"We have a lot of local support," he says. "I think the public has been quite receptive of it. A lot more anglers have gotten checked in the last two years."
He says that the use of barbed hooks is the most common enforcement issue they've faced. Bait violations, over-fishing, and people keeping bull trout, which are protected in Alberta, are other issues they deal with.
Gustavson says that if people see a violation, they can contact the Report A Poacher phone line at 1-800-642-3800. This number is open 24/7, and rewards are available, though callers can also report anonymously.
"Even if it's just suspicious activity," he says, "if people are finding evidence of poaching. That helps us direct our resources to the problem areas."
Rogers will be handing out information and helping to educate anglers, but information is also available at the local Fish and Wildlife office. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the office at 403-562-3289.
"It's a great experience," says Rogers, who served as a Streamwatch officer based out of Rocky Mountain House last summer. He says that last summer was his first year working in the mountains, and that it was eye-opening to see how many people take to the back country. He says that he saw more and more compliance with regulations as the summer went by, and looks forward to working with anglers in the Crowsnest area as well.
Province-wide, the Streamwatch program has been running since 2002.