CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

Casting the lines

Alberta anglers have more opportunities this year

Apr 3, 2020 | 6:23 AM

The solitude of fishing may be just the sort of physical distancing activity Albertans will be looking for in the coming months.

Alberta has increased the amount of sport fishing opportunities for recreational fishing in the province for 2020.

The regulations feature new or additional opportunities to harvest walleye, northern pike and yellow perch from water bodies with sustainable populations.

“Fishing is an important part of Alberta’s cultural fabric. This winter, Albertans told us they wanted additional opportunities to catch and keep fish from water bodies where additional harvest is sustainable,” said Jason Nixon, minister of environment and parks. “I’m very pleased that we were able to identify and offer additional angling and conservation opportunities in most areas of the province for the 2020 season.”

Delinda Ryerson, executive director of the Alberta Fish and Game Association, applauds the move.

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“Even during these trying times, outdoor activities such as fishing are possible provided they are done in the context of the orders and guidelines outlined by Alberta Health during what, at the present time, is a public health emergency.”

Close 300,000 anglers fish Alberta’s lakes and rivers every year, with sport fishing contributing more than $600 million annually to Alberta’s economy, reads a release from the province.

The new regulations come into effect on April 1.

Detailed information on the regulations can be found here.