Chasing Rainbows in Your Backyard

► by Andrew Clough

Thinking about trout fishing in Alberta often invokes images of high mountain lakes, crystal clear glacier-fed rivers, and the spring creeks of the foothills. To many, the landscapes that trout inhabit are simply unreachable by day trip. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get your trout fix. In and around many of Alberta’s small towns you can find a stocked pond with ready to catch trout.

One of the biggest benefits of these ponds is the amenities. You'll find playgrounds, spray parks, hiking trails, bathrooms, camping, hiking, dog parks, and even food services nearby. Next time you need a break while on the road, or just want to get away for the day, check out one of great ponds around the province.

There are a lot of hidden gems around Alberta, so start planning your next road trip. Use the new Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) stocked lakes map at ab-conservation.com/programs/fish/ aca-stocked-lakes/ to find a quiet place, all to yourself. Make sure to check the fishing regulations for catch limits and seasonal closures, and that you have an up-to-date fishing licence.

Fort Lions Community Fish Pond

ACA, Charmaine Brunes

Taber Trout Pond – First stocked in 2018, this has quickly become a great little fishery and a fun place to spend the day with the family. You’ll find a dock, walking trails, bathrooms, camping, and even a beach. It’s stocked annually with rainbow trout and is also home to a healthy perch population.

Taber Trout Pond

ACA, Ken Kranrod

Emerson Lake - Located right in High River, you’ll find clean clear water, good fishing for rainbow and brown trout, a walking path around the lake, and a shoreline that is very fly-fishing friendly.

Mitford Pond – This beautiful spot overlooks the Bow River in Cochrane. The two small ponds are connected by a stream and are perfect for bringing the kids for their first fish. There are soccer fields, walking paths, and a fishing dock. Despite its small size, big rainbow and brown trout have been caught here.

Mitchell Pond – Road tripping on the QEII Highway and need a break? A short hike brings you to this beautiful pond located in Red Deer’s Waskasoo Park. Named for the late Barry Mitchell, a legend in the Alberta fishing community and author of Alberta’s Trout Highway. Walking paths and a bridge out to the island makes for great shore fishing for rainbow trout. You’re also close to the banks of the Red Deer River if you wish to try your hand fishing moving water.

Boulder Lake – Located outside of Blackfalds, just off the QEII, you’ll find our newest pond. Boulder Lake features clean, clear water and is stocked with both tiger and rainbow trout. Thanks to a generous donation, this pond was first stocked and opened to the public in early 2021 and the fishery is doing quite well in its short tenure. Future upgrades to the property are in the works.

Len Thompson Pond – A must see for every Albertan, this pond is located right next to the Len Thompson lure factory in Lacombe, it features the world’s largest fishing lure. Make a day of it and take a tour of the factory, check out historic main street, then grab some lunch at one of the great restaurants in town.

Don Sparrow Lake – This nice little pond is located right in Beaumont. It features fishing for both brown and rainbow trout, a spray park, paved walking paths, picnic tables, and bathrooms.

Telegraph Park Pond – You'll find this well-maintained pond just outside the village of Hay Lakes. There is great shore fishing, an outhouse, and walking trails. The pond is stocked annually with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. With the good winter survival rates, some larger fish can be caught here.

Fort Lions Community Fish Pond – Right in Fort Saskatchewan, this pond is stocked with brown, rainbow, and tiger trout, with recent reports of big fish being caught. You’ll also find walking trails along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and through an interpretive forest.

Fort Lions Community Fish Pond

ACA, Charmaine Brunes

Bud Miller All Seasons Park Lake – You’ll find lots to do at this pond located in Lloydminster. In addition to catching some rainbows, you can enjoy the walking paths, playgrounds, spray park, tennis courts, amphitheatre, disc golf, fire pits, concession stand, aquatic centre, outdoor gardens, and even a hedge maze. It’s a great place to spend the whole day with the family, any time of year!

County Sportsplex Fish Pond – As the name suggests, this pond is located next to the Crosslink County Sportsplex in Clairmont with its skating rinks, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds. The two fishing docks and walking path around the pond are perfect for catching a few trout while killing time between your kids’ games.

Cecil Thompson Pond – This pond is right outside of Peace River. The ACA aerates this pond through the winter to help with survival. There is also a playground and bouncy inflatable mat for the kids.

Cecil Thompson Pond

ACA, Dave Jackson

Kids Can Catch

Trying to introduce fishing to kids and don’t know where to start? Keep an eye out for local Kids Can Catch events.

The events are hosted yearly and provide everythingthey’ll need to get started. Check out ab-conservation.com/events/kids-can-catch/ for more details.

If you’re interested in setting up a Kids Can Catchevent in your community, please contact Ken Kranrodat ken.kranrod@ab-conservation.com.