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WATCH ABOVE: For the first time in the province’s history, Alberta has banned fishing on some of its most popular rivers. It’s an emergency move to save the fish population in the scorching heat. Jill Croteau reports.

CALGARY – Certain fishing spots in southern Alberta are temporarily inaccessible due to high water temperatures.

The province introduced the closures on Tuesday to safeguard fish populations in rivers and streams that have exceeded temperature thresholds.

“Angling in these areas presents a high risk to fish populations and may result in mortalities, even when using catch and release practices,” said Alberta Environment and Parks in a news release.

The following areas are closed to all fishing until further notice:

Sheep River from headwaters to Highwood River

Highwood River from headwaters to Bow River

St. Mary River, downstream of the St. Mary Reservoir and tributaries

Belly River, downstream of Secondary Road 800

Bow River from Bearspaw Reservoir to the W.H.D. Weir

Bow River from W.H.D Weir to the Carseland Weir

Bow River from Carseland Weir to Highway 24 bridge

Bow River from Highway 24 bridge downstream to Bassano Dam

Elbow River from Glenmore Reservoir to the Bow River confluence.

These closures will also result in the temporary suspension of all Fisheries Research Licences issued in these waters.

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The province attributes the high water temperatures to low water flows combined with hot weather.

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