The 1 public access to bearspaw

[Pikehunter13]

Does anyone have any new info about bearspaw? Is this an entry point? It appears to be on Municipal land...

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t412/s_longfield/4-26-20132-23-19PM_zpsd6acd3ec.png

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t412/s_longfield/4-26-20132-24-29PM_zps7eb45ecc.png

If you follow the directions in the pictures I have attached, You will see that there is 1 public place to access bearspaw.

This spot is popular in the winter months as you can access the ice here and travel to any part of the Bearspaw on ice.

If you don't believe this spot is public, take a drive down there and you will see a brown Public Anglers notice board. Similar to the one you see at PCR or Mcgregor.

I hope I helped you out.

You can't really fish it in the summer time.

[WOLFER 123]

Can you launch a boat there? The air photo appears to show a launch ramp and a dock.

[mayuan]

The area that you are pointing out is gated off. I assume the residents are the ones that posted the tow away zone all around there. Also, they have no trespassing signs every where.

Just slightly north is a city of Calgary park for the people to access, but he residents have also blocked all access to the park area. The land has been designated as a park for several years. I phoned that city and it seems that the city cannot provide reasonable access to the park area. I also attempted to access the park area and was told by the residents that the park was private. From the road it would seem that the residents were enjoying the park a lot.

The parks are called Bearspaw Legacy Park and Haskayne Legacy Park. I assume it will be a cold day in hell when the springbank people will allow public access.

[mayuan]

Here is a map of the parks.

http://www.calgary.ca/Mayor/Documents/haskayne_park_topo.pdf

[WOLFER 123]

I am really ****ed! How can a few people deny all access to an entire reservoir for a city of over 1 million people? Just because you happen to own property next to a body of water should not guaratee that that reservoir is exclusivly for your personal use. The Bearspaw reservoir is owned and operated by TransAlts Utilities as far as I know. Can we not campaign them for something as simple as a secure boat launch area off Bearspaw Road for the sake of fairness?

[pikergolf]

Organize a protest, get a bunch of people together and access the park, make them charge you.

[Pikehunter13]

The area that you are pointing out is gated off. I assume the residents are the ones that posted the tow away zone all around there. Also, they have no trespassing signs every where.

Just slightly north is a city of Calgary park for the people to access, but he residents have also blocked all access to the park area. The land has been designated as a park for several years. I phoned that city and it seems that the city cannot provide reasonable access to the park area. I also attempted to access the park area and was told by the residents that the park was private. From the road it would seem that the residents were enjoying the park a lot.

The parks are called Bearspaw Legacy Park and Haskayne Legacy Park. I assume it will be a cold day in hell when the springbank people will allow public access.

Here is a map of the parks.

http://www.calgary.ca/Mayor/Documents/haskayne_park_topo.pdf

The posted pictures were a quote from a past thread earlier this week by "RockHammer&Rod"

See Attach pictures I have attached.

[mayuan]

The posted pictures were a quote from a past thread earlier this week by "RockHammer&Rod"

See Attach pictures I have attached.

There was no access to that location 2 months ago. at that location is a big ass metal gate.

[catchandeat]

Anybody know if this access point is real?? Like many of you, i'd love to take advantage of icefishing bearspaw since its so close to Calgary, and i'm not able to go very often to other lakes because of the distance. Are there any other public access points? I read in another thread there was some on the SW side, but that they were pretty steep.... Would really just like to take an auger and a rod and head out for the day without being ticketed or falling and breaking my neck.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. It kinda sucks that such a big lake is almost strictly private access..

thanks :)

[fish gunner]

Anybody know if this access point is real?? Like many of you, i'd love to take advantage of icefishing bearspaw since its so close to Calgary, and i'm not able to go very often to other lakes because of the distance. Are there any other public access points? I read in another thread there was some on the SW side, but that they were pretty steep.... Would really just like to take an auger and a rod and head out for the day without being ticketed or falling and breaking my neck.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. It kinda sucks that such a big lake is almost strictly private access..

thanks :)

Start knocking on doors, one is bound to say yes..

[catchandeat]

Start knocking on doors, one is bound to say yes..

Yeah that might just be what I have to do...

there should really be a legit public access spot.

Oh well...

[fish gunner]

Yeah that might just be what I have to do...

there should really be a legit public access spot.

Oh well...

There is public access ... down a cliff . For most its not worth the risk .

[bowriverbrown]

I'm going to try Bearspaw next weekend with a local, who has told me there is public access and people are driving on, but I'll probably tote the sled. Anyone know if there is a depth map (I think they call it Bathymetry chart). Just looking for possible places to drill. I don't have a sonar or flasher yet. I'm sure the trout and whites are good eats from there?

[fish gunner]

I'm going to try Bearspaw next weekend with a local, who has told me there is public access and people are driving on, but I'll probably tote the sled. Anyone know if there is a depth map (I think they call it Bathymetry chart). Just looking for possible places to drill. I don't have a sonar or flasher yet. I'm sure the trout and whites are good eats from there?

Lol driving on lol yeh right . Its a reservoir . Good luck .

[bowriverbrown]

I doubted that too! Ghost is also a reservoir and people drive on it, is it much different? lol de fn lol!

[Chisholm77]

I'm going to try Bearspaw next weekend with a local, who has told me there is public access and people are driving on, but I'll probably tote the sled. Anyone know if there is a depth map (I think they call it Bathymetry chart). Just looking for possible places to drill. I don't have a sonar or flasher yet. I'm sure the trout and whites are good eats from there?

If you can find access to drive on there I'd be happy to bring my flasher and power auger. I haven't even found a spot to walk on without jumping off the cliff.

[bowriverbrown]

Even if I could drive on I wouldn't with my car, I'll let you know how it goes. I have a power auger, but no flasher.

[depolloc]

Bowriverbrown, would you mind sharing where the access point is? I've found one before but it was basically down a cliff (couldn't even bring a fishing sled with you). Even a hint would be appreciated...access to this lake has been a thorn in my side for a very long time.

[Chisholm77]

Bowriverbrown, would you mind sharing where the access point is? I've found one before but it was basically down a cliff (couldn't even bring a fishing sled with you). Even a hint would be appreciated...access to this lake has been a thorn in my side for a very long time.

X2 and I'm sure a bunch more

[fish gunner]

Honest guys its not worth the risk, level fluctuations ,unknown currents,releases up stream ?? The list goes on and on . If you lived on the lake and could watch freeze up then maybe just . Its flowing, you go in you will not be coming out .notice all the western res have very littl activity , they contain next to no sport fish , the hrs per fish are silly and the risks really make these waters a poor choice with other safer productive waters close by .imo poor choice for low to no return.

[Chisholm77]

I really have no interest in driving on. Just wanna be able to walk out with my sled.

[depolloc]

Fish Gunner, if you're talking about driving on to a reservoir, I'd agree with you. That's where the agreement stops though. I used to live in Ontario, and I'm telling you, I've actually had better fishing out of western reservoirs. This includes Ghost. This isn't about hrs/fish or anything like that. It's about safe public access to an amazing resource so close to Calgary. Even if it is just SAFE foot access. I'm on the same page as Chrisholm77. Hopefully, I'll be able ice fish this great looking reservoir one day.

[Chisholm77]

I'd actually rather no driving. Probably the only reason spray isn't fished out is because you have to walk a fair distance to get into the better fishing. The nice part is spray has several safe public access points. I wish Bearspaw had atleast one.

[fish gunner]

Im suggesting even walking on with out a good knowledge of the ice formation progress is dangerous. I have wittnessed ply wood size holes on 3'plus of ice. these freeze a crust every night or cold spell. just trying to give some some wisdom from experience on these waters . Be safe, drill often, come home dry .

[orangefreddie]

Has anyone had any luck getting on Bearspaw ice fishing this year? Would love to know if there was a way.

[jts1]

If we have fished together and you have tight lips. I can provide you with where to get access to Bears Paw. This has been an ongoing issue forever and frankly I'm getting tired of hearing about locals making there own rules. Besides my access point a public park is a public Park. It dont matter if locals have put up a 40 foot gate. I would gain access and when someone says you can not. As stated above have them call authorities. I will come on that trip regardless if I have other access some where else or not just to deal with it once and for all....

I ain't giving this out to everyone so don't flood me with pm's. There are a couple others on here that know it as well and yes I am sure you will be ****ed but tough.

[BassDude]

I wonder if Fish and Wildlife could provide some guidance. Might be worth a call...Calgary 403 297-6423

If I have time tomorrow I will give them a call......stay tuned.

[The Reel Deal]

:thinking-017:

[depolloc]

There is access (foot access) on the SW corner of the Rez where the bow comes in. There, I've done my part. I don't have the exact location so you'll need to take a drive to find it. Not very safe though in my humble opinion. If anyone has any other access locations, I'd suggest posting them. Keeping it a secret is why access has become an issue in the 1st place on the Rez, and the reason that the community is able to make this a private lake. Let's try opening this puppy back up to "real" public access again. If we don't, greed will win.

[Chisholm77]

I'm in. That gate needs to go!

[Bigdad013]

I've never had a problem getting on, just knock on a few doors and ask, easy peasy. A six pack of beer offering never hurts either

[The Reel Deal]

There is access (foot access) on the SW corner of the Rez where the bow comes in. There, I've done my part. I don't have the exact location so you'll need to take a drive to find it. Not very safe though in my humble opinion. If anyone has any other access locations, I'd suggest posting them. Keeping it a secret is why access has become an issue in the 1st place on the Rez, and the reason that the community is able to make this a private lake. Let's try opening this puppy back up to "real" public access again. If we don't, greed will win.

If you want to open this res up why don't you give us some directions and a map because "keeping it a secret is why access has become an issue"
I have a spot, but I don't believe it to be legal. If it is and eveyone started using it, I'm sure it would be shut down just like the park.

[BassDude]

No officers were in today - calling back tomorrow. Fun times listening to the dialling for dollars options and sadly there was no option to "Press 7 for information on access to Bearspaw Dam"...will call again tomorrow:sign0161:

[orangefreddie]

I am happy to show up at the gate with a few people if something does get organized.

[depolloc]

I was able to access the Rez by foot off of Springbank Heights Way last hard water season...don't know if there is still access but there was basically a public park that you could park at, and walk down to the Rez. Like I said, not the safest access though since the bank was really steep. Hopefly that helps out. I don't have any better info. You'll have to go for a drive. That's what I did. Hopefully others on AO have better info.

[The Reel Deal]

I am happy to show up at the gate with a few people if something does get organized.

X2

[depolloc]

X3

[Chisholm77]

X4

[rycoma]

I thought there was a boat launch by the golf course up there I think eagle ridge ? I did some work out there years ago and swore there was one there

[rycoma]

sorry golf course is springbank links and look up emerald bay calgary looks like a public launch area.

[Chisholm77]

sorry golf course is springbank links and look up emerald bay calgary looks like a public launch area.

That's where the gate is

[ditchpickle]

X5

[Coloapnosis]

I know this is a very outdated thread but I think it would make sense to post this here as it is relevant. Just wanted to share some updated info.

Recently, I've been looking for bodies of water that I can fish and go kayaking at and it brought me (back) to Bearspaw dam. I've actually accessed the dam in the same manner as the attachments in the first post - park at marker, walk to water. This was a few years ago. I wasn't ticketed that time.

Fast forward to today. I thought I'd get to the bottom of it as I realized how hard it was to find information about Bearspaw dam, so I sent an e-mail to Rocky View County's Parks Development Coordinator. We exchanged correspondences and it resulted in the attached PDF. He sent it to me and it's based on their records.

So the screen capture in the first post is legit, the area identified as parking and where the angler's sign post stands is Rocky View County land, which (and please correct me if I understood wrong) should be open to the public.

The problem though is the tiny strip of land between the high water mark (I had to Google what this is, and for those who don't know, apparently it's the mark on land that the water touches on it's highest point, i.e. high tide etc.) and the northeast edge of the Rocky View County land is owned by TransAlta. Hence Rocky View county doesn't condone access from this point. I was told that if you would like to access the dam from here, you would need to get clearance from TransAlta. I was given this number to call: (403) 267-7110. It's TransAlta's main switchboard. So if you're planning on going, I'd suggest talking to TransAlta first to get their permission instead of risking getting ticketed for trespassing.

One thing that caught my attention though is the strip adjacent to the northwest edge of the Rocky View County land. Seems like it's not privately owned. But it doesn't indicate that it's Rocky View County either. I wonder if that's a viable option. The 'Her Majesty the Queen' crownland on the otherside would've been nice but I guess this is the area people are indicating as closed off by private property gates and is inaccessible.

That's it folks. Even if this post didn't provide a viable hassle-free, no-permission-needed access point to Bearspaw, I hope this provides some clarity as to what you're dealing with in case you wanted to go here. I do share your sentiments though, someone needs to do something to give this place back to the people. I'd gladly take part if a movement is started.

I plan on talking to TransAlta next and see what they say. I'll keep you posted (if anyone's still following this thread that is).

[Albertadiver]

Thanks for sharing! Keep us updated.

[barbless]

I'm kinda thinking that if they want this reservoir to themselves at Bears Paw then a petition should be started to have the lake deemed no motors allowed. Just a thought. Never happen. We use to catch some nice lakers in there years ago before they built the community. We use to put my 12ft. aluminum in there
then they blocked our access. B-TARDS :argue2:

[Big Sky]

Haven't seen anything on here about the recent news regarding Haskayne Park.
It should provide much needed access to public waters.

From Dec 17 Calgary Herald
https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/haskayne-family-donates-land-money-for-new-city-park-in-bearspaw

The Haskayne family donated 35 hectares as well as $2 million toward the development of a pavilion building on the land.

http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Construction/Haskayne-Legacy-Park-development.aspx

Haskayne and Bearspaw Legacy Parks will be developed in concert early in the next decade.

[huntsfurfish]

:sHa_shakeshout::happy0034:

[BushNinja]

Sooo, I read years back, before the CP crossing was gated off from Bearspaw dam road, that once at the dam you are technically allowed to be so many feet above the high water mark. They can tell you to leave, but you have every right to be there since it’s municipal (?) Land. They don’t own the reservoir. Wont fish and wildlife chime in?surely they have a say don’t they?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JareS]

Sooo, I read years back, before the CP crossing was gated off from Bearspaw dam road, that once at the dam you are technically allowed to be so many feet above the high water mark. They can tell you to leave, but you have every right to be there since it’s municipal (?) Land. They don’t own the reservoir. Wont fish and wildlife chime in?surely they have a say don’t they?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


I called the City of Calgary trying to see if they'd provide a point of access, or at least see how they'd respond to the inquiry.

I too was under the impression that the high water mark would be federally owned by the Crown like most other waterbodies.

They told me its leased by TransAlta, INCLUDING the high water mark.

Only legal option I was advised of was floating down from Cochrane. Told him I didn't own a jetboat to get back :thinking-006:

Also asked about accessing via the park land thats owned by the City, was told that was not allowed; for liability reasons, even if I assumed responsibility/ liablility.

So seeing as I still don't own million dollar reservoir property or a jetboat, its fishing where the rest of us peasants fish. For another 5 or 10 or 50 years until the park access is built.

[Lambo]

Are motor vehicles allowed on Bearspaw Reservoir ice?

[BushNinja]

Are motor vehicles allowed on Bearspaw Reservoir ice?



I’d say no. I’d take a quad out. Not sure how thick the ice is


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lambo]

Ice is 24” thick and can support a truck. I was asking if anyone knew if motor vehicles were legally allowed on the reservoir ice. I didn’t drive on today just in case it is not allowed.

[BushNinja]

Ice is 24” thick and can support a truck. I was asking if anyone knew if motor vehicles were legally allowed on the reservoir ice. I didn’t drive on today just in case it is not allowed.



Gotcha
Well there enough power boats on during the summer I wouldn’t see why you couldn’t take your truck on.
I’ve been wanting to get out- what are residents like out there? Is access clear? Or do some give a rough time?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BushNinja]

Gotcha
Well there enough power boats on during the summer I wouldn’t see why you couldn’t take your truck on.
I’ve been wanting to get out- what are residents like out there? Is access clear? Or do some give a rough time?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



Just anotherhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190223/54171885f2fb8b478fd0200a14fa342f.jpg[/[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190223/e9d21cb482353b79a31e21bed017824c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190223/f01a73d1d778ef256faaccae790cacb9.jpgIMG] bit- is this the area? Looks like a sign no vehicles so probably not. Was there another area to drive in at? I bought a boat from the people at the lower right house. They said can launch from the drive in at upper right- see second photo. They said residents might say something but won’t bug you too much.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[roughneckin]

I’ve been working down by the OPs spot for the last few months and I can tell you people are using that access point for some time but they don’t allow vehicles to drive down so whatever you bring to fish in you have to carry it. Over the last week I’ve seen paddle boards, kayaks and small fishing boats access but they all walk.
Had some really nice whitecaps yesterday on it but folks were still out there.
Good luck.

[Bdoig13]

The access from the original post is decent. I'd like to go back and fish here again, my question is; that water when you walk down to it, is it bow river, or resevoir? Fishing regulations are very different between the resevoir and the bow. Where is the line? This is the only access I could find to the resevoir, but am I even on the resevoir? Or is it Bow river waters? Can I use bait? Can I keep fish? Anyone? My research has turned up nothing...

[BushNinja]

The access from the original post is decent. I'd like to go back and fish here again, my question is; that water when you walk down to it, is it bow river, or resevoir? Fishing regulations are very different between the resevoir and the bow. Where is the line? This is the only access I could find to the resevoir, but am I even on the resevoir? Or is it Bow river waters? Can I use bait? Can I keep fish? Anyone? My research has turned up nothing...Should follow the regs for the resevoir, I believe it would cover up to the dam

Going to walk in and check it out for the first time tomorrow if anyone wants to social distancing it there. Also wondering if anyone has been out recently and knows how thick the ice is.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

[Fishing4Trophies]

Little late, but few days ago it was hovering around 2.5 feet thick off near the dam.

[BushNinja]

Little late, but few days ago it was hovering around 2.5 feet thick off near the dam.Can you pm me where you accessed from? Any luck?

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk