Fishing in the Canadian Rockies
Fishing in the Canadian Rockies can be demanding. The alpine lakes are frigid and sediment rich and the park lakes have not been stocked for years so you’ll have to work extra hard to catch the fish that survive in these challenging conditions.
However, within the national and provincial parks system there are close to 1,500 lakes and countless rivers and streams to choose from.
The most common species found in the Canadian Rockies include:
› Brown trout
› Rainbow trout
› Cutthroat trout
› Rocky Mountain Whitefish
› Northern pike
Simply stroll to the nearest lake or river from your hotel room or hire a local guide to show you the best backcountry lakes which are only accessible via hidden hiking trails.
If you want an epic fishing adventure, many companies offer multi-day trips combined with wilderness camping and a few provide helicopter tours to some of the more remote alpine lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
Fishing around Banff
Lake Minnewanka which is just 9km from Banff is one of the most popular and accessible lakes in Banff National Park and is known for its large lake trout and Rocky Mountain Whitefish.
Fly fishing trips on the upper and lower stretches of the Bow River are in big demand. The river which flows through Banff National Park has a world-class reputation for its brown trout and rainbow trout.
Kananaskis Country or K-Country in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies west of Calgary and south of Banff has a reputation for bull and cutthroat trout. The lakes of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park offer some of the most productive fishing spots in the region.
Winter visitors to K-Country can try ice fishing at Spray Lake which is usually frozen from December to April.
Fishing around Jasper
Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park is the choice spot for rainbow and brook trout.
Pike fishing is good at Talbot Lake north east of Jasper while the “vanishing” Medicine Lake south of Jasper is known for brook trout.
Many anglers in Jasper head for the town of Hinton, east of Jasper just outside the park’s boundaries. There are numerous lakes within easy reach of the town and ice fishing is available on four lakes during the winter months.
Tips: If fishing in one of the national parks, make sure you pick up a National Park Fishing Permit before you get out on the water.
Related sections: Canadian Rockies | Fishing in Vancouver | Fishing in the Okanagan