Alberta’s high country: 7 fishing hot spots
The staff at Wapiti Sports reveal their top trout holes around Canmore, Kananaskis and further afield
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Situated in Alberta’s glorious Upper Bow Valley, Canmore’s Wapiti Sports and Outfittersoffers fishing and hunting gear, plus guided ice-fishing trips, floats on the Bow and casting clinics. Owner Nick Schlachter and his entire staff—including store dog Judd—are dedicated anglers or hunters. Here are their hot spots.
More info: Wapiti Sports and Outfitters, (403) 678-5550, www.wapitisports.com
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GROTTO MOUNTAIN POND, ALBERTA
GPS: 51.066, -115.203
FISH: Rainbow trout
HIGHLIGHT: Stocked lake; good for kids, with plenty of fish
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WHEN: May and September
LAKE MINNEWANKA, ALBERTA
GPS: 51.270, -115.374
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FISH: Lake trout, whitefish
HIGHLIGHT: Good fishing, and big fish
WHEN: Late May to Labour Day
OLDMAN RIVER, ALBERTA
GPS: 49.749, -112.996
FISH: Brown, bull, cutthroat and rainbow trout
HIGHLIGHT: Good fly action
WHEN: Summer
SPRAY LAKES RESERVOIR, ALBERTA
GPS: 50.922, -115.339
FISH: Lake trout
HIGHLIGHT: Great scenery and trout action, in both summer and ice season
WHEN: Year-round
ST. MARY RIVER, ALBERTA
GPS: 49.226, -113.265
FISH: Cutthroat and rainbow trout
HIGHLIGHT: Good dry-fly fishing
WHEN: Summer
UPPER & LOWER KANANASKIS LAKES, ALBERTA
GPS: 50.636, -115.133
FISH: Bull, cutthroat and rainbow trout
HIGHLIGHT: Big bulls in amazing scenery
WHEN: Year-round
UPPER BOW RIVER, ALBERTA
GPS: 51.088, -115.367
FISH: Brown trout
HIGHLIGHT: Great action with lots of quiet spots to fish
WHEN: April to October
Store owner Nick Schlachter with another fine bull trout.