Banff 
Credit: Vladislav Suvorov/Unsplash
Alberta is an exciting province to fish, especially if you’re a trout enthusiast. There are a ton of lakes and rivers in the province that boast excellent trout fisheries. Even if you can’t catch a monster-sized trout, it’s still a lot of fun to get out and practice different angling methods like fly fishing. If you’ve never tried fishing a major river, it’s a must. Burbot fishing is equally as exciting as trout fishing for many people, and the province is filled with bodies of water that have great burbot populations. Of course, pike and walleye fishing is great in most places as well.
If you are looking for fishing with kids, check out shore fishing options at ponds like Mitchelle Pond in Red Deer and other smaller lakes. Alberta Conservation Association and Alberta Environment and Parks have stocked waterbodies across the province to create over 260 different fishing opportunities. – Map
You may like:
1. Northern Alberta
1. Pinehurst Lake
Located 245km northeast of Edmonton, Pinehurst Lake is a local favourite for anglers. If you want to extend your stay and try your luck angling for more than a day, there is a campground on the Lake, Pinehurst Lake Forest Recreation Area, with sixty-five campsites, a beach, and a boat launch. Pike, walleye, and perch are the most common species in the lake.
Details
2. Little Bear Lake
Located about twenty minutes from Cold Lake, Little Bear Lake is one of those smaller, less-trafficked gems. Hands down, the most popular fishing in the lake is for the rainbow trout that hide in the tranquil waters. Tiger trout and other species have also been caught. Cast, jig, or give fly fishing a try.
Details
3. Marie Lake
Marie Lake is located about 300km northeast of Edmonton. This northern lake is truly pristine and unspoiled with beautiful, crystal clear water. The lake is also known for its spectacular beaches, so if you want to come for a getaway, there is so much more to do than just fishing. Of course, you’ll be able to see these beaches from the lake as well, if you bring your own boat. Pike, perch, walleye, and whitefish can all be caught in the lake.
Details
4. Siebert Lake
Siebert Lake features so much more than just angling. The lake is a beautiful place to explore and an exciting place to fish, but you can also plan a stay at the Siebert Lake Campground in the Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area. Located 265km northeast of Edmonton, Siebert Lake is yet another northern gem that features unspoiled wilderness and clear waters. The pike fishing in this lake is legendary, as it has produced some quality sized fish. The lake is a Trophy Lake, so you will need a special license to fish it in addition to a regular fishing license.
Details
5. Cold Lake
Located in the northeastern part of the province, Cold Lake is an angler’s paradise. The lake has produced some good-sized fish in the past, and is a great sport fishing destination. There are also a wide variety of species found in the lake, which is sure to delight anglers of all ages and skill levels. Lake trout, burbot, pike, perch, walleye, and whitefish can all be caught, so come try your luck.
Details
6. Lac La Biche
Lac La Biche is located two and a half hours northeast of Edmonton. The lake is large, at 236 sqkm. The lake is an exciting place to fish and has been known to produce some real quality sized fish. Anglers are going to love the challenge of catching that trophy sized pike or walleye, or the challenge of reeling in a burbot. Whitefish and perch can also be found in the lake.
Details
7. Calling Lake
Calling Lake is located about two and a half hours north of Edmonton. Burbot, pike, walleye, perch, and whitefish can be caught in the lake, but pike are catch and release only. Calling Lake is quite popular as a walleye fishing destination. If you’re a walleye enthusiast, then be sure to put this one on your bucket list.
Details
8. Peerless Lake
Located five hours north of Edmonton, Peerless Lake really is worth the journey. The lake is quite large and fairly deep and features some incredibly beautiful beaches as well as pristine waters and gorgeous scenery. The lake is a great trout fishery, so if you’ve always wanted to try fishing for them, this is a great northern lake to start.
Details
2. In and around Edmonton
Credit: Alberta Parks
9. North Saskatchewan River
One of the most exciting places to fish in Edmonton is hands down the North Saskatchewan River. The River produces large sized fish, but the plethora of species that can be caught make it an exciting place for any angler to try their luck. Burbot, goldeye, lake sturgeon, pike, sauger, walleye, and others can all be caught in the river. If you’ve never fished for sturgeon before, there really isn’t anything like it and burbot can be a very exciting fish to catch as well.
Details
- Hermitage Park Pond, Fort Lion’s Community Fish Pond and Morinville Fish and Game Pond have all had rainbow trout stocked.
10. Wabamun Lake
Wabamun Lake Provincial Park can be an exciting place to fish, but there is so much more to do as well! Camp out for a few days, hit the beach, hike the boardwalks in the park, or go out for a morning of birdwatching. The lake is also a great destination for sailing and other watersports. Located just over half an hour west of Edmonton, the lake is a hot spot destination and can be quite busy in peak seasons. Walleye, perch, and pike can be fished in the lake, but it is best known for the larger pike it often produces.
Details
11. Muir Lake
If you’re looking for a great place to fish for rainbow trout, then you have to give Muir Lake a try. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and anglers have found that they can catch decent sized fish. The lake is located just west of Edmonton, and is popular for anglers of all ages and skill levels. The lake is a beautiful place to spend the day, practice a ton of different fishing techniques, and try out many different baits.
Details
12. Pigeon Lake
Located about an hour southwest of Edmonton, Pigeon Lake Provincial Park features a whole host of activities that are sure to delight anglers of all ages, as well as those looking to bring their family for an exciting getaway combined with a fishing trip. Pike and walleye are catch and release only, but they can still be exciting to fish for. The lake also holds burbot, whitefish, and perch.
Details
3. In and around Calgary
13. Pine Coulee Reservoir
Located just an hour south of Calgary, Pine Coulee Reservoir features a campground, a beautiful stretch of water perfect for watersports as well as sailing and swimming, a public dock, and of course, some excellent fishing. If you love angling for pike and walleye, the Reservoir boasts a strong population of both.
Details
14. Bow River
If you’re from Calgary, chances are you know how amazing fishing the Bow River can be. If you’re not, take our word for it, it’s an amazing experience. The river contains five different species of trout, burbot, whitefish, pike, and walleye. Pick a spot and try your hand at all sorts of different angling techniques.
Details
15. Chain Lakes Reservoir
Chain Lakes Reservoir is a beautiful spot, set in the foothills of Alberta, at the front range of the Rockies. Located about 90km south of Calgary, the Chain Lakes Provincial Park is an incredible spot to visit. While the lake is stocked with rainbow trout, there are other species of trout that have been caught as well. The lake isn’t an amazing sportfish destination, but if you’re looking for an incredibly beautiful spot to fish and that’s more important than catching a monster or a trophy-sized fish, this is definitely the place to be.
Details
16. Lake Minnewanka
Credit: Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Lake Minnewanka is located just under 100km from Calgary, and only a few minutes from the resort town of Banff. If you’re planning a getaway to the amazing, scenic town, then you should also throw in your fishing gear and try your luck on Lake Minnewanka. The lake is actually rated as one of the top ten trout fisheries in the entire country! There are also some oversized mountain whitefish that cause quite a stir for anglers.
4. Central Alberta/Jasper National Park
17. The Dickson Trout Pond
Gleniffer Lake is an artificially created lake about an hour and a half from Calgary near Dickson. The Dickson Trout Pond is located on the northwestern shore of Gleniffer Lake. It is stocked with rainbow trout, but it’s also possible to catch pike. If you’re looking for a getaway that you can see and do in a single day, but want to get out of the city, then Dickson Trout Pond is the perfect place to try your luck.
Details
18. Maligne Lake
Credit: Maligne Lake
You can’t visit Alberta and not see Jasper National Park. Maligne Lake, located in the park, is famous for its incredible gemstone-hued waters and the natural beauty of the mountains, which frame the area. Come practice different angling techniques, catch some trouts, or just sit back and soak up the beauty of the area. We won’t tell anyone!
19. Red Deer River
The Red Deer River, a tributary of the North Saskatchewan River, is an excellent river to fish. There are a wide variety of different species that can all be caught, including burbot, lake sturgeon, whitefish, walleye, pike, trout, goldeye, and sauger. Pretty much any day on the river is going to be an exciting, fun and challenging one.
Details
5. Southern Alberta
20. Sheep River
Credit: Alberta Parks
Located in the southwestern part of the province the Sheep River is part of the Bow River watershed. The Sheep River Provincial Park is a beautiful place for discovery. With the foothills to the east and the Rockies to the west, there is literally no limit to the amazing natural beauty. The park features two campgrounds and there are a ton of different activities that you can enjoy. Of course, the fishing is also great. There are three different species of trout that can be caught, as well as whitefish.
Details
21. Upper Kananaskis Lake
Located in the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, about two hours from Calgary, Upper Kananaskis Lake is one of those gorgeous gems that Alberta is so well known for. The lake is known for sparkling clear waters and of course, for the mountains that frame it in the background. There are four different species of trout which can be fished for if you want to test your sills.
Details
22. Lower Kananaskis Lake
Like Upper Kananaskis Lake, Lower Kananaskis Lake is simply gorgeous. Framed by the mountains, it’s the perfect place for a scenic escape. There are also four different species of trout that can be caught on the lake. If you’re looking for a good spot to try your hand at fly fishing, or just a relaxing escape into the heart of Alberta’s iconic landscape, then add this one to the bucket list.
Details
23. Lake Newell
Lake Newell is a manmade reservoir southeast of Calgary, ten minute away from Brooks. The lake is one of Alberta’s largest manmade lakes and is known to be quite warm, which makes it perfect for swimming, boating, and watersports. Pike and walleye are catch and release, but there are also whitefish, burbot, and perch.
Details
24. Oldman Reservoir
Located in the southern part of the province, the Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area is yet another trout hotspot in Alberta. There are many different species of trout that can be caught in the Reservoir. The area is perfect for fishing, but it’s also a great spot to camp, sail, enjoy watersports, and for wildlife viewing.
Details
25. Castle River
Located in the southwest part of the province, the Castle River is a great spot to fish for trout, but it’s not for the faint of heart. If you don’t like to fish in highly trafficked areas, you can fish the Castle River and not see a soul all day. The area is beautiful, but can also be a popular fishing spot for wildlife like bears, so be sure to come prepared.
Details
A 15 Day Alberta Road Trip Itinerary
Read More
Spray Lake Reservoir has some of the best fishing for lake trout and mountain whitefish, close to Calgary. Very cold lake and windy during the winter and you will see a lot of ice fishing tents set-up on the ice, especially on the weekends. Have ice fished there many times during the winter and ice thickness can be up to 30″ close to shore.
I’m getting confusing info.
I’m told pigeon lake has a 5bwalleye limit.
Your site say “Only catch and release”
Please clearify.
Thx.
Walleye is catch and release — https://albertaregulations.ca/pdfs/fishing-regs/PP2.pdf
Looking for a good sized, clean, boating & angling lake in Alberta with a variety of fish species with potential to purchase a cottage or keep a camping trailer for the summer. Would love your recommendations!
Pine Coulee is not very good anymore. Alberta fisheries has decided to clean it out and make it a trout reservoir. Limits on walleye and pike are 3 each with no size limit. It’s numbers have been decimated as there aren’t many catch and release fishermen anymore.
Does anyone know of lakes in alberta where a guy could rent a little fishing boat?
Sylvan Lake — Sunsport Recreation – https://www.todocanada.ca/city/central-alberta/listing/sunsport-recreation-sylvan-lake/
Wabamun — https://wabamunmarina.ca/marina-rentals
Fairly new to Canada. Looking for good spots for rainbows? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Lake wabamun is west of the city.
Maligne lake has brook trout and rainbow trout. There are no pike and whitefish whatsoever.
Thank you, Dave!
The Red Deer River is not directly a tributary of the North Sask. It is a sizeable River that joins with the South Saskatchewan River. It isn’t until East of Prince Albert Sask that the North and the South join