Bow River fishing regulations

The Bow River is renowned globally for its exceptional trout angling. This powerful river offers opportunities to catch multiple 20+ inch trout species. Whether you are float fishing near the mountains or wading through downtown Calgary, the Bow River is world-class.

However, this fishery sustains heavy angling pressure, making strict conservation crucial. To protect these wild, self-sustaining populations, Alberta enforces clear Bow River Fishing regulations. It is the responsibility of every angler to know these rules before casting a line.

This expert guide details the mandatory 2025 ES1 watershed rules. You will learn about bait bans, catch limits, and critical time-of-day restrictions. Knowing these specific rules ensures a compliant and ethical fishing trip.

Understanding Bow River Fishing Regulations: The ES1 Watershed Zone

The Bow River spans multiple management areas across the province. The most popular sections fall under the Eastern Slopes Zone. This area is officially designated as Watershed Unit 1 (ES1).

Geographic Scope and Management

The ES1 Watershed Unit includes the Bow River watershed upstream of Highway 24 near Carseland. It also covers the Oldman River watershed upstream of Secondary Road 509 near Coalhurst. The ES1 unit manages numerous trout and mountain whitefish populations across this vast area.

Using the Official 2025 Alberta Guide

The official summary of rules is the 2025 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations. These rules are effective annually from April 1 to March 31. The official Statutes and Regulations should always be consulted for legal purposes.

Anglers can also download the PDF guide or use the web-based Sportfishing Regulations App. You must carry your fishing licence at all times when angling. The AlbertaRELM App is the easiest way to keep your licence handy.

Essential Catch Limits and Size Restrictions for Bow River Trout Fishing

The Bow River is primarily managed for catch-and-release, but specific harvest rules apply in different sections. Anglers must always consult site-specific regulations for the section they plan to fish. Default regulations apply if a waterbody is not specifically listed.

General Catch and Possession Limits

The maximum number of fish you can keep or have in your possession is called the Limit. This total possession limit includes any fish stored at your permanent residence.

The provincial maximum total possession limit for all trout species combined is 5.

ES1 streams, including many parts of the Bow River, generally follow seasonal trout limits:

Protected Species (Zero Limits)

Alberta takes conservation of native species very seriously.

The limit for Bull Trout is 0 across the province. Bull Trout are a char species distinguished by their slim body and pale spots. The limit for Arctic Grayling is also 0.

Catch and Release Best Practices

Proper fish handling is vital on the Bow River, where fish are often caught multiple times. If fish are handled incorrectly, they can suffer immediate or delayed mortality.

To minimize harm, anglers must follow these simple steps:

• Keep the fish in the water at all times, including during photographs.
• Use bare, wet hands when handling the fish.
• Avoid squeezing the fish or putting fingers near the gills or eyes.
• Reduce handling time and release the fish quickly.

Furthermore, culling is prohibited if it causes a person to exceed their legal possession limit. Culling means releasing retained fish for a better catch. Fish held on stringers or in live wells often die if released due to stress.

Mandatory Bow River Bait Bans and Gear Restrictions

Gear restrictions are critical for conservation efforts in ES1, especially for trout populations. Anglers must ensure their tackle complies with all Bow River regulations.

Bait Restrictions on ES1 Streams

Fishing with bait is absolutely NOT allowed in ES1 streams, which covers the primary trout sections of the Bow River.

A bait ban requires the exclusive use of unscented lures. A lure is defined as a device made only of materials like metal, plastic, wood, rubber, feathers, or fiber. Lures must not attract fish by scent or flavor.

Specific rules about bait include:

• It is unlawful to use live fish or live crayfish as bait.
• The possession of live crayfish is illegal.
• It is also illegal to use amphibians, such as frogs or salamanders, as bait.

Specific Gear Prohibitions

Several rules restrict the type and amount of gear that can be used.

• Anglers may use only one line when angling into open water.
• It is unlawful to possess or use a gaff or gaff hook while angling.
• Fizzing, which is the artificial deflation of a fish’s swim bladder, is illegal because it causes undue harm.

Anglers are encouraged to use a single, barbless hook for easier release and improved survival rates. Barbed hooks can be made barbless by simply flattening the barb with pliers.

Licensing Requirements

Before fishing, all recreational anglers must first obtain a Wildlife Identification Number (WiN). You must purchase a sportfishing licence annually.

Alberta resident Canadian Armed Forces Veterans are eligible for a free sportfishing licence. Licences (paper or electronic via the AlbertaRELM App) must be carried and presented upon request by an officer. If convicted of certain offences and a fine is unpaid, the person may be suspended from purchasing or using a licence.

Critical Bow River Angling Restrictions: Time-of-Day Closures (TOD)

The high-quality trout fisheries in the Bow River require adaptive management, especially when facing environmental stress. Time-of-Day (TOD) angling restrictions are a management response implemented in Southern Alberta rivers to conserve fish.

Purpose of Time-of-Day Restrictions

TOD restrictions are triggered by dangerously low flows and warm water temperatures. Trout are much more likely to die after catch and release when the water temperature exceeds 18 °C. The goal is to reduce the pressure from angling effort during these high-stress times.

The Bow River’s Unique Triggers

The TOD conservation program operates annually during the months of July and August. The restrictions are tied specifically to environmental conditions recorded at the Bow River Carseland monitoring station.

This focus on the Bow River is deliberate. High angling effort (over 200,000 hours in summer) occurs exclusively on the Bow River in Southern Alberta. Managers must prevent this massive angling pressure from shifting to other sensitive nearby streams, which contain vulnerable species like bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout.

The Restriction Period and Information

When implemented, angling is temporarily suspended during the hottest part of the day. Angling is not permitted from 2:00 PM to midnight (14:00 to 24:00) at specified locations when the restrictions are active.

Anglers are fully responsible for checking current advisories. Updates on the implementation or removal of TOD restrictions are posted on the My Wild Alberta Fishing Advisories, Corrections and Closures webpage.

Conserving the Bow River for Future Generations

The Bow River is one of Alberta’s most treasured fishing spots. By respecting the Bow River Fishing regulations, we help ensure that these wild, self-sustaining trout populations remain healthy for future generations.

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

Preventing invasive species transfer is a shared responsibility. Always follow the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY YOUR GEAR protocol. This process includes three key steps:

• CLEAN: Remove all mud, sand, and plant material from your gear and dispose of it away from the water.
• DRAIN: Drain all standing water from your watercraft, bilge, and fishing gear.
• DRY: Completely dry all equipment before using it in a different waterbody.

Additionally, all watercraft must have the drain plug pulled while being transported. If you catch the invasive Prussian carp, you must kill it immediately and not return it to the water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Bow River Fishing Regulations

Is there a zero possession limit for any trout species on the Bow River?

Yes, the provincial maximum possession limit for Bull Trout is 0. The limit for Arctic Grayling is also 0.

Why is bait fishing illegal on the Bow River?

Fishing with bait is NOT allowed in ES1 streams, which covers the Bow River. Bait is restricted because fish caught on baited hooks are often deeply hooked, which significantly reduces their chances of survival after release.

What are the new Walleye Special Harvest Licence (SHL) changes coming in 2026?

Effective in 2026, the Class A and Class B licences will be removed from the SHL application and draw process. Anglers should use any priority points they have during the 2025 season to avoid losing them.

Can I use a barbed hook on the Bow River?

While the Alberta regulations summary does not explicitly state a barbless hook requirement for the Bow River sections outside Banff National Park, anglers are strongly encouraged to use single, barbless hooks. Barbless hooks minimize injury and reduce the time needed to release the fish.

Where can I find the official rules and time-of-day closure updates?

You can download the full PDF guide from albertaregulations.ca. Current information on TOD angling restrictions is provided on the My Wild Alberta Fishing Advisories, Corrections and Closures webpage.

Ready to hit the world-class Bow River? Make sure your gear is compliant and safe for the fish! Get the newest barbless hooks, quick-release forceps, and essential catch-and-release tools needed for responsible angling and navigating Bow River Fishing regulations today.