Alberta Stocking 2M Trout for Fishing Season, Including Bow Valley

What’s Happening? Alberta just kicked off fishing season with a major splash—about 2 million trout are being released across 240 lakes and ponds as part of the province’s annual restocking program.

Hook, Line, and Stocker. The trout—rainbow, brown, brook, and tiger—are being dropped in urban and remote areas alike (some even flown in!) to create more local fishing opportunities. The goal? Make it easy for anyone, from kids to seasoned anglers, to cast a line without straying too far from home.

Protecting the Natives. With Alberta fish facing more angling pressure than in most of North America—and shorter growing seasons—the stocked fish help take the heat off vulnerable native species.

Big Fish, Big Bucks. Recreational fishing brings in an estimated $100 million a year, proving this program isn’t just good for the ecosystem—it’s also good for the economy.

Which Bow Valley Ponds and Lakes Are Being Stocked?

Below is a list of Bow Valley lakes and ponds included in Alberta’s trout stocking program. We’ve added the planned restocking dates—some are in the spring, others in the fall—so you can plan your angling adventure accordingly.

• Mount Lorette Ponds – before May 23rd

• Shark Lake – between September 15th – October 15th

• Lower Smuts Lake – between September 15th – October 15th

• Upper Smuts Lake – between September 15th – October 15th

• Hogarth Lake – between September 15th – October 15th

• Commonwealth Lake – between September 15th – October 15th

• Fortress Lake – stocking in 2026

• Lillian Lake – stocking in 2026

• Galatea Lakes – stocking in 2026

• Ribbon Lake – stocking in 2026

• Grotto Mountain Pond – before May 23rd

• Tim Hortons Children's Pond – before June 15th

• Sibbald Meadows Pond – between June 1–15th

• Sibbald Lake – between June 1–15th

• Stenton Lake – between September 15th – October 15th

• Margaret Lake – before June 15th

• Maude Lake – between September 15th – October 15th

• Sparrows Egg Lake – before June 15th

• Aster Lake – between September 15th – October 15th

• Three Isle Lake – between September 15th – October 15th

• Travers Reservoir – between May 15 – May 30th

• Rawson Lake – before June 15th

• Upper Kananaskis Lake – before June 15th

• Odlum Lake – stocking in 2026

• Loomis Lake – stocking in 2026

• Lake of the Horns – stocking in 2026

• McLean Pond – between June 1–15th

• Champion Lakes – between September 15–30th

Ready to reel one in? Stocking details are online at My Wild Alberta.