McLean Pond

[CalgaryBarbell]

First post, just registered because I like the content and info here - it's the only place I've seen relevant and up to date info on stuff in AB.

Looking at checking out McLean Pond with a buddy tomorrow, we went 2 weeks ago on the Sunday and it had frozen over probably 1.5-2" thick already and there some some crazy out on it drilling holes and putting lines down (it had frozen the night before). Just wondering if anyone has been out there to see thickness or has a general idea of how it usually is there for early ice?

Thanks in advance!

[Fisher_man#1]

I was out there probably a week ago, ice was 3.5 inches thick with 4 inches of snow and slush on top. Use something flashy or smelly water clarity is quite poor. Good luck

Cheers,

[CalgaryBarbell]

Great! Thanks for the advice!!

[the local angler]

that crazy person drilling holes out there already was non other than me lol. when i was there the ice was already 3-4 inches and stuck very close to shore as it was just a scouting trip for me. but the ice was not solid as i would like but soft, water was still murky.when i was there the ice was too multicoloured for my taste as for me its a sign of weak ice.

[Brandon5555]

First post, just registered because I like the content and info here - it's the only place I've seen relevant and up to date info on stuff in AB.

Looking at checking out McLean Pond with a buddy tomorrow, we went 2 weeks ago on the Sunday and it had frozen over probably 1.5-2" thick already and there some some crazy out on it drilling holes and putting lines down (it had frozen the night before). Just wondering if anyone has been out there to see thickness or has a general idea of how it usually is there for early ice?

Thanks in advance!
Welcome too the forum, anytime you wanna go drinking or fishing hit me up.

[CalgaryBarbell]

Well... we were out from probably 9AM til 2:30 or so. A combination of inexperience and bad luck left us skunked! Maybe 2 potential (wishful thinking) nibbles between the two of us and that was all she wrote. Gonna head somewhere new next weekend, maybe Winchell.

Also - that's hilarious that I commented on the "crazy person" out on that Sunday and he/she is on this board. I'm sorry I called you crazy hahah.

Any suggestions on decent spots within 2 or so hours of Calgary for my buddies and I to hit up next wkd?

[kevinhits]

Well... we were out from probably 9AM til 2:30 or so. A combination of inexperience and bad luck left us skunked! Maybe 2 potential (wishful thinking) nibbles between the two of us and that was all she wrote. Gonna head somewhere new next weekend, maybe Winchell.

Also - that's hilarious that I commented on the "crazy person" out on that Sunday and he/she is on this board. I'm sorry I called you crazy hahah.

Any suggestions on decent spots within 2 or so hours of Calgary for my buddies and I to hit up next wkd?

Unfortunately stocked ponds like Mclean and Sibbald ETC...get fished out pretty much before ice hits...Went to Sibbald pond for a few hours and had only 2 rainbows by the camera but were not hungry. We then decided to hit Sibbald lake campground and seen a bunch of little fish...Either chubbs or shiners...Not sure exactly...

I would not waste my time in these ponds during the winter till they are stocked again in the spring:)

[the local angler]

ah no worries there calgarybarbell, were you the ones towards the dam side of the lake sitting on those folding chairs or were you on the other side with the big party? i also stopped by for a looksee but the parking lot was so crowded with trucks and trailers and people getting xmas trees so i figure i didn't wanna play today and continued scouting. its hard to say where to go right now as its still too early as i stopped by a few other lakes to find only like 2" of ice with wet spots on the ice surfaces.

[Lazy Fisherguy]

Hi there everybody.... I'm a new albertan angler... it's my first time to go ice fishing. I see a lot of info here. Some direct and some in riddles.. guessing some guys trying to keep thier best spots a secret. Anyway I want to take my wife & daughter ice fishing so hopefully not to get skunked. We will be just doing C&R coz, wife doesn't want to cook fish and daughter don't want to eat one. So any suggestions where to start trout ice fishing near calgary?

I have a medium ice rod with regular reels with mono. Any other suggestions is welcome.
Fish doesn't to be trophy size, but regular bites will be fun.

Best regards

[vital shok]

Once chain lakes by many in is safe take them there it's nothing to catch 20fish in day use velvetta and don't far out.

[portwein]

got 2 rainbows in 2 hours on Sunday morning
it was boring enough compare with my 3 - 4 years ago experience
used to catch limit in 1 hour

[slamilton]

3hrs at mclean and not even a nibble. Drilled 10 holes all over the place no luck. Plenty of ice though.

[WabbitKilla]

Well... we were out from probably 9AM til 2:30 or so. A combination of inexperience and bad luck left us skunked! Maybe 2 potential (wishful thinking) nibbles between the two of us and that was all she wrote. Gonna head somewhere new next weekend, maybe Winchell.

Also - that's hilarious that I commented on the "crazy person" out on that Sunday and he/she is on this board. I'm sorry I called you crazy hahah.

Any suggestions on decent spots within 2 or so hours of Calgary for my buddies and I to hit up next wkd?

Did you end up going to Winchell. Thinking of heading out there this weekend. What was ice like?

[CalgaryBarbell]

The first weekend we went out we went to Winchell, that would have been about 5 weeks ago now, and the ice was probably 1-2" thick at that point. I would hazard a guess it would be a good 4-5" by now, but no - I haven't been there since.

[spinN'flyfish]

How was the gravel road condition leading up to Winchell?

[Fishfri]

road conditions crap.
you can still get in there with a 4 door sedan, but if not careful you still scrap with a suv/truck.

careful with that oil pan

[skain11]

Fished winchell yesterday from 10:30 to 1:30, 8 inches of ice, one bite and one ten incher landed, drilled several holes but found no more, road no problem with a truck.