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Alberta's sportfiyhing regulations are created to protect our fisheries

for current and future generations. In order to follow the sportfishing

regulations, anglers must be able to identify the fish they catch.

Alberta has 17 sportfish. This guide will help anglers identify nine of

Alberta's most common trout, char and whitefish species.

Body colour is not a reliable characteristic to identify a fish species. The colour may vary considerably depending on the fish's age, its habitat and the time of year. To distinguish one trouVchar species from another look at the key characteristics.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

light spots

0 BODY SPOTS

black spots

KEEP FISH IN

OUR FUTURE

dark spots no spots

• Know and obey the regulations

• Learn to identify fish

• Use proper handling techniques

• Use barbless hooks

:o 0

Arctic Grayling

Mountain Whitefish

Lake Whitefish

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• a large sail-like dorsal fin• can have black spots near the head

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• dorsal fin does not extendbeyond the base of the fin whenpushed down

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• dorsal fin extends beyond thebase of the fin when pushed down

Trout, Char & Whitefish

IDENTIFICATION

GUIDE

Remove the barbs from a

hook by pinching or filing

hooks causes less

damage to the fish.

Do you have questions about the

fish or aquatic habitat in your

favourite fishing spot? Call

310-0000 and ask to be connected

to the Fisheries biologist for that

area.

VISIT US ONLINE aep.alberta.ca mywildalberta.com