Recreational Fishing
Alberta is well known for its fishing opportunities, enjoyed by residents and sportsmen
around the world.
There are 63 species of fish in the province, but only 18 of these species are preferred
for food or angling- including pike, walleye, bull trout, sturgeon and arctic grayling.
Compared to other parts of Canada, Alberta has a relatively small number of fish-bearing
water bodies. Eight hundred lakes have naturally occurring fish populations and
300 or so are stocked with fish by the Alberta government. Because of the high ratio
of anglers per lake, the province has the third highest angling pressure in Canada.
An estimated 300,000 recreational anglers are active in the province, and there
are an additional 800 commercial fishing operations. Recreational fishing contributed
more than $350 million to Alberta's economy in 2000, for example, and commercial
fishing is regarded as a $5 million-per-year industry.
Fisheries Management
Due to a number of factors, Alberta's fisheries are faced with significant challenges.
The Alberta government is working to develop solutions to ensure that people can
continue to enjoy fishing for many years to come. To learn more about fisheries
management visit:
To plan your next sportfishing adventure
My Wild Alberta
To find out how to buy a recreational fishing licence, visit:
Related Information
Posted: October 14, 2009