Special Harvest Licences

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:

2023-2024 Special Harvest Licences for Walleye

Here are key aspects of the Special Harvest Licence program in the 2023-24 sportfishing season:

• If successfully drawn, a Special Harvest Licence holder receives 2 walleye tags for Class A (>50 cm) or Class B (43 – 50cm).
• Class C licences (2 tags for <43 cm walleye) are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Anglers can purchase a second SHL licence after July 13:
  • If you purchased a Class A licence (drawn or undersubscribed), you can purchase a second Class B or Class C licence.
  • If you purchased a Class B licence (drawn or undersubscribed), you can purchase a second Class A or Class C licence.
  • If you purchased a Class C licence (first-come, first-served), you can purchase a second Class A or B licence.

Electronic tag option (e-tags)

In response to stakeholder feedback supporting an option for the electronic tagging of walleye, electronic tags (e-tags) will be piloted in 2023-24 using the RELM App.

• The draw process is unchanged. Licence holders will choose 'e-tags' or 'paper tags' when purchasing their Special Harvest Licence.
• If you select the e-tags, when you harvest a walleye, you will immediately declare harvesting the fish on the RELM App.

For more information about electronic tagging of walleye, see:

Draw Application Process

• Draw Application Period is Tuesday March 29, 2022 to Thursday April 21, 2022.
• Draw applications can be purchased online on the AlbertaRELM website or at Licence Issuers.
• Application cost is $3.35 (plus GST) and is non-refundable.

  To Purchase online, visit:

  AlbertaRELM
• Alberta Residents can apply for a licence for each of the two larger size classes of walleye, but are only drawn for one.
• The applicant can specify up to three waterbody preferences on each licence draw application (within each draw, state 1st, 2nd and 3rd lake choices).
• Once drawn, the applicant’s name will be removed from successive draws.

2022-2023 Waterbodies

In the 2022-2023 fishing season, Special Harvest Licences for walleye are available for:

Special Harvest Licences for Walleye

• Special Harvest Licences are $11.00 (plus GST).
• Licences not allocated during the draw process (undersubscribed licences) will be available for reservation on a first-come, first-served basis from May 5, 2021 (9:00 am) online at albertarelm.com or at a licence issuer ($3.35 + GST per application).
• Normal licence restrictions apply regarding licence combinations and eligibility. Successful draw applicants will be able to purchase an additional supplemental SHL licence as of July 15.
• When purchasing your Special Harvest Licence, have pre-numbered Government of Alberta adhesive paper tags (and wires) ready so you can enter the tag numbers.
• Prior to purchasing, users must have pre-numbered Government of Alberta adhesive paper tags and wires available:
  • Online on albertarelm.com
  • At Alberta Fish & Wildlife district offices; or
  • By calling the AlbertaRELM help desk toll free at 1-888-944-5494.

For information about tagging your walleye, please see the current Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations.

Need Help?

If you need assistance, contact the Active Network AlbertaRELM Help Desk:

Related Links

Updated: Jan 24, 2023