Continued high water temperatures lead to fishing closures

Low water flows combined with hot weather have resulted in high water temperatures in several rivers and streams throughout Southern Alberta. Angling in these areas presents a high risk to fish populations and may result in mortalities, even when using catch and release practices.

To best protect fish populations, the following 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; and
• Elbow River from Glenmore Reservoir to the Bow River confluence.

These closures will also result in the temporary suspension of all Fisheries Research Licences issued in these waters. 

Further to the advisory issued on July 30, anglers are asked to continue exercising caution and abiding by safe handling procedures in the following 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; and
• St. Mary River upstream, of the St. Mary Reservoir, including Lee Creek.

Alberta Environment and Parks staff is continuing to monitor water levels and temperatures and will issue additional angling restrictions as necessary.