Dreaming of a peaceful day by the water, reeling in a catch? Glenmore Reservoir offers excellent fishing right in Calgary. But before you cast your line, it’s vital to know the rules. Glenmore Reservoir fishing regulations help protect this important water source.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. You’ll learn about essential licenses and open seasons. We’ll cover bait restrictions, catch limits, and local bylaws. By the end, you’ll understand how to enjoy fishing at Glenmore Reservoir responsibly and legally.
Essential Licensing for Glenmore Reservoir Fishing
First, let’s talk about getting legal to fish. You need proper documents for Glenmore Reservoir fishing.
Alberta Sportfishing Licence Requirements
Almost everyone needs an active Sportfishing Licence to fish in Alberta. This rule applies to all recreational anglers, unless they meet certain exemptions. Before buying a licence, you first need a Wildlife Identification Number (WiN). There is a one-time fee to activate your WiN.
You can buy your license online at albertarelm.com. Many private licence issuers also sell them. You can even use the AlbertaRELM App to carry your license on your phone. Remember to show your license if an officer asks.
Exemptions to Glenmore Reservoir Fishing Licence Rules
Not everyone needs to buy a fishing license. Anglers under 16 years old are exempt. Alberta residents aged 65 or older also do not need a license. People with a Certificate of Indian Status are also exempt.
Alberta resident Canadian Armed Forces Veterans can also get a free sportfishing licence. Even with an exemption, you must still follow all Glenmore Reservoir fishing rules.
Special Walleye Licences for Alberta Waters (Not Directly Applicable to Glenmore Reservoir)
Alberta has a Special Harvest Licence (SHL) program for walleye. These licenses are for specific lakes and are often awarded through a draw process. However, the specific regulations table for Glenmore Reservoir fishing does not list walleye as a species managed under a Special Harvest Licence for this location.
Big changes are coming to SHL in 2026. Class A and Class B licenses will no longer use a draw system. They will be available for direct purchase. Anglers with priority points should use them during the 2025 season.
Glenmore Reservoir Fishing Seasons and Best Times to Fish
Next, let’s look at when you can go fishing at Glenmore Reservoir. The season is specific and must be followed carefully.
Understanding Glenmore Reservoir’s Fishing Calendar
Glenmore Reservoir is located in the Eastern Slopes (ES1) Zone. Fishing regulations are set from April 1 to March 31 each year. It is important to know these dates to plan your fishing trips. Read ES1 fishing regulations.
Open Season for Glenmore Reservoir Fishing
You can enjoy Glenmore Reservoir fishing from May 1 to October 31. During these open months, sportfishing is generally allowed 24 hours a day. This gives anglers many opportunities to enjoy the water.
Closed Season at Glenmore Reservoir
The reservoir is closed to fishing from November 1 to April 30. All sportfishing is prohibited during this time. Following these dates helps protect fish populations during sensitive periods.
Prohibited Winter Activities and Ice Conditions at Glenmore Reservoir
Winter recreation on the reservoir ice is strictly banned. This includes ice fishing, walking, skating, and snowshoeing. Ice conditions are often unpredictable and dangerous due to constant water movement and withdrawals. Your safety is a top priority for City of Calgary officials.
Bait and Lure Rules for Glenmore Reservoir Fishing
Knowing what you can and cannot use for bait and tackle is a key part of Glenmore Reservoir fishing regulations. These rules help keep the water clean and fish healthy.
Allowed Baits for Glenmore Reservoir Fishing
For Glenmore Reservoir fishing, bait is generally allowed. However, there’s one key exception: bait fish are not allowed. Bait includes any attractant or organism, alive or dead, with scent or flavor attached to a hook.
You can use items like worms, leeches, or mealworms. Scented lures are also generally permitted where bait bans are not in effect. Dead bait like smelt or shrimp, or parts of lawfully caught game fish (skin, fins, eyes, dead eggs), may be used where bait fish are not restricted.
Prohibited Baits and Related Restrictions at Glenmore Reservoir
Remember, bait fish are strictly prohibited at Glenmore Reservoir. It is illegal to use live fish for bait. Possessing live crayfish is also against the rules. You must not release any live fish or fish eggs into the water unless they were caught from those same waters.
Setting out bait not attached to a hook (known as “chumming”) is illegal. Also, do not dispose of unused bait within 50 meters of any waterbody, unless it’s in a designated waste receptacle.
General Lure and Hook Regulations for Glenmore Reservoir Angling
When angling in open water, you can only use one line. You must stay within 30 meters of any line you have in the water. Each line or lure can have no more than three hooks. A hook itself can have up to three points on one shaft.
Using or possessing a gaff or gaff hook is unlawful. These devices are used to lift fish by piercing them, which can cause serious harm.
Glenmore Reservoir Catch Limits and Size Restrictions
Adhering to catch and possession limits is essential for sustainable Glenmore Reservoir fishing. These rules ensure healthy fish populations for everyone.
Species-Specific Limits for Glenmore Reservoir Fishing
Here are the specific catch limits for fishing at Glenmore Reservoir:
- Northern Pike: You can keep 3 fish. No size limit is specified for pike at Glenmore Reservoir.
- Yellow Perch: The limit is 15 fish. There are no size restrictions mentioned.
- Mountain Whitefish: You can keep 5 fish. All of them must be over 30 cm long.
- Trout (Total): The combined limit for trout is 5 fish. This includes Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Bull Trout have a provincial limit of 0, meaning they are catch-and-release only.
- Walleye: The limit for walleye at Glenmore Reservoir is 3 fish. The general ES1 default for lakes is 3 walleye over 50 cm.
Understanding Daily Catch and Maximum Possession Limits
The “limit” refers to the maximum number of fish you are allowed to keep or have in your possession. The Daily Catch Limit is the maximum number of fish you can keep from one waterbody per day. Maximum Possession is the total number of fish you can have at one time, even if caught from different waterbodies. Fish kept on a stringer or in a live well count towards your limit.
Proper Fish Handling and Release Practices for Glenmore Reservoir Fish
If a fish is illegal to keep (wrong species, size, or over the limit), you must release it immediately. Careful handling increases its chances of survival. Retrieve your catch quickly and avoid squeezing the fish. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Remove the hook carefully. If a hook is deeply swallowed, it is best to leave it in the fish and cut the line. “Fizzing” (artificially deflating the swim bladder) is illegal and harms fish. Walleye and Yellow Perch caught from deep water (over 6 meters) have a lower chance of survival.
Glenmore Reservoir Bylaws and Prohibited Activities for Anglers and Visitors
Beyond provincial fishing rules, local city bylaws apply. These Glenmore Reservoir rules are about protecting the water and ensuring public safety.
Protecting Calgary’s Water Supply: Source Water Protection
Glenmore Reservoir provides nearly half of Calgary’s drinking water. Protecting this source is a top priority. City of Calgary bylaws are enforced to maintain water quality and manage recreation safely. These include the Glenmore Park Bylaw and Water Safety Bylaw, among others.
On-Water and Shoreline Restrictions for Glenmore Reservoir Angling
Several activities are prohibited to protect the reservoir and its users:
- No fishing from docks or ramps. Fishing is allowed from non-motorized boats and along the shore.
- No power motors on boats.
- No stand-up paddleboards, swimming, or inflatables.
- No launching boats from undesignated shore areas. Designated launch ramps are available at Heritage Park, Calgary Canoe Club/Rowing Club (hand launch), and Glenmore Sailing School.
- Approved life jackets or personal flotation devices must be worn at all times while on the water.
- Drinking alcohol is prohibited.
- No pets in the water or in boats. Pets must be on leash in Glenmore Park and on the shore.
General Prohibitions and Unlawful Practices in Alberta Sportfishing
Some rules apply across all of Alberta when sportfishing:
- Fizzing fish is illegal.
- Snagging fish or possessing snagging devices is illegal.
- Using snares, firearms, or devices causing explosions or electrical currents to attract, stun, or kill fish is unlawful.
- Using lights to sportfish is only allowed if the light is attached to a hook or line.
- When transporting fish home, you cannot remove evidence of species or length unless the fish are to be eaten immediately. Wasting edible fish flesh is also illegal.
- Fishing is prohibited within 23 meters downstream of any fishway, canal, or obstacle like weirs and dams.
Ensuring Responsible Glenmore Reservoir Fishing: Conservation and Aquatic Invasive Species
Finally, let’s discuss how to keep Glenmore Reservoir fishing healthy and vibrant for years to come. Your actions directly impact conservation efforts.
Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) at Glenmore Reservoir
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) like Prussian carp threaten Alberta’s waters. These species compete with native fish and disrupt ecosystems. Whirling disease is another serious threat to fish health.
To stop their spread, always CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY your gear. Remove all mud and plants, drain standing water from boats, and dry everything completely. All watercraft must have drain plugs pulled when transported. If you catch Prussian carp, you must kill it and dispose of it; never release it. Report any suspicious invasive species by calling the AIS Hotline at 1-855-336-BOAT.
Importance of Fish Identification and Ethical Angling at Glenmore Reservoir
“If you don’t know, let it go!” is a good rule for responsible anglers. This protects sensitive and threatened species like Bull Trout and Arctic Grayling, which have a zero possession limit. Measure fish length from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, with the tail pinched. You should never “cull” fish, meaning releasing a kept fish for a larger one. This is unlawful and usually results in the released fish dying.
Reporting Violations and Further Inquiries for Glenmore Reservoir Regulations
If you see illegal fishing or other resource violations, it’s important to report it. Call Report A Poacher at 1-800-642-3800. Provide details like the date, time, location, and descriptions of what you saw. For more information or clarification on Glenmore Reservoir fishing regulations, contact your nearest Alberta Government office. The My Wild Alberta website and app also offer up-to-date information.
Conclusion: Enjoying Responsible Glenmore Reservoir Fishing
You are now equipped with the knowledge for responsible Glenmore Reservoir fishing. Remember the importance of proper licenses and following seasonal rules. Stick to bait restrictions and respect catch limits. Also, follow local bylaws to protect our shared water source.
Always check official sources like the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations before you head out. By doing so, you help preserve the beauty and recreational opportunities of Glenmore Reservoir for everyone. Enjoy your time on the water!
FAQ: Common Questions About Glenmore Reservoir Fishing Regulations
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Glenmore Reservoir?
Yes, most recreational anglers need an active Alberta Sportfishing Licence. However, those under 16, Alberta residents 65 or older, or individuals with a Certificate of Indian Status are exempt. You still must follow all fishing regulations.
What are the main species I can catch at Glenmore Reservoir and what are the catch limits?
Popular species include Northern Pike (limit 3), Yellow Perch (limit 15), Mountain Whitefish (limit 5 over 30 cm), and Trout (total limit 5). Bull Trout must be released (limit 0). The Walleye limit is 3 fish.
Is live bait fish allowed when fishing at Glenmore Reservoir?
No, bait fish are specifically prohibited at Glenmore Reservoir. It is also illegal to use live fish for bait or possess live crayfish. Other baits like worms, leeches, or dead shrimp may be allowed.
Can I go ice fishing on Glenmore Reservoir?
No, all winter activities on the ice, including ice fishing, are prohibited. This is due to dangerous and unpredictable ice conditions.
Where can I launch a boat for fishing at Glenmore Reservoir?
You must use designated launch ramps. These are available at Heritage Park, the Calgary Canoe Club/Rowing Club (hand launch), and Glenmore Sailing School. Power motors are not allowed on any boats.
Why are there specific bylaws for fishing at Glenmore Reservoir?
Glenmore Reservoir is a primary source of Calgary’s drinking water. Local bylaws are in place to protect this water source and ensure public safety. They manage recreational use to maintain water quality.
