How Should Alberta Manage Recreational Fishing?

Official title: Alberta fisheries management engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Environment & Climate Natural Resources

Alberta asked anglers and residents how to improve recreational fishing across the province. The engagement focused on sportfishing regulations, fish stocking programs, and species diversification. Feedback from 11 open house events in January 2020 shaped the updated fishing rules that took effect in April 2020.

Why This Matters

Love fishing in Alberta? This shaped the rules you follow today. The engagement led to more places to fish, better stocking programs, and new species in provincial waters. If you've noticed changes at your favourite fishing spot since 2020, this is why.

What Could Change

The feedback directly changed Alberta's 2020 sportfishing regulations. New harvest opportunities were added, fish stocking commitments increased, and the fish culture program was revitalized. The province also committed to diversifying fish species in Alberta waters.

Key Issues

How can recreational fishing opportunities be expanded across Alberta?
What changes are needed to fish stocking programs?
How should sportfishing regulations be updated?
What species diversification is needed in provincial waters?

How to Participate

This engagement is now closed. Review the What We Heard report to see how Albertans' feedback shaped the regulations.
View the 2020 Alberta Sportfishing Regulations that resulted from this engagement.

What Happened

Albertans participated in 11 open house events in January 2020. Their feedback was incorporated into the 2020 Alberta Sportfishing Regulations, which came into effect on April 1, 2020. Changes included additional harvest opportunities, commitment to stocking, species diversification, and revitalization of the fish culture program.