If you are reading this in January 2026, sitting in your ice shack waiting for a flag to pop, you might think you know the drill. You buy your WiN card, you apply for your draws in April, and you pray to the fishing gods for a Class A tag.
Stop right there. The game has changed.
For the 2026 season, Alberta fishing regulations have undergone their most significant shift in a decade regarding Walleye management.
🚀 TL;DR: 2026 Key Takeaways
- Walleye Draw Shakeup: Effective April 1, 2026, Class A (>50cm) and Class B (43-50cm) licences are removed from the draw process.
- Parks Canada Fee Hike: As of Jan 1, 2026, fees in Banff and Jasper have increased by roughly 10% due to CPI adjustments.
- Ice Shelter Deadline: Hard-sided shacks must be off the ice by March 15 (PP1) or March 31 (elsewhere).
- Next Free Fishing: Family Fishing Weekend is coming up fast: Feb 14–16, 2026.
The “Class A” and “Class B” draw system that many of us spent years banking priority points for is effectively gone. If you are planning your spring open-water trips based on the old 2025 rulebook, you are going to be left at the dock.
To help you navigate these changes, we’ve broken down everything you need to know—from the new licensing structure to the best times to hit the water.
🌲 The Guide’s Log
I remember back in ’23, standing at the boat launch at Pigeon Lake, watching a heated argument between a Fish & Wildlife officer and an old-timer in a Lund. The old boy had a “Class C” tag but had kept a 52cm Walleye. “It’s a Walleye tag!” he kept shouting. He didn’t understand that the specific class dictated the size, not just the species.
Fast forward to today, January 2026. I was just checking my own priority points on AlbertaRELM and realized… it doesn’t matter anymore for those big classes. The confusion regarding “points vs. tags” is about to hit an all-time high this spring. If you don’t read the fine print on the new Special Harvest Licence (SHL) updates, that ticket is going to cost you a lot more than a new rod.
The Big Change: Walleye Class A & B Removal
This is the headline event for 2026. For years, we hoarded priority points like gold. We applied for Class A (Walleye over 50cm) or Class B (Walleye 43-50cm) through the draw system.
As of the 2026 license year (starting April 1), Class A and Class B licences are removed from the draw process.
What does this mean for your Walleye fishing strategy?
- Priority Points: If you were “banking” points for a trophy harvest tag in 2026, the strategy is now obsolete for these specific classes.
- Class C Remains: You can still purchase Class C licences (usually for smaller Walleye under 43cm) starting in May. Warning: These are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and popular lakes will sell out fast.
- The Goal: The province is moving towards more sustainable, slot-size management without the administrative burden of the draw for every single fish class.
For the most accurate updates on your specific priority points, log in directly to AlbertaRELM.
The “Bridge” Season: Ice Fishing (Now – March 31, 2026)
Right now, we are in the transition zone. You are technically fishing under the 2025-2026 regulations until midnight on March 31st. If you’re looking for gear tips before the ice melts, check out our complete guide to ice fishing in Canada.
Ice Shelter Removal Dates
Don’t let the late winter freeze fool you. The deadlines for removing your huts are strict, and enforcement is heavy in March.
| Zone | Removal Deadline | Target Area |
| PP1 (Parkland Prairie) | March 15, 2026 | Generally south of Hwy 16 (verify specific WMU boundaries) |
| Rest of Alberta | March 31, 2026 | Northern zones and mountain areas |
Pro Tip: Legal dates don’t dictate safety. Late-season ice often becomes ‘honeycombed’ or ‘rotten’—strong vertically but weak horizontally. If the edges are soft, pull it early. A submerged truck costs way more than a missed weekend of fishing.
🍁 The Local Secret
The Family Weekend Loophole.Most people treat the Family Fishing Weekend (Feb 14-16, 2026) as a time to take the kids out for perch. But savvy anglers use it for reconnaissance. Since you don’t need a license (though regulations still apply), it’s the perfect weekend to test out a new lake you’ve been eyeing without committing to the full annual fee if you’re a visitor or a lapsed angler. Take the sled, drill a few holes, check the depth charts, and mark waypoints. You’re scouting for the spring opener while everyone else is just trying to keep their hot cocoa warm.
If you are planning to take advantage of the free weekend, read our tips on planning family fishing trips in Canada to ensure the kids stay warm and entertained.
2026 License Fees & Costs
Inflation hits everything, including tackle boxes and tag fees. If you are unsure about the general process, read our guide on how to obtain a fishing license in Canada.
Provincial Licenses (AlbertaRELM)
- Resident Annual (16-64): ~$28.00
- Senior (65+): Free (but you MUST still “purchase” the zero-dollar license to have it on file).
- Youth (<16): No license required (must follow regs).
- Walleye Special Harvest License (SHL): $11.00 (plus GST).
National Parks (Banff, Jasper, Waterton)
Warning: National Parks are federal, not provincial. Your AlbertaRELM license is worthless here. You need a specific Parks Canada fishing permit.
New for 2026: Parks Canada adjusted fees on January 1, 2026. Expect to pay:
- Daily Permit: ~$12.25 – $15.00
- Annual Permit: ~$45.00 – $51.25
Always check the specific park visitor center. The fine for fishing with a provincial license in a National Park is steep and comes with a mandatory court appearance. For more details on park specific regulations, always refer to MyWildAlberta or the parks site directly.
✅ The Pre-Trip Protocol
- Step 1: Check Your WiN Card Expiry. Your Wildlife Identification Number (WiN) expires every 5 years. If it expired in 2025, you need to renew it ($8.00) before you can buy a 2026 license.
- Step 2: Download the App. Paper licenses are fading out. Download the AlbertaRELM App. It stores your license legally on your phone, so you don’t have to worry about soggy paper in your wallet.
- Step 3: Verify “Bait Ban” Status. 2026 has seen tighter restrictions on bait in Eastern Slope streams to protect Cutthroat and Bull Trout. Assume bait is BANNED in flowing water unless the regulations explicitly say otherwise.
Conclusion
The 2026 fishing season in Alberta is defined by the end of the traditional Walleye draw for harvest classes. It’s a move toward simplification, but it requires you to pay attention.
Use the remainder of the ice season to get your gear sorted, mark your calendar for the March 15th shelter removal, and get ready for a new open-water landscape come April.
If you are looking for new waters to explore this year, check out our curated list of the best fishing spots in Alberta.
Tight lines, and stay safe on the hard water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license in Alberta if I am over 65?
Yes, but it is free. Alberta residents aged 65 and older must still obtain a sportfishing license at a cost of $0.00 to ensure they are registered in the system. You must carry this license while fishing.
When is the free fishing weekend in Alberta for 2026?
The first Family Fishing Weekend of 2026 is February 14-16, 2026. The summer weekend is scheduled for July 11-12, 2026. During these times, no license is required, but all regulations (limits, methods) still apply.
Can I use my Alberta fishing license in Banff National Park?
No. Provincial licenses are not valid in National Parks. You must purchase a specific Parks Canada fishing permit to fish in Banff, Jasper, or Waterton Lakes National Park.
What happened to the Walleye draw for 2026?
Effective for the 2026 season, Class A (>50cm) and Class B (43-50cm) licenses have been removed from the draw system. Class C licenses are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
When must ice fishing huts be removed in Alberta in 2026?
Ice fishing shelters must be removed by March 15, 2026, in Zone PP1 (Parkland Prairie) and by March 31, 2026, for the rest of the province, or earlier if directed by an officer.
