A Special Harvest Licence (SHL) is a way to share fish among Albertans when there are not enough fish for everyone to be able to keep their catch. Helping populations support themselves or recover ensures the sustainability of these fish populations and fisheries. This management tool is currently only used for walleye.
These licences are available through a draw system, similar to Alberta’s hunting licence application and draw process. Tags are provided to anglers with a licence and are used to harvest legal-sized walleye.
Learn more about how Special Harvest Licences work and why we need them:
2025 Special Harvest Licences for Walleye
Important information:
Effective 2026, Class A and Class B licences will be removed from the Special Harvest Licence application and draw process. Anglers should use their priority points during the 2025 season to avoid losing priority points when the draw application process is removed in 2026.
Here are key aspects of the Special Harvest Licence program in the 2025-26 sportfishing season:
- The draw period is from 9:00 AM Tuesday April 1, 2025 to 11:59 PM Thursday April 24, 2025.
- Draw results and licences will be available on May 13, 2025.
- If successfully drawn, a Special Harvest Licence holder is awarded 2 walleye tags for Class A (>50 cm) or Class B (43 – 50cm) for a single lake.
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Special Harvest Licences can be purchased on May 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
- Special Harvest Licences are $11.00 (per licence, plus GST).
- Purchase up to 5 Class C licences (2 tags for < 43 cm walleye) on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If unsuccessful in the draw, anglers may purchase one of the following: an undersubscribed Class A, undersubscribed Class B licence, or up to 5 Class C licences.
- Anglers can purchase additional SHL licences in a different class (size) starting May 20, 2025:
- If you purchased a Class A licence (drawn or undersubscribed), you can purchase a Class B licence or Class C licences (up to 5).
- If you purchased a Class B licence (drawn or undersubscribed), you can purchase a Class A licence or Class C licences (up to 5).
- If you purchased Class C licences (up to 5 on first-come, first-served basis), you can purchase a Class A or a Class B licence.
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Prior to purchasing online, users must have pre-numbered Government of Alberta adhesive paper tags ready so you can complete the purchase. Order yours from:
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We are pausing the electronic tag pilot.
- We need to review the legislation specific to inspection and use of personal electronic devices for enforcement. This has no impact on the draw process.
- Updates will be provided on E-tagging when available.
- The maximum possession limit for walleye is no more than 12 when harvested under the authority of Special Fish Harvest Licences when combined with an annual sportfishing licence.
- Anglers without a SHL still have a maximum possession limit of 3 walleye.
- Know before you go! Always read the Sportfishing Regulation Guide
and review the Advisories, Corrections, Closures webpage.
Tagging Instructions
- Walleye retained with a Special Harvest Licence must be immediately tagged as per conditions of licence.
- Immediately tag your fish with a paper tag and wire through the gill cavity and mouth.
Draw Application Process
Please log into AlbertaRELM to view the class and number of opportunities available.
2025-2026 Waterbodies
In the 2025-2026 fishing season, Special Harvest Licences for walleye are available for:
|
Water Body
|
Class A Licences for >50 cm walleye
Draw application or undersubscribed
|
Class B Licences for 43-50 cm walleye
Draw application or undersubscribed
|
Class C Licences for <43 cm walleye
First-come, first-served
|
|
Amisk Lk
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Baptiste Lk
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Crawling Valley
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Ethel Lk
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
Fawcett Lk
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Gregoire Lk
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Hilda Lk
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Lac Ste. Anne |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Long Lk
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Moose Lk
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
Newell Lk
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Pigeon Lk
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Seibert Lk
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Shiningbank Lk
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Wabamun Lk
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Wadlin Lk
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Whitefish Lk
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Wolf Lk
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Need Help?
If you need assistance, contact the ASPIRA Network AlbertaRELM Help Desk:
Related Links
Updated: Mar 27, 2025
