Fishing areas closed by province as heat, low water threaten species
The province is taking the unusual step of closing several fishing spots to protect fish populations as temperatures soar.
Numerous southern Alberta rivers and streams off limits until further notice
The province is taking the unusual step of closing several fishing spots to protect fish populations as temperatures soar.
Alberta Environment and Parks says the heat and low water levels are a threat to many species.
These areas are closed to all fishing until further notice:
- Sheep River from headwaters to Highwood River.
- Highwood River from headwaters to Bow River.
- St. Mary River, downstream of the St. Mary Reservoir and tributaries.
- Belly River, downstream of Secondary Road 800.
- Bow River from Bearspaw Reservoir to the W.H.D. Weir.
- Bow River from W.H.D Weir to the Carseland Weir.
- Bow River from Carseland Weir to Highway 24 bridge.
- Bow River from Highway 24 bridge downstream to Bassano Dam.
- Elbow River from Glenmore Reservoir to the Bow River confluence.
"Angling in these areas presents a high risk to fish populations and may result in mortalities, even when using catch and release practices," the province said in a release.
All fisheries research licenses for these areas have also been temporarily suspended.
The province is also extending its July 30 advisory to fish with extra caution in these areas:
- Castle River and tributaries from Highway 3 upstream to Westcastle River.
- Oldman River from Racehorse Creek downstream to Oldman Reservoir; and from Highway 2 near Fort Macleod downstream to Secondary Road 509.
- Crowsnest River from Crowsnest Lake downstream to Oldman Reservoir.
- Belly River downstream of Secondary Road 800.
- Waterton River, downstream of Waterton Reservoir.
- Waterton River, upstream of the Waterton Reservoir including tributaries.
- St. Mary River upstream, of the St. Mary Reservoir, including Lee Creek.