Alberta's Lake Sturgeon Management Plan
Last Update/Review: December 22, 2006
Alberta's Lake Sturgeon Management Plan was approved in November 1996 and came into full effect on April 1, 1997. The following provides a brief overview of the plan and new sturgeon sportfishing regulations:
The lake sturgeon in Alberta is a unique species consisting of only two populations — one in the South Saskatchewan River system and one in the North Saskatchewan River system. The population in the South Saskatchewan system is relatively stable; however, it has been estimated at less than 5000 fish. The population in the North Saskatchewan system is in a vulnerable state, consisting of possibly fewer than 1000 fish.
Lake sturgeon are slow growing, but because they can live beyond the age of 80, they can weigh more than 45 kg. Historical records refer to lake sturgeon in Canada weighing over 100 kg and being more than 150 years old. The Alberta angling record for lake sturgeon is 47.7 kg.
In Alberta, sturgeon generally reach a length of 100 cm, roughly 5 to 9 kg, and ages between 8 and 12 years. A length of 130 cm, about 10 to 14 kg, is generally reached between the ages of 20 and 25. Most female sturgeon do not reach spawning age until 25 to 30 years of age, or between 130 and 140 cm in length. Not all sturgeon spawn for the first time at the same age and, after reaching maturity, most females only spawn once every 4 to 6 years.
Heavy harvest by gill net and long line before 1940 caused sturgeon populations in Alberta to almost disappear. A fishing closure from 1940 to 1968 helped populations recover enough to support a sport fishery under special regulations.
However, the cumulative sportfishing harvest since 1968 has influenced the numbers of sturgeon that survive to older ages. Although the sport fishery still occasionally produces sturgeon over 27 kg, the majority of the sturgeon caught are immature, weigh less than 9 kg, measure less than 100 cm and are under the age of 12.
In 1996, sturgeon anglers were surveyed for their opinions on sturgeon management in Alberta. Strong support (79.3%) was given to the following management objective: to manage sturgeon populations to continue their recovery to produce more fish, as well as larger sizes and older ages of fish. The intrinsic enjoyment of fishing is becoming a high priority with anglers and many emphasized the importance of the sturgeon fishery and the need to provide better protection.
Most anglers fishing the North Saskatchewan River indicated they would not keep any sturgeon, favored catch and release and supported protection for spawning fish.
Anglers who fished the North Saskatchewan River had a different fish-use pattern than anglers who fished the South Saskatchewan River. The differences in fish-use patterns coupled with differences in population status of sturgeon in the two river systems indicated that the two systems should be managed separately.
Fishing opportunities for sturgeon in both the South Saskatchewan and the North Saskatchewan river systems throughout the year are catch and release only (0-limit).
The following provides more detail on the regulation changes that took effect on April 1, 2004:
South Saskatchewan River and Tributaries
- catch and release only (0-limit all year).
North Saskatchewan River and Tributaries
- catch and release only (0-limit all year).
For additional information on Alberta's Lake Sturgeon Management Plan, please contact:
Recreational Fisheries Coordinator
Fisheries and Wildlife Management Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
Main Floor, South Tower
9915 — 108 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2G8.
