2021-22 Sportfishing Regulations Engagement

Official title: 2021-22 Sportfishing regulations engagement

Closed Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta gathered input on proposed changes to sportfishing rules, including the Special Harvest Licence system and fishing regulations for specific lakes. The feedback shaped the 2021 Alberta Sportfishing Regulations, which took effect April 1, 2021.

Why This Matters

Love fishing in Alberta? These rules determine where you can fish, what you can keep, and how many. Changes to walleye and pike harvest rules on lakes like Wabamun and Wabasca directly affect your next fishing trip.

What Could Change

The 2021 regulations brought new harvest opportunities for walleye on Wabamun, North Wabasca and South Wabasca lakes. Northern pike harvest rules changed for North Wabasca and North Buck lakes. The Special Harvest Licence Program was also updated.

Key Issues

  • Should the Special Harvest Licence system be enhanced?
  • What fishing regulations should apply to specific Alberta waterbodies?
  • Should new walleye and pike harvest opportunities be created?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. Albertans participated from January 15 to February 8, 2021 by completing an online survey, asking questions, viewing an interactive waterbody map, and attending webinars.
  2. Review the 2021-22 Sport Fisheries Management Engagement report to see what was discussed.
  3. View the Regulation Changes Summary to see what changed as a result.

What Happened

Albertans participated from January 15 to February 8, 2021 by completing an online survey, asking questions, viewing an interactive waterbody map, and attending webinars. Feedback was incorporated into the 2021 Sportfishing Regulations, which came into effect on April 1, 2021. Changes included an updated Special Harvest Licence Program and new harvest opportunities for walleye and Northern pike on several lakes.