Fish
Quick Key Points
- Fishing is not allowed on the Sturgeon River from April 1 to May 14 to protect certain fish species during spawning.
- Keep fish populations healthy and reduce nutrient and bacteria loading into the Sturgeon River by cleaning up after your dog, picking up litter, and minimizing the use of salt, fertilizer and pesticides at home.
- Do not release goldfish or other non-native pets or plants into stormwater facilities or the Sturgeon River. Goldfish are an invasive species and can have a very negative impact on the river due to their rapid reproduction.
Fish of the Sturgeon River
Fish are an important part of a healthy aquatic ecosystem in the Sturgeon River. They are critical to the functioning of the food web, providing a food source for other animals such as birds and keeping insect populations under control. Without fish, mosquito populations would be much higher.
Small fish feed on insects and invertebrates and they are preyed on by waterfowl, other birds and larger fish. Some fish feed on aquatic vegetation while others feed along the bottom of the river and clean up detritus. Larger fish are an important food source for mammals and larger birds, such as osprey, and of course for humans.
While the Sturgeon River is no longer home to its namesake fish species, other fish can be found, including minnows, stickleback, northern pike and white sucker. Occasionally, walleye and goldeye can be found in the river.
Fish and You
As part of maintaining a healthy Sturgeon River, residents should know what conditions are required to keep fish healthy. The activities we undertake on the land can have a direct impact on the fish, from fertilizing our lawns to applying pesticides and removing native vegetation from riverbanks.
It is important to remember that sometimes bacteria levels in the river can be high due to runoff from multiple sources. If a recreational use advisory is active for the river, residents should avoid fishing due to potential water contact.
Tips to Keep Fish Populations Healthy
- Fishing is not allowed on the Sturgeon River from April 1 to May 14. This annual spring closure occurs to protect certain fish species when they spawn. Please report any violations through the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 or online at alberta.ca/report-poacher
- Minimize the use of salt, fertilizers and pesticides ariound your yard to reduce the amount of chemicals entering the City’s stormwater system and ultimately the Sturgeon River.
- Clean up after your dog to reduce nutrient and bacteria loading to the river.
- Pick up and prevent litter to keep the river cleaner and reduce impacts to waterfowl.
- Participate in City led naturalization efforts to increase the native vegetation around the Sturgeon River, leading to improvements in water quality through water filtration and shade provision (water cooling).
- Used oils and greases should be collected through drip pans, put in bottles, and taken to the Mike Mitchell Recycle Yard. If you see someone dumping a chemical down a storm drain, please report this to Public Operations or Alberta Environment 24 hour Environmental Hotline at 1-800-222-6514.
- Residents who have unwanted goldfish or other non-native pets should refrain from releasing them into stormwater facilities or into the river itself. Invasive species such as goldfish can have a very negative impact on the river due to their rapid reproduction and stirring up of sediments, causing a decline in water quality. Their populations grow so rapidly that predatory fish native to the river cannot keep their numbers down. Releasing goldfish into the Sturgeon River can result in large fines and potential prosecution. Learn about the City’s Goldfish Management Program and Government of Alberta's Don't Let It Loose campaign.
Related Pages
Last edited: April 10, 2026