This weekend, anglers in Alberta and Saskatchewan can cast a line without a licence on eligible provincial waterbodies.
Credit: Govt. of Saskatchewan
The summer edition of Free Fishing Weekend runs July 11 and 12, 2026, opening the door for families, friends and visitors to enjoy a day by the water without the usual paperwork.
In both provinces, people can fish without buying a sportfishing or angling licence, as long as they are fishing on public waterbodies that are open to sport fishing.
The same reminder applies on both sides of the border. Licence-free does not mean regulation-free.
Catch limits, possession limits, size restrictions and other fishing rules remain in effect throughout the weekend. Those limits apply to fish that are caught, eaten, gifted, stored, transported or held for someone else, whether at a campsite, on the road or elsewhere.
There are also exceptions. Free fishing is not available in national parks in either province. In Alberta, anyone using a Special Harvest Licence, or Walleye tag, still needs to purchase a sportfishing licence. In Saskatchewan, a valid angling licence is required to transport fish out of the province.
Winter free fishing weekend runs February 12-14, 2027.