Fishing
Alberta is an angler's paradise, attracting novices and experts with more than 600 lakes, 245 rivers and 315 spring-fed creeks and ponds. Whether you want to cast, troll or fly fish, get ready for a premium experience. Head out to our crystal clear lakes and sparkling streams—you won’t have to stop at the fish store on the way home.
Getting Started
Sportfish of Alberta shows you what kind of fish you will find here. The next step is to find out about Alberta’s provincial fishing regulations and licences/fees. Separate regulations apply in our national parks such as Banff and Jasper.
Ask the Experts
Whether you’re a fly-fishing fanatic or a family looking for a new outdoor adventure, skilled guides can outfit you with all the gear, help you find the very best spots and pick just the right lure to land that big one. We have a large and varied list of local professionals who offer lodges, camps and expeditions, including half- and full-day trips. Complete details about holiday packages and more can be found at Alberta Angling Adventures.
Fishing by Region
You have six regions in the province from which to base your Alberta fishing adventures, each with its own special magic and beauty.
Alberta Central
In this region, you’ll discover excellent fishing for pike and walleye, perch and lake whitefish. Lac La Biche and Cold Lake are popular destinations for lake trout, walleye, pike and perch. The Red Deer River and Gull, Sylvan, Pigeon, Pine, Buffalo and Buck lakes will not disappoint.
Alberta North
Up north, you’ll find stellar fishing for pike, walleye, perch, lake trout and Arctic grayling. Most of the lake areas are accessible from the main highways. Experience “drive and fish” at its finest on the largest vehicle-accessible lake in the province: Lesser Slave Lake, home to the Golden Walleye Classic, North America’s biggest walleye tournament. Looking for a more remote experience? There are fly-in fishing camps and Alberta fishinlodges for every budget. Many of the fly-in facilities use Fort McMurray as a jumping-off point.
Alberta South
Stretching south to the U.S. border, you’ll find excellent stream fishing. Rainbow, brown, brook, cut-throat and bull trout are all plentiful in the many rivers and streams in the vicinity of Crowsnest Pass. Between June and October, the North Ram River and its tributaries are popular havens for cut-throat trout.
Calgary & Area
To some folk, the Bow River in Calgary is more important than the city. Why? Because the Bow is ranked as one of the top ten trout streams in North America. Moving through the heart of the city, the river’s brown and rainbow trout lure anglers from far-away places (as well as the locals, who are still trying to keep it a secret).
Canadian Rockies
Fish the rivers and streams in the Rockies for brown, brook, cutthroat and bull trout (mostly catch and release). The record rainbow trout for Alberta was caught in Maligne Lake, tipping the scales at 9 kg (20.5 lbs). Trophy-sized lake trout are often caught in Lake Minnewanka (near Banff). The average catch is 1-2 kg (2-5 lbs). Here are some more mountain favourites.
- Spray Lakes
- Mount Lorette
- Barrier Lake
- Kananaskis River
- Chief Hector Lake
Edmonton & Area
Edmonton is Alberta’s capital and a good launching point for fishing adventures that remain within striking distance of the city's cultural activities. A mere hour away, you can fish the North Saskatchewan River for walleye, northern pike, goldeye, sauger and sturgeon.
Ice Fishing
If you can’t get enough of fishing in the summer, don’t stop. Ice fishing—also known as vertical jigging—is for novices and experts alike. Due to lower natural food production and increased fish interest in bait, ice fishing yields more whitefish and perch than in any other season. Also up for the challenge are pike, walleye, trout and burbot (ling).
Ice fishing can be done on most lakes and streams around the province. Depending on ice conditions, the season generally runs from December through April. Local anglers build temporary sheds on northern lakes or simply drill holes and drop in a line. Just be sure to check local regulations before you head out.
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