Q1: A:

What is competitive fishing?
Competitive fishing is an organized activity where anglers compete for trophies, services, monies, and/or merchandise awarded on the basis of species, size, weight and/or number of fish caught.

Back to top

What is a competitive fishing event?
A competitive fishing event is any event where people participate in a sport-fish angling competition that runs for one or more consecutive days, at a specified lake or river, where prizes are awarded on the basis of fishing success (e.g., size or weight) — commonly called fishing derbies or angling tournaments. These events have 26 or more participants.

Back to top

What is a non-competitive fishing event?
A non-competitive fishing event is any event where people participate in sport-fish angling for one or more consecutive days, at a specified lake or river. These events have 26 or more participants with prizes awarded for participation or random draw, not on the basis of a fishing competition. Participants may not receive prizes or gifts totalling more than $100. There is no application or licence, though organizers are encouraged to voluntarily register the event with Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) beforehand and provide SRD with a summary report after the event.

Back to top

What is the strategy behind the licensing of competitive fishing events in Alberta?
Licensing of competitive fishing was introduced in 2006 and is intended to minimize impacts on the fish resource by promoting low harvests and good catch-and-release survival of fish. Restrictions are increased according to the size of the event.

Back to top

Do fishing derbies have a significant effect on fish populations?
Yes. The potential exists for large events or numerous small events to significantly increase the total annual fishing pressure on a lake. This pressure can result in increased harvest or catch-and-release mortality by both tournament and non-tournament anglers. The impact is influenced by how such events are run, how large they are, and the number of events held on the water body.

Back to top

Do all types of competitive fishing events require a licence?
No. There are four categories of events based on the number of participants and total prize values. Only three of these categories require a fishing licence.

Back to top

Which category of competitive fishing event does not require a licence?
A competitive fishing event with 25 or fewer participants does not require a licence. Organizers are encouraged to voluntarily register the event, use best practices and provide a summary report. Participants in this category of event may harvest fish according to the sportfishing regulations for the lake where the event is held.

Back to top

Which categories do require a competitive fishing event licence?
Small Competitive Fishing Event

• 26 to 75 participants
• Prize value totalling less than $1,000
• $25 licence required

Such small, fun events are usually not organized to raise money or place an emphasis on prizes. Most of these events do not advertise and there is minimal or no entrance fee. Participants in this category of event may harvest fish according to the sportfishing regulations for the lake where the event is held.

Medium Competitive Fishing Event

• 26 to 75 participants
• Prize value totalling more than $1,000
• $25 licence required

Large Competitive Fishing Event

• 76 or more participants
• $25 licence required

Back to top

Are there additional restrictions for medium and large events?
Yes. Restrictions in the form of conditions attached to the competitive fishing event licence will be used to ensure events adopt good practices that support fish survival.

Back to top

Can anyone buy a competitive fishing event licence?
No. Competitive fishing event licences will only be issued to individuals who are residents of Alberta. The individuals may be a representative of an organization, club, social group or business.

Back to top

How can someone obtain a competitive fishing event licence?
Applications are available online and at all Fish and Wildlife Area offices. These offices are also responsible for issuing the licences.

• Competitive Fishing Event Licence Application
• Sustainable Resource Development Area Offices

Back to top

How will licensing prevent individuals from making money from Alberta’s fish resource?
Applicants must declare in the application process that the event is not-for-profit meaning that profits realized from this event will be given to or spent on a charitable purpose that will benefit the community or Alberta's fisheries resources.

Back to top

Can participants harvest fish in a competitive fishing event?
Yes, participants in small competitive fishing events can harvest fish; however, medium and large events must practice catch-and-release for all fish.

Back to top

How does the public learn about planning and running a derby?
A “best-management” document has been made available to help educate organizers and participants plan and implement events in a manner that minimizes impacts on the fish resource.

• Competitive Fishing Events Best Management Practices 

Is there broad support for the licensing of competitive fishing events?
Yes. Public consultations about this issue have been conducted since the 1990s and there is broad public support for licensing competitive fishing events, including endorsement received at the Provincial Fisheries Management Round Table in 2006. Subsequent revisions to licence conditions were endorsed at the 2007 Round Table sessions. The original intent of the policy has not been changed. The modifications to best-management practices, licence conditions and the proposed regulation changes strengthen the ability of the department to minimize the impact of competitive fishing events while continuing to provide opportunities to anglers and communities.

Back to top

How have event organizers responded to licensing?
Event organizers have been very supportive and have contributed to the current strategy. They have also expressed an interest in remaining involved in the implementation and periodic review of competitive fishing management.

Back to top

What rules apply for holding competitive fishing events in Provincial Parks, private campgrounds or marinas?
Applicants planning to hold an event in a Provincial Park or protected area, or use park facilities or any privately owned campground and/or boat launch or marina must include written authority from the facility manager with their application.

Back to top

Must all participants in small, medium and large competitive fishing events have a valid Alberta Sportfishing Licence and WIN card?
Yes, except for those legally exempted from the Alberta Sport Fishing Licence requirement, i.e. youths under 16 years of age and seniors aged 65 or older, or during a designated Free Fishing Weekend.

Back to top

When should I apply for a competitive fishing event licence?
You must apply a minimum of three weeks before the date of your event. This allows Fisheries Management time to review your application, discuss concerns, and issue the licence.

Back to top

Do I need a licence before I can advertise my event?
Yes, you must have a licence prior to advertising as the licence number you receive must be included on all advertisements and postings.

Back to top

What is the earliest date that I can apply for my competitive fishing event licence?
For any competitive fishing event planned for the next year’s fishing season between April 1 and March 31, the earliest date you can apply is December 1. The purpose of establishing this date is to allow Fisheries Management time to review previous year’s results and make necessary adjustments to licence conditions prior to the next competitive fishing event season. Licences will be reviewed in the order they are received.

Back to top

What documentation should accompany my application?
A copy of the event rules and regulations should accompany the application. If the competitive fishing event is being held in a park, written authority from the facility manager should also accompany the application.

Back to top

As a participant, do I need any documentation while taking part in a competitive fishing event?
A copy of the event licence, a signed copy of Schedule A, and the organizer’s event rules must be provided to all registered participants.

Back to top

How many competitive fishing events will be allowed on one waterbody?
The number of competitive fishing events allowed on a waterbody will be determined by Fisheries Management, in consultation with stakeholders and the public, and will depend in part on the size and type of events on the waterbody.

Back to top

Where can I hold a competitive fishing event?
Competitive fishing events are only permitted on waterbodies in which there is an open sportfishing season and allowable harvest for the target species. Information about sportfishing seasons and allowable harvest is available in the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations:

• Regulations

Back to top