Free Fishing Returns in Alberta for Family Day Weekend

What’s Happening? Alberta’s next Family Fishing Weekend runs Feb. 14-16, letting residents and visitors fish without a sportfishing licence on eligible waterbodies, just in time for the Family Day long weekend.

What That Means. Anglers can fish on waters that are already open for the season without buying a licence. All other rules still apply, including catch limits, bait bans, and species restrictions. Special Harvest Licences, such as walleye tags, still require a sportfishing licence.

Where You Can Fish Locally Right Now. In the Bow Valley and Kananaskis, winter fishing options are mostly limited to lakes and ponds, as most rivers and streams remain closed until spring. Several popular lakes in Kananaskis Country, including Lower Kananaskis Lake (excluding a closed northwest bay), Ribbon Lake, Quarry Lake, and the Mount Lorette Ponds, are open year-round under provincial regulations. Always check site-specific rules before heading out.

Important Catch. Free fishing does not apply in national parks. Fishing in Banff National Park still requires the appropriate federal permissions and follows separate Parks Canada regulations.

Why It Matters. Family Fishing Weekend is designed to lower the barrier to entry for new anglers, encouraging families to try fishing while still protecting Alberta’s fisheries through existing regulations.