Northern Pike and Walleye Fishing Rules Review

Official title: Northern pike and walleye management frameworks engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta asked anglers how to manage northern pike and walleye populations. The province wanted input on catch-and-release rules, special harvest licences, and fishing seasons. This engagement ran in 2017 and is now complete.

Why This Matters

Fish in Alberta? These rules affect what you can keep and when you can fish. The province was trying to balance angler access with keeping fish populations healthy for the long term.

What Could Change

New regulations introduced special harvest licences for walleye and northern pike. Catch-and-release restrictions were implemented in some areas. Season lengths were adjusted based on fish population health.

Key Issues

  • Should special harvest licences be required for walleye and northern pike?
  • When should catch-and-release restrictions apply to protect fish populations?
  • How should fishing seasons be adjusted in areas with vulnerable fish stocks?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is closed. Review the Northern Pike and Walleye Management Frameworks to see the final results.

What Happened

Strong support emerged for special harvest licences, with 75% backing them for walleye and 67% for northern pike. 91% of respondents supported catch-and-release restrictions or closures to help fish recover. 70% favoured special licences in areas with short seasons to prevent overfishing.