This press release just came down the wire from the Alberta Ministry of Sustainable Resource Development:

Special Walleye Licence program expands to other lakes
2009 regulations also create other angling opportunities
Edmonton... Alberta anglers will have new fishing opportunities this year thanks to the expansion of the Special Walleye Licence program to Floatingstone and Kehiwin lakes, both near Bonnyville. There are also new or improved fishing opportunities at Pine Coulee Reservoir, Sparrow’s Egg Lake, Carseland Irrigation Canal and Winefred Lake.

“Every angler has a part to play in keeping fish in our future,” said Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton. “Alberta anglers continue to demonstrate a strong conservation ethic that contributes to healthy fisheries and the creation of new and better fishing opportunities.”

The Special Walleye Licence lets anglers catch and keep a limited number of fish from selected lakes, and more than 7,500 special licences are available from Floatingstone, Kehiwin, Wolf (near Bonnyville), Pigeon (near Edmonton), and Newell (near Brooks) lakes.

Anglers may purchase draw applications for the Special Walleye Licence from March 20 to April 23 online at albertarelm.com, at licence issuers or through the draw line, 1-900-451-3474. The call will cost $3.25 for the first minute and $1.15 for each additional minute. The cost to submit a draw application is $3.04 plus GST. More information on the Special Walleye Licence draw is available at mywildalberta.com.

After the draw, any remaining licences can be reserved starting May 13 by calling 1-900-451-3474.

The 2009 Alberta Sportfishing Regulations take effect on April 1. Anglers should refer to the regulations guide for information about new fishing opportunities, angling locations, requirements and tips, proper fish handling techniques and fish species identification. The 2009 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations is available online at mywildalberta.com and albertaregulations.ca or at licence issuers and Fish and Wildlife offices. Call the Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Information Centre at 1-877-944-0313 for Fish and Wildlife office locations.

Albertans can purchase a WIN (Wildlife Identification Number) card and sportfishing licence online at albertarelm.com or through licence issuers.

Online fishing articles: http://acrossandabroad.com/tag/fishing/