Frequently Asked Questions

Fishing


Questions:

Q1: How and where do I get a fishing licence?
Q2: I'm 65 and live in Alberta. Do I need a licence?
Q3: I'm 65 and I do not live in Alberta. Do I need a licence?
Q4: I want to take my kids (all under 16) fishing. I won't be fishing; do I need a licence?
Q5: Do kids and seniors have the same daily limits as everybody else?
Q6: Is there a one day/one week licence for Albertans?
Q7: When does my fishing licence expire?
Q8: I lost my fishing licence; can I go fishing without it?
Q9: Can I use my fishing licence in Jasper or other national parks?
Q10: Do I need a licence if I let all the fish go?
Q11: Do I need a licence to sportfish on a free fishing weekend?

Answers:

Q1: A:

How and where do I get a fishing licence?
Fishing licences in Alberta are sold through private licence issuers thoughout the province. Learn More about costs and locations:

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Q2: A:

I'm 65 and live in Alberta. Do I need a licence?
You do not need a licence, but still need to follow sportfishing regulations.

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Q3: A:

I'm 65 and I do not live in Alberta. Do I need a licence?
Yes. Seniors from other provinces and countries need a fishing licence to fish in Alberta.

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Q4: A:

I want to take my kids (all under 16) fishing. I won't be fishing; do I need a licence?
No. You do not need a licence if you are not fishing.

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Q5: A:

Do kids and seniors have the same daily limits as everybody else?
Yes. The limits are the same for kids and seniors.

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Q6: A:

Is there a one day/one week licence for Albertans?
No.

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Q7: A:

When does my fishing licence expire?
Fishing licences expire every year on March 31.

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Q8: A:

I lost my fishing licence; can I go fishing without it?
You can’t go fishing without your licence.

If you lose your licence, contact a private licence issuer to get a licence reprint for a small fee. Licences must be carried at all times while sportfishing and must be presented immediately to an officer upon request.

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Q9: A:

Can I use my fishing licence in Jasper or other national parks?
No. Alberta sportfishing regulations apply in Alberta Provincial Parks, but not in National Parks.

To fish in a provincial park, you need an Alberta sportfishing licence. To fish in a national park, you need a national park fishing permit, which is valid only within the national park. National park fishing permits are available at most park facilities and some commercial outlets.

For information on sportfishing in the national parks, contact Parks Canada:

  • Toll free in North America: 1-888-773-8888
  • Western Regional Office, Calgary: 403-292-4401

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Q10: A:

Do I need a licence if I let all the fish go?
Yes. You will still a need licence.

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Q11: A:

Do I need a licence to sportfish on a free fishing weekend?
Anyone can fish without a licence during the free fishing weekends, but they still must follow sportfishing regulations.

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Read other frequently asked questions:

If you have more questions about purchasing recreational fishing licences in Alberta, contact the IBM WINRELM Help Desk:

  • Toll-free in North America: 1-888-944-5494

Learn more about fishing regulations in Alberta:

Contact Us

  • Information Services
    Public Information, Education and Outreach Programs
    Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

Posted: April 21, 2008

Updated: March 2009 

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