How to identify your catch
Banff National Park
Anglers are responsible for correctly distinguishing one fish species from another. If you are not sure which species you have caught, release it immediately. There are zero possession limits for many native species.
Light markings, dark background
Bull Trout (species at risk)
Bull Trout are a species at risk due to small population and concerns of viability. They have a zero-possession limit across the province. If you catch this fish you must release it.
Lake Trout
Lake Trout are a grey fish with irregular white spots and a forked caudal fin.
Brook Trout (introduced)
Text descriptions of fish with light markings
Bull Trout : Tail slightly forked. No black spots. white leading edge on lower fins, no black line. Pale yellow spots on back, red or orange spots on side
Lake Trout: Deeply forked tail. Worm-like mottling. White leading edge, often present on fins. Irregular white sports, none red or orange.
Brook Trout: Tail nearly square. work-like mottling on back and dorsal fin. Red spots with blue halos. White leading edge, black line.
Black spots, light background
Westslope Cutthroat Trout (species at risk)
Westslope Cutthroat trout are a species at risk in Yoho, Kootenay and Banff national parks.
Brown Trout (introduced)
Rainbow Trout
Text descriptions of fish with black spots
Westslope Cutthroat Trout:Spots more numerous towards tail. Red slash under lower jaw. Note: red band may be present. Use red slash for proper identification
Brown Trout: Square-cut tail. Large spots on head. Dark sports with very large halos.
Rainbow Trout: Black spots from head to tail. Red band may be present on the sides. Note: use lack of red slash under jaw for proper identification.
Other
Mountain Whitefish
Lake Whitefish
White Sucker
Kokanee Salmon
Text descriptions of Mountain Whitefish, Lake whitefish, White sucker, and Kokanee Salmon.
Mountain Whitefish: Deeply forked tail. Large scales. Small mouth below pointed snout.
Lake Whitefish: Deeply forked tail. Small mouth below rounded snout.
White sucker: Blackened or grayish dorsal. Grading to silver laterally. Head rounded in section. Flattened blunt snout.
Kokanee Salmon: NO distinct black spots on side. Females and males: red bodies during fall spawn, with green or black heads. Silvery bodies for remainder of the year
Important note:
This guide is not an extensive list of species but represents the most common fish caught in Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks.
Kootenay and Yoho national parks waters are closed for 2026.
- Date modified :