Alberta Fishing Licence (2026)
Complete guide to Alberta fishing licence costs in 2026. Learn about WiN Card requirements, MyWild Alberta portal, veteran exemptions, and current prices.
Quick Answer
A Alberta fishing licence costs $28.00 for residents. Alberta residents under 16 can fish without a licence when accompanied by a licensed adult. Purchase online at MyWild Alberta (AlbertaRELM).
Overview
Alberta is renowned for its world-class trout fishing in the Rocky Mountain foothills and diverse prairie fishing for walleye, northern pike, and perch. The province requires a Wildlife Identification Number (WiN Card) as a prerequisite for licence purchase, available through the MyWild Alberta (AlbertaRELM) online portal. Alberta stands out for its veteran-friendly policies, offering free fishing licences to Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans. Walleye fishing is managed through a unique draw-based Special Harvest Licence system.
Licence Prices
Current prices for Alberta fishing licences (April 1 to March 31).
| Licence Type | Alberta Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $28.00 CAD | $60.00 CAD | $85.00 CAD |
| 7-Day | — | $41.00 CAD | $55.00 CAD |
| 1-Day | — | $25.00 CAD | $27.00 CAD |
Prices do not include GST. WiN Card fee ($8.00+GST) required for first-time purchasers. Special Walleye Harvest Licence available through draw ($5 application + $11 licence, +GST).
Prerequisites
Cost: $8.00 | Validity: Permanent | One-time $8.00 fee (+GST) for first-time applicants. $2.00 discount if activated online at AlbertaRELM.com. WiN card never expires once activated.
Age Exemptions
Youth (Under 16)
Alberta residents under 16 can fish without a licence when accompanied by a licensed adult.
Seniors (65+)
Alberta residents aged 65 and older can fish for free. Must carry valid ID.
How to Get Your Alberta Fishing Licence
Get a WiN Card
Apply for a Wildlife Identification Number (WiN) at mywild.alberta.ca (AlbertaRELM). First-time cost is $8.00 + GST ($2.00 discount if you activate online). The card is permanent and never expires.
Purchase Your Licence
Log into MyWild Alberta to buy online, or visit any of over 300 authorized licence issuers across the province. Annual resident licence is $28.00.
Know the Regulations
Download the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations for your region. Alberta is divided into multiple Watershed Management Areas with specific rules.
Carry Your Licence
You must carry your fishing licence and WiN Card while fishing. Digital copies on your mobile device via the AlbertaRELM app are accepted.
WiN Card System Explained
The Wildlife Identification Number (WiN) is Alberta's prerequisite for purchasing a sportfishing licence. Unlike Ontario's Outdoors Card which must be renewed every 3 years, Alberta's WiN is permanent once issued. The initial cost is $8.00 plus GST, with a $2.00 discount available for online activation through AlbertaRELM.com. Your WiN links your personal information to Alberta's wildlife licensing database and is also used for hunting licence purchases and draw applications.
Veterans and Military: Free Fishing
Alberta offers free sportfishing licences to Canadian Armed Forces veterans who were honourably discharged and currently serving military personnel. Veterans must present their Veterans Affairs Canada or Canadian Armed Forces identification. This program reflects Alberta's commitment to supporting those who have served.
Special Walleye Harvest Licence (SHL)
Alberta manages walleye fishing through a draw-based Special Harvest Licence (SHL) system. Anglers apply for an SHL draw ($5.00 + GST application fee), and if successful, the licence itself costs $11.00 + GST. Note: effective in 2026, Class A and Class B walleye licences will be removed from the draw process, so anglers should use their priority points during the 2025 season to avoid losing them.
2026 Regulation Updates
- 2025/2026 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations effective April 1.
- Class A and Class B walleye Special Harvest Licences being removed from draw process in 2026.
- Veterans and military personnel continue to receive free sportfishing licences.
- Updated catch limits in several Watershed Management Areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Alberta fishing licence cost?
An annual Alberta resident sportfishing licence costs $28.00 (plus GST). Canadian residents from other provinces pay $60.00, and non-residents pay $85.00. Short-term options include 7-day ($41/$55) and 1-day ($25/$27) licences for visitors. First-time buyers also need a WiN Card ($8.00 + GST, one-time fee).
What is a WiN Card in Alberta?
The WiN (Wildlife Identification Number) Card is a permanent identification card required to purchase hunting or fishing licences in Alberta. It costs $8.00 + GST as a one-time fee ($2.00 discount if activated online) and can be obtained through AlbertaRELM at mywild.alberta.ca.
Do seniors fish for free in Alberta?
Yes. Alberta residents aged 65 and older can fish without paying for a licence. You must carry valid government-issued identification showing your age and Alberta residency.
Can I buy an Alberta fishing licence online?
Yes. Visit mywild.alberta.ca (AlbertaRELM), log in with your WiN Card number, and purchase online with a credit card. You can also use the AlbertaRELM app to store and access licences digitally. Over 300 authorized licence issuers are also available across the province.
Do veterans get free fishing licences in Alberta?
Yes. Canadian Armed Forces veterans who were honourably discharged and currently serving military personnel qualify for a free Alberta sportfishing licence. Present your Veterans Affairs Canada or CAF identification when purchasing.