Fishing areas closed by province as heat, low water threaten species

The province is taking the unusual step of closing several fishing spots to protect fish populations as temperatures soar.

• Alberta fish stressed out by hot weather, warns province

Alberta Environment and Parks says the heat and low water levels are a threat to many species.

These areas are closed to allfishinguntil further notice:

• Sheep River from headwaters to Highwood River.
• Highwood River from headwaters to Bow River.
• St. Mary River, downstream of the St. Mary Reservoir and tributaries.
• Belly River, downstream of Secondary Road 800.
• Bow River from Bearspaw Reservoir to the W.H.D. Weir.
• Bow River from W.H.D Weir to the Carseland Weir.
• Bow River from Carseland Weir to Highway 24 bridge.
• Bow River from Highway 24 bridge downstream to Bassano Dam.
• Elbow River from Glenmore Reservoir to the Bow River confluence.

"Angling in these areas presents a high risk tofishpopulations and may result in mortalities, even when using catch and release practices," the province said in a release.

All fisheries research licenses for these areas have also been temporarily suspended.

The province is also extending its July 30 advisory to fish withextra caution in these areas:

• Castle River and tributaries from Highway 3 upstream to Westcastle River.
• Oldman River from Racehorse Creek downstream to Oldman Reservoir; and from Highway 2 near Fort Macleod downstream to Secondary Road 509.
• Crowsnest River from Crowsnest Lake downstream to Oldman Reservoir.
• Belly Riverdownstream of Secondary Road 800.
• Waterton River, downstream of Waterton Reservoir.
• Waterton River, upstream of the Waterton Reservoir including tributaries.
• St. Mary River upstream, of the St. Mary Reservoir, including Lee Creek.