Alberta adds more options for anglers
Alberta anglers will have many new spots to cast their lines this year as a dozen more lakes have been given the green light for the 2017 fishing season.
Saturday marked the official opening of the sport fishing season and this year the province has opened eight lakes to walleye fishing. Many had been closed since 1996 when the province introduced restrictions on fishing walleye when the population was in a major decline.
Some lakes have been closed even longer, such as Glennifer Reservoir, last open for fishing 29 years ago.
“For many Albertan families, fishing is a bond that links multiple generations,” said Shannon Phillips, minister of environment and parks.
“The reopening of these lakes demonstrates the importance of conservation and sustainable harvesting. Sound management of our lakes, streams and rivers will ensure Albertans will be able to fish for generations to come.”
To ensure the health and sustainability of the walleye population, the province will issue tags through a draw system, which will also support conservation efforts in Alberta lakes.
The province is also unveiling the new www.mywildalberta.ca website, where anglers and hunters can buy licences, stay up to date on campground closures and safety bulletins, and provide feedback to the province.
About two-thirds of the revenue from the walleye draw will be invested back into the provincial fisheries program to protect management of Alberta’s fisheries, with the remaining dollars used to cover administrative costs.
The 2017 Special Walleye Licence Draw runs from April 4 until April 27, and anglers can enter the draw by visiting either www. albertarelm.com/licensing.page or www.mywildalberta.ca.
Tags cost $11 and results of the draw will be posted on the websites starting May 8.