2019 Alberta Fishing - Angler's Atlas

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2019

5th Edition

WINNER

Mike O’Brien

Andrew Lake Pike

“Caught the last day of the trip sight casting with a fly rod.”

Help with Conservation in Canada!

Get the updated MyCatch app. More on pages 6-7.

CANADA’S FISHING STORE For days like today TM

TM

LIVE YOUR OUTDOOR LIFE Photo by Angler’s Atlas member toizzz

FISHING

Photo by Angler’s Atlas member freddeer

ALBERTA

Whether you’re trolling for walleye on a prairie lake, dry fly fishing for trout on the Bow River, or jigging for lake trout in the north, Wild Rose Country has it all. So does Canadian Tire. Visit your local store to get prepared this fishing season.

ALBERTA’S

TOP BRAND

CHOSEN BY OUR ALBERTA MEMBERS

• Len Thompson original Five of Diamonds.

• Solid brass lure that will never rust.

• Superb wobble action that drives a variety of game fish to strike.

• Stainless steel rings and Eagle Claw hooks.

• Available in assorted colours and sizes.

Photo by Angler’s Atlas member utz

Voted Alberta’s #1 Brand of Lure

Photo by Angler’s Atlas member Ryderfabian

ALL OF YOUR FISHING GEAR IN ONE SHOP. For days like today TM

LURES & BATES TERMINAL TACKLE FISHING TOOLS TACKLE BOXES FISHING APPAREL & ACCESSORIES RODS, REELS & STORAGE FLY FISHING KID’S FISHING SUPPLIES

PARTICIPATING ALBERTA STORES ALBERTA WIDE DEALERS

CALGARY AREA DEALERS

COLD LAKE 6703 - 51st Street 780-594-3501

CALGARY BEACON HILLS NW 11940 Sarcee Trail NW 403-456-6428

FORT MCMURRAY MAIN STORE 1 Hospital Street 780-791-6400

CALGARY COUNTRY HILLS 388 Country Hills Blvd. NE, Unit 200 403-226-9550

FORT MCMURRAY OUTDOOR STORE 102 - 19 Riedel Street 780-791-6470

CALGARY DALHOUSIE 5404 Dalton Drive NW 403-288-1100

SPRUCE GROVE 38 McLeod Avenue 780-962-1444

CALGARY DEERFOOT CITY NE 910 - 57th Avenue NE 403-295-2800

WHITECOURT 4721 - 51st Street 780-778-6591

CALGARY MACKENZIE TOWN 4155 - 126th Avenue SE 403-257-4729

CALGARY PACIFIC PLACE 3516 - 8th Avenue NE 403-248-6400

EDMONTON KINGSWAY 11839 Kingsway Avenue NW 780-413-8473

EDMONTON ST. ALBERT 40 Bellerose Drive 780-459-5545

CALGARY SHAWNESSY 250 Shawville Way SE 403-201-2002

EDMONTON MANNING DRIVE 3650 - 158th Avenue NW 780-473-2394

EDMONTON WINDERMERE 6014 Currents Drive 780-436-6774

CALGARY SOUTHLAND/MCLEOD 9940 Macleod Trail SE 403-278-4040

EDMONTON MILL WOODS 2331 - 66th Street NW 780-450-1800

SHERWOOD PARK 169 Ordze Avenue 780-449-1577

CALGARY WESTHILLS 5200 Richmond Road SW 403-246-1961

EDMONTON NORTH WEST – NAMAO 9603 - 162nd Avenue 780-495-9696

SHERWOOD PARK NORTH 200 - 3000 Emerald Drive 825-218-8899

EDMONTON AREA DEALERS EDMONTON CAPILANO 9847 - 50th Street NW 780-461-2220

EDMONTON SOUTH COMMON 2110 - 101st Street NW 780-438-4921

WEST EDMONTON 9909 - 178th Street 780-444-1816

CONTENTS IN

NE

R!

ON THE COVER!

W

Mike O’Brien with his 40” Northern Pike.

“Caught the last day of the trip sight casting with a fly rod,” says O’Brien.

FEATURES

10 14 49

page

41

Bow River

For some city fishing, the Bow River provides excellent opportunities to catch trout as it flows through Calgary. Check out the feature on pages 10-11

Reservoirs

Reservoirs can make some excellent fishing lakes. One of these is Chain Lake. We’ve got maps for Chain Lake on pages 14-15.

Fish Stocking

We have all the fish stocking data for lakes in the Eastern Slopes region. Look for your favourite lakes on pages 49-50.

BACKROADS

Rock Lake is one of the backroads lakes we feature. Get out and explore!

Alberta KEY MAP

T

here are a wide range of fishing opportunities in Alberta. With walleye, pike, whitefish, perch, and burbot being the most abundant, there are also exceptional trout lakes and rivers right on your doorstep. This guide is meant to give a sampling of great sport-fishing lakes and rivers in Alberta. We include a few lakes from each region representing a range of opportunities.

Alberta’s Eastern Slopes region, an area spanning 90,000 square kilometres, encompasses the Rocky Mountains and foothills country, which make up the province’s best trout fishing. Broad ridges and rolling hills of aspen, spruce and lodgepole pine overlook the watersheds of the Eastern Slopes Region. The foothills provide some unusually quick transitions from mountains to prairies, providing anglers with stunning scenery to photograph their trophy fish. A handful of famed fly angling rivers — notably the Crowsnest, Bow, Ram and Little Smoky — emerge from countless tributaries fed by snow and ice from the mountains. The Bow River, which is featured inside, has two distinct fishing personalities: the mountain region, which is a little narrower, a little more of a trek to reach, and little more rugged. The city river, however, has numerous access points and is easier to reach whenever the mood strikes.

Waters of Parkland Prairie Zones 1 and 2 are home to a whole range of exciting angling opportunities distinct from those of the east and north — no shortage of tempting destinations throughout the year. Parkland Prairie receives the greatest fishing pressure in Alberta, sport and commercial, due to the proximity of all of the major cities and the popularity of angling in Alberta. Sylvan Lake and Wabamun Lake both showcase some of the best of the north.

Farther south, the lakes such as Newell and Travers Reservoir are accessible, productive, and perfect for family outings.

Northern Boreal takes its name from the forest that dominates the landscape of northern Alberta. It’s a wooded and watery expanse that encompasses all of the upper half of the province. Its four watershed zones encompass most of the lakes in Alberta. Pike and walleye are fun targets, and perch, arctic grayling and burbot are also plentiful and enticing in many of the lakes in the Northern Boreal Region. Winifred and Calling Lakes, as well as Cold Lake, are great places to explore for a departure from the ordinary.

With this guide we’ve barely scratched the surface. Want to learn more about Alberta’s lakes and rivers? Head over to anglersatlas. com and signup so you can follow your favourite lakes and rivers, getting notified when new members share photos, species confirmation, as well as hotspot and hazard locations.

Also, make sure to check out our new app, MyCatch, before your next trip. MyCatch allows you to log or live track you fish trips and catches, while confidentially contributing to fisheries research as a citizen scientist. Visit anglersatlas.com/mycatch for more details.

With walleye, pike, whitefish, perch, and burbot being the most abundant, there are also exceptional trout lakes and rivers right on your doorstep.

PUBLISHER Sean Simmons PRODUCTION Jane Gauthier, Fraser Hayes, Jamie Svendsen CONTRIBUTORS Rob Bassarab, ChadBullock, Cam Clark, coffie, John Cryan, Thomas Cutmore, gogogomez, Brian Hamilton, Dallas Houser, imzfisherman, Brad Kowald, Ray Kohlruss, Rob Martin, shaggy99, techcd, Daryl Ostopowich, Doug Rutherford DIGITAL + DESIGN Joel Knudsen, Clayton Green, Eric Pinfold, Jamie Svendsen ADVERTISING Jane Gauthier, Dallas Kirkpatrick, Dave Ouellette, Raeanne O’Meara Angler’s Atlas is owned by Goldstream Publishing Inc. Suite 210-500 Victoria St. Prince George, BC V2L 2J9 (250) 596-6277 mail@anglersatlas.com www.AnglersAtlas.com

ALBERTA FISHING 2019 5TH EDITION

A fisheries monitoring program

Built By Anglers In 2018 we launched MyCatch, an ambitious project where anglers can play an active role in fisheries research.

A major challenge faced by biologists and researchers is the cost of collecting fisheries data. By working with an-

glers, we are able to generate new data for thousands of lakes and streams that currently go unmonitored and are at conservation risk.

The map below shows waterbodies that were surveyed by anglers in 2018.

• Over 2,500 waterbodies surveyed • Anglers reported over 10,000 trips • Six ongoing research projects

Secret spots stay secret Zeroes matter * See catch rates and compare

Sign up today and help with fisheries research in Canada!

AnglersAtlas.com/mycatch

* Remember that not catching anything is important data, so please report zero catches!

MyCatch Research Below are some research projects we are currently working on. If any of these projects interest you, visit our research page and learn more. You can follow them too.

AnglersAtlas.com/research Using MyCatch to engage anglers and research movement patterns related to the spread of Whirling Disease Led by Dr. Mark Poesch, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta. This research is sponsored by Alberta Environment and Parks.

Using citizen science to enhance fisheries data collection and monitoring

Led by Dr. Fiona Johnston, lead researcher at Angler’s Atlas. This research is sponsored by Angler’s Atlas and the Alberta Conservation Association.

Tracking the movement of thousands of fish throughout the Rideau waterway

Led by PhD candidate Jordanna Bergman, Department of Biology, Carleton University. This research is funded from National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Spatial ecology of Arctic grayling in the Parsnip area

Led by Dr. Eduardo Martins, Assistant Professor, Conservation Science and Practice, University of Northern BC. This research is sponsored by BC Hydro’s Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program.

Baptiste Lake 981 Hectares (2,424 Acres)

28 metres (90 feet)

579 metres (1,900 feet)

February 1981

B

aptiste Lake is a very productive, moderatesized lake in the County of Athabasca in central Alberta.

The lake is comprised of two basins joined by a long neck called the Narrows.

Baptiste Lake is popular in the summer with its fishing, primarily for yellow perch, northern pike and walleye, as well as for boating and swimming.

Metres

Hwy. 2 west from Athabasca and follow an access road around the south end of the lake to a boat launch on the southwest corner.

The summer village of White Gull, located at the north end of the lake, can be reached either from the ring road that goes around the south and west sides of the lake or from a separate exit directly off Hwy. 2 at the north end of the lake. The summer village of Whispering Hills, located on the east side of the Narrows, has a separate exit from Hwy. 2.

The road used to reach it does not connect with the ring road.

The walleye limit is zero, except the holder of a special Fish Harvest Licence and tags. Those license holders may retain walleye of a size, number and at the times specified on the licence. The pike limit is 0; Perch limit is 15; and Bur- There are three private bot limit is 10. campgrounds and five summer villages on the lake.

The summer villages of LAKE ACCESS Sunset Beach, South Bapocated 165 km north- tiste and West Baptiste can west of the city of Ed- be reached from a gravel monton and 16 km west of road that goes around the the town of Athabasca. Take south end of the lake.

L

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

Alberta 2019

Page 8

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Beaver Lake 3310 Hectares (8180 Acres)

15 metres (45 feet)

Unknown

L

ocated south of Lac La Biche, Beaver Lake is popular for boating and fishing.

Beaver

Lake’s main sport fish species are northern pike, yellow perch, and walleye.

Unknown

Feet

The lake also supports com- hooks. For details about these mercial and domestic fisheries spots, see anglersatlas.com for lake whitefish.

Each year during the August The Angler’s Atlas page for long weekend, the nearby town Beaver Lake is packed full of of Lac La Biche holds the Blue great information, especially Feather Fish Derby on Beaver for hot spots, boat launches, and Lake. As many as 2,000 anglers warning spots. compete for major prizes.

Beaver Lake’s varied underwa- LAKE ACCESS ter structure provides excellent rom Edmonton, take Hwy. fish habitat, and many of the best 28 north and east to Hwy. spots can be found near or 36, then drive north to the town around the islands. of Lac La Biche.

Some of this excellent habitat is also some of A secondary road extends from the more hazardous for Hwy. 36 to the northwest end of boaters. Underwater the lake, where the community rocks and thick of Beaver Lake is located. weeds can Beaver Lake Provincial Recreeasily catch ation Area area has 140 campboats and sites, pump water, docks and boat launches, and a day-use area with a picnic shelter, tables and firepits. The park does not have a sandy beach or designated swimming area, but that doesn’t discourage swimmers.

F

For maps or for more information about Beaver Lake Provincial Park, visit www.albertaparks.ca.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

FULL LIMITS FOR 2019 “The very good news for 2019 is that inside the surf line of all of Area 25, Chinook Salmon regulation will remain the same.”

John Falavolito, owner Westview Marina and Lodge.

To learn more about the 2019 fishing regulations in John’s area, give him a call at 250-934-7672. www.westviewmarina.com Alberta 2019

Page 9

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

W

hile some of the most famous and best fishing spots are right outside the back door, the Bow River is still a bit of a mystery. Even those who fish it daily say that it can be variable at times.

Thomas Cutmore, Calgary fishing guide and owner of Must Be Nice Drift Company, says that the size of the fish is probably the river’s only consistent attribute. The river is known for its “great fish and great unpredictability.

RIVER ACCESS

murky, as in the spring, they’ll emerge. Nymph patterns can be very effective then.

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Into early summer, trout will head for cover. Cutmore says that Streamers are great all year, but especially into early summer.

“At this time of year the fish often hold very close to the banks, making early summer the best time for ‘pounding the banks’ from a drift boat. He adds that you need to get right in close, within inches of the banks, when you cast. Retrieve your fly, “just a few feet before being recast.”

“The best advice I can give is to concentrate on parts of the river with character -- variations in depth, current speed and direction, bottom type and Further into the summer, your surface type.” techniques will change. “The Cutmore says that anglers need Caddis, Blue Winged Olive to be especially versatile. Dry and Pale Morning Dun hatches flies, nymphs and streamers are unparalleled for producing are generally the best bet for large trout, and lots of them. brown trout, he says, and use The mid-season hopper hatch equipment somewhat heavier offers some very exhilarating There are sevthan for lake fishing. If you’re and explosive surface action,” eral fishing guide fishing from shore, he suggests Cutmore advises. services who offer a mid-weight setup. In a boat, “Runs, or any water over 6 inch- trips exclusively you could take along both a es deep right next to the bank on the Bow River, lighter and a heavier weight. will hold trout and drifting a and these people are Go heavy because these are not Dave’s or Letort Hopper along ideally suited to help your standard size trout, and the grass will quickly erupt in you fish the river more they fight hard. a splashy battle. Depending on efficiently and producEarly spring can be a tricky the time of year and conditions, tively, even if you’re time for brown trout. Their you will have the opportunity a seasoned Bow River eyesight is very good, and usu- to fish streamers, nymphs and angler. ally they take cover and wait dry flies all in the same day for for food. When the water is large, strong fish.”

he Calgary to Carseland section of the Bow River is famous for incredible fishing.

In this stretch of the river, there are several standard locations for put-in and take-out, giving you choices for your trips from a couple of hours to a full day on the water. These are labelled on the map, and described in the table. The upper section of the river, from Kananaskis to Calgary, offers some of the world’s best back-stream fishing. That section offers an entirely different character of fishing than the urban lower section.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

TOP LURES

CHOSEN BY OUR ALBERTA MEMBERS

Rainbow T rout

Favourite Spinner: Mepps

Alberta 2019

Page 10

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Bow River 1)

Blackfoot Trail Launch

Located under Cushing Bridge on Blackfoot Trail. A good launch point because it has a wide and slow section of water, but also some great holes and faster sections. This spot is an ideal starting point if the lower part of the river is blown out.

2)

Glenmore Trail, Graves Landing

Under Graves Bridge on Glenmore Trail. People often start their day trips here. Between Graves Landing and Fish Creek Park it’s about 14 km, with lots of places to get out and wade or shore fish.

3)

Fish Creek Park

Located at the south end of Fish Creek Park. This section of river to Policeman’s Flats has some great runs and deeper holes. This section is only 8 km long, and is perfect for a quick trip. Evenings are especially nice for fly fishers on this stretch.

4)

Policeman’s Flats

East of Deerfoot Trail on Dunbow Rd. From here to the next launch point is about 23 km. This section of the river features some twisty, faster sections, several riffles and holes, and some places to get out and wade. Known for large fish, this launch is one of the busier sections of the river.

5)

McKinnon Flats

This is the take-out point for day drifts from Fish Creek or Policeman’s Flats. It’s also a good spot to start a day long trip to Johnson’s Island (Carseland Weir). There is a good day-use area. This part of the river has good fishing both up and downstream. At dusk, cast to trout with Caddis patterns. To get here, head east on Hwy 22X, then south on Range Road. 274.

6)

Legacy Island

This launch is on the north bank. Legacy Island is one take-out spot if you’re coming from McKinnon Flats. There are good spots for fishing on foot just upstream of here because the river is slower. There are lots of good runs and holes around here. This is also a really good spot for evening fishing.

7)

Carseland Weir

Carseland Weir is the last spot for a take-out. It’s also a logical stopping point from a full day starting at McKinnon Flats. Right around here, the landscape and the river both change. Fishing is particularly excellent around this spot.

If you want to start here, you can do a full day trip to “The Reserve” and back (the Blackfoot Reserve has no public land access to the river). At this point, there is less fishing pressure.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

JOIN

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RESEARCH PROJECTS Alberta 2019

Page 11

and help

Fisheries Research in Canada

photo by Angler’s Atlas member reelistic90

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Buck Lake 2,540 Hectares (6,276 Acres)

B

uck Lake, a quiet lake surrounded by the rolling hills of Wetaskawin near Drayton Valley, is known among anglers for its abundant walleye, northern pike, good-sized perch and lake whitefish.

Buck is a good spot for families, offering kid-friendly fishing. Early morning fishing in May and June is reported to be especially productive. Buck Lake is far enough off the beaten path that you can expect a quiet day in a beautiful part of the province.

The lake can undergo algae blooms in middle to late summer.

LAKE ACCESS

B

uck Lake is located southwest of Edmonton. Follow Hwy. 2 south to Hwy. 13. Turn right and follow this road for about 62 km to where the southeast shore of the lake meets the

12 metres (40 feet)

882 metres (2,894 feet)

August 1977

Feet

highway.

There are two recreation areas on this lake: Buck Lake Recreation Area along the southeastern shore and Calhoun Bay Recreation Area along the northwest shore.

Both have campsites and a boat launch.

Buck Lake is the best equipped, providing boat launches, a fish-cleaning station, camping, firepits, firewood and water.

Calhoun Bay is an unserviced recreation site. Campers should bring their own drinking water.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

TOP LURES

CHOSEN BY OUR ALBERTA MEMBERS

Jig Alberta 2019

Walleye

+

Berkley Gulp

Live Minnow Grub

Page 12

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Calling Lake 14,282 Hectares (35,290 Acres)

C

16 metres (52 feet)

alling Lake is a large, attractive recreational lake noted for its sandy shoreline.

The main sport fish are north-

594 metres (1,949 feet)

Unknown

Feet

ern pike, yellow perch and are usually quite a few boats walleye. anchored right off the provin“It’s no secret where the fish cial boat launch,” says Brad are biting in this lake; there Kowald, Angler’s Atlas member.

Angler’s Atlas page for Calling Lake at anglersatlas. com. Hint: there are several markers for hot spots posted on the map there!

Kowald and his friends Dann and Frank headed out and picked up several nice walleye using deep diving crank bait.

Please be mindful of Alberta provincial regulations for fish quotas.

LAKE ACCESS

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alling Lake is located bout 200 km north of Edmonton. The town of Athabasca, 55 km to the south, is the closest centre. The hamlet “We had a of Calling Lake is located on few nice pike the lake’s eastern shore. throughout the day, too, From Edmonton, take Hwy. 2 for the most north to Athabasca, then Secpart in the 60- ondary Road 813 north to the 70 cm range, hamlet and provincial park. although it Calling Lake Provincial Park seemed they is a 741-hectare area the would bite southern shore. The park is more often open from May to Septemwhen we drift- ber and has 25 campsites, ed into shal- flush toilets, tap water, a boat lower water launch, swimming and a picanywhere from nic area.

6-10 ft.

Check out the Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

SEE

AnglersAtlas.com/mycatch

CATCH

Fisheries Research in Canada

RATES Alberta 2019

and help

photo by Angler’s Atlas member steveallen73

Page 13

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Chain Lake (North) 321 Hectares (793 Acres)

10 metres (34 feet)

1,301 metres (4,270 feet)

Unknown

Feet

drainage basin, and no bait What the fish lack in size, of any sort is allowed in however, is made up for streams. by their abundance. These All streams in the basin are trout are eager to bite. closed to fishing from NoBrook trout are also caught vember through May. That in the lakes, migrating said, Anglers frequent the Chain Lakes in large numthrough Willow Creek. ocated within Combined, the brook bers during the winter to Chain Lakes and rainbow stock make make the most of the lake’s Provincial Park, this for reasonable assurance ice fishing opportunities. reservoir provides of success. Remember, fabulous fishing though, at-risk bull trout opportunities for must be released in good numerous species condition. of trout: rainbow, Fly fishing is rewarding brook, bull, and on Chain Lakes. Leeches, cutthroat.

Caddis and Dragonflies can about 12 inches.

L

While the Chain Lakes are heavily stocked — some of the heaviest in the province — the popularity of these lakes means that most of the fish are in the smaller range of

all be good choices when targetting trout.

Lures such as spinners and spoons are good hardware choices for consistent catches. If you are trolling in these lakes, bear in mind the speed restriction of 12 km/h.

Use of bait fish is not permitted in any water in the

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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and help

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in Canada

TRACKING

photo by Angler’s Atlas member Chris Schenk

Alberta 2019

Page 14

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Chain Lake (South) 321 Hectares (793 Acres)

10 metres (34 feet)

1,301 metres (4,270 feet)

T

he reservoir was named for the three chain lakes that nearly filled the area. The park lies within Canada’s last large expanse of mostly undisturbed montane landscape

Unknown

Feet

between the Rocky Mountains Drive approximately 75 km and Porcupine Hills. south of the city, and Hwy. 22 There are a wide variety of runs along the eastern boundbirds in the montane land- ary of Chain Lakes Provincial scape, as well as scenic views Park at the south end of the of the Livingsone Mountain lake.

Range.

Angler’s Atlas members coffie and techcd have posted several map markers on the Chain Lakes map page. They note that the north end can be weedy, and that there’s great fishing at the south end. As well, reports and photos all suggest that there is a great deal of good shore access, which means that you don’t need to have a boat to enjoy fabulous fishing.

There are 124 campsites with picnic tables, firepits, and a day-use area. Only communal firepits are provided due to the dry conditions of the area.

The campsite accommodates 15-20 RVs. Some campsites have power available.

The boat launch is located just west of Loop A, although boats are restricted to 12 km/h.

Waterskiing, tubing and wakeboarding are prohibited in the Check out the information at Chain Lakes. anglersatlas.com.

Regula- Campsites for single units and tions are different for Chain groups can be reserved in adLakes North and Chain Lakes vance. Visit the Alberta Parks South, so be sure to check be- website at www.albertaparks. fore heading out. ca for more information or for LAKE ACCESS

maps.

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he reservoir is about a 90-minute drive from Calgary along Hwy. 22, otherwise known as the historic Cowboy Trail.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

CAMPING The complete Woods line at Canadian Tire.

Alberta 2019

STOVES • COOKWARE • KITCHENS • TABLE WEAR • BBQ’S • COOLERS •

Page 15

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Cold Lake (Inset) from shore. Staff at the store recommend casting along the weed beds.

When going after walleye, a jig tends to work best. Look for areas of structure and pair your jig with a live bait.

As Cold Lake is large and wide open, the wind can pick up, often without warning. Therefore watching the weather is crucial and be prepared for rapid changes in conditions. Head toward the shore at the first sign of wind to avoid being caught on the open water.

And be sure to stop into Canadian Tire Cold Lake before heading out onto the lake. The staff is very knowledgeable about the local conditions and will be able to make great gear and lure recommendations to ensure a great and successful day on the water.

LAKE ACCESS

C

C

old Lake is one of the most popular fishing lakes in Alberta, providing a vast aquatic area to explore. The lake contains many different species, however most anglers tend to go after the lake trout, pike and walleye.

The staff at Canadian Tire Cold Lake suggest several popular hot spots for anglers looking to explore the lake, including Cold Lake Pro-

vincial Park right near town, Murray Island, Long Bay and French Bay. The map above shows the access road to the provincial park, whereas the map on the previous page highlights the other locations as well.

When targeting lake trout, the Canadian Tire team recommends using a downrigger paired with a spoon. Surface trolling is a great alternative as well, particularly in the

spring, right after ice off. If all else fails, head to the river mouths as they have been known to produce a lot of action.

Northern pike are not very picky when it comes to lures and will often bite on any lure passing in front of them. However using live bait is known to work very well. These fish are often found around the provincial park and can be fished right

old Lake Provincial Park has a well maintained public boat launch with ample parking. Anglers can both launch here as well as cast from the shoreline. Moreover, lots of camping is available.

Another access point is at Cold Lake Marina downtown. For additional access points, please consult the map on the next page.

From Edmonton, follow HWY 28 for nearly 300 km right to the City of Cold Lake.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

TOP LURES

CHOSEN BY OUR ALBERTA MEMBERS

Northern Pike

Favourite Spoon: Len Thompson Five of Diamonds

Alberta 2019

Page 16

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Cold Lake 37,300 Hectares (92,167 Acres)

99 metres (325 feet)

535 metres (1,605 feet)

Unknown

Feet

A

fishing trip every angler needs, Cold Lake can accommodate every skill and experience level. Whether you enjoy ice-fishing, fly-fishing, or trolling from a boat, Cold Lake needs to be on your list of places to visit!

Cold Lake is packed full of a variety of fish species including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and burbot. However, what makes Cold Lake special, is its thriving lake trout population. The most sought after species of the lake, trolling and downrigging are an angler’s best chance for success when looking for lake trout.

During fall and spring, Brian Hamilton of Hamilton House Bed and Breakfast Inn suggests trolling with white spoons and herring heads. However, in the summer, best to use a downrigger paired with anchovies and Five of Diamond spoons.

Northern pike are the best fish to target if you are a beginner angler, or looking to teach a child how to fish. They can be found all over the shoreline in 10-30 feet of water. Cam Clark, owner of O-Fishial Business suggests trolling with spoons or spinners. On a calm day, casting works well too.

They are very hard to locate as they are constantly on the move.

He recommends looking for natural underwater structures like rock piles or islands that provide a lot of cover and suggests jig trolling with leeches or crank baits. Early spring and and late fall are the If looking for a challenge, how- best times to look for walleye. ever, Clark jokes that walleye are “the houdinis of the lake.”

LAKE ACCESS

C

old Lake is located north-east, and falls along the Alberta/ Saskatchewan border. Just 170 km north of Lloydminster and 300 km northeast of Edmonton the most popular routes follow Hwys 28 or 55. Both routes will lead right into the city, just minutes from the beach, marina, or downtown amenities.

There are many access points into the lake including Cold Lake Provincial Park and Cold Lake Marina. In addition, there are public use launches for small motorized or car-top boats at French Bay and English Bay.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Crawling Valley Reservoir 2510 Hectares (6202 Acres)

15 metres (50 feet)

778 metres (2552 feet)

Unknown

C

Metres

rawling Valley LAKE ACCESS Reservoir, sometimes est access is from the referred to as Barkenhouse recreation area on the Lake, is an offstream irriga- west shore at the south end, tion storage reservoir about near the main dam.

150km east of Calgary.

If you’re travelling from A productive pike and wall- Calgary, take Highway 1 eye lake, Crawling Valley is east until you are just north also a great destination for of the town of Bassano, camping, boating, hiking, then turn off Highway 1 and hunting. The Crawling and continue travelling east Valley Campground is for 5 km, then north for 3 located on nothreast of km following signage.

Bassano and is open from May 1st to September 30th each year.

B

In the late 1980’s Crawling was an excellent trout lake after years of building stocks and creating spawning areas. Anglers consistently caught trout over 15lbs! Today, it is a much different fishery with pike as the main predator in these waters. Locals suggest using a flasher jig tipped with a minnow.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Crowsnest Lake 129 Hectares (320 Acres)

B

ig, deep and blue, Crowsnest Lake lies just east of the Continental Divide and the Alberta-B.C. border, flanked

by CP Rail on one shore and Hwy. 3 on the other.

Lake trout, rainbow and whitefish inhabit the lake, though on some days you might wonder if there is anything at all.

Crowsnest can be a challenge and can skunk the most determined of anglers. Persistence pays off, though. Catch one of the larger lake trout and the effort is worthwhile.

27 metres (90 feet)

1,400 metres (4,600 feet)

Unknown

Feet

winds can make wading or trout were transplanted long Hwy. 3. Crowsnest Lake is casting from shore dangerous. ago, displacing native cut- approximately 240 km southwest of Calgary. Take Hwy. Caution is warranted on the throat trout.

22 south and turn right (west) water, too, since the wind is of- LAKE ACCESS at the intersection with Hwy. ten fierce, making it easy to get estled in the Rockies in 3. The lake is located on the caught unprepared by changthe Crowsnest Pass, the north side of Hwy. 3. A boat ing weather. lake is accessible 150 km west launch is available just off the The surrounding mountains of Lethbridge highway at the southwest end form a natural wind tunnel, a l o n g of the lake. sometimes making the lake a one-way paddle across for canoeists.

N

The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout.

This big lake is practical for L a k e boat fishing only or ice fishing in winter. The steeply plunging bottom and frequency of strong westerly

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

CAMPING The complete Woods line at Canadian Tire.

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Eagle Lake 1189 Hectares (2938 Acres)

4.8 metres (16 feet)

923 metres (3028 feet)

1970

Feet

A

lthough not quite five is for residents only. metres deep, Eagle Lake near Strathmore supports a reliable fish- LAKE ACCESS ollow Hwy. 1 east ery for pike and walleye about 60 km from of decent size — 5 lbs.

Calgary centre to Range or more.

As well, Eagle Lake was Rd. 245 on the right side stocked with 7,500 cut- of the highway. The lake is 7 km from throat trout fry in 2018.

Strathmore. Lake Eagle Lake is rich in access islocated nutrients and undergoes roughly 4 km from dense blooms of blue- the turnoff. green algae through the summer months. Locals suggest orange jigs with glow in the dark heads for pike fishing. Some anglers report pulling up 20-40 pike per day in the winter months. Fishing pressure, however, can be intense at times. Please be considerate of other anglers on the ice. Eagle Lake RV Resort does not offer short term or group camping and boat launch

F

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

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Fawcett Lake 33 Hectares (82 Acres)

11 metres (36 feet)

Unknown

Unknown

F

east end of the lake near the they are feeding heavily in the boat launch, too, for a good lakes and are growing more starting point. than they do in warmer weathIf walleye are more your thing, er. They spawn in February, Kohlruss emphasises that he says, and that is the perfect Ray Kohlruss from Reel smaller is better. “With wall- time to head out for a day of Angling Adventures, says that eye, less is more,” he says. Try ice fishing.

Fawcett is a big lake, and the small pink ladies, jigs tipped Please make sure you conbest locations will depend on with minnows, or small perch sult the Alberta Guide to such things as weather and hooks with maggots.

Sportfishing Regulations time of day. It also depends on “Pike will go after just about before heading out. Fawcett the species you target. anything,” says Kohlruss, but a Lake has several different regWhen going after perch, starting point is a small jig head ulations in place, and there is a Kohlruss suggests a Marmish and minnow. Head about 100 closure in effect on the northhook tipped with maggots, feet out from the boat launch, east side for part of the spring. awcett Lake can be an angler’s dream. There are so many opportunities, the question will be how to keep up with them all.

meal worms or minnows. Head down between 15 and 30 feet, and try to stay near the steep drop-offs.

down up to 30 feet deep. The pike in Fawcett Lake are in about the 6 lb range, though some as big as 25 lbs have been The rocks around the islands known to come out. are also good locations, as the Burbot are an excellent icerocks will act fishing target. Kohlruss says as cover. that in warmer weather they’re Try the more river fish than lake fish.

In winter, however,

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Smith, 123 km north of Westlock or 73 km east of Slave Lake.

Once in Smith, cross the river and follow the signs east and north for 27 km to Fawcett Lake.

Fawcett Lake Provincial Recreation Area is located on the west side of the lake and includes 58 campsites, though they are unserviced. The park also includes a day use area and boat launches.

A guided trip is also a great idea. Ray Kohlruss of Reel Angling Adventures, guides in many north-central area lakes, including Fawcett. Check out his website at reelangling.com.

LAKE ACCESS

T

o reach Fawcett Lake, start from the town of

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Alberta 2019

Page 21

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Fickle Lake 373 Hectares (922 Acres)

5 metres (16 feet)

F

ickle Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Not only is the area a prime location for bird and wildlife habitat, but the fishing is superb for northern pike, yellow perch and whitefish.

The lake is great for a family getaway. Fickle Lake is a quiet lake with a boating speed restriction of 12 km/h.

Unknown

1968

tic.

and walleye. See more at Remember that the pike will anglersatlas.com. follow the food, so as the smaller fish move among LAKE ACCESS the weeds or head deeper, rom Edson, head south the pike will be nearby. down Hwy. 47 for apPosts on the Angler’s Atlas proximately 39 km. until page for Fickle Lake indi- reaching Fickle Lake. cate that the south and west sides, while quite weedy, Fickle Lake has a campare perfect habitat for pike ground with 41 sites. There are pit toilets, a day-use area

F

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and firewood available.

The campground is closed during winter but the road and the parking lot are maintained for easy access. A boat launch, dock, and fishcleaning stand are available as well as two smaller landing areas.

A sandy beach, located near the parking area on the east side, is an inviting treat on a hot day. A walking path connects the parking area with the farthest landing dock.

Pike fishing can be an exciting adventure on Fickle Lake. Pike are fierce predators and often hang around the shallows in search of an easy meal.

Try a large Mepps spinner in white, yellow or black.

Trolling a heavier spoon in the deeper sections in the fall (as the weeds die off) can also be an effective tacCaution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

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Ghost Reservoir 1160 Hectares (2866 Acres)

34 metres (112 feet)

1188 metres (3898zzz feet)

Unknown

Metres

G

host is notoriously challenging to fish. There are stories of 15 to 20 pound lakers coming out of the hardwater but these reports are usually coming from anglers who have put in a lot of time on this waterbody. Rainbow, cutthroat, and lake trout are the primary sportfish on this Bow River impoundment. The reservoir can get quite windy so prepare to brave the elements.

The Ghost River inflow can be a productive area for some.

Just north of the recreation area, the hills provide some cover from the strong westerly winds.

Those who have success on Ghost tell us to use a small jig with a minnow or the smallest white tube jig you can buy, and fish in 40 feet of water just off the bottom. Make sure to jig aggressively and pause to give these lakers a chance to attack it. Make sure the fish has taken your bait before you set the hook because it might be the only chance you get!

Historical reports tell us that there were nine different spe-

cies found in the Reservoir: lake trout, brown trout, mountain whitefish, lake whitefish, longnose sucker, white sucker, burbot, brook stickleback and longnose dace. Only you can tell us what’s in there today, go exploring then head over to anglersatlas.com to tell some

ghost stories!

LAKE ACCESS

T

he Ghost Reservoir is located 19 km west of Cochrane or about 45 minutes west of Calgary. The Ghost Lake Recreation Area will be

on the southside of the highway just after the bridge, 2 km west of the highway 40 intersection. Boat launch area is available in the winter but can be windswept and inaccessible by vehicle.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

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Gregoire Lake 321 Hectares (793 Acres)

10 metres (34 feet)

1,301 metres (4,270 feet)

Unknown

Feet

G

regoire Lake is a productive fishery with burbot, whitefish, northern pike, walleye, and perch. Northern pike and walleye have been known to provide the best fishing Gregoire Lake has to offer.

Locals report never being skunked although pike tend to be smaller on average. Walleye and perch fishing can be excellent here with reports of 60+ landed walleye in a few hours.

This is a great lake for anglers looking to challenge themselves and gain experience, while spending a great day out on the water. There is a zero limit on pike and walleye, but you can take 15 perch with you, and expect to leave all your minnows behind.

Rob Martin, General Manager over at Canadian Tire in Fort McMurray tells us that this is a popular lake for locals with good road access.

The lake is great for year round fishing. A number of drop offs and shoals allow for fish to hide, so look for structure during the open water months. Generally, trolling with spoons or spinners has worked well for pike fish-

ing. Walleye on the other hand, prefer trolling with crankbaits.

The Canadian Tire Fort McMurray store is an outdoorlover’s dream, with a 100 foot fishing wall, and whole sections devoted to firearms and archery.

Martin tells us the Outdoor Store really is a one stop shop for, not only all your fishing gear, but they’ve got you covered for camping, hunting, and boating

as well. Stop in and they’ll get Anzac day use area. According to Alberta Parks, Gregoire you geared up.

Lake Campground is closed for construction, with reopening LAKE ACCESS expected in spring 2018. Anzac rom Fort McMurray, head day use area and the south shore south on Hwy 63, then boat launch (approximately 1 east on Hwy 881 until you see km south of Anzac Day Use Gregoire Lake Provincial Park Area) are accessible. on you left, you can also continue to the southeast side of the lake where you’ll find the

F

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Gull Lake 8,060 Hectares (19,916 Acres)

G

ull Lake is part of Aspen Beach Provincial Park, a popular summer destination because of its sandy beaches, warm water for swimming, and good fishing.

8 metres (26 feet)

899 metres (2,949 feet)

August 1961

Feet

las have posted several map markers for Gull Lake. Take a look at anglersatlas.com for more information.

The park fills quickly on sum- LAKE ACCESS mer weekends due to its proxull Lake is a short drive imity to Red Deer and Edmonnorthwest of Red Deer. ton.

Follow Hwy. 2 north to Hwy. Large and shallow, the lake has 12 and turn left. The lake is been stocked with walleye in roughly 10 km from the turnrecent years. The west side of off and is located on the north the lake is known for its good side of the road. fishing.

The park, one of the oldTrolling with bottom bounc- est in Alberta, is located on ers is effective for picking up the southwest shore. Brewbig jackfish. Anglers can also ers Campground, serviced catch pike and walleye casting with 300 sites, includes a boat launch. off the dock.

In the wintertime, whitefish, If Brewers is full, anglers can pike, and burbot are plentiful, always try Lakeview, Wilson’s good-sized, and usually easy Beach or Javis Bay campto catch while ice fishing. Use ground, located 20 km south. a slow retrieve with a small The summer village is also worm or beadhead nymph. among Alberta’s oldest, havBait, including dead bait fish, ing been established before the is permitted in this lake. The First World War. diversion canal that drains into the lake is closed to angling year-round.

G

Members of The Angler’s AtCaution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Alberta 2019

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Island Lake 790 Hectares (1,952 Acres)

21 metres (70 feet)

603 metres (1,977 feet)

September 1967

Feet

I

sland Lake provides habitat tournament, boat parade and for some of Alberta’s larg- more. est bird species, and where there are waterfowl, there are fish.

LAKE ACCESS While northern pike are considered the main sport fish species in the lake, anglers can sometimes catch walleye, even when casting from the dock. Ice fishing for perch during the winter is also popular.

T

he lake is located in the County of Athabasca, about 20 km northwest of the town of Athabasca.

The lake’s west side is accessible from Hwy. 2, which passes north through Athabasca from Edmonton then Densely rooted vegetation along Island Lake enroute to in regions around the lake the town of Slave Lake. provides healthy spawning There are several public acand feeding habitat, enabling cess points on the west shores many fish species to live in the at the Summer Villages. On lake. the east shore, there are two Lake whitefish are exception- boat launches, one at the ally large in Island Lake, but day-use area, the other at the they can be fussy. This is a campground. good time to experiment with Island Lake Campground your lures or flies. offers a day-use area, boat One of the islands is home to launch, dock, pier, firewood a colony of great blue herons. and a fish-cleaning station.

On another island, the trees There are 11 unserviced suport immense eagle nests. campsites with well water.

Island Lake Days are cel- There is no public access by ebrated each July and in- vehicle to the south shore. cludes kids’ games, BBQ, golf Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

SEE

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Jack Fish Lake 239 Hectares (591 Acres)

S

cenic Jack Fish Lake is a structurally interesting lake with many bays, shoals and islands that enhance its productivity. As the name suggests, this is a good spot for northern pike.

11 metres (35 feet)

730 metres (2,395 feet)

June 1970

Feet

is hoped that fish habitat and water quality would improve.

LAKE ACCESS

L

ocated west of Edmonton. Follow Hwy. 16 to secondary Hwy. 770 and turn left. Follow this road for If the big ones aren’t biting, about 10 km, at which point there is always perch and it reaches the eastern shore of burbot to go after. The wall- Jack Fish Lake. eye fishery, unfortunately, remains closed but the lake still The lake has a day-use regional park equipped with a has some larger walleye. boat launch. Parking is $20 Ice fishing is also popular in per day. winter, and Jack Fish Lake’s close proximity to Edmonton The campground is located makes it a popular spot for a on the lake’s south shore, but an easy day trip. As a result, keep in mind there are only five the lake gets quite busy dur- c a m p sites. ing the summer months.

Jack Fish Lake has become a catch-and-release lake only.

This continues as of 2019.

As well, the Jack Fish Lake Management Association is undertaking water quality studies in order to assess the feasibility of diverting water from the Saskatchewan River. This would raise the water levels in Jackfish Lake, and it Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

CAMPING The complete Woods line at Canadian Tire.

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Lac La Biche 1180 Hectares (2916 Acres)

25 metres (82 feet)

544 metres (1,632 feet)

L

ac La Biche is a picturesque lake most popular for its walleye and northern pike fishing. Perch are also caught in the lake. Because of its popularity and abundance of fish, the angling pressure can be intense.

Unknown

tiful at times, pike fishing brings and in many parts can be weedy with it the excitement of landing during the summer months. It’s the big one. especially important to note that Angler’s Atlas member gogogo- there are many places in Lac La mez reports that he “can’t keep the Biche where caution is warranted pike off the hook,” using a Five of if you’re boating. These maps are for general use, and if you know Diamonds.

While the perch can be more plen- Lac La Biche is relatively shallow of the location of specific hazards, post them at anglersatlas.com.

Metres

The best time for fishing here is spring and fall, although ice fishing is a big draw as well.

LAKE ACCESS

L

ocated in the town of Lac La Biche, the lake is roughly 225 km northeast of Edmonton along Hwys. 28 and 36.

There are several commercial campsites/accommodations situated along the lake.

Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is located on the large peninsula on the southeast side of the lake and includes the surrounding islands. The park has 72 campsites.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Lac La Nonne 1,191 Hectares (2,943 Acres)

W

alleye, pike, perch, whitefish and burbot are all caught in Lac La Nonne.

Perch are easy to catch in Lac La Nonne, and can provide a

20 metres (65 feet)

Unknown

great introduction to angling.

Northern pike are also big catches during the summer, as well as during the winter for ice fishing.

August 1961

Angler’s Atlas member ChadBullock reports: “20 big perch on ice! My Dad and I had a killer day on the ice. For 45 minutes I couldn’t drop a hook without smacking a jumbo perch!

The smallest one we caught on the day was 10 inches and the biggest was 15 inches! We let that big girl go!

My greatest perch day of my young fishing career!”

See his report, as well as others on the lake page for Lac La Nonne at anglersatlas. com.

This well-developed lake is a great place to take the kids because it offers a variety of recreation

Feet

on and off the water.

Tributaries are closed to sport fishing for a designated period during April and May. Most of the lake is free of boating restrictions, but there are posted areas where boats are prohibited or where power boats have limited speeds of 12 km/hr.

LAKE ACCESS

F

ollow Hwy. 16 west to Hwy. 43, and turn right.

Continue along this road for nearly 25 km to Hwy. 33 at the town of Gunn. Turn right again.

Lac La Nonne is located on the west side of the highway, about 25 km from the last turnoff.

Access to the lake is via one of the side roads leading off the highway.

Angler’s Atlas user shaggy99 recommends the “willow bend private boat launch. It costs $20 to put your boat in [but] it is the best launch on the lake and for those with larger boats, it is worth the $20.” Most of the lake’s access points are privately owned.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Lac Ste. Anne 5,473 Hectares (13,524 Acres)

9.1 metres (30 feet)

J

723 metres (2,372 feet)

Angler’s Atlas members have loaded up the page for Lac Ste. Anne with tips, photos and map markers.

Check it out and add your own! See anglersatlas.com With several summer com- for more information. munities, Lac Ste. Anne is a busy place in the summer LAKE ACCESS months with lots of recreational opportunities and ice Follow Hwy. 16 west to Hwy. 43 and turn right. cream shacks!

Continue along this road

ust west of Edmonton lies Anglers can find producthe well-known gem that tive pike fishing near the is Lac Ste. Anne.

West Cove boat launch.

Among anglers, the lake is Blue-green algae often cuts primarily known for its pro- oxygen levels in the lake by ductive walleye and pike midsummer. fishing, although the lake also contains burbot and yellow perch.

Walleye fishing in the spring and early summer gets a thumbs up.

June, 1965

Feet

and turn left on 633 towards Alberta Beach. There are several access points around the lake with the village of Alberta Beach being a focal point for many activities.

Note that parking is not allowed at the Alberta Beach boat launch. Camping is available at Alberta Beach Family RV Park and Campground.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Our gear, your adventure.

Want insider tips and tricks for your Prince George adventure?

Stop by our Visitor Centre for info on local eateries, shops, cultural attractions and accommodations. You can even borrow a fishing rod and tackle box, life jacket, or ice auger - all for free!

#101-1300 First Avenue 1-800-668-7646

Lesser Slave Lake (West) 118,659Hectares (293,212Acres)

21 metres (69 feet)

578 metres (1,734 feet)

August 1970

Feet

K

nown as “the fishing hub of the north,” Lesser Slave Lake - Alberta’s largest accessible waterbody - is Alberta’s walleye capital!

Walleye are the most popular fish in Lesser Slave Lake, though whitefish, burbot, yellow perch and pike also provide ample opportunity for a catch.

John Cryan of Canadian Tire Slave Lake says that ice fishing is best to fish for walleye and pike. As a general rule, Cryan says that early mornings and evenings are when the fish are most active.

Cryan says the ideal time for walleye is during the first two weeks of freeze over and just as the ice is coming off the lake.

These fish are light sensitive so may be harder to find in bright sunlight. Walleye can be fished right along the shoreline, or can be found along the sandy or rocky shoals.

Cryan states that the most common baits used for walleye include night crawlers, leeches, or minnows. Keep in mind that regulations prohibit the use of live minnows. Cryan recommends using a jig tipped minnow or leech with a bottom bouncer. “Medium sized crankbaits are also effective,” he notes.

with heavy weed growth and most often in the look for underwater structure winter time, however they are like rocks or sand. fussy. Spinners and spoons are Spoons of all sizes and colours your best bet, but patience is an work well for pike, as well as angler’s best tool when fishing medium or large crankbaits. for burbot. Despite their appearCryan says that larger spinner ance, burbot are very tasty, makPike may be targeted during winor spinner baits also work well. ing for some bragging rights and ter, spring, and summer. They a great meal! feed on small walleye and other For anglers who are looking baitfish, so look for baitfish for a challenge, burbot can be There are a number of rivers and when locating pike. Avoid areas extremely fickle and hard to tributaries of Lesser Slave lake actively target. They are found including Lesser Slave River,

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Alberta 2019

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Lesser Slave Lake (East) 118,659Hectares (293,212Acres)

21 metres (69 feet)

578 metres (1,734 feet)

August 1970

Feet

LAKE ACCESS

T

here are a number of campgrounds and marinas located on or close to Lesser Slave Lake including Norm’s Walleye Camp and RV Park, The Point Campground & Marina, and Spruce Point Park.

From Edmonton, drive north on Hwy 2 for about 56 km.

Turn left at Hwy 18. At Westlock, turn right onto Hwy 44 (104th street). Continue on Hwy 44 for about 104 km, and then for approximately 100 km after Hwy 44 merges again with Hwy 2. Follow the signs for various access points along the lake.

South Heart River and Travers Creek. Cryan says that a great place to start your hunt for walleye or pike is at the mouth of the Lesser Slave River, up to ½ km up the river.

Fly-fishing is growing in popularity. Pike can be taken on the fly early into the season.

As well, arctic grayling are an exciting and fun fish on the fly.

They can be found in the Lesser

Slave River. Make sure to check the regulations for lakes and rivers before heading out.

For anglers looking to show off their skills, the 2019 Canadian Tire Slave Lake Angler’s Cup will be held June 14-15, 2019.

This is a catch and release walleye tournament, and there will be $97,200 worth of cash and prizes to be won, based on 100 teams participation. Proceeds go toward the Slave Lake Fire

Department.

Check out w w w. a n g l e rscup.ca for more information and to register.

Show off your skills and have some fun!

From Slave Lake, drive west along Hwy 2 for 100 km and then turn north onto Hwy 750 for approximately 30 km until reaching Hilliard’s Bay. The campground has 164 sites, a day use area, and a boat launch.

The communities of Widewater, Joussard, Faust, and Kinuso all make good locations for outfitting, hiring a guide, and finding accommodations.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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McLeod (Carson) Lake 373 Hectares (922 Acres)

M

cLeod Lake, in CarsonPegasus Provincial Park, is a popular and consistent fishing lake.

The staff at Canadian Tire in Whitecourt say that McLeod Lake is great for both fly

11 metres (37 feet)

853 metres (2,799 feet)

and standard gear. In fact, McLeod Lake is the record holder for Alberta trout at 16 pounds! In 2018, McLeod Lake was stocked with over 120,000 rainbow trout!

Unknown

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They say that the stocked trout The campground and easy fishcan be caught both from shore ing access make this a great and by boat. family spot. The campground If you’re fishing from shore, boasts a beach, camping and they suggest a pickerel rig with day-use areas, showers and a worms. If you’re in a boat, “try playground. Note: The concesusing a flashing troll method sion plans to reopen for the 2019 with a Willow Leaf with about season. an 18 in leader with worms as Before you go, stop by Canadibait on the hook or a lure such as an Tire in Whitecourt to stock a Flatfish lure.” up on all your camping and fishing gear!

LAKE ACCESS

M

cLeod Lake is located north of Whitecourt. Follow Hwy. 43 west to Hwy. 32 and turn right.

The turnoff to Carson Pegasus Provincial Park is approximately 12 km down the highway on the right side of the road.

fish-

McLeod Lake lies another five kilometres down this side road and offers a boat launch and overnight camping. The park is open all year and has both serviced and un-serviced campsites.

For more information or for a park map, visit the Alberta Parks website at www.albertaparks.ca. ing Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Moose Lake 4,080 Hectares (10,081 Acres)

L

20 metres (65 feet)

arge and lovely, Moose Lake supports a healthy population of lake trout and walleye, both of which tend to prefer to cooler water temperatures.

534 metres (1,752 feet)

Bonnyville. From the town, follow Hwy. 41 north for five kilometres. Then turn left on Secondary Hwy. 660 and continue for another 10 km.

The Moose Lake Walleye Classic is held each year at the end of June, and the lake is a great spot for family fishing.

While not exceptionally deep, the lake has some varied shoreline and steep drop-offs.

Unknown

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At this point, a side road reaches the park. The campleading to Moose Lake Pro- ground has 52 sites, a boat vincial Park appears on the launch, and a pier. left side of the road.

Follow this road for about two kilometres until it

Moose Lake is also home to burbot, whitefish, pike, and perch.

Catch limits and certain regulations are specific to Moose Lake. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with limits and closures before heading out.

LAKE ACCESS

M

oose Lake lies northwest of

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

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photo from Cooke Lab, Carleton University, Ottawa

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Muir Lake 32 Hectares (78 Acres)

M

uir Lake is an Alberta success story. A decade ago, the Muir Lake Rehabilitation Project transformed the lake by adding aerators to reduce winter kill, restored the shoreline and stocked the lake with rainbow trout. Promoting the catch-and-release philosophy has helped to ensure that the trout have a chance to grow larger. “Great lake to fish, five minutes from my home," wrote imzfisherman, posting on anglersatlas.com, "Caught this fish on a Woolly Bugger.

I also caught a 10-pounder the same day!” Members have posted several photos of large rainbow trout on Muir Lake. In 2018, Muir was stocked with 3,500 rainbow trout. Head over to the website for more information and fishing tips.

6 metres (20 feet)

701 metres (2,229 feet)

Unknown

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area one of the top fishing destinations for Edmontonians.

Muir Lake is one of many lakes located within 100 km of Edmonton. Having great fishing so close to the city makes it easy to get out and enjoy, whether it be an extended vacation of a quick day trip.

LAKE ACCESS

M

uir Lake is located west of Edmonton. Follow Hwy. 16 to Spruce Grove and turn right onto Range Road 275.

The lake is about five km along this road on the right side. There is a day-use regional The fishing experience is park at the lake that enhanced with a boardwalk, boat launch. great facilities and informative signage (including some fishing tips). All of this combined has made Muir Lake Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Lake Newell 6,640 Hectares (16,407 Acres)

19.8 metres (65 feet)

N

ewell is a productive lake in southern Alberta near Brooks. At more than 66km2, it is the largest man-made reservoir in southern Alberta.

Angler’s Atlas members tell us that there are some monster pike and walleye if you manage to track them down.

Although you might be tempted to take one home, Newell is a strict catch and release lake for pike and is a part of the walleye tag system.

Doug Rutherford from Canadian Tire in Brooks tells us, “northern pike, walleye, lake whitefish, and rainbow trout fishing are all good at Newell.” Newell can see high winds in every season so be prepared and dress appropriately. Canadian Tire in Brooks is fully stocked with everything you need to have a successful day on the water. Stop in and talk to Doug on your way through Brooks.

765 metres (2,510 feet)

2013

Metres

Calgary. Head east on the Trans-Canada Highway to Brooks. Exit on Cassils Road when you see the Flying J gas station. Turn left just after the Brooks & District Museum and Tourist Information centre on Southerland Drive. Head south on 7th Street (Hwy 873) for 20 minutes until you see the signs for Kinbrook Island Provincial Park. Turn right and follow for 2km until you arrive at the park. There is vehicle access from the boat launch when the ice is safe and approach is clear. Doug mentioned, “There are a lot of access points around the lake, the best places for first-time visitors are Kinbrook Island and at Jackfish Bay, just south of the park.” He wants anglers to know that the park leaves one loop of sites open in the winter, so on a warmer winter day you can plan to spend the night and extend your trip.

Self-registration is in place during the winter.

LAKE ACCESS

L

ake Newell is located two hours southeast of Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Old Man River Tailwaters D

allas Houser, manager at Lethbridge Dodge, and former fishing guide, gets really excited about fishing in the Oldman River. “There really are hundreds of fish per kilometre there,” making it hard to choose just a few favourite spots.

your flies even when the water is really silty.

Fishing for other species will turn off in muddy water, but not goldeye,” Houser notes.

says, is that the water is consistent in so many ways. The temperature, the water clarity, water levels, and the fishing are all good, all the time.

For spring and summer, Houser suggests Pale “The river snakes back and forth a lot. There Morning Duns. These are some of his favourite are several eddies where the fish hang, and the patterns for the Oldman River as a whole, not water is warm enough to wade in.”

If he had to narrow it down, Houser has three just in the Lethbridge area.

There are parts of the river, too, that are favourite spots on the tailwaters of the Oldman Not to be forgotten, the trout fishery on the loaded with islands. The underwater shoals River: Cottonwood Park for rainbow trout Oldman River is amazing. “Up closer to the and islands make terrific fish habitat.

(Inset 1), the one kilometre stretch downdam, at Cottonwood Park, there are huge RIVER ACCESS stream of Fort MacLeod by Hwy 811 (Inset rainbows,” Houser suggests. “Also by Fort elow the dam, the Oldman River can be 2), and the train bridge by Hwy 3 for goldeye MacLeod, and about two kilometres downboth a shore and boat fishery. In some (Inset 3). stream from there, is a great section, very spots you can wade out and fish, though the “There are so many spots that are excellent consistent with great gravelly shoals.” unpredictability of the deep pools warrants fishing, but these are some of my favourites,” Although the water in the Oldman River can extreme caution. As well, please be mindHouser says. These spots are easy to get to, tend to be warm, Houser points out that there ful that much of the land around the river is especially by truck. are several really deep pools where the trout private.

Many anglers appreciate the river’s rainbow will hang when the rest of the river warms up. Much of the Oldman River belongs in the Eastern trout fishery, and still others enjoy fishing for For trout, Houser recommends Pale Morning Slopes zone. Please ensure you consult the approcutthroat. In the upper reaches of the river, Duns, Golden Stone patterns, Caddis patterns priate regulations for the section you plan to fish. above the reservoir, there are bull trout, brown for winter, and Hoppers trout and rainbows, too. all summer.

Houser regularly targets these species, but Whitefish are another notes that the goldeye fishery in the tailwaters target that anglers section is one of the highlights of fishing the often overlook. “These Oldman River in the stretch near Lethbridge. can get really big, in “Goldeye are aggressive. They’re a really the five to six pound neat fish, and fun to go after. They’re a great range,” Houser says, target for kids because there’s no bad cast for “and they’re easy to goldeye. Also, they’re easy, they’re gentle and catch on Bloodworm have no teeth. Perfect for kids,” Houser states. patterns, Stones or Goldeye tolerate the warm waters of the Midge patterns.”

B

Oldman River, even when it’s muddy (which doesn’t happen a lot), and even when other Part of the appeal of the fisheries slow down. “Goldeye will still hit Oldman River, Houser

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Eastern Slopes 2019

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Pigeon Lake 9,591 Hectares (23,700 Acres)

9.1 metres (30 feet)

P

igeon Lake resembles many other lakes in Alberta with its large area and relatively shallow depth. These conditions provide great habitat for walleye, northern trout, and lake whitefish, with walleye particularly abundant in these waters.

852 metres (2,795 feet)

LAKE ACCESS

August 1961

and continue along this road for igeon Lake is about 100 km about 25 km to the south end of southwest of Edmonton. Pigeon Lake. Ma-Meo Beach There are several access points Provincial Park is located here. around the lake. Follow Hwy. Alternatively, anglers can con2 south to Hwy. 13. Turn right tinue along Hwy. 13 to Second-

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ary Hwy. 771 and turn right (north) leading to Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, 10 km from the turnoff. This park has overnight camping and a boat launch.

Please ensure you are familiar with the provincial fishing regulations before heading out.

The lake has seen some changes in the past several years. At present, a tag system is in place for catching walleye.

Try a jighead with a minnow for starters. This may be all you need for a lot of action.

Interestingly, commercial licenses were issued for Pigeon Lake in the 1920’s with a market for its fish in New York and Chicago. After only a few years, licenses were no longer issued as stocks became heavily depleted. Stocks replenished returning Pigeon Lake to the healthy fishery we know today.

In the summer months, bluegreen algae sometimes grows.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Pine Lake 401 Hectares (991 Acres)

13 metres (43 feet)

P

890 metres (2,920 feet)

ine Lake is a popular angling destination for pike and walleye, partly due to its location halfway between Edmonton and Red Deer.

T h e lake i s

June 1992

Metres

home to residents and cot- Pine Lake benefits from active community engagement tage owners year-round.

Set in a picturesque forested and is a beautiful serene valley, it used to be known lake as a result. for its perch as well, but not so much in recent years.

Volunteer Kevin Wingert notes that changing fishing regulations to limit catches of pike and walleye allowed these two species to rebound. As a result, the perch were controlled.

LAKE ACCESS

T

o access Pine Lake from Red Deer, take Hwy. 2 south for 8 km, then turn east on Hwy. 42 and drive for about 25 km to the north end of the lake.

The Pine Lake Restoration A boat launch is located at Society actively monitors Green Acres Campground, the lake water quality and on the west side of the lake. works to conserve the lake’s beauty and recreational values.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Rock Lake 215 Hectares (531 Acres)

28 metres (91 feet)

1,387 metres (4,161 feet)

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R

ock Lake is a spectacular destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds with its abundant wildlife, birdwatching, trails and wildflowers in the provincial recreation area. Fishing adds to its appeal.

Whitefish and lake trout are most sought, and rainbow trout, burbot and northern pike can also be found here.

When fishing for lake trout in warmer weather, it is best to try early in the morning, or just after dusk.

Lake trout like to be in cooler water in the range of 10C. Drop-off areas are good places to start.

When trolling, go slowly. Try to troll only fast enough for your lure torque.

Troll spoons or jig near the Silver and blue combinations bottom, but not on the bottom. are good colours to try, as well Burbot prefer the depths and as Williams Wabler and Loco cooler water. spoons.

LAKE ACCESS Jigging is worthwhile for tarock Lake is nestled in the getting burbot, using a Little Rocky Mountains, northCleo or Krok.

R

west of Hinton. Follow Hwy. shore. There are campsites 16 west for eight kilometres to right near the water, a Provinthe junction of Hwy. 40. cial Recreation area and lodge Turn right and continue 37 km accommodations nearby. The until reaching a gravel road on Angler’s Atlas page for Rock the left side. Follow this road Lake notes that the road in can for about 35 km. There is a be rough, and caution is adboat launch on the northeast vised.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

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Sturgeon Lake 4,049 Hectares (10,005 Acres)

9.1 metres (30 feet)

D

o not be confused by the name of Sturgeon Lake, a popular recreation destination year-round that contains no sturgeon but does produce walleye, pike, whitefish and yellow perch.

677 metres (2,221 feet)

primarily for its walleye fishing. The fish are not large but they are plentiful.

“Patience is the best thing you can have right now,” he adds. “And if something’s not working, move on and Rob Bassarab from Rob try a new location.”

B’s Sports in Valleyview, Minnows and mealworms says that, nowadays, are good bait choices for Sturgeon Lake is known walleye, Bassarab says.

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Maggots are best for attract- 12 km/h. The lake attracts ing perch. water sports of all kinds Night fishing is popular in and is also a popular spot fair-weather months, par- for snowmobiling. Sturgeon ticularly when northern twi- Lake drains into the Little light illuminates the lake, Smokey River via Sturgeon but it is not permitted Oct. Creek.

1-Jan. 15. All other provin- LAKE ACCESS cial fishing regulations aprom Edmonton, drive ply. west along Hwy. 16 for Powerboats are restricted to 46 km. Take the ramp onto Hwy. 43, and stay on this highway for 311 km, heading northwest.

F

In Valleyview, stay west on Hwy. 43 and Sturgeon Lake is 15 km west of the city.

The Sturgeon Lake reserve of the Sturgeon Lake Cree First Nation is on the southern shore. The hamlet of Sturgeon Heights is at the western tip of the lake.

Young’s Point Provincial Park is on the northern shore of the lake and Williamson Provincial Park lies on the southern shore.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Sylvan Lake 4,208 Hectares (10,397 Acres)

18.3 metres (60 feet)

S

Unknown

ylvan Lake residents LAKE ACCESS can boast that the lake his lake is a short drive has some of some of the best west of Red Deer. Folfishing in Alberta. low Hwy. 11A west about There are lake whitefish, 15 km to the southeast tip walleye, perch, burbot and pike — multiple Angler’s Atlas users report trophy pike of 20 lbs. or more.

Whitefish are plentiful, however, note that walleye and pike must be released.

T

August 1961

Feet

of the lake. There is a day- north side of the lake. use recreation area along the southeast shore, but no boat launch. Instead, try the marina or Sun Haven on the

Fishing from a boat is the way to go on Sylvan Lake because shore fishing opportunities are limited. Some of the shallower areas around the shoreline are more likely to hold pike, while perch can often be found in deeper sections.

The Angler’s Atlas page for Sylvan Lake is loaded with photos and map markers. Add your own info, or follow the lake to be notified when new content is added. Never miss a thing!

See anglersatlas.com for details.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

REPORT

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Travers Reservoir 23,070 Hectares (57,000 Acres)

40 metres (130 feet)

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alleye, pike, perch and burbot are all caught in Travers Reservoir, fed by the Little Bow River and Lake McGregor.

The walleye fishing can be fantastic here with fish weighing up to 10 lbs. Some of the best fishing can be out from the spillway.

Visit the lake page for Travers Reservoir at anglersatlas.com.

Add your fishing tips and pho-

Unknown

Unknown

tos, and sign up to catch all the LAKE ACCESS latest information. ravers Reservoir Please make sure you are fais located north miliar with the Alberta Fishing of Lethbridge. From Regulations before heading Hwy. 3 turn right onto Hwy. out. The retention limits for 23 and continue for roughly walleye and pike are zero. The 50 km to secondary Hwy. 529. regulations indicate, “Fishing Turn right onto the road that is not allowed within 100m of wraps around the shore of the the Canal inlet structure.” As reservoir. well, there are different limits Travers Reservoir Provincial and regulations depending on Recreation Area is on the eastwhere you’re fishing. ern shore.

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The campground at Little Bow Provincial Park is located on the prairies facing the north shore of the reservoir, approximately 20 km south of Lomond and 9 km west of Hwy. 845. Amenities include a boat launch and firepits.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Upper Kananaskis Lake 780 Hectares (1,927 Acres)

110 metres (361 feet)

U

1,710 metres (5,610 feet)

Unknown

pper Kananaskis Lake, with its twin Lower Kananaskis Lake, are located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, a popular destination for Calgarians.

The lake bears a variety of sport fish species, including rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, bull and lake trout, as well as arctic grayling and dolly varden.

The two lakes are part of a series of natural lakes and reservoirs that feed the Bow River and they provide a variety of recreational opportunities.

Fishing is often good along LAKE ACCESS the shore, particularly around ollow Hwy. 1 west to the tributaries. junction with Hwy. 40 Buzzbombs, spoons and at Seebe. Turn left and conKamloopers work for spincast-

ing. Caddis flies are recommended for fly anglers. For trolling, use a sink line with small nymphs and streamers There is a bait ban in effect.

F

Metres

tinue for roughly 50 km to Kananaskis Lakes Trail Road on the right side of the highway. Turn and follow for about 10 km to Upper Kananaskis Lake. There are numerous campsites and a public boat launch available.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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Wabamun Lake 7,777 Hectares (19,216 Acres)

11.5 metres (38 feet)

727 metres (2,385 feet)

Unknown

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abamun Lake, west of Edmonton, is a popular year-round destination for anglers lured by its pike and walleye.

“Fishing is good to very good all along the north side between the Hamlet of Fallis and Seba Beach,” says Daryl Ostopowich, field volunteer for the Angler’s Atlas.

“Ideally, you want to be about 10-15 metres away from the reeds and casting toward them.

Trolling all along this area will also yield pike.

Last September Ostopowich went out and anchored down in about 12 feet of water. Popular lures were Blue Fox

spoons, Red Devils, Five of Diamonds, and perch-looking lures. In the morning and late evening, he suggests using darker colours on the spoons.

“Sometimes we use jigs,” says Ostopowich. “A black grub/ twister with a yellow jighead does well in the morning and LAKE ACCESS evening, and the opposite coabamun Lake is west of lours work during the day.”

Edmonton along High“Between the two of us, in way 16. From Edmonton, head about 1.5 hours, we caught ap- west along Hwy. 16 for about proximately 37 lbs. of northern 62 km and follow the exit ramp to the village of Wabamun pike (seven fish)!

Lake. The Wabamun Waterfront Park is open in the summer and has a boat launch, day-use area,

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cookhouse and change rooms.

Wabamun Provincial Park is open from May 1-Oct. 31.

There is a beach, picnic shelters, an RV dumping station and a large day-use area with two playgrounds. The park is only minutes away from the village, accessible from the nature trails or by car.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Alberta 2019

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Winefred Lake 12280 Hectares (30344 Acres)

17 metres (50 feet)

W

inefred Lake’s reputation rests with its consistently trophy size northern pike and walleye. Northern pike 20lbs or more are not uncommon!

594 metres (1,782 feet)

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knowledgeable and are great resource to use before ending out on the water. Give them a call at (780) 791-6400.

Winefred lies in the southern LAKE ACCESS Regional Municipality of Wood inefred is a five-hour drive Buffalo between Cold Lake and from Edmonton. Follow Fort McMurray. The lake also offers excellent fishing for lake Secondary Hwy. 881 north from Lac La Biche for approximately whitefish and burbot.

100 km.

Three rivers continuously feed and drain the lake which results At the sign to Winefred Lake in high nutrient loading, causing Lodge, turn east onto a gravel the vegetation along the shore line road and follow it for 70km to thrive. Not only does this allow until it reaches Winefred for a great spawning area, but also Lake. 4WD is recommended. an ample food source.

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Walleye are most active during the spring, but as the ice comes off.

Jigging with a Five of Diamonds tends to catch a large number of this species. However, trolling is another great option. Try trolling back and forth around the small bay in the northeast side.

Northern pike can generally be found all over the lake, however the east side tends to be the most productive area for pike. Eagle Bay has been known to house a number of large fish.

For all of your fishing needs, be sure to visit Rob Martin at Canadian Tire in Fort McMurray.

Martin and his staff are very Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

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Favourite Spoon: Len Thompson Five of Diamonds

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Wizard Lake 247 Hectares (610 Acres)

O

11 metres (36 feet)

nly 50 km from Edmonton, serpentine Wizard Lake can be fished year-round for northern pike and yellow perch. Wizard is supposed to have walleye, but there are no reported catches.

Unknown

November 1966

Feet

be good for small and me- creek draining the lake is still dium pike up to 5 lbs. The called Conjuring Creek. lake is open from May 15 to March 31st of each year.

The narrows are often more LAKE ACCESS

other 15 km to the lake turnoff, leading to the east end of the lake.

The lake is located southwest of Edmonton. Take Hwy. 2 south to Leduc and turn right onto Hwy. 39.

viced, there is a playground, showers, power and firewood.

productive than wider stretches. Just past the boat launch, Burbot are also caught. These at a depth of 10-15 feet, is andeep-water lurkers will take other hot spot. many different offerings, If you are casting from shore, and, like pike, are considered try fishing in the evening at opportunistic feeders. dusk near the campground.

Ice fishing for pike is espe- Try a Five of Diamonds. cially popular, but watch for Until the late 1960s, the comsprings that can thin the ice. mon name for the lake was While the fish are mostly on Conjuring Lake. First Nathe small side, the lake is sur- tions’ legends suggest strange prisingly productive overall. noises in the lake came from Spring fishing is reported to “conjuring creatures.” The

Wizard Lake Jubilee Park is operated by Leduc County izard straddles two and offers overnight campcounties. The north- ing, a day-use area, paid ern shore of the lake is in parking and a boat launch.

Leduc County and the south- The park is located on a forern shore is in the County of mer coal mine. In addition to Wetaskiwin.

114 sites, serviced and unser-

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By midsummer, the lake’s popularity for watersports Follow this road for about 15 like tubing and waterskiing km to Secondary Highway keeps some anglers away.

795 at the town of Calmar.

Turn left and continue for an-

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

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2018 A lberta F ish S tocking District

Waterbody

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Sp.

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BNTR RNTR RNTR BKTR RNTR TGTR BNTR RNTR TGTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR BKTR RNTR RNTR RNTR TGTR BKTR BNTR RNTR BKTR BNTR RNTR CTTR CTTR RNTR CTTR CTTR CTTR CTTR RNTR CTTR RNTR CTTR CTTR RNTR RNTR CTTR CTTR CTTR CTTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR BNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR TGTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR BKTR RNTR

1300 1000 2640 15064 4480 5 2000 9000 2500 15306 4900 11500 750 7500 850 560 9593 601 30312 150 200 500 490 5850 1504 930 500 2200 810 300 1800 400 600 2000 1300 1200 250 200 1650 2300 3750 1900 500 2200 900 400 3300 250 200 250 7500 116789 1650 61141 770 300 3906 150 300 600 17850 4505 840 14648 2910 1400 2910 14400 17300 500 1740 1091

District

Waterbody

Edson Edson Edson Edson Edson Edson Edson Edson Edson Edson Edson Edson Edson Evansburg Evansburg Fairview Fairview Fairview Fairview Fairview Fort McMurray Fort McMurray Fort McMurray Fort McMurray Fort Vermilion Fox Creek Gibbons Grande Cache Grande Cache Grande Cache Grande Cache Grande Cache Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Hanna Hanna Hanna Hanna Hanna High Level High Level High Level High Level High Prairie High Prairie High River High River High River High River High River Hinton Hinton Hinton Hinton Hinton Hinton Hinton Hinton Lac La Biche Lac La Biche Leduc Leduc Lethbridge Lethbridge Lethbridge Lethbridge Lethbridge Llyodminster Llyodminster Manning

Fairfax Lake Lambert Pond Lovett Lake Millers Lake Obed Lake Pit 24 Lake Pit 35 Lake Pit 44 Lake Pit 45 Lake Silkstone Lake South Sundance Lake Trapper Lake Wolf Creek Pond Niton Lake Wildwood Pond Fairview College Pond Montaganeusse Lake Ole Lake Running Lake Sulphur Lake Engstrom Lake Hwy 63 Pond Texaco East Pond Texaco Pond La Crete Pond Fox Creek Pond Gibbons Pond Grande Cache Lake Pierre Greys Lower Lake Pierre Greys Middle Lake Pierre Greys Upper Lake Victor Lake County Sportsplex Pond Hwy 40 Pond Muskoseepi Pond North Two Lake Blood Indian Reservoir Blood Indian Reservoir Blood Indian Reservoir Blood Indian Reservoir Helmer Reservoir Footner Pond High Level Comm. Park Pond Machesis Lake Rainbow Lake Atlantic Richfield Reservoir Edith Lake Burns Lake Emerson Lake Lake Of The Horns Loomis Lake Odlum Lake Hinton Fish and Game Pond Jarvis Creek Pond Kinky Lake Mary Gregg Lake Mayan Lake Petite Lake Wildhorse Lake (Lower) Wildhorse Lake (Upper) Lac La Biche Trout Pond Mile 7 Lake Beaumont Pond Leduc Reservoir Keenex Coulee Reservoir Mcvinnie Reservoir Nicholas Sheran Park Pond Nicholas Sheran Park Pond Riverstone Pond Bud Miller Park Pond Dillberry Lake East Twin Lake

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RNTR 5000 RNTR 970 RNTR 500 RNTR 6000 BNTR 6305 RNTR 500 RNTR 390 RNTR 500 RNTR 800 RNTR 598 BKTR 4500 RNTR 1100 RNTR 500 RNTR 840 RNTR 840 RNTR 500 BKTR 3480 RNTR 1680 RNTR 2001 RNTR 3450 RNTR 38161 RNTR 560 RNTR 1350 RNTR 825 RNTR 840 RNTR 500 RNTR 240 RNTR 45000 RNTR 3500 RNTR 6900 BKTR 7451 RNTR 10500 RNTR 2320 RNTR 560 RNTR 500 RNTR 3600 BKTR 6125 BNTR 4430 RNTR 120000 TGTR 14236 RNTR 6000 RNTR 500 RNTR 500 RNTR 2240 RNTR 500 RNTR 873 BKTR 1210 CTTR 300 BNTR 450 CTTR 1300 CTTR 350 CTTR 400 RNTR 300 RNTR 500 BKTR 4060 RNTR 1840 RNTR 970 RNTR 970 RNTR 3450 BKTR 2500 RNTR 1100 RNTR 6720 BNTR 500 RNTR 2425 RNTR 3400 RNTR 1050 BKTR 630 RNTR 25 RNTR 2000 RNTR 1400 RNTR 12000 RNTR 2352

2018 A lberta F ish S tocking District

Waterbody

Manning Medicine Hat Medicine Hat Medicine Hat Medicine Hat Medicine Hat Medicine Hat Medicine Hat Nordegg Nordegg Nordegg Nordegg Nordegg Nordegg Nordegg Olds Olds Olds Oyen Peace River Peace River Peace River Peace River Peace River Peace River Pincher Creek Pincher Creek Pincher Creek Pincher Creek Pincher Creek Pincher Creek Pincher Creek Ponoka Ponoka Provost Provost Red Deer Red Deer Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Rocky Mtn. House Slave Lake Slave Lake Smoky Lake Smoky Lake Spirit River Spirit River Spirit River Spirit River Spirit River Spirit River Spirit River St. Paul St. Paul Stettler Stettler Stony Plain Stony Plain Stony Plain

East Twin Lake Bullshead Reservoir Cavan Lake Michel Reservoir Michel Reservoir Reesor Lake Reesor Lake Spruce Coulee Reservoir Goldeye Lake Harleck Pond Job Lake Landslide Lake Nordegg Borrow Pit (East) Nordegg Borrow Pit (West) Shunda Lake Hiller’s Reservoir Kraft Winborne Pond Kraft Winborne Pond Acadia Valley Reservoir Cecil Thompson Pond Figure Eight Lake Hwy 686 Pond MD Peace Pond #1 Peace Pond #2 Weberville Pond Bathing Lake Beauvais Lake Burmis Lake Burns Reservoir Butcher’s Lake Cottonwood Pond Lees Lake Centenial Pond Nuggent Pond Capt Eyre Lake Capt Eyre Lake Dickson Trout Pond Mirror Reservoir Alford Lake Brazeau Burrow Pit #1 Camp 9 Pond Elk Creek Pond Ironside Pond Ironside Pond Lost Guide Lake Mitchell Lake Mitchell Lake Peppers Lake Phyllis Lake Rat Lake Rocky Children’s Pond Strubel Lake Tay Lake Twin Lakes Chrystina Lake Lily Lake Bellis Beach Lake Shemeluk Lake Kakut Lake Moonshine Lake Moonshine Lake Moonshine Lake Nardam Lake Shell True North Pond Spring Lake St. Paul Fish Pond St. Paul Fish Pond Kerbe’s Pond Kerbe’s Pond Cardiff Park Pond Chickakoo Lake East Pit Lake

Sp. TGTR RNTR RNTR BNTR RNTR RNTR TGTR BKTR RNTR RNTR CTTR CTTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR BKTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR BKTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR TGTR RNTR BNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR TGTR CTTR BNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR BKTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR BKTR BKTR RNTR RNTR RNTR BNTR RNTR TGTR RNTR BKTR BKTR BKTR RNTR RNTR TGTR RNTR RNTR RNTR

# 1000 15000 7500 11523 52000 20550 5258 12350 5500 400 1500 6500 300 400 15000 2910 300 480 3360 560 9950 500 560 560 560 500 10580 550 500 3000 500 21139 250 500 3800 1250 20000 1500 1650 825 500 500 500 200 1200 500 2200 4000 5600 1750 1000 14500 2750 3500 1210 3660 7000 2910 840 1000 4650 1505 500 640 2320 990 601 250 253 16350 5820 11380

District

Waterbody

Stony Plain Stony Plain Stony Plain Stony Plain Stony Plain Stony Plain Stony Plain Stony Plain Stony Plain Stony Plain Stony Plain Strathmore Strathmore Sundre Sundre Sundre Sundre Sundre Sundre Sundre Sundre Swan Hills Swan Hills Swan Hills Valleyview Valleyview Valleyview Valleyview Valleyview Valleyview Vegreville Vegreville Vegreville Vegreville Vegreville Vegreville

Morinville Fish and Game Pond Morinville Fish and Game Pond Morinville Heritage Lake Morinville Heritage Lake Muir Lake Muir Lake Salters Lake Salters Lake Sauer Lake Spring Lake Star Lake Severn Creek Reservoir Severn Creek Reservoir Beaver Lake Birch Lake Birch Lake Eagle Lake Fiesta Lake Ice Lake Winchell Lake Yellowhead Lake Marigold Lake Schuman Lake Tamarack Lake East Dollar Lake East Dollar Lake Mcclennan Reservoir Swan Lake Valleyview Childrens Pond West Dollar Lake Black Nugget Mine Pit Lake Black Nugget Mine Pit Lake Innisfree Trout Pond Innisfree Trout Pond Vegreville Children’s Trout Pond Vegreville Trout Pond Claude N. Brennan Park (Vermillion Park) Irma Fish And Game Pond Irma Fish And Game Pond Jackfish Lake Pro Alta Pond Shuster Lake Castaway Pond Legal Reservoir Westlock Recreation Pond Ashland Reservoir

By The Lake Park Genesee Trout Pond Kramer Pond Mound Reservoir Wetaskiwin Pond Wetaskiwin Pond Carson (Mcleod) Lake Emerald Lake Whitecourt Town Pond Whiteridge Recreational Pond

Vermilion Vermilion Vermilion Vermilion Vermilion Vermilion Viking Westlock Westlock Wetaskiwin Wetaskiwin Wetaskiwin Wetaskiwin Wetaskiwin Wetaskiwin Wetaskiwin Whitecourt Whitecourt Whitecourt Whitecourt

Sp. BNTR RNTR BKTR RNTR BNTR RNTR RNTR TGTR RNTR RNTR BKTR BNTR RNTR RNTR BNTR RNTR TGTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR BKTR RNTR RNTR BNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR RNTR TGTR BKTR RNTR RNTR RNTR

# 300 1000 1740 5000 500 3000 8638 2000 2910 13850 3899 8000 10000 2698 1698 4500 7500 835 500 2910 8700 7000 12100 8000 750 3680 500 22500 500 500 13683 5005 600 960 240 8500

RNTR 1600 BKTR 300 RNTR 240 RNTR 2800 RNTR 760 BKTR 9350 RNTR 700 RNTR 1000 RNTR 1400 RNTR 5380 RNTR 2425 RNTR 1178 RNTR 2800 RNTR 1947 BKTR 300 RNTR 320 RNTR 126765 BKTR 1508 RNTR 825 RNTR 1019

Stock Species Codes: RNTR

Rainbow Trout

CTTR

Cutthroat Trout

BKTR

Brook Trout

TGTR

Tiger Trout

BNTR

Brown Trout

ARGR

Arctic Grayling

For more information on Fish Stocking in Alberta, visit: www.mywildalberta.com

“The very good news for 2019 is that inside the surf line of all of Area 25, Chinook Salmon regulation will remain the same.”

John Falavolito, owner Westview Marina and Lodge.

To learn more about the 2019 fishing regulations in John’s area, give him a call at 250-934-7672!

FULL LIMITS FOR 2019 Happy angler with a really big Lingcod.

Westview Marina and Lodge.

(250) 934-7672 | info@westviewmarina.com | www.westviewmarina.com

Our gear, your adventure.

Want insider tips and tricks for your Prince George adventure?

Stop by our Visitor Centre for info on local eateries, shops, cultural attractions and accommodations. You can even borrow a fishing rod and tackle box, life jacket, or ice auger - all for free!

#101-1300 First Avenue 1-800-668-7646