Special Harvest Licences

Important information for trappers: Registered Fur Management Areas (RFMAs) where open seasons exist for Wolverine, River Otter, Canada Lynx, and Fisher - Species Limits (Quotas) have been removed for the 2024/2025 trapping season, please see page 16 of the Trapping Regulations for more information.

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

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.
• 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.
• 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:
  • Online on albertarelm.com
  • At Alberta Fish & Wildlife district offices; or
  • By calling the AlbertaRELM help desk toll free at 1-888-944-5494.
• 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

• The draw period is from 9:00 AM Tuesday, April 1, 2025 to 11:59 PM Thursday April 24, 2025.
• Draw applications can be purchased online on the AlbertaRELM website or at Licence Issuers.
• Application cost is $5.00 (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, select 1st, 2nd and 3rd lake choices).
• Once drawn, the applicant's name will be removed from successive draws.

2025-2026 Waterbodies

In the 2025-2026 fishing season, Special Harvest Licences for walleye are available for:

Need Help?

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

Related Links

Updated: Mar 27, 2025