Competitive Walleye Fishing with Conservation at Its Core
The Southern Alberta Walleye Trail is built for anglers who love competition, respect the resource, and want Alberta’s fisheries to stay strong for future generations. We promote responsible tournament fishing through catch-photo-release practices, careful fish handling, respect for regulations, and a strong commitment to protecting the waters we fish.
Conservation First
We believe competitive fishing should support healthy fisheries. That means minimizing air exposure, keeping fish in the water whenever possible, and handling each catch with care so released fish have the best possible chance to survive and reproduce.
Responsible Competition
SAWT is about more than standings and payouts. It is about running events that reflect Alberta’s conservation values by respecting waterbody regulations, promoting catch-and-release where required, and encouraging tournament practices that put fish health first.
Protecting Alberta Waters
Every launch matters. We support Alberta’s Clean, Drain, Dry message and expect anglers to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and fish diseases by properly cleaning boats, trailers, and gear between waterbodies. Alberta’s AIS guidance warns that invasive species can harm the environment, economy, and human health, and that prevention is essential.
A Trail for Anglers, Families, and the Future of Walleye Fishing
The Southern Alberta Walleye Trail is designed to bring anglers together around fair competition, community, and stewardship. We want our events to be welcoming, professionally run, and grounded in the idea that great tournament fishing and responsible conservation go hand in hand. From youth and family participation to strong event standards on the water, SAWT exists to grow the sport the right way. Alberta’s competitive event guidance also requires participants in medium and large competitive events to practice catch-and-release for all fish and to follow event rules and best management practices.
At SAWT, success is measured by more than the leaderboard. It is measured by how we care for fish, how we protect Alberta waters, and how we represent the future of competitive walleye angling.
