Walleye Special Harvest Licence Informaiton

In 2025 Forestry and Parks announced that the Walleye Special Harvest Licence (SHL) program would transition from a draw-based system to a first‑come, first‑served purchase model for all licence classes.

This change is intended to make SHLs easier for anglers to access by reducing complexity, increasing flexibility, and improving the availability of sustainable walleye harvest opportunities at designated lakes.

Beginning April 1, 2026, Class A (>50 cm), Class B (43–50 cm) and Class C (< 43cm) licences will be available for direct purchase on a first-come, first-served basis, until waterbody and/or Class quotas are reached.
There are no changes to how SHLs are allocated at designated waterbodies, only changes to how Class A and Class B tags are administered.
Anglers can view available SHLs and waterbody quotas at a later date.

Walleye Special Harvest Licences will be released for sale on April 28, 2026, at 9:00AM.
Special Harvest Licences are $12.00 (per licence, plus GST) and are non-refundable.
Prior to purchasing online, users must have pre-numbered Government of Alberta adhesive paper tags ready to complete the purchase. Tags can be picked up at Fish & Wildlife Offices, Licence Issuers, ordered online, and through the AlbertaRELM app.
To purchase a Special Harvest Licence you must be an:

Alberta resident with a valid Wildlife Identification Number (WiN) (including seniors, youths, and Métis people, who do not hold a domestic fishing licence).
Have a valid Alberta Resident Sportfishing Licence, unless you are under 16 years of age, an Alberta resident aged 65 or older, or a first Nations’ person who is defined as an Indian under the federal Indian Act.

A Sportfishing Licence is required to purchase a Special Walleye Licence even during a free fishing weekend.

The angler must carry both the Resident Sportfishing Licence and the Special Walleye Licence and tag(s) on his/her person while angling.

Anglers may purchase up to six SHLs per season (two tags per licence; 12 tags total) in any combination of waterbodies or licence classes, as long as quotas allow. Each SHL is valid only for the specific waterbody and class identified on the licence.
All general sportfishing regulations still apply, including seasonal closures, and bait restrictions.

Walleye Special Harvest Licence (SHL) Information