Late Season Lakeland Lake Trout

[Alberta's Lakeland]

Although most people do not look forward to the bitter cold weather we have been experiencing as of late, ice anglers are giddy with excitement knowing that late season ice is the best time to target the giant lake trout in Cold Lake. With ice thickness in the 30-40 inch range, anglers can walk out or take quads and snowmobiles to get to the many hotspots around this superb fishery with many honey holes being less than a mile off shore. The area in front of the marina is a popular late ice location which can be accessed easily by foot. 20lb + lake trout are taken here each year with good numbers of smaller fish also caught . Another excellent location is the area just off of the provincial park boat launch. Once again a short walk will put you in trophy lake trout heaven. Last season 2 fish over 30lbs were taken in this area. Finding the hot lure is easy as retailers from the big box stores to the top line outdoor store all carry the gear you need to land the big one. Remember that anglers should also book a hotel room well in advance as they fill up quickly. Anglers should always check ice conditions when they get to the lake as this is a large lake that can have massive ice movements at this time of year. Use caution and common sense when heading out. Remember that Cold Lake has a 75cm size restriction for lake trout. Keep a copy of the Alberta fishing regulations handy for other Cold lake specific regulations as this lake is heavily patrolled by Fish and Wildlife officers with fines of up to $1000.00 per illegal fish being the normal. Please practise catch and release because the fun is in the catching.