September 27, 2012

Picklejar Lakes

Picklejar Lakes

These remote hike-in lakes are a chain of four bodies of water that make up Picklejar Lakes, and are located on the edge of Kananaskis Country. True to it's name, Picklejar Lakes has a prosperous population of modest Cutthroat Trout that are easily seen rising and swimming in the first of the four lakes. The population dissipates as you travel to the neighbouring bodies of water, though it's known the fish are bigger in the second and third lakes. Depths of each lake vary, but the first lake is quite shallow, and is ideal for fly fishing.

Picklejar Lakes is best accessed via the Lantern Creek recreation area, which is just past the Picklejar Creek recreation area on the right hand side of highway 40 (when traveling from the NorthWest). The Lantern Creek route is an easier hike to the lakes and can be accessed by crossing the highway going left from the Lantern Creek parking lot, you'll see the head of trail on your right. This hike would be considered moderate, although a majority of the hike is a mild incline, some sections (the last stretch of the hike) have steep inclines. The hike (to the first lake) shouldn't take any longer then 2 hours one way, and the hike to the adjacent lakes are mild and aren't very far apart.

Picklejar Lakes is a rewarding day hike/fishing trip that will curb any degree of cabin fever. Though the fish are small, this location is a great place for novice fly fishers to get a fish on the fly, or introduce kids to fishing. Grizzly bears are known to frequent the area, so travel in groups, and make your presence known by talking loud, and you should enjoy a safe journey in the outdoors.

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September 21, 2012

Rawson Lake

Rawson Lake

This stunning mountain lake provides fun fishing for Cutthroat Trout in Peter Lougheed Provincal Park. Rawson Lake has a self sustaining fish population that is protected by catch and release only regulations. The fish can get up to 3 to 4 pounds and have beautiful colours and markings which are great for some quick photos, and are reasonable to catch with any small presentation, which is a common trait of a Cutthroat Trout.

Being that Rawson Lake is only accessed by hiking in, there aren't any amenities, so you will have to pre-pare for being in the bush. The hike starts from the SE parking lot of Upper Kananaskis Lake, then it's about a 1km hike to the Rawson Lake Trail (Just after the waterfall/bridge), then it's a 2.7km hike up to the lake (1,000 foot elevation). You may have to take your time with some of the steep inclines, but the trail is safe, well established and sees a fair amount of hiking traffic. Once you get to the lake you'll notice the trees hugging the shoreline which limits the ability to fly fish easily, so if you plan on fly fishing bring a belly boat or some waders. You may also find out quickly that the water levels are low close to shore and have a fair bit of submerged trees and natural debris in the water, so using light tackle and watching your retrieval speeds will be important if you want to avoid getting snagged.

Rawson Lake is a great day hike/fishing adventure for anyone who enjoys being outside, but be smart, there are bears in the area, and weather can change pretty quickly, so travelling in groups, making noise and pre-paring for various weather conditions will guarantee your trip is safe and fun.

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September 14, 2012

Crawling Valley Reservoir

Crawling Valley Reservoir

This Alberta Prairie lake offers great Walleye and Pike fishing and is one of the closest locations to Calgary that offers quality Walleye fishing. Crawling Valley was originally stocked with Trout, but as the population suffered due to the increasing Pike population it was stocked with Walleye to balance out the fishery. You can expect to catch both species, and don't be surprised if you hook into some big fish which have been rumoured to reach into the high teens. If you don't have a boat, you're still in the game for some good fishing, there is plenty of shoreline access that is available, even on busy weekends.

Crawling Valley Reservoir also has a nice boat launch and marina, as well as camping right on the lake that accommodates various camping set-ups. For those who are bush shy or have kids, washrooms are available at the entrance of the campground from May 1st to September 30th . If you do plan on trolling the lake in your boat watch for shallow areas (some are rocky), they come up fast and they'll surprise you. The weather can change quickly in this area as well, so if your boat can't handle too much wind and waves stay closer to shore. This lake is ideal for a quick day/weekend get away that will satisfy fishermen of all skill levels.

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September 5, 2012

Rolling Hills Reservoir

Rolling Hills Reservoir

This Alberta Prairie lake is located in Newell County just 23km from Brooks. Rolling Hills has a self sustaining population of Northern Pike and Walleye that provides good fishing for Alberta anglers. Perch, Lake Whitefish and Burbot are found here as well, and despite the high population of fish in this lake you can still expect to hook into a few sizeable fish lurking around. A special Walleye Harvest License is required for anglers who wish to keep any Walleye from this lake.

Rolling Hills is set-up well for all anglers, having a good amount of shoreline to fish from, as well as a marina and boat launch for those who have boats. But be advised that weather changes quickly and strong winds blow through the area frequently, so if you plan on taking a boat on the water, don't be surprised if you battle waves and choppy conditions. If you plan on fishing for the weekend you can pay (At the campground head office) to keep your boat in the marina. Or if your looking to switch things up a bit, Lake Newell is just across the road and provides excellent fishing as well, and is home to some of the province's largest Pike.

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