Regulations around turning 16 mid season.
 

I realize asking for interpretation of the regulations here can be risky, but I’m interested in your opinion. I tried calling the F&W office but they are closed between Christmas and New Years.

The regulations say…

If you are under 16 years of age, an Alberta resident aged 65 or older, or a First Nations person who is defined as Indigenous under the federal Indian Act, you are not required to have a Sportfishing Licence to fish with rod and reel; however, you must follow sportfishing regulations unless fishing under the authority of a domestic fishing licence in specified eligible waters.

My question,

My son turned 16 in October 2021, I think he can fish the rest of the license year (until March 31 2022) without a license but I can not see anything anywhere in the regulations about it. I think I’m getting my belief from the hunting regulations and how it deals with minors birthdays mid season. Yeah I could buy him a license and be safe, but we’ll probably have one ice fishing trip this year.

The regulations say under 16, not 16 and under. Your son now needs a fishing licence.

BW

Definitely cannot fish the rest of the year without a license, spend the $28 to be safe and avoid a costly ticket.

Good point, thanks.



That is the safest route. If I buy him a license then we’ll have to go more to make it more worth it! Darn!

Need License
 

100% need license. Talked to Fish and Fur the year my son turned 16 in February. They confirmed that a license is needed.

Thank you, I figured someone else must have had the same issue. I tried getting ahold of them today but I think the office is closed from Christmas to New Years.

My father turned into 65 on his Birthday on April 5 last year. I still bought him full year's licence. Just to be used from April 1 to April 4.

Where are you fishing in Alberta April 1-4? Lol...

Aren’t trout ponds open year round?

As soon as he turns 16 he needs a license. The wording is very clear.