Alberta Environment and Parks is asking anglers to use discretion when fishing, as low river flows, and consistent high temperatures have created an increased risk to fish populations.

Anglers are advised to use extra caution in fishing zones in southern Alberta, including the Bow, Sheep, Highwood, and Elbow river, as all rivers are below the lowest flow quartile.

Paul Christensen, Senior Fisheries Biologist, Alberta Environment and Parks, says anglers may need to modify their behaviours.

"Most people really do approach angling with a strong ethic, and a mind to land their fish quickly, keep them in the water, and fish during times of day when water temperatures are lower," he says. "But every angler has a choice they can make in terms of where they fish, and a stocked pond would be best at this point."

Although it feels like the rain hasn't stopped in southern Alberta, Christensen shares it's still not enough.

"We're encouraged to see the wet weather, and every little bit of rain helps with the high temperature water condition. We're still concerned about the low flows, and unless we start to receive significant amounts of precipitation, low flow conditions will exist in the south."

To minimize risk to fish in these zones, and reduce mortality rates anglers are encouraged to:

-fish in stocked ponds and lakes

-fish early in the mornings

-minimize handling time and release fish as quickly as possible

Click here to learn more about the advisory.