You Haven’t Been Catfished

On deck for spring 2025, ACA is partnering up with Lethbridge Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (ACE) to embark on an exciting new venture—the importation of channel catfish or a channel x blue catfish. The aim is to cultivate expertise in catfish culture while evaluating their potential for enhancing recreational fishing in Alberta’s warmer ponds.

The motivation behind the project rests on one of ACA’s unchanging missions—to create vibrant put-and-take summer fisheries in central and southern Alberta, where traditional trout struggle to thrive due to warmer temperatures. 

“This project is a first for the province, so we’re adopting an experimental, phased approach to ensure success,” says Mike Rodtka, ACA senior biologist. “Year one focuses on importing catfish to ACE’s state-of-the-art biosecure facility, mastering their care, and laying the groundwork for future field trials.”

ACA stocks non-native fish species with careful consideration. Progressive fish stocking programs across North America, including Alberta, have been successfully balancing recreational and conservation fisheries objectives for decades. Nonetheless, we’re committed to exploring viable new possibilities that will continue to enhance Alberta’s fishing landscape. 

photo credit: Matthew Anderson