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text
and photo by Duane Radford
illustration by Robert Biron |
December - Lake Whitefish,
Wabamun Lake, Alberta
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A mere 50
kilometres west of Edmonton, Wabamun Lake was once called White
Whale Lake because of its population of large lake whitefish.
These days the fish may not be so big, but there are still plenty
of two- to three-pounders—and the occasional four- to
five-pound fish—to be had. Experienced anglers are sure
to limit out on any winter day, while novices can expect at
least a few hook-ups. It’s because of the winter whitefish,
in fact, that Wabamun is considered one of Alberta’s most
popular recreational lakes. Easily accessed by paved roads,
the lake is a particular favourite of ice anglers from nearby
Edmonton. Prime time is late December and early January, when
the whitefish are at the tail end of their spawning season and
on a feeding frenzy. That’s when those in the know, such
as local guide Keith Rae, head for the south shore near the
Sundance Power Plant. Say no more. Otherwise, the fishing remains
good throughout the winter, and it can get really hot again
in late March and early April. As Rae so succinctly puts it,
“It’s a great lake whitefish fishery.”
TACKLE
AND TECHNIQUE
| BEYOND
WHITEFISH |
| Wabamun
Lake also offers up respectable pike, many weighing
more than 10 pounds; the northeast corner and south
shore are traditional hot spots. Yellow perch, though
small, are also abundant, and can be caught through
the ice with tiny jigs tipped with maggots or mealworms. |
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Using a
short ice-fishing rod, fish wire worm jigs in nine to 12 feet
of water along the edges of bulrushes and cattails (yes, they’re
there even in winter) and along rocky shorelines. Brass-coloured
jigs usually work best in the morning and evening, while copper-coloured
jigs produce better during the day. Red, orange or green jigs
are also recommended for any time of day.
GETTING THERE
From Edmonton, follow Highway 16 to access the lake’s
north shore, and Highway 627 to get to the south and east shores.
BEYOND
WABAMUN
Looking
for more local whitefish hot spots? Also try:
•
Pigeon Lake
•
Lac Ste-Anne
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Gull Lake
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Sylvan Lake |
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LOCAL
EXPERTS
•
Kevin
Johnson, North Side Fishin’ Hole, (780) 475-0555
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Keith Rae, Get Hooked Fishing Tours, (780) 963-4297
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FOR
MORE INFO
•
Stony Plain Fish and Wildlife Division, (780) 963-6131
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Travel Alberta, 1-800-661-8888; www.travelalberta.com |
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| BACK
TO HOT SPOTS |
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