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.

Quick Overview

• Fish Species: Cutthroat Trout
• Amenities: Hike in only access, ample shore accessibility
• Special Restrictions: Access via highway 40 to Lantern Creek recreation area is closed during the winter & open again June 1st
• Distance from: Calgary 2 hours | Edmonton 5 hours | Red Deer 3.5 hours To Lantern Creek Recreation Area (south of Picklejar Creek Recreation Area)
• Nearest Town/City: High River 90km | Okotoks 98km
• Nearest Fishing Store: Canadian Tire - Okotoks | Walmart - Okotoks | Flys Etc - High River
• References: Rules & Regulations | Five day Weather Report | Location Map