The Trout Trust

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The Trout Trust

We are an organization working to protect wild trout and healthy rivers in Alberta.

We collaborate with anglers, government and partners to address fish entrainment, improve fisheries management, and advocate for responsible angling.

06/02/2026

With rivers across Alberta running high from snowmelt and recent rainfall, many anglers are asking the same question:

Where do the fish go?

While the main current may be moving fast, not all parts of a river experience the same flow conditions. Trout are remarkably adapted to changing river environments and often seek refuge in areas where water velocities are lower.

During high-water events, fish may move toward river edges, deeper water near the streambed, side channels, back eddies, and floodplain habitats. These areas provide shelter from strong currents and help fish conserve energy until conditions stabilize.

Healthy rivers contain a variety of connected habitats that fish can access as flows rise and fall. Side channels, floodplains, and other low-velocity areas play an important role in helping trout survive natural high-flow events.

High water is a normal part of river systems. Understanding how fish respond to these changing conditions helps highlight the importance of maintaining healthy, connected aquatic habitats.

04/22/2026

Earth Day is a reminder of the role healthy watersheds play in sustaining fish populations.

From headwaters to downstream systems, how water is managed directly affects habitat quality, fish movement, and long-term ecosystem health.

Across Alberta, these systems support native trout and other species that rely on connected, functioning rivers to survive and reproduce.

At Trout Trust, we’re working to keep fish, habitat, and water management part of the same conversation.

Have questions about fish, watersheds, or water management in Alberta? Drop them in the comments and we’ll cover them in our Ask the Trout Trust series.

Photo by The Bug Parade

04/10/2026

Ask the Trout Trust! What is the latest government action on fish entrainment?

Government activity on fish entrainment has focused on data analysis and technical review, rather than regulatory requirements to install mitigation infrastructure, despite initial recognition of the problem being documented some 115 years ago.

A key recent development is a provincial technical report examining fish entrainment at two major irrigation diversion structures on the Bow River: the Carseland Canal headworks and the Western Headworks Canal. The report compiled and analyzed approximately 20 years of historical fish rescue data from Trout Unlimited, alongside fish population estimates to better understand entrainment patterns. The entrainment analysis was completed in May 2024 and released to the public in February 2025. The report stopped short of mandating mitigation measures or setting any timelines for action.
Following completion of the analysis, the Government of Alberta issued a public Request for Proposals (RFP) (reference AB-2024-07092) on October 2, 2024. The RFP sought qualified consultants to review modern fish exclusion and deterrence technologies for potential application at water diversions and canals in Alberta. The RFP was intended to gather input on potential mitigation technologies, not to fund or require their installation.
As of early 2026, there has been no province-wide requirement for fish protection systems such as screens or bypass structures at irrigation diversions. Government action to date has focused on improving technical understanding through analysis and consultation, which may inform future policy direction.

Follow along as we continue to share updates on fish entrainment in Alberta, and drop your questions in the comments—we’ll include them in an upcoming Ask the Trout Trust.

04/09/2026

Meet the team behind The Trout Trust!

Nada Rehman
Co-Founder of The Trout Trust, Driver & Volunteer Wrangler

“I was reminded what it truly means to be a good citizen, to give back to the places that give to you.”

Nada’s connection to Alberta’s rivers began with a fly fishing trip in 2010, but it quickly became something more. Over time, those waters became part of her life, shaping both her and her son.

That perspective now drives her role at The Trout Trust. As a strategist, driver, and advocate, she plays a key role in bringing people together and keeping momentum moving forward — ensuring anglers remain engaged as conservationists.

For Nada, this work is grounded in responsibility. The rivers have given a great deal, and now it’s our turn to give back.

03/31/2026

We’re looking for someone to help build what Trout Trust membership becomes.

As we grow, we want to create a program that offers real value to anglers — through partnerships with local fishing brands, guides, and shops — while strengthening the community behind conservation work in Alberta.

This volunteer role is focused on connection: reaching out, building relationships, and helping turn those into meaningful perks for members.

If this sounds like a fit, email [email protected]

03/28/2026

Ask The Trout Trust: What does The Trout Trust want to see happen next?

As progress is made on fish entrainment, we’ll continue working with members, partners, and stakeholders to identify additional priority issues that would benefit from focused advocacy and coordinated action.

One area that continues to come up is angler education, including whether Alberta could benefit from a structured education component linked to fishing licences, similar in concept to hunting licence requirements.

The goal is to support responsible angling practices, improve fish handling knowledge, and increase awareness of the conservation challenges facing Alberta’s waters.
Long-term success depends on both effective policy and an informed angling community, and we’re committed to helping advance both.

If there’s a question or issue you’d like to see us cover next, let us know in the comments.

Learn more at thetrouttrust.com

03/17/2026

Calgary, a great night of fly fishing films is coming up this Thursday!

Join us at the Fly Fishing Film Tour Calgary premiere, presented by Fish Tales Fly Shop, on Thursday, March 19th.

This year’s lineup features films from around the world, including Trapped Still, a short film by The Trout Trust highlighting the issue of fish entrainment in Alberta.

Members of The Trout Trust will be at the event, so if you’re attending, come by, connect with us, and learn more about the work behind the film!

Show Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Canyon Meadows Cinemas (110, 13226 Macleod Trail SE)
Tickets are $25 and available online or in-store at Fish Tales Fly Shop.
Seats are limited, so we encourage grabbing a ticket soon!!

03/14/2026

We’re excited to have Trapped Still featured at the Fly Fishing Film Tour Calgary premiere at Fish Tales Fly Shop on Thursday, March 19th.

The evening will showcase a lineup of fly fishing films from around the world, including our short film highlighting the issue of fish entrainment in Alberta.

Members of The Trout Trust will also be at the event, so if you're attending, come say hello and connect with us.

Tickets are $25 - grab yours here: https://fishtalesflyshop.com/products/20th-annual-fly-fishing-film-tour-f3t-2026

Presented by Fish Tales Fly Shop.

03/13/2026

Ask The Trout Trust!

We’re starting a weekly series answering common questions about Alberta’s rivers, wild trout, and the work we do.

One of the first questions we often hear is:
Why do we need The Trout Trust when other conservation groups already exist?

Many conservation organizations focus on research, education, and habitat restoration on the ground. Those efforts are essential.

The Trout Trust fills a different role, focusing on advocacy and public policy. Our goal is to ensure issues affecting fish and rivers, starting with fish entrainment in irrigation canals, are heard by decision-makers.

Have a question you’d like us to answer in this series? Let us know in the comments.

Learn more about our work at
thetrouttrust.com

03/12/2026

Join us tonight in Bragg Creek for a screening of Trapped Still at IF4! Our film explores the connection between wild trout, the waters they depend on, and why science-based policy and advocacy matter.
Hosted by River People Guides Fly Shop, this community screening brings the conversation closer to the headwaters that shape Alberta’s fisheries. Details below!
📍 Bragg Creek Community Centre
March 12
Doors at 6:30 PM
Film at 7:00 PM

We’ll be on site to connect and answer questions about our work. Hope to see you there!

Address

C/o 800, 9707 110 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
T5K2L9

Telephone

+17804604444

Website

http://www.thetrouttrust.com/

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