Fishing regulations
Waterton Lakes National Park
Mountain National Parks in Alberta and British Columbia
April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025
Aquatic invasive species of concern
Preventing invasive mussels from entering waterways is a Parks Canada priority. If they arrive, removal is next to impossible.
Whirling Disease
Whirling disease is caused by a parasite that causes skeletal deformities of an infected fish’s body or head, usually in young fish, and the tail may appear dark or black. The disease can be spread to other waterbodies through spores in mud. This disease is not harmful to humans or other mammals but can have significant effects on some fish populations.
Invasive mussels
Quagga and Zebra mussels are small, fan-shaped, and range from dark brown to white in colour. Just a few mussels can produce millions of eggs. They are very efficient at filtering nutrients from the water, leaving no food for native species. Dense colonies of mussels can clog water pipes and make the shoreline unuseable because of their sharp shells and odour.
Didymo
Didymo is a freshwater algae that has the appearance of wet toilet paper and the feel of wet cotton wool. It attaches to rocks in streams and can form into large beige to brown mats that completely cover the stream bottom, blanketing important fish and plant habitat.
Felt-soled wading boots (banned in mountain national parks) and other water gear are a common way for didymo to spread. Clean and drain your equipment well, and let dry for at least 48 hours before using it again.
Eurasian water milfoil
Eurasian water milfoil is a perennial, submersed aquatic plant native to Eurasia and North Africa. Although not currently present in Alberta, new colonies can form from a single stem, seed or leaf. Eurasian milfoil forms thick layers that shade native plants and decrease oxygen levels as they decay.
We need your help to prevent the spread of invasive species
Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is a Parks Canada priority. Once they arrive, species removal is next to impossible.
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) threaten pristine freshwater ecosystems, harm fish populations, damage infrastructure and reduce aquatic recreational opportunities. Stop the spread of AIS. Clean, drain, dry your watercraft and water-related gear.
- CLEAN Clean off all plants, animals and mud from your watercraft and equipment each time you exit the water and before moving to another water body.
- DRAIN Drain water from watercrafts, trailers, and gear. Invert or tilt items. Open all compartments. Pull drain plugs.
- DRY Dry items completely before entering any river, pond, lake or stream.
- CERTIFY Most mountain national parks require a watercraft or angling gear AIS Prevention permit. Visit a Parks Canada inspection station where available for a free inspection.
Report all sightings of aquatic invasive species
For Parks Canada sites email ReportAIS-SignalerEAE@pc.gc.ca. Call 1-855-336-2628 (BOAT) in Alberta and 1-888-933-3722 in British Columbia.
General fishing regulations (Canada National Parks Act)
When angling, it is unlawful to:
- Fish without a valid national park fishing permit in your immediate possession.
- Fish with or possess within 100 metres of park waters the following:
- natural bait and chemical attractants;
- any lead tackle (sinkers, jigs, lures and flies) under 50 grams;
- lures with more than 2 gang hooks;
- a line capable of catching more than one fish at one time;
- live or dead fish or any parts thereof for use as bait.
- Fish by any method other than angling.
- Fish with more than one line at a time.
- Fish with a line having more than one artificial fly.
- Fish closed waters.
- Leave a fishing line unattended.
- Fish from 2 hours after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- Sell, trade or barter any fish caught.
- Place or transfer any fish or fish eggs between any park waters.
- Place any food for fish in park waters.
- Harass fish by throwing objects or impeding their movements.
- When fishing in park waters that allow possession (see Catch and Possession Limits), it is unlawful to:
- possess more than 2 game fish at one time;
- continue fishing on any day after having caught and retained the maximum daily catch and possession limit;
- allow your catch to spoil or to be wasted.
For a complete listing, please refer to the National Parks of Canada Fishing Regulations.
Check your tackle box!
Some fishing tackle and baits are not allowed near or within 100 metres of national park waters. Refer to the National Parks of Canada Fishing Regulations.
Fishing permits
A national park fishing permit is required when angling in Canada's national parks. Provincial fishing licenses are not valid.
Anyone under the age of 16 may fish in the national parks without a permit if accompanied by a national park permit holder 16 years of age or older. However, their catch is then included within the permit holder’s daily limit. A valid national park pass is also required when fishing in the mountain national parks.
You can purchase your fishing permit at national park visitor centres.
Open seasons, special restrictions and closed waters
Banff National Park (BNP)
Special restrictions
Visit our fees page for permit pricing.
Open seasons and closed waters
Open waters| Year round | Bow River - from Hector Lake to east park boundary, including associated backwaters and oxbows. No ice fishing on the Bow River. |
| May 18 to September 2, 2024 | Ghost Lakes (3), Lake Minnewanka reservoir, Two Jack Lake reservoir, Vermilion Lakes (3) and adjacent inflow streams and beaver ponds. |
| June 29 to September 1, 2024 | All tributaries of the Bow River except the Cascade River (see below). |
| June 29 to October 31, 2024 | Cascade River and tributaries above Lake Minnewanka reservoir (excluding closed waters). |
| July 1 to August 15, 2024 | Owen Creek |
| June 29 to October 31, 2024 | All other waters except closed waters. |
Closed waters
| The following waterbodies are closed to water activities including fishing: |
- Bow River from Bow Lake outlet to Hector Lake inlet
- Babel Creek
- Johnson Lake reservoir, adjacent wetland and outflow creek to confluence with Cascade River
- Helen Creek
- Little Herbert Lake
- Hidden Lake
- Margaret Lake
- Mystic Lake and outlet downstream to confluence with 40-mile Creek
- Outlet Creek
- Sawback Lake
- Sawback Creek
- Rainbow Lake
- Elk Lake
- Cuthead Creek
- Spray River above Spray Lakes reservoir
- Castleguard River - the upper portion of the river located in the Zone I - Special Preservation Area
- Cave and Basin marsh system
- Fish Lakes - the two Fish Lakes nearest campsite Mo 18
- Lake Agnes
- Luellen Lake - outflow stream from fisheries’ boundary markers, downstream to the confluence of the outflow stream and Johnston Creek
- Marvel Lake and outlet downstream to confluence with Bryant Creek
- All tributaries and associated lakes in the Clearwater and Siffleur river systems, excluding Isabella Lake.
Boating restrictions for Banff National Park
- An AIS Prevention Self-certification Permit or Parks Canada AIS Prevention Inspection Permit is required for all non-motorized watercraft and water-related gear (e.g., canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, fishing gear).
- The Self-certification Permit requires mandatory clean, drain, dry of all non-motorized watercraft and water-related gear, and attestation to these actions. Permits will be available online and at self-serve kiosks at waterbodies in Banff National Park, or at Parks Canada watercraft inspection stations in Banff National Park.
- Non-motorized watercraft and water-related gear users that do not meet Self-certification Permit requirements, but still wish to use their equipment within a park should visit a Parks Canada watercraft inspection station. Inspections and issue of a Parks Canada Inspection Permit will occur on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of inspectors.
- Parks Canada Inspection Permit is mandatory for motorized watercraft on Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park.
- Parks Canada will no longer accept provincial inspection permits for motorized watercraft launching on Lake Minnewanka.
- Dry time requirements - Parks Canada Self-certification and Inspection Permits will require watercraft that has travelled outside of BC, AB, Yukon and Northwest Territories to dry for 30 days and those travelling within BC, AB, Yukon and Northwest Territories to dry for 48 hours. .
- Inspection of non-motorized watercraft and water gear will be available at inspection stations in Banff at Lake Minnewanka (motorized and non-motorized watercraft and water-related gear) and Lake Louise overflow parking lot (non-motorized watercraft and water-related gear only).
More on aquatic invasive species rules and regulations
Yoho National Park (YNP) and Kootenay National Park (KNP)
CLOSED WATERS ALERT
Fishing and watercraft use are prohibited in Yoho and Kootenay national parks.
To prevent the spread of whirling disease, all waterbodies in Kootenay and Yoho national parks are closed to watercraft and angling for the 2024 season. This is necessary to protect vulnerable fish populations from aquatic invasive species.
This closure is in response to a confirmed detection of whirling disease in Yoho National Park in October 2023. This temporary measure will help reduce the spread of whirling disease and allow Parks Canada staff to study the threat further.
For current information
parks.canada.ca/kootenay-fishing
Protecting national parks is a collective responsibility
Each visitor has an important role to play. Parks Canada relies on the support of all visitors to respect closures to ensure the well-being of aquatic ecosystems.
Violators of the closures can face fines of up to $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act.
Jasper National Park (JNP)
Special restrictions
Visit our fees page for permit pricing.
Open seasons - Rivers and streams
| Year round | Sunwapta River |
| March 30 to September 2 and November 1 to March 31 | Fiddle River, Maligne River (below Maligne Canyon), Miette River, Rocky River, Snake Indian River, Snaring River |
| August 1 to October 1 | Fly fishing only: Maligne River from a point 420 m downstream from the Maligne Lake Outlet bridge to Medicine Lake including that part of Medicine Lake within a 180 m radius of a point in the middle of the Maligne River where it enters Medicine Lake. Use artificial flys only. |
| June 29 to September 2 | All other rivers and streams except closed waters. |
Open seasons - Athabasca River
Note: The Athabasca River has three fisheries management zones.
| Year round | Zone 1: From Athabasca Falls upstream |
| March 30 to September 2 and November 1 to March 31 | Zone 2: From 12 Mile Bridge (km 22, Hwy 16 East) upstream to Athabasca Falls |
| June 1 to September 2 and November 1 to March 31 | Zone 3: From 12 Mile Bridge (km 22, Hwy 16 East) downstream to east park boundary, including all side channels, Pocahontas Ponds and other connected wetlands |
| June 29 to September 2 | All other rivers and streams except as specified in Schedule IV. |
Open seasons - Lakes
| May 18 to September 2 | Annette Lake, Beaver Lake, Dragon Lake, Long Lake, Lorraine Lake, Moab Lake, Mona Lake, No Name Lake (Hwy 93 South, km 48), Pyramid Lake, Lakes Three, Four and Five in the Valley of the Five Lakes |
| May 18 to September 30 | Maligne Lake, Talbot Lake, Edna Lake |
| June 29 to October 31 | Fly fishing only: Medicine Lake. Use artificial flies only. |
| June 29 to October 31 | All other lakes except closed waters |
Closed waters
- Maligne Lake Outlet/Maligne River (the portion including the part of Maligne Lake within a 100 m radius of a point in the middle of the Maligne River where it leaves Maligne Lake, to a point 420 m downstream from the Maligne Lake Outlet bridge)
- Jacques Lake and Jacques Lake Outlet stream between Jacques Lake and the Rocky River
- Mile 9 (km 15) Lake, Highway 16 (East)
- All streams emptying into Amethyst Lake
- That part of Amethyst Lake situated within a 180 m radius from a point in the middle of the outlet stream from the southeast end of Amethyst Lake
- The part of the Astoria River situated between Amethyst Lake and a point 400 m downstream from Amethyst Lake
- Osprey Lake
- The outlet stream from Moab Lake to its junction with the Whirlpool River including that part of Moab Lake situated within a 180 m radius of a point in the middle of the outlet stream where it leaves Moab Lake
- The outlet stream from Beaver Lake to its junction with Maligne Lake Road
Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks (MRGNP)
Special restrictions
Visit our fees page for permit pricing.
Open seasons
| July 1 to October 31 | All lakes |
Closed waters
- All rivers and streams
Waterton Lakes National Park (WLNP)
Whirling disease is present in the Belly River in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Special restrictions
- Ban on felt-soled wading boots
- Use barbless hooks only. This is a hook in which the barbs have been removed or pressed against the shaft so they are non-functional.
- Additional restrictions may be in place. Check the Important Bulletins online.
Boating restrictions
- Beginning April 1, 2024: all non-motorized watercraft from outside of the park are prohibited from entering water bodies in Waterton Lakes National Park.
- Mandatory 90-day quarantine for all motorized and trailer-launched watercraft.
- Self-certification required for all fishing equipment, diving gear and flotation devices.
Visit our fees page for permit pricing.
Open seasons
NEW: Angling permitted in lakes only, as listed below.
| May 18 – Sept 2 | Akamina Lake, Cameron Lake, Crandell Lake, Waterton Lakes (Upper and Middle) |
| July 1 to October 31 | All other waters except closed waters |
Closed waters
NEW: All flowing waters (streams/rivers) are closed to angling. This includes Maskinonge Lake and Inlet, Waterton River and Dardanelles (between Lower and Middle Waterton Lakes).
Catch and possession limits
Possession limits for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks reduced to zero except for Lake Minnewanka lake trout. The possession limit is zero for many native species. You must correctly identify your catch. If you are not sure, release it immediately.
| Species | Limit |
| Lake trout from Lake Minnewanka reservoir, BNP | 2 |
| All other species: BNP, YNP, KNP | 0 |
| Arctic grayling, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, lake trout, northern pike, mountain whitefish, lake whitefish: JNP, MRGNP, WLNP | 2 |
| Lake and mountain whitefish from Lac Beauvert, JNP | 0 |
| Cutthroat trout: JNP, *WLNP - Cameron Lake, Alderson Lake, Carthew Lakes, Lineham Lakes, Lone Lake, Crypt Lake | 2 |
| * WLNP - All other waters | 0 |
| Westslope cutthroat trout: all other parks | 0 |
| All species not mentioned above | 0 |
| Maximum daily catch and possession limit | 2 |
If a fish has been filleted, two fillets will be considered one fish.
- Mandatory catch and release in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, except Lake Minnewanka Lake Trout - Whirling disease was detected in Johnson Lake and the Bow River in 2016. The movement of fish is the leading cause of spread for whirling disease. As a result, Parks Canada now requires anglers to release all fish in these three national parks in the same place they were caught. The exception is lake trout, which are less susceptible to whirling disease.
- The possession limit for all fish caught in Banff, Yoho or Kootenay National Parks is now zero. There is one exception: the daily possession limit for lake trout caught in the Lake Minnewanka Reservoir remains at two (2) fish per licensed angler.
- Felt-soled boots are not permitted in any water body in Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes, Jasper, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. Although they provide a good grip on slimy substrates, felt-soled wading boots are more porous than modern rubber-soled wading boots and are extremely difficult to decontaminate. As a result they create a perfect environment to hold invasive species such as whirling disease spores. Scientific literature has shown that felt-soled wading boots hold more potential to transmit organisms between water bodies than any other piece of angling equipment.
- Invasive mussel prevention measures in Waterton Lakes National Park - Parks Canada is protecting Waterton Lakes National Park’s aquatic environment from invasive mussels by instating a mandatory 90-day quarantine for all motorized and trailer-launched watercraft. Beginning April 1, 2024: all non-motorized watercraft from outside of the park are prohibited from entering water bodies in Waterton Lakes National Park. Self-certification required for all fishing equipment, diving gear and flotation devices.
Definitions
Angling: Fishing with a hook and line held in the hand or with a hook, line and rod held in the hand. It does not mean fishing with a set line.
Artificial fly: A single or double hook on a common shank, dressed with silk, tinsel, wood, fur, feathers or other materials (no lead), or any combination thereof without a spinning device, whether attached to the hook or line.
Natural bait ban: You can only use lures made of feathers, fibre, rubber, wood, metal or plastic. No edible material (plant or animal products), scented lures or chemical attractants are permitted.
Tributary: Any water course which flows into another body of water. This includes a tributary of a tributary. Lakes are excluded unless otherwise specified.
Trout: For the purposes of this summary, the word trout includes char species.
Report suspicious activities
- Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes
1-888-927-3367 - Jasper, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier
1-877-852-3100
- Date modified :