Catch and Release Fishing

To preserve our fish stocks, we practice catch and release fishing. Our fish mature very slowly, and it can take years to renew a population. Please file or break off the barbs on your hooks before you go fishing in the Northwest Territories.

Barbless hooks can usually be removed without damaging the fish, with a hook remover or needle-nose pliers. Try to minimize handling, avoid contact with the gills or eyes, and gently cradle the fish to make sure it is conscious before releasing it. Never squeeze a live fish.

If you are filleting your fish, you must leave the skin on to help in determining the species. Two filets are considered to be one fish. Mark your name and sport fishing licence number on packages of fish if you are transporting them. It is an offence to waste fish or to sell fish caught under a sport fishing licence.

Visit the Environment and Natural Resources website for a complete list of Northwest Territories fishing regulations.