHL) | $11.00 | Required for retaining walleye in specified lakes. |
Purchasing and Carrying Your Licence
You can purchase your licence and applications at albertarelm.com. They are also available from over 300 private licence issuers. The AlbertaRELM App is the only way to store and access electronic licences.
Anglers must carry their licence (paper or electronic) when sportfishing. You must produce it immediately when requested by an officer.
Specific Alberta Angling Regulations for Walleye Harvest (SHL)
Alberta utilizes the Special Harvest Licence (SHL) program for walleye. This innovative system allocates a limited harvest of specific sizes of walleye. This happens at lakes that have recovered from previous declines.
Critical 2025 Walleye Draw Dates and Changes
The SHL draw process is currently undergoing major changes.
- 2025 Draw Dates: The draw application period runs from April 1, 2025, to April 24, 2025. Draw results become available on May 13, 2025.
- Use Priority Points Now: Anglers must use their priority points during the 2025 season. Starting in 2026, Class A and Class B licences will be removed from the draw process.
- Licence Quotas: If successfully drawn, an angler receives two walleye tags. Class A tags are for walleye over 50 cm. Class B tags are for walleye between 43 cm and 50 cm.
- Class C Licences: Anglers can purchase up to five Class C walleye licences on a first-come, first-served basis. Each Class C licence includes two tags for walleye under 43 cm.
- Undersubscribed Sales: Undersubscribed Class A and Class B licences are available to eligible Alberta residents starting May 13, 2025. Purchasing an undersubscribed licence does not affect your draw priorities.
The maximum possession limit for walleye for anglers holding SHLs is 12 fish total. This total combines fish retained under the SHL tags and the annual sportfishing licence. Anglers without an SHL still have a maximum possession limit of 3 walleye.
Walleye Tagging Requirements
Walleye retained using a Special Harvest Licence must be immediately tagged. The fish must be tagged using a paper tag and wire. The wire is threaded through the gill cavity and the mouth.
The electronic tagging (e-tag) pilot is paused for the 2025 season. Paper harvest tags and wires can be ordered online, or picked up at a Fish and Wildlife office or Licence Issuer.
Understanding General Alberta Fishing Regulations: Gear and Limits
Adhering to general regulations preserves the resource. These Alberta angling rules apply province-wide unless superseded by site-specific limitations.
Provincial Gear and Angling Restrictions
It is illegal to possess or use a gaff or gaff hook while angling. Possessing a snagging device, such as a gaff hook, can result in a $200 fine.
- Number of Lines: You may only use one line when angling in open water. When fishing through ice-covered water, you may use up to two lines.
- Line Proximity: While angling, you must remain within 30 meters of any line placed in the water.
- Hook Restrictions: Lines may not be equipped with more than three hooks. You cannot use a hook with more than three points on a single shaft.
- Obstacles: Fishing is prohibited within 23 meters downstream of the lower entrance of obstacles. This includes fishways, canals, leaps, weirs, and dams.
Bait Rules and Prohibitions
“Bait” is defined as any attractant (alive or dead) with scent or flavour attached to a hook. A “lure” is unscented, made of material like metal or plastic.
- Bait Bans: A Bait Ban means only unscented lures may be used.
- Live Bait is Illegal: It is unlawful to use live fish, live bait fish, or live amphibians as bait. Live crayfish possession is also prohibited. Bait fish collected for personal use must be killed immediately.
- Prohibited Practices: You must not “fizz” fish, which is artificial swim bladder deflation. Fizzing is illegal because it causes undue harm and reduces fish survival rates. Chumming (using bait not attached to a hook) is also unlawful.
Possession Limits and Culling Rules
A limit is the maximum number of fish you can keep or have in your possession at any given time. This includes fish kept at your permanent residence.
- Culling is Unlawful: Culling is the practice of releasing fish already retained (e.g., from a live well) for a more desirable fish. Culling is only unlawful if it makes the person exceed their legal possession limit. Fish released after being held often die due to damage and stress.
- Transporting Fish: When transporting fish away from home, do not remove evidence of species or length if size limits apply. This rule is waived only if the fish are consumed immediately.
Alberta angling rules are tailored based on the environment and fish populations. Alberta is divided into three ecosystem zones: Eastern Slopes, Parkland-Prairie, and Northern Boreal.
Fish Management Zones and Watershed Units
The zones are further broken down into specific Watershed Units (e.g., ES1, NB4).
- Applying Regulations: The regulations vary between different watershed units.
- Default vs. Site-Specific: Default regulations apply to waters not listed in the tables for that unit. Site-specific regulations provide seasons, catch limits, and bait restrictions for listed lakes and streams. Anglers should become familiar with both types of rules for their planned location. The regulations and zone maps begin on page 30 of the pdf Guide. Read ES1 fishing regulation guide, ES2 fishing regulation guide.
Conservation and Temporary Closures
Conservation efforts sometimes require temporary restrictions.
- Monitoring Conditions: The Alberta Government monitors water flow, levels, and temperatures, especially during drought conditions.
- Time-of-Day Restrictions: Time-of-day angling restrictions may be implemented in response to low flows and warm water. This is done to conserve fish during stressful periods. The government also reserves the right to close any lake if the fish stock cannot sustain itself or handle harvest, such as after serious winterkill.
Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Everyone plays a vital role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. It is critical to follow the prevention steps.
| Mandatory AIS Prevention Checklist | Action Required |
|---|---|
| CLEAN | Clean all mud, water, fish, or plant material from your gear. |
| DRAIN | Drain all standing water from your boat, bilges, and equipment. |
| PULL THE PLUG | All watercraft must have the drain plug pulled during transport—it is the law. |
| CATCH IT, KILL IT | If you catch the invasive Prussian carp, you must kill it and dispose of it, or eat it; do not release it back into the water. |
Conclusion
Alberta’s rich fishing opportunities rely on responsible practices and adherence to alberta fishing license and regulations. By securing the proper licences, understanding critical dates, and following conservation rules, you help maintain healthy fish populations. Always remember: Know before you go. You can download the PDF Guide or use the web-based Sportfishing Regulations App for quick reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Alberta Fishing Licenses and Regulations
Do I need a WiN card before purchasing an Alberta sportfishing licence?
Yes, every recreational angler must first secure and activate a 10-digit Wildlife Identification Number (WiN) before any licence purchase or draw application.
Is it illegal to use live bait in Alberta?
Yes, it is unlawful to use live fish, including live bait fish, or live amphibians like frogs and salamanders, as bait while angling. It is also illegal to possess live crayfish.
What should I do if I catch a tagged fish?
Fisheries biologists tag fish for research purposes. If you catch a tagged fish, you should report it to the nearest Fish and Wildlife Office.
What is the maximum number of walleye I can possess with a Special Harvest Licence?
Anglers with an annual sportfishing licence and a Special Harvest Licence (SHL) can possess a maximum of 12 walleye total. Anglers without an SHL have a possession limit of 3 walleye.
How can I report a violation of Alberta angling rules?
You can report suspicious or illegal fishing activity (like fishing out of season or exceeding catch limits) by calling the toll-free Report A Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800 or by dialing #3800 on Telus Mobility.
Secure Your Alberta Sportfishing Licence Today!
Ready for the 2025 season? Ensure you have your WiN card and Alberta fishing license before casting a line.
Visit AlbertaRELM.com to purchase your licence, check Special Walleye Harvest Licence draw dates, or apply for your WiN card.
