Three men from Rimbey are among the 27 accused in what wildlife officers have termed a fish-trafficking ring.
George E. Hofer, Elias E. Hofer and Frank Elias Hofer are each charged with unlawfully buying fish contrary to the provincial Fisheries Act.
All three men reserved plea in Rimbey provincial court on Friday and are to return to court on June 1.
A total of 72 charges were laid against the Hofers and 24 other people from the regions around Pigeon Lake, Wetaskiwin, Camrose and Edmonton following a four-year investigation into the sale and purchase of walleye and whitefish, taken mainly from Pigeon Lake. Other charges include unlawfully trafficking wildlife and unlawfully selling fish.
Court appearances are being managed in a variety of jurisdictions, including Edmonton, Breton, Camrose and Wetaskiwin.