Seeking Launch Conditions for a Day Pass Fishing Trip!

[The Anvil]

Alright, fellow anglers, I’ve been granted a rare day pass from the Mrs., and I’m on a mission for one last boat outing before the open water season ends, for this fella at least.

The goal?
Going solo, a little bit of peace, hopefully some quality fishing, and maybe a few perch, or whites, or a legal walleye—if the regs are friendly (no tags on me). Tough times call for a bit of fishin’, and a fella’s gotta give it a go!

What I’m hoping for:
I’ve got access to a 14-foot utility MirrorCraft on trailer with a 20hp outboard, and I'll be launching it with an SUV. Hoping to not get stuck at the launch.

Looking for insight on other lakes within 90-120 minutes from Edmonton with launch conditions and water levels that’ll let me get the boat in without wrestling in the mud.

From what I’ve been seeing from my research here and online, water levels are low across the board, https://rivers.alberta.ca/ but I’m hoping someone has boots on the ground intel or recent experience.

I grew up fishing Lac Ste. Anne and a dozen or so other lakes, in and around Edmonton, but I’m a bit rusty in terms of recent conditions (and low on funds for scouting trips).

I’m not after secret hot spots or fishing tips—just need to know if I can get my boat in without turning the day into a fiasco, tying up the launch.


I stopped by Pigeon Lake PP boat launch recently and it looked like I should be able to launch/load there.

Here's a picture from Saturday Oct 12th.


Thanks in advance, you’d be doing a fella, and his 14-month-old fish-lover a solid!

Tight lines,

Jonny Anvil

[Lowrance Fishburn]

IMO, stick to Pigeon or Wabamun. Both launches should allow you the easiest means of getting your boat in and out by yourself and if you you run into any troubles, there should be some people not too far away. Some of the more remote lakes I would not recommend venturing out to at this time of year by yourself - One thing goes wrong and then things can go really wrong. Wab you can fish right near the launch and catch a couple of tubs worth of walleye in a couple hours pretty easily. That would be my choice.

[The Anvil]

Originally Posted by Lowrance Fishburn

IMO, stick to Pigeon or Wabamun. Both launches should allow you the easiest means of getting your boat in and out by yourself and if you you run into any troubles, there should be some people not too far away. Some of the more remote lakes I would not recommend venturing out to at this time of year by yourself - One thing goes wrong and then things can go really wrong. Wab you can fish right near the launch and catch a couple of tubs worth of walleye in a couple hours pretty easily. That would be my choice.

Thanks for the advice, Lowrance. I’m with you—one small mistake can definitely go south fast. With a baby and wife waiting for me at home, I’m trying to be extra cautious these days. As much as I’d love to explore a new lake, I’ve decided to stick close to home and play it safe.

I had to give it some thought. I’ve only launched a boat by myself at Lac Ste. Anne (West Cove off Rge Rd 43) with my old 14’ fibreglass runabout, and that was over a decade ago. More recently, I’ve been launching our family’s 14’ tinner countless times at Wizard Lake, so I’m very comfortable there.

I’ve fished quite a few lakes over the years but mostly as a passenger, so solo launching is still something I’m getting used to.

Right now, I’m considering a few options:

• Lac la Nonne
• Pigeon
• Wabamun
• Lac Ste. Anne
• Gull
• Wizard
• Sylvan

I’ll probably narrow it down to Pigeon or Wab like you suggested, but I’m going to do some more research before making my final decision.

Thanks again for the input!

[Rabdo]

You'll have no issues launching & loading at Pigeon PP. I'm hoping to get out at least once more next week too

[fish99]

Originally Posted by The Anvil

Alright, fellow anglers, I’ve been granted a rare day pass from the Mrs., and I’m on a mission for one last boat outing before the open water season ends, for this fella at least.

The goal?
Going solo, a little bit of peace, hopefully some quality fishing, and maybe a few perch, or whites, or a legal walleye—if the regs are friendly (no tags on me). Tough times call for a bit of fishin’, and a fella’s gotta give it a go!

What I’m hoping for:
I’ve got access to a 14-foot utility MirrorCraft on trailer with a 20hp outboard, and I'll be launching it with an SUV. Hoping to not get stuck at the launch.

Looking for insight on other lakes within 90-120 minutes from Edmonton with launch conditions and water levels that’ll let me get the boat in without wrestling in the mud.

From what I’ve been seeing from my research here and online, water levels are low across the board, https://rivers.alberta.ca/ but I’m hoping someone has boots on the ground intel or recent experience.

I grew up fishing Lac Ste. Anne and a dozen or so other lakes, in and around Edmonton, but I’m a bit rusty in terms of recent conditions (and low on funds for scouting trips).

I’m not after secret hot spots or fishing tips—just need to know if I can get my boat in without turning the day into a fiasco, tying up the launch.


I stopped by Pigeon Lake PP boat launch recently and it looked like I should be able to launch/load there.

Here's a picture from Saturday Oct 12th.


Thanks in advance, you’d be doing a fella, and his 14-month-old fish-lover a solid!

Tight lines,

Jonny Anvil

loaded a 25 foot ponton boat last week no problems deep launch

[-JR-]

Wow is that ever shallow. Looks like the cement pad is not even in the water anymore. Do you think they will lay down more pads this winter deeper in ?

[The Anvil]

Originally Posted by -JR-

Wow is that ever shallow. Looks like the cement pad is not even in the water anymore. Do you think they will lay down more pads this winter deeper in ?

As yesterday was the first time launching at this boat launch, I’m not sure. I honestly had no issues unloading or loading, apart from doing so with a broken finger, but played it safe and went out to pigeon for a few hours.

Was relatively easy to launch and retrieve the 14’ tinner on my own.

No fish caught, was targeting perch 😂, but was just nice to get out and get some fishing in.

Stopped by my Uncle’s lake lot, and hit up Wizard for a few hours as well. No bites, but was a great evening to be on the water, it was a calm evening.

[Talking moose]

Targeting perch in pigeon? I’ve had my camera down the hole for hundreds of hours last 6 years and have never even seen one. Are they making a comeback?

[The Anvil]

Originally Posted by Talking moose

Targeting perch in pigeon? I’ve had my camera down the hole for hundreds of hours last 6 years and have never even seen one. Are they making a comeback?

I’m not sure to be honest. I haven’t fished Pigeon in over a decade, never seen any on the cam back then. I’ve only ever caught whites out of there during hard water, and a few walleye from shore at the PP.

When I was out this Saturday, I didn’t get any bites. Was mainly targeting perch for the heck of it. I find bobber fishing calming. And with a busted index finger on the mend, did not want to chance re-injury wrestling a pike or walleye lol. Plus, I don’t have any tags for walleye, wanted to target something other than Walter’s or pike, and was setup to hopefully attract a whitefish.

It was more or less just getting out and having a relaxing day on the lake.

Mission accomplished.

[fish99]

Originally Posted by Talking moose

Targeting perch in pigeon? I’ve had my camera down the hole for hundreds of hours last 6 years and have never even seen one. Are they making a comeback?

last winter i seen hundreds of 3-4 inch perch on the camera , even seen a dead floater over 10 inches last spring. the perch are on there way back .

[The Anvil]

I managed to sneak out for a few hours this afternoon, staying close to home and taking the boat to Coal Lake.

Coal Lake North boat launch update: Water levels are low, and the end of the ramp is almost exposed. The launch is accessible, but it’s best suited for shallow draft boats. Approach with caution and be prepared for a shallow entry.

No bites, but the calm water made for a fun short outing.