Catch and Release in Canadian Fishing
Catch and release is both a conservation ethic and, in many Canadian waters, a legal requirement. Understanding when catch-and-release is mandatory versus voluntary is essential for responsible angling. Violating mandatory release requirements can result in fines of $500 or more — and confiscation of your gear and fishing licence.
All provinces encourage voluntary catch-and-release, particularly for large breeding fish. Some waters and species are designated catch-and-release only, meaning you may not retain any fish regardless of size. This guide covers mandatory requirements, proper techniques, and the science behind effective release.
Mandatory Catch-and-Release Species
Several species are subject to mandatory catch-and-release in specific jurisdictions due to conservation concerns:
White Sturgeon (BC): All white sturgeon in BC must be released immediately. This is one of Canada's most strictly protected recreational fisheries — some Fraser River sturgeon exceed 3 metres (10 feet) and 500 kg. Brief measurement and photography are permitted but extended handling is not. Lake Sturgeon (ON, MB): Protected in most Ontario and Manitoba waters. Must be released immediately. These ancient fish can live beyond 100 years.
Atlantic Salmon (NS, NB — most rivers): Catch-and-release only in most Nova Scotia rivers and many New Brunswick rivers where populations are below conservation thresholds. Ontario has mandatory C&R for all Atlantic salmon as part of restoration efforts. Bull Trout (AB, BC — mountain parks): All bull trout must be immediately released in Banff, Jasper, and many Alberta eastern slopes waters. Bull trout are a federally listed Species at Risk.
Muskellunge (ON): While not always mandatory, extremely high minimum size limits (54 inches / 137 cm in some zones) effectively make virtually all catches into releases. Some Ontario waters are designated catch-and-release only for muskie. Cutthroat Trout (AB, BC): Westslope cutthroat trout are protected in many Alberta streams — catch-and-release only.
Catch-and-Release Only Waters
Many provinces designate specific lakes, rivers, or river sections as catch-and-release only. These are identified in provincial fishing regulations by zone number and water body name.
British Columbia: Classified waters and most steelhead rivers are catch-and-release only or have extremely restrictive retention rules. The Skeena River system, Dean River, and many Vancouver Island rivers are C&R for steelhead. Alberta: Numerous eastern slopes streams are catch-and-release to protect native cutthroat and bull trout — the Bow River through Calgary is catch-and-release for all trout species in many sections.
Ontario: Various trophy waters are designated C&R, particularly for bass, muskie, and lake trout. Quebec: Some premium Atlantic salmon rivers are C&R only to rebuild stocks. These designations can change year to year based on population assessments. Always check the current year's regulations for your specific waterbody — never assume last year's rules still apply.
The Science of Fish Survival After Release
Effective catch-and-release requires understanding what kills released fish. Studies show that properly released fish have survival rates of 95–98%, but poor handling can drop survival to 40–60%. The main causes of post-release mortality are:
Air exposure: Fish gills collapse out of water, causing oxygen deprivation. Research by Cooke et al. (2001) found that just 30 seconds of air exposure significantly increased mortality in largemouth bass. Keep fish in the water as much as possible — limit air exposure to under 10 seconds. Fight duration: Prolonged fights cause lactic acid buildup and exhaustion. Use appropriately heavy tackle to land fish quickly. An exhausted fish released in warm water may die hours later from physiological stress.
Water temperature: Warm water (above 20°C / 68°F) significantly increases post-release mortality, especially for cold-water species like trout and salmon. Handle fish even more carefully in summer. Hook damage: Deep hooking (gut hooking) dramatically increases mortality. Cut the line rather than attempting to remove a deep hook — research consistently shows higher survival with the hook left in place.
Proper Catch-and-Release Techniques
Before the catch: Use barbless hooks (mandatory in many jurisdictions, always recommended). Barbless hooks penetrate better, cause less tissue damage, and release faster. Use circle hooks for bait fishing — they hook in the corner of the mouth, reducing deep hooking. Use appropriately heavy tackle to land fish quickly.
Landing the fish: Use a rubber mesh net rather than nylon or cotton — rubber causes less fin damage and protects the slime coat. Wet your hands before touching any fish. The slime coat is the fish's immune system — dry hands strip it, leaving the fish vulnerable to infection. Never touch fish with gloves or towels.
Handling and photos: Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. If you need a photo, have the camera ready before lifting the fish. Cradle the fish horizontally — never hold a fish vertically by the jaw alone (this can damage internal organs in large fish). Limit air exposure to under 10 seconds. One quick photo, then back in the water.
Releasing: Hold the fish gently in the water facing into the current (in rivers) or upright (in lakes). Allow it to swim away under its own power. If exhausted, gently move it back and forth to push water over its gills. In cold water, fish recover faster. Do NOT "throw" or "toss" a fish back — place it carefully.
Gear Requirements for C&R Waters
Many catch-and-release waters have specific gear restrictions designed to maximize fish survival:
Barbless hooks: Mandatory in much of BC, many Alberta trout streams, most Atlantic salmon rivers, and all national parks. Even where not required, barbless hooks are the standard for conservation-minded angling. Single hooks only (no treble hooks) may be required in certain waters — particularly for trout and salmon. Fly fishing only designations exist on many premium rivers.
Additional restrictions in some waters include: no bait fishing (artificial lures or flies only, to reduce deep hooking), no lead tackle (required in national parks, increasingly common elsewhere), time-of-day restrictions to avoid fishing during peak water temperatures, and tackle size minimums to prevent targeting undersized fish.
Penalties for Violating C&R Rules
Violations of mandatory catch-and-release rules are treated seriously by conservation officers. Penalties across Canadian provinces typically include:
Fines ranging from $250 to $5,000+ depending on the species and province. Ontario minimum fines for exceeding catch limits or illegal retention start at $150 and can reach $25,000 for serious offences. BC fines for retaining a protected sturgeon can exceed $10,000. Additional penalties may include: licence suspension or revocation, equipment confiscation (rods, reels, tackle, and even boats in serious cases), and a permanent record that may affect future licence applications.
Conservation officers can check your catch at any time and may inspect fish in your vehicle, cooler, or camp. They also patrol by boat and use binoculars. When in doubt about whether a species must be released, release it — you cannot be fined for releasing a fish, but you absolutely can be fined for keeping one you shouldn't.