This release was issued under a previous government.

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:

  • Threepoint Creek and tributaries;
  • Jumpingpound Creek from headwaters to the Bow River;
  • Little Red Deer River and tributaries from headwaters downstream to Red Deer River, including Dogpound Creek and tributaries;
  • Waterton River and all tributaries upstream of Waterton Reservoir, including Drywood Creek;
  • Waterton River downstream of Waterton Reservoir, river only;
  • Castle River and tributaries downstream of SH 507 to Highway 3, including Screwdriver Creek, Beaver Mines Creek and Mill Creek;
  • Pincher Creek and tributaries;
  • Oldman River from Highway 22 downstream to Secondary Road 510, river only; and
  • Willow Creek, main stem and tributaries from Chain Lakes downstream to Pine Coulee Reservoir Diversion Head pond.

The following closures issued on August 11, 2015, remain in effect:

  • Sheep River from the headwaters to the Highwood River including Gorge Creek and tributaries;
  • 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 these closures, anglers are asked to continue exercising caution and abiding by safe handling procedures throughout the rest of Eastern Slopes Zone 1. Anglers with inquiries are asked to contact the Alberta Environment and Parks information line, toll-free at 310-3773.

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