Northern Boreal Alberta Fishing 2017

Northern Boreal

Fish Stocking page 34 Try our Free Mobile App!

Free local fishing maps, articles, and much more online. Sign up today!

2017

3rd Edition

Mitsue Lake Lake Trout This laker was hauled out of Mitsue Lake, AB. Jeff seems happy with his catch.

WINNER

50,000+ FREE MAPS

ON WEBSITE AND MOBILE APP

Carson Dudley

For the best choice and price, we have the essential

FISHING AND HUNTING GEAR

FOR YOUR OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE Visit the local Edmonton and surrounding area stores now.

Namao St Albert

For days like today TM

For days like today TM

Kingsway Downtown

Fort Rd For days like today TM

Capilano

For days like today TM

Edmonton

Spruce Grove For days like today TM

For days like today TM

West Edmonton

For days like today TM

Sherwood Park For days like today TM

For days like today TM

Go to canadiantire.ca to view all product listings.

South Common

Mill Woods

For days like today TM

For days like today TM

Windermere

For days like today TM

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AT CANADIAN TIRE.

ALBERTA

Leduc For days like today TM

Currents of Windermere 6014 Currents Dr NW, Edmonton (780) 436-6774

West Edmonton Namao 9909 178th Street, Edmonton 9603 - 162nd Avenue (780) 444-1816 Edmonton (780) 495-9696 Kingsway Downtown

South Edmonton Common 2110 101 St NW, Edmonton (780) 438-4921

11839 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton (780) 413-8473

Capilano, 9847 - 50th Street NW Edmonton (780) 461-2220

Mill Woods Town Centre Mall, 2331 66 St NW #400, Edmonton (780) 438-4921

Fort Road 13211 Fort Road, Edmonton (780) 473-2394

Sherwood Park, 169 Ordze Avenue, Sherwood Park (780) 449-1577

St. Albert, 40 Bellerose Drive, St. Albert (780) 459-5545 Leduc, 5402 Discovery Way Leduc (780) 986-5229 Spruce Grove, 38 McLeod Avenue Spruce Grove (780) 962-1444

s.

G

bert

ay

d

W

IN

NE

R!

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER!

Carson Dudley’s photo of this gorgeous lake trout from Mitsue Lake is our cover photo this year!

FEATURES

9 22 29 34 page

33

Walleye Draws

Several lakes require special walleye draw licenses for fishing walleye. Baptiste Lake is one of these. Find out more on page 9.

$125,000 Angler’s Cup

Lesser Slave Lake is home to the $125,000 Angler’s Cup, taking place June 16 and 17, 2017. Read more on pages 22-23.

Trophy Lake

Siebert Lake is designated as a trophy lake.

Find out what this means for anglers on page 29.

Fish Stocking

We’ve got all of the fish stocking information for the Northern Boreal Region on page 34.

ATHABASCA

This incredible river has all kinds of fishing. Find out more on pages 33-34.

Northern Boreal KEY MAP

N

orthern Boreal takes its name from the forest that dominates the landscape of northern Alberta. It’s a wooded and watery expanse that encompasses all of the upper half of the province. Its four watershed zones, NB1-4, encompass most of the lakes in Alberta.

There is so much walleye and pike fishing in northern Alberta that anglers will want to take advantage of trout where available.The northern pothole lakes represent one such opportunity. Dolberg and Moose Lakes are good trout lakes, and the Athabasca River is an excellent trout river.

Pike and walleye are fun targets, and perch, arctic grayling and burbot are also plentiful and enticing in many of the lakes in the Northern Boreal Region.

Fawcett and Pinehurst Lakes, as well as Lac la Nonne, are great places to explore for a departure from the ordinary.

Speaking of exploration, Winnefred Lake is just one of the hundreds of lakes that can take you away from it all.

Make sure you have good road maps and backup supplies if you plan to trek to out-of-the-way spots.

For families, occasional anglers and those new to the sport, free fishing weekends offer a chance to get their feet wet twice a year. On two weekends, once in July and once in February, anyone can fish in Alberta without a licence. The weekends coincide with National Fishing Day in summer and Alberta Family Day in winter in the interest of encouraging wider participation in fishing.

We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos! Post your fishing stories on The Angler’s Atlas brand new website. We have some awesome new search features, and great fish species information. Plus, if you recruit your friends, you can enter to win prizes! See www.anglersatlas.com for information.

AP

ts.

rt, free wice a y, anys coinFamily ipation

st your te. We species to win

Pike and walleye are fun targets, and perch, arctic grayling and burbot are also plentiful and enticing in many of the lakes in the Northern Boreal Region.

PUBLISHER

Sean Simmons

PRODUCTION

Kathy Buhler, Jane Gauthier, Eric Pinfold, Jamie Svendsen, Alison Warner

CONTRIBUTORS

Cam Clark, John Cryan, Kevin Dergez, Brian Hamilton, Ray Kohlruss, Brad Kowald, Members of The Angler’s Atlas, Members of iFish Alberta

DIGITAL + DESIGN

Joel Knudsen, Clayton Green, Adan Uribe, Denise Tade, Eric Pinfold, Matt McLean, Raja Gunasekaran

ADVERTISING

Interested in advertising? Get in touch with us and we will develop an integrated program suited to your needs.

Angler’s Atlas is owned by Goldstream Publishing Inc. Suite 210-500 Victoria Street Prince George, BC V2L 2J9 (250) 596-6277 mail@anglersatlas.com AnglersAtlas.com Northern Boreal Fishing, 2017: 3rd edition

LEARN MORE, SIGN-UP & DOWNLOAD

AnglersAtlas.com DOWNLOAD

THE APP

FREE!

Nor

Winefred Lake 12280 Hectares (30344 Acres)

W

inefred Lake’s reputation rests with its consistently trophy-sized northern pike --fish of 20 lbs. or more are not uncommon --and walleye.

17 metres (50 feet)

landed more pike and walleye than he knew what to do with.

Check out the Angler’s Atlas page for Winefred Winefred lies in the south- Lake at anern Regional Municipality of g l e r s a t Wood Buffalo between Cold l a s . c o m / Lake and Fort McMurray.

The lake offers excellent fishing for lake whitefish, burbot, and pickerel.

All year long, the fishing is fabulous in Winefred Lake.

Some of the best fishing, in fact, is during the winter through the ice.

594 metres (1,782 feet)

Unknown

place/102100/winefred for more information, or to post your own photos and fishing tips.

Feet

Hwy. 881 north from Lac La Biche for approximately 100 km.

At the sign to Winefred Lake Lodge, turn east onto a gravel road and follow it for 70km In the open water until it reaches Winefred season, try troll- Lake. A 4WD is recommending back and forth ed. across the small bay in the northeast side.

LAKE ACCESS

W

inefred is a five-hour drive from Edmonton. Follow Secondary

Angler’s Atlas members have posted several pictures of the monster fish in Winefred Lake. Member gogogomez reports that jigging with a Five of Diamonds

Northern Boreal 2017

4808 - 53rd Avenue, Barrhead, (780) 674-2551 5006 - 55th Street, Cold Lake, (780) 594-3399 9240 - 102nd Avenue, Fairview, (780) 835-3900 9511 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray, (780) 743-0292 Bay C - 225 MacKay Crescent, Fort McMurray, (780) 790-6039 1111 Main Street, Grassland, (780) 525-2220 5101 - 57th Avenue, Grimshaw, (780) 332-2456 Unit 1, 5902 - 51st Street, Grimshaw, (780) 332-4040 11102 - 100th Street, La Crete, (780) 928-3460 Page 7 10307 - 101st Avenue, Lac La Biche, (780) 623-3341 401 - 1st Street SW, Manning, (780) 836-3014

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Amisk Lake 515 Hectares (1273 Acres)

60 metres (180 feet)

16 metres (48 feet)

A

misk means, “abundance of beaver,” in Cree. Amisk Lake lies at the western edge of the Beaver River drainage basin.

Long and narrow, the lake comprises two basins nestled in the woods of picturesque Athabasca county.

The larger basin, the south basin, is 60 metres deep while the north basin is 34 metres deep.

Fishing has declined in recent years but the lake is still known for producing plenty of walleye. Both walleye and northern pike must be released.

Members of The Angler’s Atlas have posted several markers for Amisk Lake. Member marcel.s notes that there is good fishing along the western edge of the southern basin. Be careful here; member Xtreme also report warnings just to the north and south of the hotspot.

See the markers and warnings, as well as the locations of the two boat launches, at anglersatlas.com/place/101783/ amisk-lake.

Much of the shore remains undeveloped, and iFish Alberta user Dominic suggests “trolling along the shore, using a Five of Diamonds.”

Unknown

Feet

Skeleton Lake drains into Amisk Lake from the west, while Long Lake drains into Amisk Lake from the south. Waterfowl and shorebirds are abundant, especially in the shallow bays.

LAKE ACCESS

A

misk Lake is located in central Alberta approximately 175 km northeast of Edmonton and 15 km east of the village of Boyle, which lies south of Secondary Road 663.

The lake’s main axis runs northsouth.

A boat launch and day-use area are located on the north side.

Typical of deep parkland and boreal lakes in Alberta, Amisk has algae blooms and high phosphorous levels in mid to late summer.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 8

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

com

Baptiste Lake 981 Hectares (2,424 Acres)

28 metres (90 feet)

579 metres (1,900 feet)

B

aptiste Lake is a very productive, moderatesized lake in the County of Athabasca in central Alberta.

The lake is comprised of two basins joined by a long n e c k called the Narrows.

February 1981

Metres

limit is 15; Lake Whitefish There are three private camplimit is 10; and Burbot limit grounds and five summer vilis 10. lages on the lake. The sumBaptiste Lake is closed to all mer villages of Sunset Beach, South Baptiste and West Bapfishing Apr. 1 to May 14. tiste can be reached from a LAKE ACCESS gravel road that goes around ocated 165 km northwest the south end of the lake. of the city of Edmonton and 16 km west of the town of Athabasca. Take Hwy. 2 west from Athabasca and follow an access road around the south end of the lake to a boat launch on the southwest corner.

L

Baptiste Lake i s popular in the summer with its fishing, primarily for yellow perch, northern pike and walleye, as The summer village of White well as for boating and swim- Gull, located at the north end ming. of the lake, can be reached The walleye limit is zero, either from the ring road that except the holder of a goes around the south and special Fish Harvest Li- west sides of the lake or from cence and tags. Those a separate exit directly off license holders may Hwy. 2 at the north end of the retain walleye of a lake. The summer village of size, number and Whispering Hills, located on at the times speci- the east side of the Narrows, fied on the licence. has a separate exit from Hwy. The pike limit is 1 2. The road used to reach it over 63 cm; Perch does not connect with the ring road.

AB Angler's Atlas_banner.pdf

1

2017-05-02

3:39 PM

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

Want insider tips for your Prince George, BC adventure? Stop by our Visitor Centre for info on local eateries, shops, cultural attractions, and accommodations. You can even borrow a fishing rod, tackle box, PFD, or ice auger - all for free!

C

M

Y

CM

MY

Our gear, your adventure.

CY

CMY

K

1300 1st Avenue | 1-800-668-7646

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 9

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Beaver Lake 3310 Hectares (8180 Acres)

15 metres (45 feet)

Unknown

L

ocated south of Lac La Biche, Beaver Lake is popular for boating and fishing.

Beaver Lake’s main sport fish species are northern pike, yellow perch, and walleye. The lake also supports commercial

learn more, sign-up & download

AnglersAtlas.com 70,000 free maps Contests • Newsletters

GET OUR NEW APP

FREE!

Unknown

Feet

and domestic fisheries for lake about these spots, see anglersatwhitefish. las.com/place/101806/beaverThe Angler’s Atlas page for lake.

Beaver Lake is packed full of great information, especially for hot spots, boat launches, and warning spots.

Each year during the August long weekend, the nearby town of Lac La Biche holds the Blue Feather Fish Derby on Beaver Beaver Lake’s varied underwa- Lake. As many as 2,000 anglers ter structure provides excellent compete for major prizes. fish habitat, and many of the LAKE ACCESS best spots can be found near rom Edmonton, take Hwy. or around the islands.

28 north and east to Hwy. Some of this excellent 36, then drive north to the town habitat is also some of of Lac La Biche. the more hazardous for boaters. Under- A secondary road extends from water rocks and Hwy. 36 to the northwest end of thick weeds the lake, where the community can eas- of Beaver Lake is located. ily catch Beaver Lake Provincial Recreation Area area has 140 campsites, pump water, docks and boat launches, and a day-use area with a picnic shelter, tables and firepits. The park does not have a sandy beach or designated swimming area, but that doesn’t discourage swimmers.

F

boats and hooks. For details

For maps or for more information about Beaver Lake Provincial Park, visit www. albertaparks.ca.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 10

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

com

Calling Lake 14,282 Hectares (35,290 Acres)

C

alling Lake is a large, attractive recreational lake noted for its sandy shoreline.

The main sport fish are northern pike, yellow perch and walleye.

“It’s no secret where the fish are biting in this lake; there are usually quite a few boats anchored right off the provincial boat launch,” says Brad Kowald, Angler’s Atlas field volunteer.

16 metres (52 feet)

594 metres (1,949 feet)

Unknown

Lake at anglersatlas.com/ place/101830/calling-lake.

Hint: there are several markers for hot spots posted on the map “We had a few nice pike there! throughout the day, too, for Please be mindful of Alberta the most part in the 60-70 cm provincial regulations for fish range, although it seemed they quotas. would bite more often when we drifted into shallower water LAKE ACCESS anywhere from 6-10 ft. alling Lake is located bout Check out the 200 km north of EdmonAngler’s Atton.

The town of Athabasca, 55 las page km to the south, is the closest for Callcentre.

The hamlet of Calling i n g Lake is located on the lake’s eastern shore.

Kowald and his friends Dann and Frank headed out and picked up several nice walleye using deep diving crank bait.

Feet

ondary Road 813 north to the hamlet and provincial park.

Calling Lake Provincial Park is a 741-hectare area the southern shore. The park is open from May to September and has 25 campsites, flush toilets, tap water, a boat launch, swimming and a picnic area.

C

From Edmonton, take Hwy. 2 north to Athabasca, then Sec-

Edmonton Dealer Group Namao St Albert Kingsway Downtown

Fort Rd

For days like today TM

Capilano For days like today TM

Spruce Grove

Edmonton West Edmonton

For days like today TM

Sherwood Park

For days like today TM

For days like today TM For days like today TM

For days like today TM

South Common

Mill Woods

For days like today TM

Windermere Leduc

For days like today TM

• • • • • • • • • • • •

For days like today TM

Capilano Currents of Windermere Kingsway Downtown Fort Road Leduc Mill Woods Town Centre Mall Namao Sherwood Park South Edmonton Common Spruce Grove St. Albert West Edmonton For days like today TM

For days like today TM

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 11

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Cold Lake 37,300 Hectares (92,167 Acres)

C

old Lake has the distinction of being one of the best fishing lakes in two provinces. With a surface area of over 92,000 acres and a maximum depth of 325 feet this is not a lake to skip. A fishing trip every angler needs, Cold Lake can accommodate every skill and experience level. Whether you enjoy ice-fishing, fly-fishing, or trolling from a boat, Cold Lake needs to be on your list of places to visit!

99 metres (325 feet)

535 metres (1,605 feet)

Cold Lake is packed full of a variety of fish species including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and burbot. However, what makes Cold Lake special, is its thriving lake trout population. Of the lakes in the area, Cold Lake is the only waterbody in which anglers can target these trout.

Unknown

for success when looking for lake trout. During fall and spring, Brian Hamilton of Hamilton House Bed and Breakfast Inn suggests trolling with white spoons and herring heads. However, in the summer, best to use a downrigger paired with anchovies and Five of Diamond spoons.

The most sought after species of the lake, trolling and downrig- Northern pike are the best fish to ging are an angler’s best chance target if you are a beginner angler, or looking to teach a child how to fish. They can be found all over the shoreline in 10-30 feet of water. Cam Clark, owner of O-Fishial Business suggests trolling with spoons or spinners. On a calm day, casting works well too.

Feet

LAKE ACCESS

C

old Lake is located north-east, and falls along the Alberta/ Saskatchewan border. Just 170 km north of Lloydminster and 300 km northeast of Edmonton the most popular routes follow Hwys 28 or 55. Both routes will lead right into the city, just minutes from the beach, marina, or downtown amenities.

There are many access points into the lake including Cold Lake Provincial Park and Cold Lake Marina. In addition, there are public use launches for small motorized or car-top boats at French Bay and English Bay.

If looking for a challenge however, Clark jokes

that walleye are “the houdinis of the lake.” They are very hard to locate as they are constantly on the move. He recommends looking for natural, underwater structures like rock piles or islands that provide a lot of cover and suggests jig trolling with leeches or crank baits. Early spring and and late fall are the best times to look for walleye.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 13

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Dolberg Lake 33 Hectares (82 Acres)

D

olberg Lake is a popular fishing spot northwest of Barrhead. Each year, the lake is stocked with 18,000 rainbow trout, helping to sustain a thriving fishery.

11 metres (36 feet)

Unknown

Another Angler’s Atlas user, lancetay, jokes, “there are no fish here, nothing to see, move along,” while holding a fat 6- to 8-lb. rainbow.

iFish Alberta user Dickweed reports “nice rainbows, power bait marshmallows and pink or green trout power bait, on snell hook and bobber, just keeping it easy “Good little lake, good fish- for the kids.” ing” writes Angler’s Atlas user Some of the best fishing here is martin78. “[I] will definitely be in the fall. Fly fishing can be parback.” ticularly productive when the waterboatmen are hatching.

Bait is permitted in Dolberg Lake and trout will often key in on shrimp or maggots, particularly for ice fishing.

Unknown

Feet

roughly 18 km from the town.

Turn right onto Hwy. 655 and follow it about 25 km. Hwy. 655 takes a sharp turn left at about 3 km, then follows a straight line to the lake, where there is a boat launch.

The Angler’s Atlas page for Dolberg Lake is at anglersatlas.com/ place/101867/dolberg-lake.

There you’ll find the location of the hot spot along the southern shore, as well as photos and other useful map markers.

LAKE ACCESS

L

ocated northwest of Edmonton. Take Hwy. 16 west to Highway 43, and turn right.

Continue along this road for 25 km to Hwy. 33, and turn right.

Follow this route 43 km north to Barrhead, then west along Hwy. 18 to secondary Hwy. 655, Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 14

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

com

Fawcett Lake 33 Hectares (82 Acres)

F

11 metres (36 feet)

Unknown

awcett Lake can be an angler’s dream. There are so many opportunities, the question will be how to keep up with them all.

Ray Kohlruss from Reel Angling Adventures, says that Fawcett is a big lake, and the best locations will depend on such

minnows, or small perch hooks with maggots.

“Pike will go after just about anything,” says Kohlruss, but a starting point is a small jig head and minnow. Head about 100 feet out from the boat launch, down up to 30 feet deep. The pike in Fawcett Lake are in about the 6 lb range, though some as big as 25 lbs have been known to come

things as weather and time of day. It also depends on the species you target.

When going after perch, Kohlruss suggests a Marmish hook tipped with maggots, meal worms or minnows. Head down between 15 and 30 feet, and try to stay near the steep drop-offs.

The rocks around the islands are also good locations, as the rocks will act as cover. Try the east end of the lake near the boat launch, too, for a good starting point.

If walleye are more your thing, Kohlruss emphasises that smaller is better. “With walleye, less is more,” he says. Try small pink ladies, jigs tipped with

out.

Burbot are an excellent ice-fishing target.

Kohlruss says that in warmer weather they’re more river fish than lake fish. In winter, however, they are feeding heavily in the lakes and are growing more than they do in warmer weather. They spawn in February, he says, and that is the perfect time to head out for a day of ice fishing.

Please make sure you consult the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations before heading out.

Fawcett Lake has several different regulations in place, and there is a closure in effect on the northeast side for part of the spring.

Unknown

Feet

A guided trip is also a great idea. Ray Kohlruss of Reel Angling Adventures, guides in many north-central area lakes, including Fawcett. Check out his website at reelangling.com.

LAKE ACCESS

T

o reach Fawcett Lake, start from the town of Smith, 123 km north of Westlock or 73 km east of Slave Lake.

Once in Smith, cross the river and follow the signs east and north for 27 km to Fawcett Lake.

Fawcett Lake Provincial Recreation Area is located on the west side of the lake and includes 58 campsites, though they are unserviced. The park also includes a day use area and boat launches.

RecRuit & Recruit members and qualify to win weekly Bass Pro Gift Cards*. Visit the “Contests” tab on anglersatlas.com for more information.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

GET OUR NEW APP

APP FEATURES

FREE!

• NEW for 2017...fish species information included!

• Private groups to share with just your buddies.

• Downloadable maps that work offline.

• Instagram like feed of the favourite fishing places you are following.

• A personal log to keep track of all your fishing activity!

Northern Boreal 2017

learn more, sign-up & download

AnglersAtlas.com

Page 15

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Island Lake 790 Hectares (1,952 Acres)

I

sland Lake provides habitat for some of Alberta’s largest bird species, and where there are waterfowl, there are fish.

While northern pike are considered the main sport fish species in the lake, anglers can sometimes catch walleye, even when casting from the dock. Ice fishing for perch during the winter is also popular.

21 metres (70 feet)

603 metres (1,977 feet)

provides healthy spawning and feeding habitat, enabling many fish species to live in the lake.

Lake whitefish are exceptionally large in Island Lake, but they can be fussy. This is a good time to experiment with your lures or flies.

One of the islands is home to a colony of great blue herons.

On another island, the trees suport immense eagle nests.

September 1967

Feet

area, the other at the campground.

O yo

Island Lake Campground offers a day-use area, boat launch, dock, pier, firewood and a fish-cleaning station.

There are 11 unserviced campsites with well water.

There is no public access by veDensely rooted vegetation Island Lake Days are celebrat- h i c l e in regions around the lake ed each July. to the south shore.

LAKE ACCESS

T

he lake is located in the County of Athabasca, about 20 km northwest of the town of Athabasca.

introducing

the new Angler’s AtlAs

website

The lake’s west side is accessible from Hwy. 2, which passes north through Athabasca from Edmonton then along Island Lake enroute to the town of Slave Lake.

There are several public access points on the west shores at the Summer Villages. On the east shore, there are two boat launches, one at the day-use

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 16

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

com

Our gear, your adventure.

Want insider tips and tricks for your Prince George adventure?

Stop by our Visitor Centre for info on local eateries, shops, cultural attractions and accommodations. You can even borrow a fishing rod and tackle box, life jacket, or ice auger - all for free!

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 17

#101-1300 First Avenue FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com 1-800-668-7646

Lac La Biche 1180 Hectares (2916 Acres)

L

ac La Biche is a picturesque lake most popular for its walleye and northern pike fishing.

Perch are also caught in the lake.

Because of its popu-

25 metres (82 feet)

544 metres (1,632 feet)

Unknown

the walleye fishery is catch Ewashko also reports that and release only. a small Rattling Rap did the While the perch can be more trick for him when he was tarplentiful at times, pike fish- getting pike.

Metres

know of the location of specific hazards, post them at anglersatlas.com/ place/101945/lac-la-biche.

The best time for fishing here is spring and fall, although ice fishing is a big draw as well.

ing brings with it the excite- Lac La Biche is relatively ment of landing the big one. shallow and in many parts can Angler’s Atlas member be weedy during the summer gogogomez reports that he months. It’s especially im“can’t keep the pike off portant to note that there are LAKE ACCESS the hook,” using many places in Lac La Biche ocated in the town of a Five of Dia- where caution is warranted if Lac La Biche, the lake is you’re boating.

These maps monds. roughly 225 km northeast of are for general use, and Edmonton along Hwys. 28 if you and 36.

L

There are several commercial campsites/accommodations situated along the lake.

Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is located on the large peninsula on the southeast side of the lake and includes the surrounding islands. The park has 72 campsites.

larity and abundance of fish, the angling pressure can be intense.

Lac La Biche is stocked with nearly 25,000 walleye, part of efforts to rehabilitate the lake. Lac La Biche is not part of the walleye tag system and

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 18

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

com

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 19

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Lac La Nonne 1,191 Hectares (2,943 Acres)

20 metres (65 feet)

Unknown

August 1961

Feet

W

alleye, pike, perch, whitefish and burbot are all caught in Lac La Nonne. Lac La Nonne is a tagged lake for walleye, which means that anglers need to win a special tag to allow for walleye fishing.

Perch are easy to catch in Lac La Nonne, and can provide a great introduction to angling. Northern pike are also big catches during the summer, as well as during the winter for ice fishing.

Angler’s Atlas member ChadBullock reports: “20 big perch on ice! My Dad and I had a killer day on the ice. For 45 minutes I couldn’t drop a hook without smacking a jumbo perch!

The smallest one we caught on the day was 10 inches and the biggest was 15 inches! We let that big girl go! My greatest perch day of my young fishing career!” learn more, sign-up & download

AnglersAtlas.com 70,000 free maps Contests • Newsletters

GET OUR NEW APP

FREE!

See his report, as well as others, at anglersatlas.com/ place/101946/lac-la-nonne.

This well-developed lake is a great place to take the kids because it offers a variety of recreation on and off the water.

LAKE ACCESS

F

ollow Hwy. 16 west to Hwy. 43, and turn right. Continue along this road for nearly 25 km to Hwy. 33 at the town of Tributaries are closed to sport Gunn. Turn right again. fishing for a designated period Lac La Nonne is located on the west side of during April and May. Most of the highway, about 25 km from the last turnoff. the lake is free of boating re- Access to the lake is via one of the side roads leading strictions, but there are posted off the highway. areas where boats are prohibited or where power boats have Angler’s Atlas user shaggy99 recommends the “willow bend private boat launch. It costs $20 to put your boat in [but] it is the best limited speeds of 12 km/hr. launch on the lake and for those with larger boats, it is worth the $20.” Most of the lake’s access points are privately owned.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 20

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

com

Long Lake 584 Hectares (1443 Acres)

9 metres (27 feet)

L

534 metres (1,752 feet)

ong Lake is a pretty lake set in a steep-sided, heavily wooded valley in the County of Thorhild. The lake follows a glacial meltwater channel through a steep-sided, forested valley.

Unknown

to take kids. As user Pike22 suggests, “fishing from shore would be difficult at best as the weeds are quite established.

Fishing from the flotation pier is possible but can’t accommodate many people.”

Feet

cleaning stations, volleyball nets, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds.

In addition to the 220 campsites in the provincial park, there are several commercial campgrounds/accommodations located around the lake.

LAKE ACCESS ong Lake is located 130 A golf course and ski hill are km northeast of Edmonton also nearby. and 15 km south of the village of Boyle.

Anglers at Long Lake find the pike and walleye fishing rewarding even if they are on the small side. Whitefish and yellow perch are also found in Long Lake, but fishing can be To reach the lake from Edslower. monton, take Hwy. 28 to Hwy. Brad Kowald, an Angler’s 63. Drive north on Hwy. 63 to Atlas field volunteer based out Newbrook, then east on Secof Edmonton, says jigging is a ondary Road 661 for 13 km productive technique in what is and north on Secondary Road generally a catch-and-release 831 for 7 km. fishery.

Turn east onto the entrance “[Long Lake] mostly has road to Long Lake Provincial smaller pike and a few wall- Park. The park’s campground eye. That’s what most people gets high marks from local ancatch a lot. The limit is 63 cm glers, especially from boaters, and you’d be lucky to get one who like its lakeshore campthat’s 63 cm.” sites.

Long lake has been locally Long Lake Provincial Park popular for recreational use was established through the since the early part of the 20th efforts of the local communicentury. ty in 1957. The park includes

L

Multiple iFish Alberta users many amenities, like swimpraise the lake as being great ming areas, boat launches, fish

Edmonton Dealer Group Namao St Albert Kingsway Downtown

Fort Rd

For days like today TM

Capilano For days like today

Spruce Grove

TM

Edmonton West Edmonton

For days like today TM

Sherwood Park

For days like today TM

For days like today TM For days like today TM

For days like today TM

South Common

Mill Woods

For days like today TM

Windermere Leduc

For days like today TM

• • • • • • • • • • • •

For days like today TM

Capilano Currents of Windermere Kingsway Downtown Fort Road Leduc Mill Woods Town Centre Mall Namao Sherwood Park South Edmonton Common Spruce Grove St. Albert West Edmonton For days like today TM

For days like today TM

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 21

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Lesser Slave Lake (West) 118,659Hectares (293,212Acres)

K

nown as “the fishing hub of the north,” Lesser Slave Lake - Alberta’s largest accessible waterbody - is Alberta’s walleye capital!

Walleye are the most popular fish in Lesser Slave Lake, though whitefish, burbot, yellow perch and pike also provide ample opportunity for a catch.

John Cryan of Canadian Tire Slave Lake says that ice fishing is best to fish for walleye and pike. As a general rule, Cryan says that early mornings and evenings are when the fish are most active.

21 metres (69 feet)

578 metres (1,734 feet)

Cryan says the ideal time for walleye is during the first two weeks of freeze over and just as the ice is coming off the lake. These fish are light sensitive so may be harder to find in bright sunlight. Walleye can be fished right along the shoreline, or can be found along the sandy or rocky shoals.

Cryan states that the most common baits used for walleye include night crawlers, leeches, or minnows.

Keep in mind that regulations prohibit the use of live minnows. Cryan recommends using a jig tipped minnow or leech with a bottom bouncer.

August 1970

“Medium sized crankbaits are also effective,” he notes.

Pike may be targeted during winter, spring, and summer. They feed on small walleye and other baitfish, so look for baitfish when locating pike. Avoid areas with heavy weed growth and look for underwater structure like rocks or sand.

Spoons of all sizes and colours work well for pike, as well as medium or large crankbaits. Cryan says that larger spinner or spinner baits also work well.

Feet

For anglers who are looking for a challenge, burbot can be extremely fickle and hard to actively target.

They are found most often in the winter time, however they are fussy.

Spinners and spoons are your best bet, but patience is an angler’s best tool when fishing for burbot. Despite the ugly appearance, burbot are very tasty, making for some bragging rights and a great meal!

There are a number of rivers and tributaries of Lesser Slave lake including Lesser Slave River, South Heart River and Travers Creek.

Cryan says that a great place to start your hunt for walleye or pike is at the mouth of the

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 22

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

com

Lesser Slave Lake Lake (East) 118,659Hectares (293,212Acres)

Lesser Slave River, up to ½ km up the river.

Fly-fishing is growing in popularity. Pike can be taken on the fly early into the season. As well, arctic grayling are an exciting and fun fish on the fly. They can be found in the Lesser Slave River. Make sure to check the regulations for lakes and rivers before heading out.

For anglers looking to show off their skills, the 2017 Canadian Tire Slave Lake Angler’s Cup will be held June 16-17, 2017.

This is a catch a n d

21 metres (69 feet)

578 metres (1,734 feet)

release walleye tournament, and there will be $120,000 worth of cash and prizes to be won, based on 120 teams participation. Proceeds go toward the Slave Lake Fire Department. Check out www. anglerscup.ca for more information and to register. Show off your skills and have some fun!

Make sure to visit John Cryan or any of the knowledgeable staff at Canadian Tire Slake Lake. Cryan notes, “we have a wide variety of

August 1970

fishing gear including kids’ fishing rods all the way up the the expert angler. We stock a full assortment of fishing and camping accessories and sell live bait including night crawlers, leeches and frozen minnows. Meal worms and frozen minnows are available during ice fishing season.”

LAKE ACCESS

T

here are a number of campgrounds and marinas located on or close to Lesser Slave Lake including Norm’s Walleye Camp and RV Park, The Point Campground & Marina, and Spruce Point Park.

From Edmonton, drive north on Hwy 2 for about 56 km. Turn left at Hwy 18. At Westlock, turn right onto Hwy 44 (104th street).

Continue on Hwy 44 for about 104

Feet

km, and then for approximately 100 km after Hwy 44 merges again with Hwy 2. Follow the signs for various access points along the lake.

From Slave Lake, drive west along Hwy 2 for 100 km and then turn north onto Hwy 750 for approximately 30 km until reaching Hilliard’s Bay. The campground has 164 sites, a day use area, and a boat launch.

The communities of Widewater, Joussard, Faust, and Kinuso all make good locations for outfitting, hiring a guide, and finding accommodations.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 23

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Moose Lake 4,080 Hectares (10,081 Acres)

L

arge and lovely, Moose Lake supports a healthy population of lake trout and walleye, both of which tend to prefer to cooler water temperatures.

The Moose Lake Walleye Classic is held each year at the end of June, and the lake is a great spot for family fishing. While not exceptionally deep, the lake has some varied shoreline and steep dropoffs.

20 metres (65 feet)

534 metres (1,752 feet)

iFish Alberta user Toad9414 recommends to “look at the depth chart and troll the channel that runs between the two shallow spots. [We caught] 32 fish in four hours!”

LAKE ACCESS

M

Unknown

oose Lake lies northwest of Bonnyville.

From the town, follow Hwy. 41 north for five kilometres.

Then turn left on Secondary Moose Lake is also home to Hwy. 660 and continue for burbot, whitefish, pike, and another 10 km. perch. Catch limits and cer- At this point, a side road leadtain regulations are specific ing to Moose Lake Provinto Moose Lake. Please be cial Park appears on sure to familiarize yourself the left side of the with limits and closures road. before heading out.

Feet

Follow this road for about two kilometres until it reaches the park. The campground has 52 sites, a boat launch, and a pier.

introducing

the new Angler’s AtlAs

website Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 24

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

com

Muriel Lake 6410 Hectares (15839 Acres)

M

uriel Lake fish populations struggled for years because the lake level was gradually but significantly falling. Then came a double whammy --a winter fish kill in 2010-2011. Despite having lost half of its depth and most of its fish, the lake can still give up the occasional pike.

11 metres (33 feet)

559 metres (1,677 feet)

Authorities tend to blame this situation on dry climate conditions since the 1980s but local residents believe there is more behind the problem, citing industry and development.

LAKE ACCESS:

M

Unknown

Feet

Hwys. 28 and 41, at 55th Street in Bonnyville, turn south onto the Gurneyville Road. This road joins Secondary Road 657 south of the locality of Gurneyville on the western side of the lake.

uriel Lake is 13 km south of the town of Bonnyville and 200 km northeast of Edmonton. From Edmonton, follow Hwys. 28 and 28A north and east to The fish kill five years ago Bonnyville.

This is also the access to was linked to the shallow- At Muriel Lake Provincial Recthe ness of the lake and may have j u n c reation Area. The recreation extirpated the perch, walleye tion of area has 22 unserviced sites.

According to the Muriel Lake and whitefish.

Management Society, the level of the lake has dropped four metres from 1975 levels.

At its deepest, Muriel is only five metres deep, about half of what it was when the lake supported thriving sport, domestic, and commercial fisheries. All began to decline in the 1970s along with the lake levels.

RecRuit &

Recruit members and qualify to win weekly Bass Pro Gift Cards*. Visit the “Contests” tab on anglersatlas.com for more information.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 25

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

North Buck Lake 1900 Hectares (4695 Acres)

6.1 metres (20 feet)

Unknown

N

orth Buck Lake is a large, shallow lake northeast of Edmonton.

Like many shallow lakes, North Buck is best fished early or late in the season.

North Buck Lake is home to perch and pike. Pike prefer weedier areas and will ambush their prey. They are also indiscriminate feeders and tend to

Unknown

Feet

During the summer, though, LAKE ACCESS one iFish Alberta user, proporth Buck Lake (not to per71 writes, “small jack evbe confused with Buck erywhere. Any type of spoon Lake) is located northeast of works.

Smaller Edmonton. Follow Hwy. 28 for perch straight off 1 5 5 boat launch. km to Fun weekM e end.” warth Beach.

Turn right and head east along secondary Hwy. 663 and continue roughly 15 km to the community of Caslan.

N

foll o w a wide variety of lures. Their teeth are razor sharp and they are strong fighters. Bear this in mind when selecting your gear.

Perch are eager biters as well, though not as fierce as pike.

They are fun for kids to catch.

This makes perch a bonus for families because they are small, enabling young anglers to confidently handle them.

Then turn right and head north onto a side road leading to North Buck Lake Recreation Area. A public boat launch and overnight camping are available. The park has 125 sites.

Most iFish Alberta users discuss tips for ice fishing in winter. The lake is popular for ice fishing.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

T B m

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 26

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

com

RadiumHotSprings.com | 888.347.9331

Find Your Peace by Getting Caught in the Moment!

Towering canyons, high mountain passes and exquisite natural vistas will greet you on a trip to Radium Hot Springs BC. Nothing can beat a soak in our world-famous hot springs after a great day of fishing. Clear water streams, stocked mountain lakes, and a variety of flowing wrivers make Radium worth being discovered.

@TourismRadium

@Tourism.Radium

@Tourism_Radium

Pinehurst Lake 4,089 Hectares (10,104 Acres)

23.5 metres (40 feet)

599 metres (1,965 feet)

P

a line from northwest to southeast. The prevailing winds are from the northwest. Strong winds can and do create dangerous waAngler’s Atlas members obtech, ter at the souteast end of the lake. andersdd and jleskow all report Pay attention to the winds.” great fishing at Pinehurst Lake, These tips and more can be and their walleye photos show found on the Angler’s Atlas website at anglersatlas.com/ good catches.

As well, rbrady and bo_sullivan place/102022/pinehurst-lake. inehurst is known for producing some hefty northern pike, along with walleye, yellow perch, lake whitefish and burbot.

report some great fishing among A portion of the lake around the bays on the eastern side.

Snug Cove was closed to fishing “Pinehurst Lake is a large lake,” in 2014. Check the 2017 provinwrites fredalex. “It is oriented in cial regulations for updates.

LAKE ACCESS

P

August 1972

inehurst Lake is located 245 km northeast of the city of Edmonton. The town of Lac La Biche, which is the nearest large population centre, is 60 km to the northwest.

To reach the lake from Edmonton, take

Feet

Hwy. 28 north and east to the village of Vilna, then Hwy. 36 north to the Hwy. 55 intersection.

Follow Hwy. 55 for 5 km, then turn north onto a gravelled road, Range Road 132B that runs north for 2.5 km and then intersects with Township Road 652. Turn east and drive for around 25km.

Turn north on Range Road 113.

Follow this road for 5 km until it reaches the lake.

Pinehurst Lake campground, part of Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area, has 63 unservices sites, a boat launch, a day use area, and a fish cleaning station.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 28

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

com

Siebert Lake 3800 Hectares (9390 Acres)

S

iebert Lake, a wilderness lake in the Lakeland Region, attracts anglers for the promise of large northern pike. Walleye fishing can be rewarding too, if the big pike do not bite.

11 metres (33 feet)

6.9 metres (21 feet)

Officially designated a trophy lake in 1970, Seibert has the distinction of requiring a special licence. Anglers require a trophy waters fishing licence in addition to their provincial licence, unless they are under 16 years of age, or over 65.

Check the regulations for 2017 updates.

Unknown

are not permitted. Inlet and outlet streams are closed to fishing during a designated period in April and May.

Feet

with picnic tables and a picnic shelter. The campground is unserviced.

For more information, visit iFish Alberta user Wall rec- www.albertaparks.ca. ommends to try a few casts in “8-12 feet of water with jigs.

[The] big walleye [keep biting].”

LAKE ACCESS

S

iebert Lake is located 265 km northeast of Edmonton and 100 km east of the town of Fishing for Lac La Biche. bait and use From Edmonton, take Hwy. 28 o f and 28A northeast to Secondbait ary Road 881. Drive north to fish Hwy. 55, then turn east and drive for about 6 km until an improved road that runs north.

This leads to Siebert Lake Forest Recreation Area on the southeast shore.

Ice anglers take note: the road is not plowed regularly in winter.

Siebert Lake Forest Recreation Area is open from May to September and offers 43 campsites, pump water, a beach, a boat launch, and a day use area Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 29

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Skeleton Lake 789 Hectares (1,950 Acres)

17 metres (56 feet)

S

keleton Lake is a local and regional focal point for water-based recreation, and offers great fishing in all seasons. The lake is popular for pike, perch and walleye.

Angler’s Atlas member thejordanforsythe reports that the walleye fishing is good in Skeleton Lake, and has posted a photo of a fish caught while fishing from a kayak. Other members have posted some Edmonton Dealer Group Namao St Albert Kingsway Downtown

Fort Rd

For days like today TM

Capilano For days like today

Spruce Grove

TM

Edmonton West Edmonton

For days like today TM

Sherwood Park

For days like today TM

For days like today TM For days like today TM

For days like today TM

South Common

Mill Woods

For days like today TM

Windermere Leduc

For days like today TM

• • • • • • • • • • • •

For days like today TM

Capilano Currents of Windermere Kingsway Downtown Fort Road Leduc Mill Woods Town Centre Mall Namao Sherwood Park South Edmonton Common Spruce Grove St. Albert West Edmonton For days like today TM

For days like today TM

623 metres (1,869 feet)

great map markers. In particular, the bay at the north end of the lake can be very productive. See these posts and more at anglersatlas.com/ place/102046/skeleton-lake.

Unknown

Feet

Hwy. 28 northeast to Hwy. 63. Go north on Hwy. 63 to its junction with Secondary Road 663, turn east and drive until you are about 5 km past Boyle.

Please note that walleye must Local routes from Secbe released. The lake also has ondary Road 663 lead north to the summer burbot and lake whitefish.

The fishery is closed from villages of Mewatha April 1 to May 14th. From Beach and Bondiss.

May 15 to Mar. 31, Walleye Boat speeds are relimit is 0; Pike limit is 1 (no stricted to 12 km/h in size limit); Perch limit is 15; posted areas.

Lake Whitefish limit is 10; and the Burbot limit is 10.

The lake’s Cree name is a translation of a Cree phrase which means “place of the skeletons.” A Cree chief is said to be buried along the shores of the lake.

LAKE ACCESS

Skeleton Lake is located in the County of Athabasca, 160 km northeast of Edmonton and 6.5 km northeast of the village of Boyle. From Edmonton, take

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 30

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

com

Touchwood Lake 2900 Hectares (7166 Acres)

A

40 metres (120 feet)

623 metres (1,893 feet)

iFish Alberta user Rmillsfishing writes, “[I] love this lake, I’ve had really good luck early in the season and late in the season. [The] trick is water temperature. When Walleye and northern pike it’s cold, find the warm waare the main species caught ter, about 50 to 60F, and you in a popular sport fishery, will get them.” which has recovered since Likewise, Angler’s Atlas catch-and-release rules were user LacLaBicheSportingintroduced 20 years ago.

Goods posted a warning on the website for winter anglers: “Be careful when good departure point for many lakes in Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area, Touchwood Lake is set in the rolling, densely forested hills of northeast Alberta.

Unknown

travelling through the narrows because the ice can be much thinner than elsewhere. Water tends to move faster through this stretch of the lake, weakening the ice.” See their report and more at anglersatlas.com/ place/102071/touchwoodlake.

Feet

wood Lake is located 265 km northeast of Edmonton and 46 km northeast of Lac La Biche on Hwy. 663.

Touchwood Lake campground is open from May to September and offers 98 unserviced campsites, tap water, a beach, a day use area, and a boat launch. For more LAKE ACCESS information on Lakeland s with the other lakes Provincial Recreation Area, in Lakeland Provincial visit www.albertaparks.ca.

Recreation Area, Touch-

A

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 31

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Athabasca River

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of Alberta.

Northern Boreal 2017

Page 32

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

Nor

Athabasca River T

he Athabasca River, which originates from the Columbia icefield in Jasper National Park, is fished for walleye, Rocky Mountain whitefish and northern pike as well as bull, brown and rainbow trout.

Draining northward, the historic Athabasca journeys 1,231 km before it meets the Peace River. The river’s upper reaches, silty and swift, are not ideal fish habitat, but fly anglers do fish this stretch for Dolly Varden, Rocky Mountain whitefish and rainbows. Early spring and summer, when the river flows clearest, are best.

midsummer.

When lake fishing slows down at the height of summer, some anglers switch to fishing for northern pike in the river.

The Athabasca River is open to angling for only certain periods of time (check the regulations for different sections). A mercury advisory is in place for walleye caught downstream from Fort McMurray.

Check the regulations for details.

Kohlruss says that spring and late summer are the best times for fishing in the Athabasca River. Kohlruss operates his guiding service, fishing the river regularly.

You can also catch Arctic grayling, goldeye and burbot in the Atha- The Athabasca River is great for fishing both by boat or from the basca River. shore, and there are numerous Ray Kohlruss, from Reel Angling places to do so. If you’re going to Adventures, says that when you’re venture out into the river by boat, going after grayling, “they usually Kohlruss says he recommends uswill attack insects on the surface, ing a jet boat. and they like sitting along the fast and slow current areas. Most of For anglers wanting to get a feel the grayling I catch are on the tribu- for the river, Kohlruss advises that taries of the Athabasca. Small dry in general, there are some places flies, such as nymphs or hoppers to consider starting. He suggests work good for them. Most of the fishing the slow seams of the river grayling fishing is also closer to from the main current. the mountains, they prefer to stay It’s a good idea to look out for away from walleye. I would use sharp curves in the river, he says. a 4 wt. fly rod, also you can use a Try fishing near, “tributary rivers spinning rod with small spinners.” or creeks, back sloughs of the river

tions for how to find the best spots in a river. The inflows of creeks are good, they say, because the inflowing water will scour out deeper holes, making for prime walleye habitat.

With a river this size, there are dozens of potential launch points.

Kohlruss suggests the launches at Hinton, Blue Ridge, Fort Assiniboine, Klondike Ferry, Smith, Athabasca, Poacher’s Landing, and As well, darker colours can indicate Fort MacMurray. deeper holes, as can slower water, Ray Kohlruss has been fishing the since flowing water will slow down Athabasca river and area lakes since as it goes over deeper spots. The childhood, and guiding since 2003 fish prefer the deeper spots in a on such waters as the Athabasca river for the simple reason that it’s River, Calling Lake, Fawcett Lake, easier for them, with less current to and many other lakes in the region. work against.

He is proud to be a Pro Staff of Abu Kohlruss echoes this wisdom. Garcia, Berkley, Fenwick Rods, and “With bends in the river it will slow Pflueger. He’s been on fishing shows down the current, which makes it such as The Fishn Canada Show, easier to fish, and more fish hold Trigger Effect, and Dimestore. in the slower currents. For slow seams it is where the fast and slow current meets. I like fishing on the slower current, this is where most fish will hang out and it is easier to for them to ambush their prey as fish swim into these areas.

Poacher’s Landing is a popular put-in spot, and from there, there is easy access to some of these tributaries. Others, such as the LaBiche River and the Calling River, are a little harder to access. The Calling River, for example, is challenging to access the best fishing spots.

Parts of the Athabasca River and its tributaries can see a lot of angling A small population of rainbow and islands,” he notes. pressure. However, Kohlruss says trout are found in the Athabasca. Outdoor Canada, in their article that there are also times when you They can AB grow as large as 5 lbs. about1 fishing Angler's Atlas_banner.pdf 2017-05-02 3:39 PM River might be the only one fishing on the Athabasca and are known to rise to dry flies in with Kohlruss, has some sugges- any given day.

Want insider tips for your Prince George, BC adventure? Stop by our Visitor Centre for info on local eateries, shops, cultural attractions, and accommodations. You can even borrow a fishing rod, tackle box, PFD, or ice auger - all for free!

C

M

Y

CM

MY

Our gear, your adventure.

CY

CMY

K

1300 1st Avenue | 1-800-668-7646 Northern Boreal 2017

Page 33

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

2016 N orthern B oreal F ish S tocking Waterbody Name

District

Species Released

ARDMORE COMMUNITY COLD LAKE POND

RNTR

600

ATLANTIC RICHFIELD RESERVOIR

HIGH PRAIRIE

RNTR

1800

BELLIS BEACH LAKE

SMOKY LAKE

RNTR

14033

BUD MILLER PARK

LLOYDMINSTER

RNTR

3000

CARDIFF PARK POND

Waterbody Name

District

MD PEACE POND #1

PEACE RIVER

Species Released RNTR

MEDLEY RIVER

COLD LAKE

RNTR

1500

MILE 7 LAKE

LAC LA BICHE

RNTR

12000

MONTAGANEUSSE LAKE FAIRVIEW

BKTR

6000

MOONSHINE LAKE

SPIRIT RIVER

BNTR

1000

MOONSHINE LAKE

SPIRIT RIVER

RNTR

13500

MORINVILLE FISH AND GAME POND

STONY PLAIN

RNTR

1600

MORINVILLE LAKE

STONY PLAIN

RNTR

3000

MUIR LAKE

STONY PLAIN

BNTR

500

MUIR LAKE

STONY PLAIN

RNTR

3535

NARDAM LAKE

SPIRIT RIVER

RNTR

500

NITON LAKE

EVANSBURG

RNTR

1500

NORTH TWO LAKE

GRANDE PRAIRIE

RNTR

7200

OLE LAKE

FAIRVIEW

RNTR

3000

PEACE POND #2

PEACE RIVER

RNTR

1000

PEANUT LAKE

BARRHEAD

RNTR

18200

RAINBOW LAKE

HIGH LEVEL

RNTR

500

RUNNING LAKE

FAIRVIEW

RNTR

4350

SALTERS LAKE

STONY PLAIN

RNTR

7500

SCHUMAN LAKE

SWAN HILLS

RNTR

9780

SHEMELUK LAKE

SMOKY LAKE

RNTR

6000

SOUTH TWO LAKE

GRANDE PRAIRIE

CTTR

10100

SPRING LAKE

SPIRIT RIVER

BKTR

4000

ST. PAUL FISH POND

ST. PAUL

RNTR

2400

SULPHUR LAKE

FAIRVIEW

BKTR

4500

SWAN LAKE

VALLEYVIEW

RNTR

30000

TAMARACK LAKE

SWAN HILLS

RNTR

8000

TEA LAKES

SLAVE LAKE

RNTR

6000

TEXACO POND

FORT McMURRAY

RNTR

1500

VALLEYVIEW CHILDRENS POND

VALLEYVIEW

RNTR

500

WEBERVILLE POND

PEACE RIVER

RNTR

1000

WHITECOURT TOWN POND

WHITECOURT

RNTR

1500

1000

STONY PLAIN

RNTR

20000

CARSON (McLEOD) LAKEWHITECOURT

RNTR

186225

CECIL THOMPSON PONDPEACE RIVER

RNTR

1000

CHICKAKOO LAKE

STONY PLAIN

RNTR

12000

CHRYSTINA LAKE

SLAVE LAKE

BKTR

2100

CUMMINGS LAKE

FAIRVIEW

RNTR

1000

DILLBERRY LAKE

LLOYDMINSTER

RNTR

25162

DOLBERG LAKE

BARRHEAD

RNTR

18000

DOLLAR LAKES

VALLEYVIEW

BNTR

500

DOLLAR LAKES

VALLEYVIEW

RNTR

3300

EAST PIT LAKE

STONY PLAIN

RNTR

11600

EAST TWIN LAKE

MANNING

RNTR

4200

EAST TWIN LAKE

MANNING

TGTR

1000

EDITH LAKE

HIGH PRAIRIE

BKTR

2100

EMERALD LAKE

WHITECOURT

BKTR

2600

ENGSTROM LAKE

FORT McMURRAY

RNTR

50861

FAIRVIEW COLLEGE POND

FAIRVIEW

RNTR

500

FIQURE EIGHT LAKE

PEACE RIVER

RNTR

9000

FOOTNER POND

HIGH LEVEL

RNTR

500

HIGH LEVEL COMMUNITY PARK POND

HIGH LEVEL

RNTR

500

HORSESHOE LAKE

ATHABASCA

BKTR

15000

HWY 40 POND

GRANDE PRAIRIE

RNTR

1000

HWY 63 POND

FORT McMURRAY

RNTR

1000

HWY 686 POND

PEACE RIVER

RNTR

500

JANE LAKE

SLAVE LAKE

RNTR

1800

JESSIE LAKE

SLAVE LAKE

RNTR

3500

KAKUT LAKE

SPIRIT RIVER

RNTR

1500

LA CRETE POND

FORT VERMILION

RNTR

1500

LAC DELORME LAKE

ST. PAUL

RNTR

4000

WHITERIDGE RECREATIONAL POND

WHITECOURT

RNTR

2100

LAC LA BICHE TROUT POND

LAC LA BICHE

RNTR

1200

WILDWOOD POND

EVANSBURG

RNTR

1500

LARA FISH POND

BONNYVILLE

RNTR

600

LILY LAKE

SLAVE LAKE

BKTR

3660

LITTLE BEAR LAKE (HASSE)

COLD LAKE

RNTR

24725

LOWER CHAIN LAKE

ATHABASCA

RNTR

8000

MACHESIS LAKE

HIGH LEVEL

RNTR

4000

MARIGOLD LAKE

SWAN HILLS

BKTR

7500

MCCLENNAN RESERVOIR

VALLEYVIEW

RNTR

500

Northern Boreal 2017

Stock Species Codes:

BT Brown Trout EB Eastern Brook Trout (Char) RB Rainbow Trout For more information on Fish Stocking in Alberta, visit: www.mywildalberta.com

Page 34

FREE MAPS AT AnglersAtlas.com

com