If you’ve spent time along the Elbow River lately casting a line, skipping rocks, or simply enjoying the sound of water, you may have noticed a few friendly volunteers walking the shoreline in blue vests. These are the Fish Ambassadors, part of the Freshwater Friends Club, a community-led initiative supported by the Elbow River Watershed Partnership (ERWP) and the Bragg Creek Environmental Coalition (BCEC). Their goal is to help people enjoy the river while protecting the fish and aquatic life that depend on it.

The Elbow River is one of the most accessible fishing locations in the region, drawing anglers of all ages and experience levels. But accessibility comes with a challenge, as many people don’t realize that this stretch of the river, specifically from Canyon Creek downstream to Highway 22, has unique fishing regulations designed to protect native trout and mountain whitefish. These rules differ from those in other parts of the Elbow, and even from those of nearby rivers, which means visitors often arrive with good intentions but incomplete information. The Fish Ambassador Program was created to help bridge that gap. Ambassadors offer friendly advice to help anglers understand the regulations, handle fish safely, and enjoy the river responsibly.

The Freshwater Friends Club itself is rooted in community, curiosity, and care. The club celebrates all “freshwater friends” from fish, beavers, frogs, river otters, benthic invertebrates, salamanders, and the many other watery beings that call the Elbow River home. The club’s mission is to strengthen our connection to the river through science, story, and shared experience. Fish Ambassadors bring that mission to life by walking the river, chatting with recreationists, and sharing knowledge. Ambassadors receive training in freshwater ecology, fish identification, fishing regulations, and safe communication. They learn how to model respectful behaviour around the river, how to approach visitors, and how to act as the voice of the fish. Helping people understand how small actions can make a big difference for river health.

One of the topics Fish Ambassadors talk about is fishing regulations along this stretch of the Elbow River. These rules help protect native Bull Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and Mountain Whitefish, which depend on cold, clean water and can be sensitive to disturbance. Fishing season from Canyon Creek downstream to Highway 22, is from June 16 to October 31, and it is catch-and-release only. That means there is a zero limit for trout and mountain whitefish. Bait fishing is not allowed, because bait can lead to deep hooking and injury, even when fish are released. Anglers may use up to three hooks per line. Barbless hooks are strongly encouraged because they make releasing fish quicker and safer. Anyone aged 16 to 64 needs an Alberta sportfishing licence, unless they are exempt under provincial rules. Youth under 16 still need to follow the regulations, even if they don’t need a license. Note that regulations can change during the season, so always check Alberta Fishing Regulations as the most current source of information. albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/

Ambassadors also share simple tips for handling fish safely. Catch-and-release works best when fish are treated gently and kept in the water as much as possible. A fish that stays underwater has a much better chance of survival than one kept out of the water for a long time. Wetting your hands before touching a fish helps protect its natural slime layer, and using a rubber or plastic net can reduce damage to fins and gills.

If a fish swallows a hook, it is often better to cut the line rather than try to remove the hook. These small choices can make a big difference for fish survival and for the long- term health of the river.

Beyond fishing, Ambassadors help visitors understand simple ways to care for the river. They encourage people to pack out garbage, take apart rock dams before leaving, and use existing trails to help prevent erosion. They also remind visitors that the Elbow River provides drinking water for Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows, Tsuut’ina Nation, Calgary, and communities downstream. What happens along the river matters far beyond the riverbank.

Fish Ambassadors also let people know how to report concerns. Fishing violations can be reported to the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800. Environmental concerns, such as oil spills or chemical leaks, can be reported to the Alberta Environmental Response Line at 1-800-222-6514. Invasive species concerns can be reported to 1-855- 336-BOAT (2628). These reporting lines help protect the river and the freshwater species that depend on it.

Fish Ambassadors will be out along the river throughout the summer. You may see them walking the Bragg Creek berm, visiting popular fishing spots, chatting with families, or answering questions. Their goal is to help people feel more connected to the Elbow River and more confident about caring for it. They are friendly, approachable, and happy to share stories about fish, river ecology, and the freshwater life that makes this watershed special.

So next time you are out along the Elbow River and see someone in a blue vest with a warm smile, stop and say hello. They are helping keep the river healthy, one conversation at a time.

For more information and how to become a Fish Ambassador next year, please check out the Freshwater Friends Club website: https://sites.google.com/view/freshwaterfriendsclub/home