ALBERTA – The Alberta government invites residents and visitors to enjoy the Family Fishing Weekend on July 12 and 13 with no fishing licence required to fish in the province’s public waters.
It is a great opportunity for beginners to try their hand at fishing without the usual paperwork.
“Fishing is a fun way for friends and family to make memories while connecting with some of Alberta’s greatest natural resources - our lakes, rivers, and streams,” said MyWildAlberta.ca on their website.
It is important to remember all fishing regulations apply.
There are some essential fishing rules fishermen need to know before you cast your line.
Fishing without a licence is limited to the July 12 and 13 weekend.
This offer happens in February and July each year.
Outside of these weekends you need a valid fishing license if you are between 16 and 65 years old.
Regulations vary by water body.
Alberta is divided into five main management zones, and each lake or river has its own set of rules on how many fish you can catch by type and how big the fish needs to be to keep it.
Always consult the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for the specific body of water you are fishing in.
What is legal in one lake might be prohibited in another.
When fishing in open water fishermen is allowed to use one line at a time, unless otherwise stated in the regulations for that zone.
Using multiple rods without permission is a common mistake for new anglers.
Know the size limits of the popular sportfish, like walleye, pike or trout.
There is a minimum and maximum size and if a fish caught does not meet the limits it must be released back into the water safely.
There are catch limits by fish type and that means you can only keep so many of a specific type of fish in your possession.
For example, some lakes have a catch limit of five perch fish and other lakes the catch limit is higher.
If a fish is unintentionally injured during the catch-and-release process and is unlikely to survive the angler is required to count that fish towards your daily limit and keep it if it is legal to do so.
Certain fish types like walleye require a Special Harvest License and tags to keep a few of the walleye you catch.
Catching other creatures like frogs, turtles or clams is not allowed under the standard sportfishing licence.
Using barbless hooks to catch fish is recommended by Alberta Fisheries.
Different kinds of bait can be used.
Frozen minnows, corn, flies, worms and lures have been used by fishermen but research what type of bait you want to try depending on the fish you are trying to catch.
Some anglers use live minnows or leeches as bait.
To prevent the spread of disease and invasive species it is illegal to release live bait such as minnows and leeches into lakes and rivers in Alberta.
All regulations apply during the licence-free Family Fishing weekend, and you can learn more on the website.
