Fishing in the Canadian Rockies

There are a lot of regulations surrounding fishing in the Parks and if you do plan to fish you must get a separate Parks fishing license which replaces any other provincial fishing license that you possess. The cost is only $13.00 CAD and a summary of the regulations will be handed to you when you get your license. Generally, the cost for a basic sport fishing licence in the Province of Alberta is $18.00 CAD/year for Alberta residents, and $36.00 CAD/year for non-residents.

The licence can be obtained at any National Park visitor centre.NB: Since 1996, the use of lead sinkers and jigs is strictly forbidden. This new regulation helps to ensure the preservation of our Parks wilderness. Safer fishing tackle can be obtained in the form of tin, bismuth, steel, or special putty, that are not poisonous to birds. The Problem: Every year in Canada, loons and other water birds die needlessly of lead poisoning. They get lead poisoning by eating lead fishing sinkers or jigs. Possession of open containers of alcohol is illegal outside of your domicile, or bar or restaurant premises

All persons sportfishing in Alberta are required to hold a Sportfishing Licence. Fishing in the Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke and Waterton Lakes National Parks requires a National Park fishing licence but not a provincial one. In addition to the Sportfishing Licence, a special licence is also required for Sturgeon Sportfishing.

The following table lists the fees for sportfishing licences in
the province of Alberta . Fees are in Canadian dollars and do not include the seven percent (7%) federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). Before purchasing any licence, a person must hold a valid Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) (see New Licensing System). You can apply for your number at the same time you purchase your licence. The WIN costs $8.00 and is valid for five years (renewable for another five years for $4.00).