Many anglers favor the establishment of special fisheries to provide increased protection to fish populations and quality recreational opportunities. This catch-and-release philosophy suggests that angling is valued as a high-quality recreational experience, rather than just a way to secure food. Catch-and-release fishing is mandatory in some water bodies. Barbless-hook-only, special season and bait ban regulations frequently are used in conjunction with the zero limit for catch-and-release fisheries. Without these regulations, the preservation of these fisheries could only be achieved through increased season closures. For a complete regulation summary, see AlbertaGuide to Sportfishing Regulations..

The following are some of the major waters with catch-and-release regulations:

Battle and Graburn Creeks (Parkland Prairie)

Battle Creek is a small (25-km) stream in the Cypress Hills area of southeastern Alberta. Graburn Creek is a smaller (15-km) tributary to Battle Creek. These creeks have the only stream trout populations within 300 km of the foothills streams to the west. Special 'catch-and-release' fisheries, established in 1995, will sustain these unique, prairie trout populations and provide increased recreational opportunity. Battle Creek supports a self-reproducing population of rainbow trout, whereas Graburn Creek supports a self-reproducing population of brook trout.

Bow River (Eastern Slopes)

The world renowned rainbow and brown trout fishing on the Bow River below Calgary, between Highway 22X and the Carseland Weir, is supported by special regulations, which include catch-and-release fishing from April 1 to May 31. For the remainder of the year, the trout limit is 2, but none can be greater than 40 cm in length.

Crownsnest River (Eastern Slopes)

Possibly second only to the Bow River in its quality, the trout fishery for rainbow, cutthroat and browns on the Crowsnest River downstream of East Hillcrest Bridge near Pincher Creek, is supported by catch-and-release from November 1 to May 31. This winter-time trout fishery provides for interesting opportunities. Between June 1 and October 31, anglers can take 2 trout, provided none are between 30 cm and 45 cm in length and only one is longer than 45 cm.

Livingstone River (Eastern Slopes)

This foothills stream in the upper Oldman River became a special cutthroat trout, catch-and-release fishery in 1995 to sustain a higher quality, recreational opportunity for anglers from many areas of the province.

Little Smoky River (Eastern Slopes)

A quality fishery through catch-and-release regulations was established in 1989 in the upper reaches of the Little Smoky River located west of Fox Creek. The objectives are to provide high catch rates for large Arctic grayling and quality recreational angling experiences in the Little Smoky River and tributaries upstream of the Pass Creek railroad bridge (4-61-20-W5).

North Ram River (Eastern Slopes)

The special 'catch-and-release' fishery on the North Ram River, established in 1982, has been well received by anglers. Cutthroat trout fishing in the North Ram River has improved under the special regulations. The North Ram River is located west and south of Rocky Mountain House.

Red Deer River (Parkland Prairie)

The portion of the Red Deer Riverdownstream from the Dickson Dam to the Tolman bridgebecame a catch-and-release fishery in 1992, to help establish a self-sustainingbrown trout population. Anglers are reporting some nice browns in the upper areas west of Innisfail.

Torrens River (Eastern Slopes)

The Torrens River, located southwest of Grande Prairie, contains the only stream population of cutthroat trout in northwestern Alberta. Catch-and-release fishing came into effect in 1996 to improve catch rates and increase the number of large fish available to anglers. An increase in the number of mature trout will ensure the maintenance of this unusual species that was introduced to the area.