Spring Fishing Closures
Last Update/Review: May 2, 2004
What are spawning season fishing closures?
Fishing closures during fish spawning seasons in the spring and fall have been used on specific Alberta waters for many years. These fishing closures ensure that the fish are protected from harvest or injury during their spawning period. Successful spawning is critical for fishing opportunities because the vast majority of Alberta fish populations are maintained by the spawning success of wild fish.
Following public consultation on the management and recovery of walleye and pike populations, a new “proactive conservation step” to protect spring spawning walleye, pike and perch populations came into effect throughout Alberta on April 1, 2000. The new season closures applied to all angling for all fish species at the majority of lakes, reservoirs, streams and canals in the prairie, parkland and northern areas of the province. Other season closures are also in place to protect fish populations in the Eastern Slopes.
Where and when do spawning closures occur?
Where possible, consistent closing and opening dates have been assigned to the waters in each area to simplify the regulations for anglers while protecting the fish when they are most vulnerable. Exceptions do occur where a specific population will not be protected by the general area closure period.
- In the prairie area of southern Alberta, most lakes, reservoirs, streams and canals close on April 1 and re-open on May 8 each year. They remain open until March 16. There are exceptions so please check the current Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for the fishing seasons on specific water bodies.
- In the parkland area of central Alberta and in the boreal areas of northern Alberta, lakes generally close on April 1 and re-open on the Friday of the May long weekend then remain open until March 31, 2001. Most streams in northern Alberta are closed to angling from November 1 to May 31. There are exceptions so please check the current Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for the fishing seasons on specific water bodies.
- In the Eastern Slopes area of the province, angling closures reflect the differences in fish species presence as well as the effects of altitude and latitude on fish spawning seasons. Please check the current Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for the fishing seasons on specific water bodies.
Will some water bodies remain open to fishing all year?
Most of the approximately 300 ponds that are stocked with trout will remain open to angling throughout the year. These sites do not usually have the flowing water conditions that trout require to successfully spawn so there is no need for the spawning season closure. Please check the current Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for the fishing seasons on specific water bodies.
From year to year there may be additional angling opportunities at a few other water bodies. Please check the current Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for details on specific water body closures.
Why are angling closures needed during fish spawning seasons?
Alberta has about 800 lakes that support natural sport fish populations.
There are over
Will commercial fishing be allowed during these angling closures?
Commercial fishing operators might fish at a few lakes during angling closures; however, strict control on their harvest of pike, walleye and lake trout will exist. At some lakes the commercial nets will harvest the fewest sportfish during the spawning closures, because the fish are concentrated in the spawning area and these areas are closed to the commercial netting activity.
Where can I get more information?
Complete details appear in the current Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations. These Guides are available at the vendors who sell fishing licences. Information can also be obtained from Fish and Wildlife Division offices.
