A Guide to the Best Spots and Techniques
Nestled in the heart of Kananaskis, Canmore, offers a unique fishing experience that’s gaining popularity every season. With a variety of pristine lakes, rivers, and streams, there are plenty of opportunities for anglers of all levels. This guide will introduce you to some of the best fishing spots in Canmore and provide tips and tricks to help you reel in a big one.
Walk and Wade Trips Along the Bow River
Upper Bow
The sparkling waters of the Upper Bow River are renowned for challenging fishing and enthralling scenery. Twisting through the mountains of Banff National Park, these waters offer prime opportunities to hook some hard-fighting brown trout, which can weigh up to 10 pounds. The Upper Bow River is also prime habitat for Rocky Mountain Whitefish and even the occasional cutthroat or brook trout. The nature of the Bow River is different in the upper stretches compared to the Blue Ribbon portion downstream of Calgary, where the nutrient levels are higher. The Upper Bow is a glacier-fed, freestone river with wary fish that make for an excellent challenge. Use dry flies, streamers, and nymphs to land a big one on this catch-and-release river. But the awe-evoking scenery rivals the angling for attention: marvel at the alpine views as you wait for your bite.
Fishing in the Lower Bow River and Kananaskis Country
The Lower Bow River, stretching from the Glenmore Trail Bridge to the Carseland weir, is a haven for anglers. This section of the river is teeming with large Brown and Rainbow trout, and if the trout aren’t biting, you can almost always catch lots of Rocky Mountain Whitefish. It’s not uncommon to catch 17-inch Browns and Rainbows in this stretch of the Bow under normal conditions.
Venturing into the foothills and Kananaskis Country, you’ll find a variety of fishing spots. The Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, as well as Spray Lake, are renowned for their angling opportunities. These locations are best accessed by boat, but shoreline fishing can also yield success. Anglers prepared for a hike can head for Rawson Lake, Chester Lake, Running Rain Lake, and Picklejar Lakes.
The fish species in these areas are diverse. In addition to Brown and Rainbow trout, you can find Bull and Cutthroat trout. The largest fish in Kananaskis Country is the Lake Trout of Spray Lakes, which can grow up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds). Brown trout, introduced from Europe, are found in slow-flowing streams in the foothills of Kananaskis Country. Brook trout are widespread throughout lower-elevation lakes and streams, while Cutthroat trout inhabit the cold and clear waters of the highest lakes.
Whether you’re casting your line in the Lower Bow River or exploring the fishing spots in Kananaskis Country, you’re sure to reel in a memorable experience.
Ice Fishing on Spray Lake
Just a ten-minute drive from Canmore, Spray Lake offers plenty of space to skate freely with mountain views on all sides. The water often freezes over super smooth and clear, making it perfect for ice skating. However, keep in mind that this lake is more likely to be uncleared shortly after snowfall. So, bring your shovels! Ice fishing is very popular on Spray Lakes, and it gets pretty busy on the weekends. The Spray Lakes Ice Fishing Adventure provides Lake Trout from 1-3 lbs. Comfortable heated huts are provided for your warmth and enjoyment.
Local Fish Types
The most common fish species in Canmore are Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Rocky Mountain Whitefish. You can usually find Lakers in deeper areas of the lake (below 20 m) while Whitefish is usually found closer to the shore (3-5 m).
Tips and Tricks
When it comes to bait, dried flies, nymphs, and streamers are the best baits that one could select. Bait fish (like minnows) are not allowed, but you can use smelts. It’s important to do your research, check the ice thickness, get some local knowledge about the safety of skating on the lake, and know how to rescue yourself if you fall in.
Fishing in Canmore offers an unforgettable adventure. So, grab your fishing gear, respect the water, and get ready to reel in a big one in the heart of the Rockies.
