Backcountry Kananaskis Lakes

[Tremor]

Howdy. Just wondering if anyone can tell me when some of the backcountry Kananaskis lakes open up. I'm thinking of doing a hike up into Maude Lake in early July. Would the ice be off by then? Any info on different lakes and when they open up would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Gary K]

all the info you need on opening dates can be found here

http://www.albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/

As for the snow, should be ok in early july, might be some drifts in the shadows but should be good to fish!

[Okotokian]

all the info you need on opening dates can be found here

http://www.albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/

As for the snow, should be ok in early july, might be some drifts in the shadows but should be good to fish!

And perhaps ice still on lakes. I fished Loomis a couple years ago in July and only about 25% of the lake was ice-free. But I'd still take a chance on any lake in July. Check again closer to the date you are going.

[jacenbeers]

Chester Lake is a pretty awesome lake for fishing. It is the only lake in Alberta that has dolly varden and it also has a healthy population of cutties in the creeks and in the lake itself. It is a nice hike and will be open by July.

[dave99]

Tremor, I've been to Maude 5 times, in July and August. I never saw ice on it during these months. Probably earliest I've been there is ~July 10th. It's pretty high elevation in that North Kananaskis pass area, but I would be surprised if it's not ice free by then (I've been wrong before tho).

Chester is good and is pretty easy to access -just hike uphill for about an hour.
Three Isle is also good, with much longer access and some pretty good sized cutthroats.
Maude is a beautiful and long hike in, with lots of little and medium cutties in a beautiful setting.
Of these 3, I would suspect that Chester would be the first to open up. May be a good backup plan if the rangers tell you than Maude is still closed.

Tight lines,
Dave

[Tremor]

Thanks for the information guys, appreciate it. Is there anything for backcountry trout lakes that would have the ice off in May, or does a guy have to wait until June?

[Flyfisher87]

Thanks for the information guys, appreciate it. Is there anything for backcountry trout lakes that would have the ice off in May, or does a guy have to wait until June?

Some years I have hiked into Allstones Lake around the end of May and the ice was off. It is further north ( west of Nordegg) then the area you are thinking about going to. Never fished it, but there are brookies in there and it is a nice hike in.

[BGAngler]

I really liked Rawson. Of course, I forgot my rod (had all my other gear though!), but I'll definitely make that hike again. A couple guys were catching something every cast. Great scenery and the fish were beauties.