The province issued an advisory this week to inform the public of low water flow conditions stemming along the South Saskatchewan River Basin.
Rivers and tributary streams of the basin are experiencing below average flow levels this season.
Some restrictions have already been placed on permanent licence holders, which would require license holders to cut down or cease water consumption activities.
The South Saskatchewan River Basin includes the sub-basins of the Bow, Red Deer, Oldman and South Saskatchewan river basins — which all begin in the Rocky Mountains and generally flow eastward.
Alberta Environment and Parks also issued a fish advisory this week, directing anglers to consider fishing in stocked lakes or ponds and to follow best angling practices.
Best angling practices include careful handling when practicing catch and release fishing (to increase chances of fish survival); following regulations (including bait bans and seasonal closures); avoiding fishing in warm waters (which hold less oxygen than cooler waters; not recommended to fish when temperatures are over 22 degrees Celsius); and carrying a measuring stick when fishing in areas with size limits.
The advisory will remain in effect until water temperatures drop to levels that aren’t considered high risk for fish.
If high temperatures persist, Alberta Environment and Parks may take additional measures with angling restrictions.
