Fishing near Calgary

andarott · #1 08-07-2017, 11:07 PM

Hi! I was just wondering what places are great for fishing near Calgary and are not too far. I've tried Glenmore Reservoir and Chestermere Lake however barely any bites. Any suggestions? As well, if you guys know anything about fishing at Namaka Lake, that would also help. Thanks!

Scott N · #2 08-08-2017, 06:42 AM

I think Namaka Lake is better known as a slew with algae blooms and also as a release site for pheasants than it is for fishing.

Close to Calgary, the obvious place is the Bow River, but it can be a challenge until you figure out what the heck you're doing. Chain Lakes west of Nanton is popular for trout fishing, plus there are a lot of opportunities in K-Country.

EdvinTheKid · #3 08-08-2017, 02:06 PM

If you are looking for Pike then I recommend trying Dalemead Lake. If you go to where the canal is, you will easily catch quite a few Pike - and if your lucky, the bigger Pike are lurking around in there too!

We also have Eagle Lake which is close to Strathmore (Its like an hour drive from where I live). Supposedly, there are big Pike there because there is a 0 keep limit on them.

We also have Pine Coulee which is famous for its Pike and Walleye. However this lake has been extremely heavily fished this season so you wont catch nearly as much fish as you would years ago.

Then there is also Chain Lake which has been mentioned above already - I would go here in the winter as ice fishing here is very fun!

We also have Twin Valley Reservoir which is like an 1hr and 20 from where I live. My favorite lake, very beautiful! Now getting to the good spots requires a little off road driving and walking through grass that is taller than you but it is very worth it. Big Pike at this lake and always an adventure. If you have a boat then definitely would recommend giving this lake a shot.

FishingGuy · #4 08-08-2017, 06:46 PM

First of all, thank you all for the valuable information. Since I also new to Calgary, I really appreciate any help and advise concerning good fishing places.

Secondly, I have a question concerning Pine Coulee reservoir. I saw that there was a blue-green algae warning for this lake issued in the end of July. Does anyone know whether it is still in effect? And is it safe to go fish there?

Scott N · #5 08-08-2017, 07:36 PM

A good resource for new the area anglers is "Barry Mitchell's Alberta Fishing Guide". It's published annually and has maps and info on what the waters of Alberta have in them for game fish. If you're new to the area, it's a great way to plan your next few fishing trips. You can find it at the magazine rack at the grocery store or in the check out at Canadian Tire.

FishingGuy · #6 08-09-2017, 12:46 AM

Thanks! I will definitely check this one out. It is good to know which waters have wich fish, but you also know that if one is not familiar with the waters it is even more important to know the places on the lake or river, where there are good chances to catch some fish. In particular, if one is restricted to the shore fishing as in my case. I know that this is a kind of information that is rarely shared with unknown strangers, that's why I really appreciate any hints and advices.

Prairiewolf · #7 08-09-2017, 07:34 AM

Besides fly fishing, I've had past success and lots of fun at both Chain Lakes and Travers Reservoir.

EdvinTheKid · #8 08-09-2017, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishingGuy

First of all, thank you all for the valuable information. Since I also new to Calgary, I really appreciate any help and advise concerning good fishing places.

Secondly, I have a question concerning Pine Coulee reservoir. I saw that there was a blue-green algae warning for this lake issued in the end of July. Does anyone know whether it is still in effect? And is it safe to go fish there?

According to Alberta Health, the Blue-Green Algae is still in effect. http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page13984.aspx

daniel14121976 · #9 08-09-2017, 11:19 PM

Thanks for your information. A bit of a drive, McGregor lake is south east of Calgary, just past Vulcan, but is one of the better pike fishing holes I’ve ever been to. At the north end of the waterway is a rock wall, which seems to have a really deep drop off, and there are plenty of fish to go around. One time we pulled a pike out of here that had a baby duck in it’s stomach. Pike fish fight so hard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdvinTheKid

If you are looking for Pike then I recommend trying Dalemead Lake. If you go to where the canal is, you will easily catch quite a few Pike - and if your lucky, the bigger Pike are lurking around in there too!

We also have Eagle Lake which is close to Strathmore (Its like an hour drive from where I live). Supposedly, there are big Pike there because there is a 0 keep limit on them.

We also have Pine Coulee which is famous for its Pike and Walleye. However this lake has been extremely heavily fished this season so you wont catch nearly as much fish as you would years ago.

Then there is also Chain Lake which has been mentioned above already - I would go here in the winter as ice fishing here is very fun!

We also have Twin Valley Reservoir which is like an 1hr and 20 from where I live. My favorite lake, very beautiful! Now getting to the good spots requires a little off road driving and walking through grass that is taller than you but it is very worth it. Big Pike at this lake and always an adventure. If you have a boat then definitely would recommend giving this lake a shot.

Okotokian · #10 08-10-2017, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdvinTheKid

Then there is also Chain Lake which has been mentioned above already - I would go here in the winter as ice fishing here is very fun!

Have you (or anyone else for that matter) ever pulled out a fish of any size in that lake? I've caught plenty of rainbows from both shore and boat (never ice fished it though) and, while I'm getting old and stunned, I can't recall any over 12 inches. I've never even kept a fish I've caught at Chain.

weedhaul · #11 08-11-2017, 11:47 AM

I was at Twin Valley this week, low water and full of algae, not good fishing...

My finding is that by August the southern lakes are getting pretty weedy and gross.

Favorite lakes near Calgary...Crawling Valley, Chain, and maybe Clear Lake IF the water is decent.

Chain is known for small rainbows, never caught anything of size there either.

Try fly fishing, lots of opportunities near Calgary