As you may already know, Alberta is well known for nature and wildlife conservation.
There are a number of Provincial regulations and guidelines to protect the environment, as well as all the animals in that environment.
These conservation efforts are based on the needs of the current situation. Therefore, the rules and regulations are fluid and tend to change and adjust over time.
Always check the most recent guidelines for hunting and fishing before you go out. If you are not sure, then contact your nearest fish and wildlife office with any questions.
That being said, we can tell you most recent information as of 2023:
Can you keep trout in Alberta?
You can keep trout in Alberta, but there are catch limits based on the different types of trout that are caught.
There are also fishing seasons that must be adhered to. We have provided a chart of trout species and catch limits to help guide you.
| Trout Species | Daily Catch Limit | Maximum Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Cutthroat Trout | 5 | Total of 5 |
| Rainbow Trout | 5 | Total of 5 |
| Brown Trout | 5 | Total of 5 |
| Brook Trout | 5 | Total of 5 |
| Tiger Trout | 5 | Total of 5 |
| Golden Trout | 1 | Total of 5 |
| Lake Trout | 3 | Total of 5 |
| Bull Trout (Catch & Release Only) | N/A | Total of 0 |
The left column is how many of each species you can catch daily, the right column indicates that you can have a grand total maximum of 5 trout, all species combined.
Take note that bull trout is zero (catch and release only), as they are restricted.
What Kind of Trout are in Alberta?
The trout species found in Alberta’s waters are the Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Tiger Trout, Golden Trout, and Lake Trout.
Cutthroat, Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout are some of the more common trout species encountered by anglers in Alberta.
The Rainbow Trout, known for its vibrant colours and strong fighting spirit, is widely distributed throughout the province.
Brown Trout, originally introduced from Europe, thrive in select waters and showcase intricate spotting patterns along their sides.
Cutthroat Trout, with their distinctive red slashes on the throat, are native to Alberta and contribute to the region’s natural heritage.
Brook Trout, recognized for their beautifully patterned fins and small size, can be found in clear, cool streams.
The Bull Trout, native to the province, is a species of concern and is subject to strict catch and release regulations to protect its numbers.
Source: Visual Identification of the different Trout Species in Alberta
In Summary
- You can keep most species of trout in Alberta during the appropriate fishing seasons, but there are catch limits you must adhere to.
- There are different catch limits for different trout species.
- Bull Trout is endangered and therefore restricted in Alberta.
- Helpful reading: How Do I Get A Fishing License In Alberta?
