Planning a fishing trip is pretty much the best thing . . . ever. Honestly, what in the world is better than a great boating day, out on the water with a fishing pole in hand?

Not much.

However, getting ready for a fishing trip really does involve a fair amount of prep in order for it to be as successful as possible. If you’ve been planning to go fishing in Alberta, we have you covered with everything you need to know! From regulations to our go to fishing in Alberta spots, here’s everything to keep in mind.

Two people fishing from a boat, fishing in Alberta concept.

Fishing Regulations to Know About in Alberta

Before you can fish, you’ll need a boating license if you’re planning to take a boat out for your fishing trip.

In Alberta, you have to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (also called a PCOC), to legally drive any type of motorized boat. And, if you drive your boat without a PCOC, you can get a fine of up to $10,000. Read all about Alberta’s boating license regulations here.

Next, you’ll likely need a fishing license to go fishing in Alberta. To fish in Alberta, you’ll need a sportfishing license if you’re between the ages of 16-64. If you’re not an Alberta resident or a resident of Canada, you’ll likely need to pay an additional fee. The breakdown of sport fishing requirements and licensure costs can be found here.

There are also certain regulations around fish species (especially walleye) depending on where in Alberta you are fishing. Always check with local officials and do your research for the most current regulations.

What Fish Can You Catch in Alberta?

Alberta is prime fishing country. Are you curious about what you can expect when fishing in Alberta? Here are some of the most popular fish species in the area:

  • Arctic grayling
  • Brook trout
  • Brown trout
  • Bull trout
  • Burbot
  • Lake trout
  • Cutthroat trout
  • Golden trout
  • Goldeye
  • Lake whitefish
  • Mountain whitefish
  • Northern pike
  • Rainbow trout
  • Sauger
  • Shortjaw cisco
  • Lake sturgeon
  • Walleye
  • Yellow perch
A young man holds up a fish, fishing in Alberta concept.
A graphic calling all captains to start a BOATsmart! course.

What Are the Best Fishing Spots in Alberta?

So, where should you go fishing in Alberta? You have tons of locations to choose from, and all of them are great!

However, here are five of our favourite spots to fish in Alberta from a boat.

  • South Saskatchewan River: Visit the currents of South Saskatchewan River (a huge river in the area) for some prime fishing — especially walleye and northern pike.
  • Maligne Lake: Nestled in Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake is perfect for trout fishing — so prep for tons of opportunities!
  • Lake Minnewanka: The sparkling waters of Banff’s Lake Minnewanka are packed with trout and whitefish — and it’s an absolutely beautiful spot, too!
  • Wabumun Lake: This catch-and-release lake is full of yellow perch and burbot, and has been a long time favourite for Alberta fishers!
  • Lesser Slave Lake: Known as the fishing hub, Lesser Slave is full of a huge variety of fish, including pike and whitefish.

Pick a spot (or several) and see how many fish you can reel in this season.

A fisherman reels in a fish while on a boat, fishing in Alberta concept.

Stay Safe When Fishing in Alberta

We hope this information helps you plan the perfect fishing adventure in this year.

Before you go fishing in Alberta, make sure you’re well-versed in water and boating safety! We highly recommend taking a BOATsmart! course, the premier boating safety education course for Alberta boaters and anglers.

In our online courses, you learn everything you need to know about staying safe on a boat, whether fishing, swimming, or just enjoying floating on the water.

To learn more, choose one of our Canada-approved courses. Then, have a safe and happy fishing trip!

Content reviewed and updated July 11, 2024.

1